La Habra City School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education Award from The NAMM Foundation, recognizing the district’s outstanding commitment to ensuring all students have access to high-quality music education. Now in its 27th year, the national program celebrates school districts across the country that demonstrate exceptional dedication to music learning as an essential part of a well-rounded education. This is the fourth time the District has received this honor.
The award highlights communities that prioritize equitable access to music programs and provide students with meaningful opportunities to engage in the arts. In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools nationwide, including public, private, charter, and parochial institutions, received this distinction for their commitment to excellence in music education.
Music education plays a vital role in the development of our students by fostering creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Receiving this recognition affirms our commitment to providing enriching experiences that support the whole child and ensures that music remains an integral part of learning at LHCSD. Students and teachers across the district recognize the impact of music in their daily learning experiences.
Recipients of the award were selected through a rigorous application and review process that evaluates funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities, and community support. To ensure accuracy and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.
The NAMM Foundation, the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, works to expand access to music-making opportunities and remove barriers that limit participation. Through its support of innovative programs and initiatives, the foundation continues to build inclusive and thriving musical communities across the nation.