Whittier Union High School District’s five comprehensive high schools continue to shine, according to the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report High School Rankings, which again place Whittier Union schools in the top 20% in the nation and top 25% in California, emphasizing the District’s motto to do Whatever It Takes to prepare its students for success in college and career. Driving the success is a Districtwide commitment to student achievement, including increased participation and success in Advanced Placement (AP) classes, record-high graduation rates, a dual enrollment partnership with Río Hondo College, career technical education (CTE) pathways, and strong California A-G subject completion rates, which are mandatory for students to be eligible to attend UC or Cal State universities.
Sierra Vista Middle School students commemorated the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 by honoring the National Day of Service and Remembrance with acts of kindness, patriotic posters, and activities and assignments focused on the importance of remembrance and hope. Eighth-graders created and distributed bracelets early in the week, challenging their classmates to do something kind on or before 9/11. The challenge engaged all 820 Sierra Vista students and encouraged them to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
El Monte High School (EMHS) and El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) will commemorate 125 years of history and achievement with a special anniversary celebration featuring student performances, alumni and community highlights, a showcase video, campus tours and exhibits, lunch, a time capsule ceremony, and the presentation of a resolution honoring the milestone from Senator Susan Rubio. Former EMHS Principal Doug Halvorson, who served from 1999 to 2005, will also offer remarks.
With a new school year underway, Bonita High School’s ProStart culinary program continues to grow by leaps and bounds, inspiring a new generation of student chefs and hospitality workers. Since becoming Bonita Unified’s first-ever California ProStart Cup champion in 2024 and competing nationally, Bonita High’s culinary students have maintained a high level of achievement and innovation.
Bonita High’s culinary success continued over the summer at the California Restaurant Foundation’s annual Culinary Clash in Orange County, an event that pairs restaurant leaders with ProStart student sous chefs for a two-month mentorship experience, with the creations brought to life at a high-energy tasting event.
Fontana Unified School District leaders, students, families, and community partners will celebrate the groundbreaking of a new transitional kindergarten through sixth-grade
elementary school, which will become the newest addition to the District’s network of award-winning schools. The 63,000 square foot, single-story campus will expand access to
modern learning environments for families in one of the region’s newest and fastest-growing neighborhoods.
Bonita Unified School District will open the 54th annual Smudge Pot rivalry game between Bonita and San Dimas high schools with a special pre-game ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, including a moment of silence and recognition of local first responders and members of the military.
Anticipation is building in Fontana Unified as Fontana and A.B. Miller high schools prepare to resume their football rivalry on Friday, Sept. 11, a night that will also honor the City of Fontana’s police officers, firefighters, and paramedics during a special First Responders Night at A.B. Miller Stadium. First responders will receive free entry to the rivalry game in honor of their service to the Fontana community and also to mark 25 years since 9/11. A group of local first responders will serve as honorary team captains, taking the field for the pregame coin toss. Additionally, a commemorative Fontana T-shirt that reads, “5 Schools, 1 City” will be gifted to the first 100 residents at the game who have taken a photo of themselves at the 9/11 statue located at City Hall. Fontana High School’s (FOHI) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (MCJROTC) will also present colors prior to kickoff.
Covina High School will bring students, families, and the community together for an afternoon of celebration, fun-filled activities, and connection as it officially dedicates its new Athletics and Aquatics Complex. The event will feature a dedication ceremony and facilities tours, followed by a variety of activities for guests to enjoy, including open swim for kids, an exhibition softball game, a student vs. staff kickball game, music, free food, and more.
For 30 years, Fontana Unified School District’s Fontana Leadership Intervention Program (FLIP) and Junior FLIP have helped more than 1,000 students overcome challenges and make positive choices, with the 2025-26 school year cohort reporting some of the programs’ strongest data yet. Led by the Fontana School Police Department (FSPD), FLIP uses a “court of your peers” model to help students break patterns affecting their attendance, behavior, or academic progress. The 16-week course provides students with tutoring, mentorship, and structured lessons focused on discipline, emergency preparedness, and the importance of attending school. Participants take part in field trips and leadership development activities, and receive support in making positive choices at school and home. Families are also connected with additional needed resources to ensure students are supported every step of the way.
Fernando R. Ledesma High School (FRLHS) and Mountain View High School (MVHS) have been named among the 2026 America’s Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, earning national recognition for their efforts to create healthier, more supportive environments that promote the well-being of students, staff, and families.The annual program recognized 1,376 schools across 35 states and the District of Columbia for implementing best practices that advance whole-child health. Schools are evaluated across up to nine areas, including physical activity, nutrition and food access, school health services, social-emotional health and learning, staff well-being, and family and community engagement.
