Huntington Beach City School District is proud to announce that Dwyer Middle School has been named a 2026 California Distinguished School, one of the highest honors a public school can receive in the state.

Presented by the California Department of Education, the California Distinguished Schools program celebrates schools that demonstrate exceptional student achievement and strong progress in closing opportunity gaps. The recognition is based largely on data from the 2025 California School Dashboard, which evaluates schools on key indicators including English language arts and mathematics performance, student growth, and school climate measures such as suspension rates.

Dwyer is one of 42 schools recognized across Orange County and among hundreds of schools statewide selected for this distinction in 2026.

The recognition reflects what they have already experienced during their first year leading the school.

“This award is confirmation of what I’ve already learned to be true in my first year as principal: when we work together, great outcomes for our students are the result,” said Dwyer Principal Dave Okamoto. “For that, I am both grateful and humbled to be part of this school community.”

Dwyer’s success is rooted in a strong commitment to both academic excellence and student well-being. The school has implemented a comprehensive positive behavior framework known as “Jr. Oilers Live and Learn with GRIT,” which reinforces the values of Gratitude, Responsibility, Integrity, and Tenacity. Alongside this focus on character development, the school has expanded targeted academic supports, strengthened social-emotional learning initiatives, and prioritized consistent communication with families to support student engagement and attendance.

“We are immensely proud of Dwyer Middle School for earning the California Distinguished School designation,” said Superintendent Dr. Leisa Winston. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our educators and staff, the perseverance of our students, and the strong partnership we share with families in supporting student success.”

The California Distinguished Schools designation is awarded every two years, alternating between elementary and secondary schools, and recognizes campuses whose programs and practices serve as models of success across the state.

For the Dwyer community, the recognition is both a celebration and a reflection of the collaborative work happening every day in classrooms across campus.