INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS
Gabrielino High School Speech Show (Photo – SGUSD)
The San Gabriel Unified School District (SGUSD) announced that Gabrielino High School and Jefferson Middle School have been selected as recipients of the 2026 California Exemplary Arts Education Award, a statewide honor presented by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
By News Desk
Only 19 schools across California received the award this year, which recognizes campuses that demonstrate exceptional commitment to high-quality, equitable arts education. Honorees are selected for their investment in strong arts curriculum and instruction, professional learning for educators, and ensuring access to culturally responsive arts programs for all students, including English learners and students with disabilities.
Superintendent Jim Symonds praised the achievement, calling it a reflection of the district’s long-standing dedication to arts learning. “This award reflects our district’s long-standing commitment to ensuring that every student has access to meaningful and engaging arts education,” Symonds said. “It is a testament to the talent of our students, the expertise of our teachers, and the support of our entire community.”
Gabrielino High School offers a wide range of arts opportunities, including its nationally ranked Speech and Debate team, Instrumental and Vocal Music, Visual Arts, and Career Technical Education pathways in Dance, Theater, Production Technology, and Digital Music Production. At Jefferson Middle School, more than 75 percent of students participate in arts courses such as Music, Dance, Visual and Media Arts, Speech and Debate, and Drama.
Districtwide, SGUSD has expanded arts access in recent years, adding new courses, growing middle school jazz programs, and increasing opportunities at all grade levels. Innovative offerings such as Modern Band and expanded arts programming at Del Mar Continuation High School reflect the district’s ongoing investment.
Leaders emphasized that the success of secondary programs is rooted in strong elementary arts foundations. “While we celebrate the visible success of our middle and high school programs, those achievements are only possible because of the strong foundation built in our elementary schools,” said Samantha Theisen, SGUSD’s Director of Arts.
Elementary students across the district benefit from a comprehensive arts education system aligned with secondary programs. This includes the Music Immersion Experience (MIE) at Roosevelt Elementary, three credentialed music teachers serving all TK–5 students, two Visual Arts and Arts Integration Teachers on Special Assignment, elementary Speech and Debate, and dedicated Dance instruction. SGUSD also partners with the LA Arts Group to expand dance and theater experiences.
The district credits its Board of Education, educators, families, and community partners for sustaining a collaborative commitment to arts education. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond highlighted the broader value of arts programs, noting their role in developing creativity, confidence, empathy, and self-expression in students.
Gabrielino High School and Jefferson Middle School will be formally honored at the California School Recognition Program Ceremony in Anaheim this April.
Jefferson Middle School HolidayCon (File Photo – SGUSD)
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