Dear PGUSD Students, Families, Staff, and Community,

I am thrilled to share some wonderful news with our community: Pacific Grove Middle School has been selected as a 2026 California Distinguished School.

PGMS is one of only two schools in the entire County of Monterey to receive this distinction, an incredible accomplishment that reflects the dedication of our educators, students, and families. A total of 408 middle and high schools across California were selected for the 2026 California Distinguished Schools Program, which recognizes schools demonstrating exceptional student performance or success in closing opportunity gaps.

What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it is based entirely on student performance data, not applications or nominations. It highlights public schools that are making measurable gains in student achievement over time and where students are demonstrating strong academic performance.

We are incredibly proud of our PGMS staff and students for exemplifying our district’s core values of Belonging, Safety, and Prosperity, and for the many ways they bring our Culture of We to life each day, ensuring that every student feels supported and has the opportunity to achieve their highest potential.

Success like this does not happen alone. It is the result of strong partnerships among home, school, and community. Together, we celebrate the collective effort that makes Pacific Grove Middle School such a special place for learning and growth.

To honor this achievement, members of Cabinet and I will be visiting PGMS in the coming days to present a Certificate of Excellence and treat the staff to breakfast in appreciation of their outstanding work.

Please join me in congratulating Principal Roach, Assistant Principal Tovani, the entire PGMS staff, students, and families, and thanking our Pacific Grove community for the shared commitment that made this recognition possible.

With Pride and Gratitude,

Dr. Linda Adamson
Superintendent
Pacific Grove Unified School District

For more information about the California Distinguished Schools Program and to see the full list of recognized schools, please visit: https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr26/yr26rel12.asp