The Grove School and REV are 2026 California Distinguished Schools

Redlands News Collective

Photos by David James Heiss

The Grove School is a 2026 California Distinguished School.

Shana Kamper of Redlands East Valley and  Superintendent Michelle Sweezey of The Grove School both received emails recently that made their whole week.

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond’s office released the list of distinguished schools for 2026, and Redlands East Valley and The Grove School were on that relatively short list. 

“An excellent public education has the power to transform lives, and I commend the educators and school communities who have dedicated themselves to producing exemplary results,” Thurmond said. “This year’s California Distinguished Schools represent the hard work of our middle and high school educators and school staff, who provide our secondary students with life-changing educational opportunities.”

“It’s a great list to be on,” Sweezey said. Four hundred and eight middle and high schools in the state of California will be receiving recognition. Of those, 20 are in San Bernardino County, and two are in Redlands. 

In years past, schools had to apply, but now applications are unnecessary as the state superintendent's office runs the data automatically. Awards at the high school level include exemplary high achievers, achievement gap closers, and new this year, beacons of opportunity.

Both REV and Grove are being awarded for achievement gap closers, which honors schools that are “accelerating academic progress for two or more groups that have been historically underserved,” while also maintaining or achieving greater academic performance for all. Graduation rates and low suspension rates are also considered. 

“Sometimes the data doesn’t see what we do, so it’s exciting when it does,” Sweezey said. “I am so honored to work alongside our staff who made this possible.” 

Redlands East Valley High School adds another accolade to its achievements.

Kamper notified her staff early Wednesday morning of the distinction. “This prestigious recognition is one of the highest honors a school in California can receive, and it reflects the extraordinary dedication, collaboration, and passion each of you bring to our students every single day. This achievement is a direct result of your hard work, your commitment to excellence, and the care you show for our school community,” she said. 

Highland Grove and Kimberly elementary schools received the honor last year, and Redlands High School received the honor in 2021.

Award winners will be honored at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on April 24.