CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA – Red carpets, cheering squads, and vibrant energy marked the first day of the 2025-26 school year as Hacienda La Puente Unified School District welcomed back more than 15,000 students across 28 campuses on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

At Wedgeworth Elementary School, students began the year on a brand-new, two-story campus featuring 30 modern classrooms, smart technology, energy-efficient systems, and a fully outfitted kitchen. The indoor/outdoor multipurpose room offers a flexible learning and activity space, while an underground stormwater basin — designed to capture 1.5 million gallons of water — underscores the District’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

“I know one friend in my class, but I’m a little nervous to meet other people,” said Wedgeworth third-grader Jacob Zane, whose favorite subject is math. “I’m happy I’m here though and my teacher already gave me a hug and said hi to me.”

William Workman High School students proudly walked the red carpet into the new school year, excited about the anticipated completion of a new Sports Complex.

“Having a place on our own campus where our students can play means a lot to our students, athletes, and families,” Workman Principal Timothy Espinosa said. “We look forward to welcoming the Lobos community as we open our stadium this fall.”

This school year will also mark the first graduating class from the Workman Early College Academy Network (WECAN), which allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree in communications through a partnership with Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC). This will also be the first year with ninth-grade students taking college-level courses.

In addition to WECAN, Hacienda La Puente Unified offers a broad range of innovative, future-ready programs, including Dual Language Immersion in Spanish, Mandarin, and Korean, and career technical education (CTE) pathways in 11 industry sectors such as engineering, aviation, and the nationally recognized Public Safety program.

Sparks Middle School will also begin offering early college preparation through Mt. SAC’s Upward Bound program, guiding students toward higher education success.

Orange Grove Middle School sixth- and seventh-grade science teacher Cynthia Higbee said she loves teaching and is excited to provide an engaging computer, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (C-STEM) environment for students.

“I can’t wait to start with our C-STEM curriculum, where we integrate computing and robotics and get our kids started with block programming,” Higbee said. “It’s important for our students to get into the labs, analyze data, and distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information.”

In addition to its rigorous academics, HLPUSD supports students through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), a comprehensive framework that addresses academic, behavioral, and social-emotional student needs. Grounded in data and a strengths-based approach, MTSS empowers educators to deliver targeted instruction, make informed decisions, and ensure positive outcomes for all students.

Throughout the summer months, students participated in a variety of enrichment programs to support academic and social growth and ease the transition back to school. More than 200 HLPUSD staff also took part in the District’s summer institute, engaging in professional development topics including curriculum updates, inclusive teaching practices, and strategies to support diverse academic and social-emotional needs.

“As we begin a new academic year, Hacienda La Puente Unified remains dedicated to empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to succeed in an interconnected world,” Acting Superintendent Manoj Roychowdhury said. “The first day of school sets the tone for a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels inspired to thrive.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

BACKTOSCHOOL1: Wedgeworth Elementary School students celebrate their newly-constructed campus during the first day of school on Aug. 6

BACKTOSCHOOL2: William Workman High School percussion students welcome back their peers with lively music on the first day of school on Aug. 6.

BACKTOSCHOOL3: Orange Grove Middle School students help kick off a new school year with warm greetings for their fellow Ocelots on Aug. 6.