Fontana Unified School District ushered in a new era of education with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Oak Grove Preparatory Academy on Aug. 4, officially opening the first-of-its-kind institution and adding to an award-winning lineup of high schools built around expanded career exploration and academic opportunities. Incoming ninth-graders welcomed attendees along a walkway leading into the brand-new gymnasium, where an arch of school-colored balloons and Oak Grove banners framed the presentation stage. The Academy's staff, teachers, students, Fontana Unified leaders, community members, and elected officials were the first to fill the gymnasium bleachers, commemorating the official opening of the school to the community.
Northview High School rising senior Nabhat (JinJin) Sanglimsuwan first became interested in advocating for her peers and elevating student voice after stopping by her school’s library for a free slice of pizza during her freshman year. While there, she stumbled into a meeting of the School Site Council, which inspired her to get involved. At a subsequent meeting, she proposed reducing Advanced Placement exam fees to support economically disadvantaged students, helping make a meaningful change for her peers.
More than 7,000 students will kick off a historic 2026-27 school year as the El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) celebrates 125 years of educational excellence, alongside El Monte High School, the first high school established in the community. Campuses will come alive with freshman orientations, spirited rallies, music, and warm welcomes from teachers, administrators, Associated Student Body leaders, and Link Crew members. The first day also marks a milestone for the District, with new leadership at several schools greeting students and families for the first time.
Covina-Valley Unified School District is strengthening its leadership team with the addition of 10 administrators for the start of the 2026-27 school year, bringing experienced leaders and educators to schools and departments across the District. Each new administrator brings a strong commitment to student success and will play an instrumental role in enhancing student support and school operations, strengthening programs, and advancing the priorities of Covina-Valley Unified.
Fontana Unified will welcome back more than 30,000 students for the first day of school, kicking off a landmark year that celebrates 70 years as a unified school district while honoring a legacy of education that began with the opening of its first elementary school in 1888.
The Northview High School girls wrestling team enjoyed another stellar campaign during the 2025-26 school year, winning several prestigious tournaments, and capturing league, division, and Masters titles on its way to taking third place at the California CIF championships. Led by legendary head coach David Ochoa, the Lady Vikings program won the CIF Southern Section Central Division championship for the second consecutive year, and the fourth time since 2022. For his dedication and leadership, Ochoa was recently named the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA)/Marines “Battles Won” National High School 2026 Girls Head Coach of the Year.
Twenty-four El Monte Union students celebrated the successful completion of their high school journey during the District's inaugural summer graduation ceremony on July 17, crossing the stage to receive diplomas they earned through determination and the completion of summer school. Held in Mountain View High School's newly renovated cafetorium on the final day of summer school, the ceremony recognized graduates from Arroyo, El Monte, Fernando R. Ledesma, Mountain View, Rosemead, and South El Monte high schools. Balloon arches in each school's colors framed the stage as families, friends, and educators applauded graduates, captured photos, and celebrated a moment many had waited weeks to experience.
Incoming Fontana Unified high school students are strengthening their English language skills and building a peer support system through the Summer Language Academy pilot program, designed to prepare English learners to participate in school socially and academically. Adapted from a culturally and linguistically responsive model developed by Anaheim Union High School District and in partnership with California State University, Fullerton, the four-week program is bringing together 85 ninth- through 12th-grade students, using their home languages and cultures as a foundation for learning English. Lessons center on building conversational skills needed for class, while counseling and community-building activities help develop their confidence and explore different pathways in high school and beyond.
Santa Fe High School’s student-led Mariachi Los Dorados is tuning up for its biggest performance to date, when it joins with the Whittier community to celebrate Mexican Independence Day during “El Grito De Dolores,” to be held on Sunday, Aug. 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Whittier High School’s Vic Lopez Auditorium. Mariachi Los Dorados was created in the spring of 2025 as a club, with about a dozen students. Spurred on by the music and culture of mariachi, and learning the basics of playing such instruments as the guitarrón, vihuela, violin, and trumpet, the club evolved into an elective class during the fall of 2025, with 21 students and three mariachi coaches.
Covina-Valley Unified School District will host its annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive and Back to School Extravaganza to provide students with free school supplies, haircuts, and health and wellness screenings in preparation for the 2026-27 school year.
