FONTANA, CA – More than 30,000 students returned to classrooms across Fontana Unified on Aug. 6, kicking off a landmark year celebrating 70 years as a unified school district and a legacy of excellence in education dating back to the opening of its first elementary school in 1888. mnnnnnnnnnn

Across Fontana Unified’s 46 schools, students were greeted with music and balloons, while staff and student leaders cheered them on as they began the new academic year. Students returned to expanded opportunities in career technical education and visual and performing arts (VAPA), further integrating their career aspirations and interests with classroom learning.

“I’m excited to start middle school because it’s a chance to meet new friends, try new things, and explore different programs the District has,” Sequoia Middle School seventh-grader Jacob Rodella said. “I’m a little nervous because it’s my first day, but I’m excited to see what this year will be like.”

Oak Grove Preparatory Academy opened its doors to its inaugural class of students in grades six through nine, marking a major milestone in Fontana Unified’s continued growth. The newly built campus offers state-of-the-art learning environments and specialized pathways in technology and VAPA, expanding opportunities for students to explore their interests through hands-on learning.

“I’ve worked in education for more than 20 years, but there’s something truly special about seeing the excitement on our students’ faces as they walk through the doors of this brand-new school,” Assistant Principal Felix Alvarado said. “Watching them take in the space with such a sense of awe and pride makes this moment even more meaningful.”

A.B. Miller High School began its 35th anniversary year with the launch of an Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program focused on leadership development. The school also welcomed new leadership to its renowned dance program, ushering in a new chapter for one of the campus’s longstanding VAPA offerings.

North Tamarind, O’Day Short, and South Tamarind elementary schools also marked their 75th anniversaries as students returned to campuses. The milestone celebrations honored generations of students and educators while highlighting the lasting connections each school has built with Fontana families over decades of service.

“The opportunity to see our students return to campuses ready to learn and reconnect with staff and their peers is one I look forward to every year. It serves as a reflection of the strong community we aim to cultivate in Fontana Unified,” Superintendent Miki R. Inbody said. “As we celebrate 70 years of Fontana Unified, we honor the generations who built this District while continuing to create new opportunities that help every student feel inspired and prepared for what comes next.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

FUSD_BTS1: Sequoia Middle School students return to campus ready to reconnect with classmates and begin a new year of learning.

FUSD_BTS2: Oak Grove Preparatory Academy welcomes its inaugural class of students for the first day of the 2026-27 school year.

FUSD_BTS3: North Tamarind Elementary School students begin the 2026-27 school year as the campus celebrates 75 years of serving Fontana families.