Civic Learning Awards
The awards recognize and celebrate public schools K-12 that demonstrate a commitment to providing rich civic learning opportunities for students.
The program is coordinated by the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative and co-sponsored by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
The Civic Learning Awards were first presented in 2012 and have recognized more than 350 public schools of all grade levels across California.
The results are in, and the honorees for the 2026 Civic Learning Awards are:
This year’s Awards of Excellence:
- Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Elementary School (Sacramento, Sacramento County)
- South Junior High School (Anaheim, Orange County)
- Norwalk High School (Norwalk, Los Angeles County)
The following schools were recognized with the Award of Distinction:
- Wittmann Elementary School (Cerritos, Los Angeles County)
- Rancho Viejo Middle School (Hemet, Riverside County)
- Pacific High School (San Bernardino, San Bernardino County)
The following schools were recognized with the Award of Merit:
- Tarpey Elementary School (Clovis, Fresno County)
- Wangenheim Middle School (San Diego, San Diego County)
- Yerba Buena High School (San Jose, Santa Clara County)
The following schools were recognized with Awards of Honorable Mentions:
- Northgate High School, Contra Costa County
- Garfield Elementary School, Fresno County
- Dry Creek Elementary, Fresno County
- Red Bank Elementary, Fresno County
- Woods Elementary School, Fresno County
- Pantera Elementary School, Los Angeles County
- Mountain View Elementary School, Los Angeles County
- Claremont High School, Los Angeles County
- Loara High School, Orange County
- Portola High School, Orange County
- Cambridge Virtual Academy, Orange County
- Walker Junior High, Orange County
- Corona Ranch, Riverside County
- Youth Leadership Academy, Sacramento County
- Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary (IJAVVE), Santa Clara County
- August Boeger Middle School (Community School), Santa Clara County
Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep's middle and high school were honored with an emeritus award in recognition of its continued excellence in civic engagement.
About the Awards
The Chief Justice of California and State Superintendent of Public Instruction co-sponsor the Civic Learning Awards for California public schools. The award recognizes school-driven civic learning efforts. To apply, schools describe how they incorporate the six research-based proven practices in civic learning, as outlined in the Guardians of Democracy Report. Emphasis is placed on the depth and breadth of their efforts, and most award-winning schools require their entire student body to receive at least one high-quality civic education experience during the school year.
