June 5, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

SMMUSD Schools Recognized as Top in California and Nation

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District has a long history of ranking well among high schools in the state and nation, as well as schools earning state and national distinctions as National Blue Ribbon School, California Distinguished School and Gold Ribbon School.

The trend continued this past school year with the announcement of several awards placing SMMUSD schools once again in the top tier in the state and nation.

U.S. News & World Report, a global authority in education rankings, ranked the top-performing high schools in the state and country in April 2017, placing both Malibu High School and Santa Monica High School in Gold and Silver categories, respectively, out of 22,000 schools reviewed. Malibu High School ranked #279 in the nation and #45 in California and Samohi ranked #606 nationally and #105 in California. These are tremendous accomplishments at both schools. The U.S. News rankings highlight public schools that best serve all of their students, including disadvantaged populations.

The Washington Post ranked Malibu High School #531 nationally in its annual Most Challenging High Schools list in May 2017, based on a formula that includes advanced placement tests divided by the number of seniors who graduated that year.

“Our students, parents, administrators and staff can all be proud of what we have accomplished together for our students,” Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati said. “Our Excellence through Equity plan provides a focused approach going forward toward ensuring that all students have opportunities for success and are college and career ready.”

Edison Language Academy earned a National Blue Ribbon award this past year and was named as a 2016 Star Honor Roll School and STEM Honor Roll School recipient. These annual awards are given by the Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE) and recognizes public schools that demonstrate consistently high levels of student academic achievement, improvement over time and reduction in achievement gaps. Edison is a TK-5 dual immersion language school that is open to all students throughout the district. Visit the Edison website for more enrollment information.

Santa Monica Alternative School House (SMASH) earned Scholar Honor Roll school designation by ERP and CBEE for recognition of being high performing, without significant 2 levels of low-income students. SMASH is a school of choice open to all students in SMMUSD.

Visit the SMASH website for more enrollment information. Franklin Elementary School was also named a Scholar Honor Roll school by ERP and CBEE. Franklin serves students in a determined boundary within Santa Monica.

“We are proud to be recognized in California and nationally by national media, education and business organizations,” Dr. Drati said. Please visit www.smmusd.org, follow @SMMUSD on Twitter, or like on Facebook.

Related Posts

(Video) Some of the Damage Caused By Vandals at Malibu High School Overnight

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

40 to 50 people, who are suspected to be students or recent alumni, used eggs, flour, and markers to deface...

Biggest Night of the Year: Don’t Miss GMCLA’s ‘Dancing Queens’

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Culminating its 46th season, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles will grace the crowd with Dancing Queens, celebrating iconic...

Driver Arrested for Suspected DUI After Rollover Crash in West Los Angeles

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

One Person Hospitalized, Light Pole Smashed After Late-Night Collision One driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI, and another person...

Pluto TV and Oscar-Winning Director Sean Baker Team Up to Host Free Weekend Screenings

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Popcorn Challenge Interactive Event Set for Westfield Century City Mall  The historic Gardena Cinema, one of the last single-screen, family-operated...

Former ‘Real Housewives’ Husband Sentenced to Over 7 Years for $15 Million Client Fraud 

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Federal Judge Rejects Plea for Medical Placement, Orders Restitution and Prison Time Disgraced former attorney Tom Girardi was sentenced Tuesday...

Malibu High Targeted in Overnight Vandalism Spree; Investigation Underway

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Destruction on Campus Prompts Sheriff’s Probe; Students May Face Charges Vandals caused extensive damage to the school property of Malibu...

A Season of Gratitude: After One Year in Business, Urban Jungle Continues Making its Mark

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Over the last year, Urban Jungle, an indoor and tropical plants nursery, has continued its mission to cultivate a place...

The soul’s greatest hits

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

From ‘Ave Maria’ to ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ and ‘Ode to Joy,” a Santa Monica concert raising funds to help fire victims...

LAPD Increases Security at Jewish Sites Following Colorado Flamethrower Attack

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Officials Ramp Up Patrols and Plan Emergency Response as Shavuot Concludes. Security outside Jewish institutions in Los Angeles has been...

The Peabody Awards Celebrate Bold Storytelling and Social Impact at Beverly Hills Gala

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Honorees Including Baby Reindeer, Shōgun, and The Only Doctor at In-Person Ceremony The Peabody Awards held their awards ceremony Sunday...

Chamber Music Palisades Presents an Afternoon of Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, and More

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Brentwood Hosts Free Classical Concert with LA Philharmonic Greats Chamber Music Palisades will present a free community concert on Saturday,...

Massive Fire Engulfs Auto Shop, Shuts Down 10 Freeway Eastbound Lanes

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Explosions, Thick Smoke, and Downed Power Lines Disrupt Traffic in Palms A fast-moving fire broke out Sunday behind a commercial...

Culver City to Frame Iconic Tree with Landmark Sculpture by Charles Gaines

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Acclaimed Conceptual Artist’s Public Artwork Enters Final Phase Culver City is moving forward with the final phase of an ambitious...

Alpine Floor & Home: A Legacy of Quality Since 1968

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Founded in 1968 with a single location, Alpine Floor & Home began as a humble family business with a clear...

Actress Cameron Diaz Slashes Price on Beverly Crest Estate to $16.5 Million

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Modern Farmhouse in Beverly Crest Returns to Market with Lower Price Tag Cameron Diaz has reduced the asking price of...