SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Four San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) campuses—Cajon High School, Middle College High School, Richardson PREP HI Middle School and Rodriguez PREP Academy Middle School—earned a 2026 California Distinguished School Award from the California Department of Education (CDE).
“With four secondary schools in SBCUSD earning a California Distinguished School Award this year, I feel like SBCUSD SHINES even brighter than before,” said Superintendent Mauricio Arellano. “Earning the title of Distinguished School is no easy feat, as evidenced by the fact that only 408 schools across the state and only 20 schools in San Bernardino County, including our four schools, earned that honor. It proves not only that SBCUSD is a serious academic institution but that we are moving forward with our vision that all students will have the support they need to be strong—academically, physically, socially, emotionally and financially.”
According to the CDE website, the California Distinguished Schools Award aims to recognize exemplary instructional programs throughout California public schools and remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools for their innovation and success in supporting students.
Richardson PREP HI has earned a California Distinguished School Award nine times, starting in 1990 and including this most recent 2026 recognition. Richardson also earned a California Gold Ribbon Schools Award in 2017 when that award briefly replaced the California Distinguished School Award. Middle College High School has earned three Distinguished School Awards in 2007, 2021 and 2026. Rodriguez PREP earned a Distinguished School Award in 2011 and 2026. This is the first year Cajon High has been named a California Distinguished School.
“I am both excited and honored that Cajon High, my alma mater, is now a California Distinguished School,” said Cajon Principal Dr. Christopher Jackson. “Every student wants to be able to brag about their alma mater, and now I have one more reason to brag, one more reason to be proud to be a Cajon Cowboy. And it will be another reason for the Class of 2026 to celebrate.”
A total of 19 SBCUSD campuses have earned the California Distinguished School Award since it was established in 1985. The CDE awards this honor to elementary and secondary schools in alternating years. Ramona-Alessandro Elementary and Palm Avenue Elementary Schools earned California Distinguished School Awards last year.
To enroll a child in one of SBCUSD’s award-winning schools or programs, visit https://www.sbcusd.com/departments/student-services-division/enrollment-placement-services.
For more information on the California Department of Education’s Distinguished School Award, visit the official California Distinguished Schools Program webpage.
About San Bernardino City Unified School District:
The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is California’s ninth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. For more information about SBCUSD and its Vision 2030: SBCUSD SHINES initiative, visit www.sbcusd.com and follow the District @SBCityUSD on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.
About Cajon High School:
Cajon High School currently educates students in grades 9–12 and offers International Baccalaureate (IB), Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) and career-technical education (CTE) programs, including the Gold-certified Behavioral Health & Human Services Pathway. The school mascot is the cowboy, and the school colors are green and yellow. For more information about Cajon, visit https://cajon.sbcusd.com/.
About Middle College High School:
Middle College High School (MCHS) is located next to San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC), and MCHS students attend high school classes for half of the school day and SBVC classes for the other half. Most MCHS students graduate high school with a diploma and an associate’s degree. MCHS earned a 2024 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award and a 2004 Golden Bell Award for making it possible for so many students to get a jump on their college education. The school mascot is Wallie the Wolverine, and the school colors are navy blue and grey. For more information about MCHS, visit https://middlecollege.sbcusd.com/.
About Richardson PREP HI Middle School:
Richardson PREP HI Middle School educates students in grades 6–8 from across the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Richardson does not have attendance boundaries; instead students must apply to attend. This award-winning middle school has earned the California Distinguished School Award nine times from 1990 through 2026 and the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award three times from 2009 through 2022, among other awards. The school mascot is the tiger, and the school colors are orange, black and white. For more information about Richardson PREP HI Middle School, visit https://richardson.sbcusd.com/.
About Rodriguez PREP Academy Middle School:
Rodriguez PREP Academy Middle School was named after local hero and Medal of Honor recipient Col. Joseph C. Rodriguez. The school educates students in grades 4–8. The award-winning school earned a California Distinguished School Award in 2011 and 2026 and was named a California Schools to Watch—Taking Center Stage in 2025. The school mascot is the eagle, and the school colors are red, white and blue. For more information about Rodriguez PREP Academy Middle School, visit https://rodriguez.sbcusd.com/.
