Temecula Middle School Receives High State Honor

TEMECULA, CA — Temecula Midde School was one of 10 Riverside County campuses to earn the prestigious 2024 California Distinguished Schools Program recognition, it was announced last week.

The program honors exceptional schools, districts, teachers and classified employees for their innovation, talent and success in supporting students, and it recognizes schools that are closing the achievement gap and those demonstrating exceptional student performance.

In total, 293 California middle schools and high schools were selected for the 2024 award (see full list). Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; awardees hold the title for two years. Learn more about the eligibility criteria here.

“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 293 secondary schools for their efforts to provide exemplary public education to all students. Excellent middle schools and high schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said. “This year’s California Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our secondary educators and school staff who help our young adults discover passions and access college- and career-ready experiences that will propel them through life.”

The 2024 California Distinguished Schools, along with the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools, 2023 Civic Learning Award Schools, and 2023 and 2024 California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award Schools, will be recognized at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on May 3, 2024.

Other Riverside County 2024 California Distinguished Schools honored this year are:

• Corona-Norco Unified School District's John F. Kennedy High School
• Hemet Unified School District's Western Center Academy
• Moreno Valley Unified School District's Moreno Valley High School
• Murrieta Valley Unified School District's Dorothy McElhinney Middle School
• Murrieta Valley Unified School District's Murrieta Mesa High School
• Murrieta Valley Unified School District's Vista Murrieta High School
• Palm Springs Unified School District's Cathedral City High School
• Riverside Unified School District's Amelia Earhart Middle School
• Riverside Unified School District's Martin Luther King Jr. High School

For more information, visit the CDE California Distinguished Schools Program web page.