The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) proudly announces that 36 charter public schools in the Golden State have been named 2025 California Distinguished Schools — one of the highest honors for public education given by the California Department of Education (CDE).
This statewide recognition celebrates public schools that are closing longstanding achievement gaps and consistently demonstrating exceptional student outcomes. Since its inception, the California Distinguished Schools Award has shined a spotlight on innovative educators and school communities that deliver academic excellence and equity for all students.
“CCSA congratulates these 36 outstanding charter public schools that are going above and beyond to meet the needs of their students,” said Myrna Castrejón, President and CEO of CCSA. “They are living proof that public education can be both high-performing and deeply responsive to community needs. Their success highlights the importance of expanding access to high-quality charter school options across California.”
California's charter public schools are tuition-free, public, and open to all students, providing rigorous curriculum programs and unique educational approaches. In exchange for operational freedom and flexibility, charter public schools are subject to higher levels of accountability than traditional public schools.
The California Department of Education is recognizing the 36 charters as CA Distinguished Schools because they have excelled in one of two key categories:
- Closing the Achievement Gap – Schools demonstrating outstanding progress for student groups that have historically faced persistent academic challenges, while also achieving strong outcomes for all students.
- Exceptional Student Performance – Schools ranking among the highest statewide in academic achievement, student engagement, and positive school climate.
Below is a list of this year’s honorees which represent a diverse group of charter public schools committed to student success. CCSA is coordinating media interviews with school leaders and students, as well as opportunities for campus visits. To schedule a visit or learn more, please contact Ana Tintocalis, Managing Director of PR & Creative Services: [email protected] 916.666.2274.
Please note: Charter public schools listed below with hyperlinks are members of CCSA.
Northern California/Bay Area
· Capri Elementary (Santa Clara/Campbell Union)
· Forest Hill Elementary (Santa Clara/Campbell Union)
· Hickman Elementary (Stanislaus/Hickman Community Center)
· Kings River-Hardwick Elementary (Kings/Kings River-Hardwick Unified)
· Maria Montessori Charter Academy (Placer/Rocklin Unified)
· Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Elementary (Sacramento/Natomas Unified)
· Nord Country (Butte/Chico Unified)
· Redding School of the Arts (Shasta/Columbia Elementary)
· Rocketship Fuerza Community Prep (Santa Clara/SCCOE)
· Twin Rivers Charter (Sutter/Yuba City Unified)
Greater LA/Ventura/Santa Barbara
· Adelante Charter (Santa Barbara/SBUSD)
· Aspire Antonio Maria Lugo Academy (LACOE)
· Beckford Charter for Enriched Studies (LAUSD)
· Carpenter Community Charter (LAUSD)
· Colfax Charter Elementary (LAUSD)
· Community Magnet Charter Elementary (LAUSD)
· Hesby Oaks Leadership Charter (LAUSD)
· ICEF Vista Elementary Academy (LAUSD)
· ISANA Cardinal Academy (LAUSD)
· ISANA Octavia Academy (LAUSD)
· ISANA Palmati Academy (LAUSD)
· Lashon Academy (LACOE)
· Magnolia Science Academy 7 (LAUSD)
· N.E.W. Academy of Science and Arts (LAUSD)
· Open Charter Magnet (LAUSD)
· Peabody Charter (Santa Barbara/SBUSD)
· PUC Community Charter Elementary (LAUSD)
· San Jose Charter Academy (West Covina Unified)
Southern California/San Diego
· Dual Language Immersion North County (San Diego/SDCOE)
· Heritage K-8 Charter (San Diego/SDUSD)
· Irvine International Academy (Orange/OCDE)
· JCS – Manzanita (San Diego/SDCOE)
· LaVerne Elementary Preparatory Academy (San Bernardino/Hesperia Unified)
· Oxford Preparatory Academy - Saddleback Valley (Orange/OCDE)
· Sixth Street Prep (San Bernardino/Victor Elementary)
· The Heights Charter (San Diego/SDUSD)
About the California Charter Schools Association
The vision of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) is to build great public schools of joy and rigor that prepare all California students for success in college, career, community, and life. The mission of CCSA is to meet parent, educator, and community need for great public school options by supporting and advocating for high quality non-profit charter schools and sharing their success throughout California’s public schools. Learn more.
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