Dos Pueblos High and La Colina Junior High are the Only South Coast Schools Named 2026 California Distinguished Schools

Santa Barbara Unified is proud to announce that Dos Pueblos High School and La Colina Junior High School have been selected for the prestigious 2026 California Distinguished Schools Program.

Of the 408 middle and high schools statewide recognized by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, Dos Pueblos and La Colina are the only schools on the South Coast to receive this honor. Furthermore, they represent two of only four schools in all of Santa Barbara County to achieve this elite distinction for 2026.

Leading the County in Excellence

The California Distinguished Schools Program celebrates exceptional schools that demonstrate exemplary student outcomes. This year’s selection was based on performance data from the 2025 California School Dashboard, with a focus on academic excellence and narrowing the achievement gap.

“To be the only South Coast schools and among just four in the entire county speaks volumes about the culture of excellence at Dos Pueblos and La Colina,” said Dr. Hilda Maldonado, Superintendent of Santa Barbara Unified. “This recognition highlights our educators’ success in moving the needle for student achievement and providing life-changing opportunities for our secondary students.”

Excellence in Action

Both Dos Pueblos High School and La Colina Junior High are being recognized as Achievement Gap Closers. This category honors schools that accelerate academic progress for two or more historically underserved student groups while maintaining achievement levels for all students that are above the state median.

“La Colina celebrates this honor with our students, families and staff. Our schoolwide commitment to high expectations, positive relationships and timely supports for all students is not only improving outcomes for students, but also reinforces students’ belief in their own potential,” said Principal Jennifer Foster.

Dos Pueblos High School earned additional distinction in the new Beacons of Opportunity category. This recognizes schools serving Title I communities that distinguish themselves through multiple student outcomes at very high performance levels.

“This recognition speaks to the work our teachers and staff are doing every day at DPHS to ensure every graduate is ready for college and career. Closing achievement gaps while achieving strong outcomes across multiple measures reflects our school’s commitment to community, growth, and excellence,” said Principal Bill Woodard.

What Makes a Distinguished School?

To earn this title, schools must demonstrate high performance or significant growth in:

• Academic Achievement: Excellence in English Language Arts and Mathematics.

• Closing the Achievement Gap: Ensuring historically underserved student groups maintain or increase academic progress.

• School Climate: Maintaining high graduation rates and low suspension and chronic absenteeism rates.

• Participation: Meeting the state-mandated 95% participation rate in assessments.

Both schools will be officially honored at a ceremony in April.