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Redwood Middle School 2026 CA Distinguished School

 

Congratulations to Redwood Middle School
2026 California Distinguished School

March 13, 2026

Dear SUSD Learning Community,

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced this week that 408 middle schools and high schools across the state were selected for the prestigious 2026 California Distinguished Schools Award, California’s school recognition program that recognizes exceptional schools that distinguish themselves on the basis of exemplary student outcomes.

Said Thurmond, "An excellent public education has the power to transform lives, and I commend the educators and school communities who have dedicated themselves to producing exemplary results. This year’s California Distinguished Schools represent the hard work of our middle and high school educators and school staff, who provide our secondary students with life-changing educational opportunities.”

This year’s award categories build on long-standing recognition of the following two categories:

  • Exemplary High Achievers: Schools that are among the highest in the state in academic achievement for all students, which have also ensured that historically underserved student groups are maintaining or increasing academic progress.
  • Achievement Gap Closers: Schools that are accelerating academic progress for two or more groups that have been historically underserved, while also demonstrating achievement for all students that is above the state median and maintaining or increasing academic performance for all students.

Redwood Middle School Principal Steve Hamm said, “I am so incredibly proud of the heart our students, staff, and families bring to Redwood Middle School every single day. Being named a California Distinguished School is a huge honor, but it really just confirms what I already knew: our entire community is truly the real deal. This achievement is a beautiful reflection of our shared commitment to excellence and the unique spirit that makes us Redwood.”

Said Santa Clara County Superintendent Dr. David M. Toston, Sr. “This recognition reflects the collaborative spirit of educators, school communities, and staff who make student success possible. Achievements like this happen when schools and districts work together with their communities to help students go beyond expectations.”

Please join us in congratulating our Redwood Middle School learning community of teachers, staff, parents, and students for their hard work and dedication in serving all students!

Ken Geisick, Ed. D
Superintendent
Saratoga Union School District

Eligibility for all categories is determined by metrics generated through the California statewide accountability system for public schools, the California School Dashboard. The 2026 California Distinguished Schools were determined using data from the 2025 California School Dashboard.

In keeping with statewide standards for accountability, schools must have at least 95 percent participation in statewide assessments to qualify for Distinguished School recognition. Schools may not earn recognition as a California Distinguished School if they have concerning school climate indicators, such as very high suspension or chronic absenteeism. Read more at: https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr26/yr26rel12.asp