NEWS: Bright Star Schools' Valor Academy High School Named a 2026 California Distinguished School

BRIGHT STAR SCHOOLS’ VALOR ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL NAMED A 2026 CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL

Top-performing charter public high school in San Fernando Valley receives state recognition for exceptional student outcomes

NORTH HILLS, CA– Bright Star Schools’ Valor Academy High School, a high-performing charter public school in North Hills, has been named a 2026 California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education — one of the state’s highest honors recognizing exceptional academic achievement and student success.

The California Distinguished Schools Program recognizes schools that demonstrate outstanding performance and progress in closing achievement gaps. Schools selected for the honor show excellence in supporting all students, including historically underserved groups, while maintaining high levels of overall academic achievement.

Valor Academy High serves a predominantly Title I student population and has earned accolades for its strong student outcomes, commitment to equity, and its ability to accelerate academic progress for historically underserved students while maintaining high performance. It has built its foundation by focusing on rigorous academics, college preparation, and targeted support for students who have historically faced barriers to educational opportunity. In 2025, Valor Academy High School outperformed in the majority of performance indicators on the California Dashboard, highlighting:

• 100% graduation rate
• 87% of Graduates rated “Prepared” for College and Career Readiness
• 57.1% English Learners making progress toward English proficiency
• 0.4% Suspension rate

“We are thrilled to spotlight Valor Academy High School as a recipient of the 2026 California Distinguished Schools Program recognition,” said Liliana Bustos, Chief Instructional Officer at Bright Star Schools. “This honor reflects the extraordinary leadership, educators, students, and families who uplift one another every day while celebrating the rich cultures and identities that make their community so strong. Valor Academy High School has created a safe and inclusive environment where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. It is truly a place where student potential is ignited, pathways to college are strengthened, and students are prepared to become the next generation of global leaders.”

This recognition builds on the school’s growing list of achievements. Valor Academy High was ranked among the Best High Schools in America for both 2024 and 2025 by U.S. News & World Report, placing it in the top 9 percent of high schools nationwide. Highlighting Valor Academy High’s college-going preparation, it was awarded the College Board’s AP Honor Roll in 2024 and 2025 earning GOLD in College Culture and College Credit and PLATINUM in College Optimization.

The California Distinguished Schools Program was established in 1985 and remains one of the most prestigious recognitions awarded by the California Department of Education.

About Valor Academy High School

Valor Academy High School (VAHS), located in North Hills in the east San Fernando Valley, serves nearly 500 students. The majority of VAHS students (95%) are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, 16% are English Learners and 17% receive inclusive (special) education support.

About Bright Star Schools

In nine, tuition-free charter public schools across three communities in Los Angeles (South Los Angeles, Koreatown, and the San Fernando Valley), Bright Star Schools’ 3,700+ students experience rigorous academics, inclusive education, social-emotional support and rich life opportunities beyond the classroom from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade and up to six years of higher education support.

More information is available at www.brightstarschools.org.

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