Tuffree Middle School Identified as a 2026 California Distinguished School

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) proudly announces that Tuffree Middle School in Placentia has been named a 2026 California Distinguished School, the state’s highest honor for public school campuses.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire Tuffree Middle School community for this remarkable achievement,” said Superintendent Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza. “This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of our teachers, support staff, and administrators to fostering a student-centered learning environment that supports both academic excellence and student success.”

Schools are recognized in one of three categories. Exemplary High Achievers are among the highest-performing schools in the state for academic achievement while ensuring that historically underserved student groups maintain or increase progress. Achievement Gap Closers are schools that accelerate academic growth for two or more historically underserved student groups while maintaining above-median performance overall. A new category introduced this year, Beacons of Opportunity, recognizes schools serving rural and Title I communities that demonstrate exceptionally strong outcomes across multiple student success indicators.

“We are incredibly proud that Tuffree Middle School has been recognized as a California Distinguished School,” shared Principal Sarah Barton. “Three years ago, our staff made a collective commitment to ‘Level Up’—enhancing instructional practices, supporting one another, and ensuring that every student leaves Tuffree in a stronger place than when they first arrived. This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, the strong connections among our students, and the positive culture of our school community. We look forward to continuing to rise together and keep leveling up in the years ahead.”

Tuffree Middle School attributes this recognition to several strategic initiatives that support student success. The school worked to remove a significant attendance barrier by establishing a bus route serving students from its farthest feeder school. Teachers also focused on strengthening best-first instruction, including refining lessons with clearly defined learning intentions and success criteria, while emphasizing small-group and partner discussions to deepen student engagement.

Additional initiatives include expanded support for English learners through the implementation of EL/GLAD instructional strategies presented during staff meetings, the expansion of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program from two to four sections, the addition of two AVID Excel sections, and the launch of the school’s Dual Language Academy.

Tuffree Middle School is no stranger to the state’s highest distinction, having previously earned the California Distinguished School designation in 2021. The award alternates annually between elementary and secondary schools. Middle and high schools were eligible in 2026 and will next be considered again in 2028.

This year, 42 middle and high schools in Orange County were named 2026 California Distinguished Schools, considered the state’s highest honor for public education. Tuffree Middle School and other honorees will be recognized during a ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on April 24, 2026.

To view the complete list of 2026 California Distinguished Schools or learn more about the program, visit the California Department of Education website:
https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr26/yr26rel12.asp