August 29, 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

Toxic Avenger Reboot Aims to Smash Box Office and Medical Debt on Labor Day Weekend

August 29, 2025

August 29, 2025

Film’s Release Comes With a Promise to Erase Millions in Medical Bills The upcoming release of The Toxic Avenger will...

Trump Says Beverly Hills Residents Leave Cars Open for Thieves, Locals Call It Nonsense

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Officials and Residents Say Trump’s Crime Remarks Don’t Reflect Reality City officials and residents pushed back this week after former...

Beverly Hills Schools Halt Israeli Flag Display Despite School Board Vote

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Superintendent Cites Safety Concerns After Narrow 3–2 Decision Despite a 3–2 Board of Education vote to display the Israeli flag...

Los Angeles County Public Health Probe Sparks Nationwide Egg Recall Over Salmonella

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

More Than 95 Cases Tied to Country Eggs in 14 States; Do Not Eat Affected Cartons Los Angeles Public health...

(Video) The Opening of Mr. Charlie’s with Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Vegan burger restaurant with brightly colored decor now open on 26th street across fromthe Brentwood Country Mart. The Opening of...

California Pizza Kitchen Debuts Heart-Shaped Pizza Celebrating Swift–Kelce

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

13 Days of Engagement Pizzas, and Return of Hot Honey Flavors California Pizza Kitchen is rolling out a series of...

Culver Hotel Celebrates 101 Years With 101 Anniversary Menu and Live Music

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Guests Can Enjoy a Four-Course Meal, Nightly Performances, Trivia Contest The historic Culver Hotel is celebrating its 101st anniversary this...

Westside Chefs Shine at the Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival in September

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

South Bay’s Culinary Festival Returns With Two Nights of Food, Wine, and Music Santa Monica, Westchester, Los Angeles, and West...

(Video) Come Tour The Willows Community School!

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Sign up for a tour at The Willows and come see what makes our school such a vibrant, inspiring place...

Jewish Clergy Rally in Los Angeles Urging Ceasefire, Hostage Release, and Food Aid for Gaza

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Two Dozen Rabbis Gathered at Israeli Consulate, Hostage’s Family Appears at Second Rally Jewish clergy from across Los Angeles County...

Metro LA’s Aug. 30 Deadline for Public Comment on Sepulveda Transit Draft EIR Approaches

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Community Members Can Weigh In Before the 90-Day Comment Period Closes. Metro is reminding community members that the 90-day public...

Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Culver City, and Uni High Gear Up for Early-Season Games

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

The Centaurs, Eagles, Normans, and Wildcats Face Key Matchups This Week Football season is heating up across our area, with...

I-405 to See Lane Reductions, Ramp Closures as Pavement Rehab Project Continues

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

Drivers Should Expect Delays With Overnight Work Aug. 26–28, Sept. 5 Motorists using Interstate 405 through the Sepulveda Pass should...

Kobe Day Tribute: Lakers Welcome UCLA Newborns With Purple-and-Gold Gifts

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

Babies Received Adorable Care Packages in Celebration of “Kobe Day.” Families welcoming newborns at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center and...

Suspect Arrested After Eight-Hour SWAT Standoff in Jefferson Park Shooting

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

 Police Say a Man Was Killed and a Suspect Barricaded Himself Inside a Home Hours after a fatal shooting near...