What a year to be a Pioneer! On the heels of our official designation as an IB World School, we are thrilled to share that Sussman Middle School has also been named a 2026 California Distinguished School.
This dual recognition highlights Sussman as a premier destination for families seeking a rigorous, global education. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) campus, our students are learning to think critically and solve real-world problems—from designing sustainable cities to creating museum-quality artwork.
Being a Distinguished School means we are meeting the highest standards in the state for student growth and academic success. It is a win for every student who walks our halls and every teacher who inspires them.
About the California Distinguished Schools Program
Established in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Program is one of the state’s most prestigious honors for public schools. It recognizes campuses that demonstrate exemplary student performance or success in closing the achievement gap for historically underserved student groups.
How Schools Are Selected:
- Data-Driven: Schools do not apply for this award. Instead, they are automatically considered based on performance metrics from the California School Dashboard, including academic achievement, college and career readiness, and graduation rates.
- Strict Criteria: To qualify, schools must maintain at least 95% participation in statewide assessments and demonstrate a positive school climate, with low rates of chronic absenteeism and suspensions.
- Alternating Years: The program alternates annually; middle and high schools are recognized in even-numbered years (like 2026), while elementary schools are honored in odd-numbered years.
In 2026, only 408 middle and high schools statewide earned this distinction. These honorees will be celebrated at a formal recognition ceremony on April 24, 2026, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.
To our current families: thank you for choosing Sussman. To prospective families: come see why our inquiry-based learning is putting Sussman on the map!