California schools are leading the nation in fostering student, staff, and family wellness, according to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation's annual list of America's Healthiest Schools. The Golden State had 283 schools recognized, the highest number of any state.
Nationwide, only 200 schools out of nearly 1,400 achieved "All-Star" status for meeting rigorous health criteria. California accounts for 33 of these distinguished schools. Notably, every school within the Madera Unified School District in Northern California earned recognition.
Matilda Torres High School, part of Madera Unified, was singled out as the only campus in Madera County and one of just three in the entire Central Valley to achieve a perfect score across all nine health categories. These categories encompass nutrition and food access, physical education, and social-emotional health.
Other California schools that achieved full compliance with all wellness standards include:
San Diego Area & South Bay: Bird Rock Elementary (La Jolla), Edison Elementary, Horton Elementary, Normal Heights Elementary, Rowan Elementary, and Leonardo Da Vinci Health Sciences Charter School (Chula Vista). Santa Clarita Valley / Saugus Area: Bridgeport Elementary, Cedarcreek Elementary, Charles Helmers Elementary, Emblem Academy, Highlands Elementary, James Foster Elementary, Mountainview Elementary, North Park Elementary, Plum Canyon Elementary, Rio Vista Elementary, Rosedell Elementary, Skyblue Mesa Elementary, Tesoro del Valle Elementary, and West Creek Academy. Orange County & Los Angeles Area: El Sol Science & Arts Academy (Santa Ana), Ocean View High School (Huntington Beach), New Heights Charter School (Los Angeles), Cornerstone @ Pedregal (Palos Verdes), and Dapplegray Elementary School (Rolling Hills Estates). Inland Empire: Park View Elementary (Ontario), Del Norte Elementary (Ontario), Sierra High School (San Bernardino), Avalon Elementary (Perris), and May Ranch Elementary (Perris). Central Valley: Matilda Torres High School (Madera), Wonderful College Prep Academy (Delano), and Wonderful College Prep Academy (Lost Hills).
"Every school recognized this year demonstrates what’s possible when we prioritize the well-being of students and staff, creating environments where everyone can thrive," said Traci Causey, CEO of Healthier Generation.