Healthier Generation names 1,376 healthiest schools for 2026

Alliance for a Healthier Generation has released its 2026 list of America’s Healthiest Schools, recognizing 1,376 schools across 35 states and Washington, DC. The record turnout moves the nonprofit closer to its goal of 5,000 cumulative awardees by 2030.

Why it matters: - The annual awards track how many schools are adopting practices tied to student, staff and family well being. - The 2026 class shows growing participation, with 1,376 schools recognized and a year-over-year increase of 256 schools. - The expansion brings Healthier Generation closer to its stated goal of 5,000 cumulative awardees by 2030.

What happened: - Alliance for a Healthier Generation announced its 2026 list of America’s Healthiest Schools on Aug. 25, 2026. - The nonprofit recognized schools in 35 states and Washington, DC. - Kaiser Permanente and Kohl’s Cares supported the annual award program. - The list includes schools working to improve nutrition, physical activity, school health services, staff well being and family engagement. - Two hundred schools earned All Star status for meeting criteria across all nine topic areas. - California led all states with 283 awardees. - Texas followed with 199 awardees. - South Carolina had 143 awardees. - Kentucky had 142 awardees.

The details: - Since launching America’s Healthiest Schools in 2007, Healthier Generation has recognized 3,780 schools for making health a priority. - Healthier Generation said participation continues to grow as more schools seek practical, evidence based tools to support students and staff. - The group’s Action Center offers free resources, action plans and assessment tools for school communities. - The full list of 2026 awardees is available at HealthierGeneration.org/AHS. - The organization said it has partnered with more than 57,000 school communities across all 50 states since 2005. - Healthier Generation says those partnerships have reached more than 31 million young people.

Between the lines: - The size of this year’s list suggests school health has become a broader operational priority, not just a recognition program. - The All Star category signals that some schools are moving beyond isolated improvements to work across multiple health areas at once. - The push toward 5,000 awardees by 2030 gives the program a clear growth target and a benchmark for future participation.

What’s next: - More schools can use Healthier Generation’s Action Center to pursue year-round improvements. - The nonprofit will continue building toward its 2030 target of 5,000 cumulative awardees. - Future annual lists will show whether participation keeps rising and whether more schools qualify for All Star status.

The bottom line: - Healthier Generation’s 2026 awards highlight a record level of school participation and a steady national push to make campuses healthier places to learn and work.