FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN CÁRDENAS UREÑO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT
(949) 497-7700 EXT. 5232 | AURENO@LBUSD.ORG

March 12, 2026

Thurston Middle School Named a 2026 California Distinguished School as an Achievement Gap Closer

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – Thurston Middle School in the Laguna Beach Unified School District has been designated a 2026 California Distinguished School in the category of Achievement Gap Closers. The recognition, presented by the California Department of Education, honors schools demonstrating exemplary instructional programs and strong student outcomes.

The California Distinguished Schools Program recognizes public schools based on performance data from the California School Dashboard. Schools identified as Achievement Gap Closers are those accelerating academic progress for two or more historically underserved student groups, while also demonstrating achievement for all students above the state median and maintaining or increasing overall academic performance. 

Eligibility is determined through the state’s accountability system, and schools must meet participation requirements in statewide assessments and demonstrate positive school climate indicators to qualify.

“This recognition means so much because it honors the people behind the work. Our teachers and support staff are not only exceptional educators — they’re some of the best human beings I’ve ever had the privilege to work with,” said Thurston Middle School Principal Joe Vidal. “They lead with heart, integrity, and an unwavering belief in our students. Closing the achievement gap doesn’t happen because of a single program. It happens through relationships, consistency, and a shared belief that every student can thrive. It truly takes a village. We’re so grateful for our families who partner with us every day, and for our district office team whose flexible, steady support allows us to meet the needs of our students,” he concluded. 

At Thurston Middle School, closing achievement gaps has come from consistent, focused work in classrooms every day. Teachers strengthened core instruction, met regularly to review student data, and provided additional support through Tutorial and targeted ELA and Math Boost classes. Thurston refined its Multi-Tiered System of Supports, an approach that organizes how the school responds when students need help. The system begins with strong instruction in every classroom, followed by targeted small-group support and individualized interventions to ensure no student falls behind. Through this framework, the school aligned academic and behavioral systems, expanded restorative practices and Community Circles, and prioritized wellness efforts to strengthen student connection and belonging.

As a result, Thurston saw an 11.9-point increase in mathematics, and math, English language arts and science all reached the highest performance level on the state Dashboard. Suspension rates declined by 4.1%, and chronic absenteeism continued to decrease. 

“This recognition is a testament to the extraordinary leadership at Thurston Middle School and the collective commitment of the entire staff,” said LBUSD Superintendent Jason Glass. “Principal Vidal and his team have built a culture where high expectations and strong relationships go hand in hand. Their disciplined focus on instruction, collaboration and student support has produced measurable results, but more importantly, it has created a school where every student is known, supported and challenged. We are incredibly proud of the sustained effort behind this achievement,” he concluded.

The 2026 California Distinguished Schools were selected using data from the 2025 California School Dashboard. Schools do not apply for the award; eligibility is automatically determined in alternating years based on grade span. Middle schools and high schools are considered in 2026 and will next be eligible in 2028. Elementary schools and kindergarten through eighth-grade schools were considered in 2025 and will next be considered in 2027.

In keeping with statewide accountability standards, schools must have at least 95% participation in statewide assessments to qualify for Distinguished School recognition. 

Thurston Middle School will be honored at the California School Recognition Program Awards ceremony on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. More information about the California School Dashboard is available on the California Department of Education website at: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/cm/index.asp.

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