This post dives into how the Marin School of the Arts at Novato High School snagged the California Department of Education’s 2026 Exemplary Arts Education Award. It’s a pretty big deal for arts education in Marin County.
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A Bay Area Gem Among California Schools
Out of 19 schools statewide, MSA stands out as the only honoree in the Bay Area. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond highlighted programs that spark creativity and amplify student voices from Novato to San Rafael.
Michelle Cortez, who directs Marin School of the Arts and also co-leads Novato High, shared that the arts now flow throughout the whole campus. Instead of being tucked away in one program, students across Novato and nearby towns like San Rafael and Corte Madera jump into everything from casual arts classes to pre-professional training.
What the Award Entails
To get the award, schools have to teach at least three arts subjects during the regular school day. They also need to offer fair, culturally responsive arts instruction for everyone—English learners, students in special education, and more.
Marin School of the Arts checks those boxes and then some, opening up even more creative options beyond the basics.
- Dance
- Media arts
- Music
- Theater
- Visual arts
- Creative writing
Since 2003, Marin School of the Arts has welcomed about 600 students each year. They’ll get their moment in the spotlight at a ceremony in Anaheim this April.
Impact on Students and Community
Families in Novato and the North Bay—from San Rafael up to Mill Valley and Larkspur—see this award as a real win for creative learning. Over almost twenty years, the program’s grown on purpose, weaving arts into everyday academics so students don’t just get arts after school—they find it in regular lessons, too.
Tracy Smith, Superintendent of Novato Unified, called the recognition a nod to student talent and staff dedication. She said it shows what’s possible when district leaders, teachers, and Marin County partners team up for the arts.
The Anaheim celebration will bring together students, families, and educators from all over the region. That’s something worth looking forward to.
Equity and Excellence in Practice
The award’s focus on equitable, culturally responsive instruction really stands out in a diverse Marin County setting. MSA has created routines that welcome student voice across disciplines.
Teachers in core subjects bring artistic thinking into everyday learning. In towns like Novato, San Rafael, and Tamalpais, more educators see arts-integrated teaching as a model worth sharing district-wide.
As Marin County communities—from Novato and San Rafael to Tiburon—keep supporting arts education, the Exemplary Arts Education Award for Marin School of the Arts feels like a real nod to the idea that creativity should live in every classroom.
For parents and students thinking about the value of arts-integrated learning, this honor points to a program that fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and a sense of community throughout the North Bay in Marin. It’s hard not to see the momentum building here.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin school gets state honor for arts education
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