America’s healthiest schools ranked — and a California district dominated the list

California’s schoolchildren are some of the healthiest in the nation.

The Golden State had 283 schools –– the most of any state –– ranked in the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s annual list of America’s healthiest schools.

Out of nearly 1,400 schools nationwide, only 200 earned “All-Star” status — with 33 of them located in California.

And every single school in Northern California’s Madera Unified School District earned stars for their dedication to student, staff and family wellness.

Schools were ranked on evidence-based criteria across nine health categories, including nutrition and food access, physical education, and social-emotional health.

Matilda Torres High stood out as the only campus in all of Madera County — and one of just three across the entire Central Valley — to achieve a perfect score across every category.

The following 33 standout California schools achieved full compliance across every single wellness standard: 

• San Diego Area & South Bay: Bird Rock Elementary (La Jolla), Edison Elementary, Horton Elementary, Normal Heights Elementary, Rowan Elementary, and Leonardo Da Vinci Health Sciences Charter School (Chula Vista).
• Santa Clarita Valley / Saugus Area: Bridgeport Elementary, Cedarcreek Elementary, Charles Helmers Elementary, Emblem Academy, Highlands Elementary, James Foster Elementary, Mountainview Elementary, North Park Elementary, Plum Canyon Elementary, Rio Vista Elementary, Rosedell Elementary, Skyblue Mesa Elementary, Tesoro del Valle Elementary, and West Creek Academy.
• Orange County & Los Angeles Area: El Sol Science & Arts Academy (Santa Ana), Ocean View High School (Huntington Beach), New Heights Charter School (Los Angeles), Cornerstone @ Pedregal (Palos Verdes), and Dapplegray Elementary School (Rolling Hills Estates).
• Inland Empire: Park View Elementary (Ontario), Del Norte Elementary (Ontario), Sierra High School (San Bernardino), Avalon Elementary (Perris), and May Ranch Elementary (Perris).
• Central Valley: Matilda Torres High School (Madera), Wonderful College Prep Academy (Delano), and Wonderful College Prep Academy (Lost Hills).

“Every school recognized this year demonstrates what’s possible when we prioritize the well-being of students and staff, creating environments where everyone can thrive,” said Traci Causey, CEO of Healthier Generation.

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