HBCSD Schools Earn Spot Among California’s Top Performers

District and six schools recognized for strong, equitable student achievement

The Educational Results Partnership (ERP) has named HBCSD a 2026 Honor Roll District, and six HBCSD schools have earned spots on the list of California’s top-performing schools. HBCSD is one of 168 districts statewide to make this year’s list, about one in five eligible districts in California.

Now in its twelfth year, the ERP Honor Roll sets a high bar. Rather than looking at a single year of test scores, ERP reviews three years of state assessment results in English language arts and math (2024 through 2026) and compares each school and district to others like it. To make the list, a school must consistently outperform its peers across every grade level and every student group it serves, including students from lower-income families, students receiving special education services, and students of every background. Schools must also show they are closing achievement gaps and improving outcomes for historically underserved students.

Honorees are recognized in one of two categories. Star schools and districts serve a student population in which at least one-third of students come from lower-income households. Scholar schools and districts serve a smaller share of students from lower-income households.

This year’s HBCSD honorees:

• Huntington Beach City School District – Star District

• Smith Elementary – Star School

• Dwyer Middle School – Star School

• Peterson Elementary – Star School

• Seacliff Elementary – Scholar School

• Eader Elementary – Scholar School

• Hawes Elementary – Scholar School

“This recognition belongs to our students, staff, and families,” Superintendent Dr. Leisa Winston said. “It reflects classrooms where students are known, supported, and challenged to grow, and it shows what’s possible when a whole community shares that purpose.”

The recognition is a fitting reflection of this year’s district theme, Grounded and Growing. HBCSD’s schools are grounded in strong instruction and caring learning environments, and they continue to grow by using what they learn about their students to meet each child where they are.

The Campaign for Business and Education Excellence, in partnership with 28 chambers of commerce and business leaders across California, presents the Honor Roll to recognize schools building the reading, writing, and math skills students need for success in college, careers, and life. 

Please join us in congratulating our students, teachers, staff, and families, whose hard work keeps HBCSD grounded in excellence and growing every day.