Quick look: Two Orange County schools — Trabuco Hills High School and Orange County School of the Arts — have been recognized by the state for providing high-quality, inclusive arts education.
Two Orange County schools have been recognized by the California Department of Education for their commitment to high-quality, inclusive arts education.
Trabuco Hills High School in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District and the Orange County School of the Arts, operating under a charter authorized by the Orange County Board of Education, are among 19 campuses statewide to receive the 2026 California Exemplary Arts Education Award.
The honor highlights schools that provide strong, standards-aligned arts instruction across multiple disciplines while ensuring access for all students, including English learners, students with disabilities and other student groups.
“These dynamic learning environments are where students have the opportunity to explore their creativity and strengthen their voices,” State Superintendent Tony Thurmond said in a statement on Monday. “As March is Arts Education Month in California, it’s important to note that the arts are essential to a well-rounded education.”
At Trabuco Hills High School, students participate in a comprehensive visual and performing arts program that includes courses in drawing, painting, ceramics, theater, dance, choir and instrumental music. According to the district, many students pursue multiple pathways, supported by flexible scheduling and opportunities to showcase their work through performances, exhibitions and school-wide events.
“This recognition celebrates the extraordinary creativity, talent, and dedication of the students and staff at Trabuco Hills,” said Dr. Crystal Turner, Saddleback Valley Unified’s superintendent. “The arts are a vital part of the Saddleback Valley experience, providing students with opportunities to express themselves, collaborate, and build confidence. We are incredibly proud of the way Trabuco Hills champions artistic excellence and ensures every student has access to meaningful arts education.”
Orange County School of the Arts offers a college-preparatory academic program alongside professional arts training across 17 conservatories, including applied arts, dance, fine and media arts, music and theater.
Founded in 1987, the school serves approximately 2,300 students in grades seven through 12 and provides students with opportunities to develop their artistic skills while pursuing rigorous academics.
Across California, award recipients demonstrated a sustained commitment to arts education through dedicated funding, professional learning for educators and culturally responsive instruction. Eligible schools provide instruction in at least three arts disciplines — such as dance, media arts, music, theater and visual arts — during the regular school day.
The 2026 awardees are said to represent a diverse mix of elementary, middle and high schools serving communities across the state. These programs will be recognized at the California School Recognition Program ceremony in Anaheim in April.
Here’s the full list of 2026 California Exemplary Arts Education Award recipients:
2026 California Exemplary Arts Education Awards
- Claremont High School, Claremont Unified School District
- Delano High School, Delano Joint Union High School District
- Gilroy High School, Gilroy Unified School District
- Crescenta Valley High School, Glendale Unified School District
- Mark Keppel Elementary School, Glendale Unified School District
- Prairie Vista Middle School, Hawthorne School District
- Hesperia High School, Hesperia Unified School District
- Inner City Education Foundation (ICEF) View Park Preparatory High School, Los Angeles Unified School District
- Maywood Center for Enriched Studies, Los Angeles Unified School District
- Mira Costa High School, Manhattan Beach Unified School District
- Palm Middle School, Moreno Valley Unified School District
- Echo Valley Elementary School, North Monterey County Unified School District
- Novato High School, Novato Unified School District
- Orange County School of the Arts, Orange County Board of Education
- C. K. McClatchy High School, Sacramento City Unified School District
- Trabuco Hills High School, Saddleback Valley Unified School District
- Gabrielino High School, San Gabriel Unified School District
- Jefferson Middle School, San Gabriel Unified School District
- San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, San Diego Unified School District