LYNWOOD, CA – Lynwood Unified kicked off the 2025-26 school year on Aug. 13 with lively music, balloon arches and cheers for nearly 11,000 students returning to 17 campuses. From Transitional Kindergarten to 12th grade, students were welcomed by spirited staff, fresh campus upgrades, expanded dual enrollment opportunities – and a new superintendent ready to lead a year of innovation, inclusion and purpose.

To help students start the year strong, all elementary schools hosted a Kinder Jumpstart on Aug. 8, giving young learners the chance to explore classrooms, meet teachers and get comfortable with their new school environment. On the first day of school, students across campuses were greeted by educators and staff committed to creating inclusive spaces where every scholar feels empowered to learn, grow and thrive.

“The first day of school sets the tone for the rest of the year, and we want our students to know from the start that they are supported and that we believe in their potential,” Marshall Elementary Principal Trinika Barnett said. “We are here for our students and families, and committed to building a school community where everyone feels seen, valued and heard.”

Students also returned to refreshed campuses, including Helen Keller Elementary, which received new paint and underwent routine environmental testing with no issues, and Will Rogers Elementary, which also received new exterior paint. Abbott Elementary and Cesar Chavez Middle School saw roof upgrades, while additional roofing and HVAC projects continue districtwide to ensure safe, modern learning environments.

A highlight this year is Lynwood Unified’s continued expansion of rigorous academic opportunities. The District’s Dual Enrollment program – anchored by a long-standing partnership with Compton College and a new collaboration with Cal State Dominguez Hills – has grown to include Cesar Chavez Middle School. These students can now enroll in a college-readiness course offered by Compton College, earning college credits at no cost and working toward an Associate’s degree.

“Lynwood Unified students are gaining real-world college experiences and getting ahead of their academic goals before they even graduate high school,” Director of Secondary Education Christine Arostigue-Manson said. “The District’s college-readiness opportunities open doors and provide our students with a powerful jump start into their future.”

Lynwood Unified also offers Advanced Placement courses, Spanish Dual Language Immersion and hands-on career technical education in fields such as biomedical sciences, engineering, culinary arts, photography and dance – preparing students for higher education and high-demand careers.

Supporting students starts with supporting educators. To prepare for the school year, Lynwood Unified hosted its annual Summer Institute on Aug. 4-5, where more than 300 teachers and staff received professional development centered on the District’s vision to design schools around what students need most to succeed.

“My vision is grounded in a clear sense of purpose, a focused plan of action and a shared path forward with our entire Lynwood community,” Superintendent Patrick Gittisriboongul, Ed.D., said. “The start of the school year is a celebration of possibility – every student has the support, tools and opportunities to dream big, achieve their goals and step confidently into their future. Together with our teachers, staff and families, we are building a community where every voice matters and every student can thrive.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

LUSD_SCHOOLYEAR_1: A Will Rogers Elementary fourth-grader is among the more than 11,000 Lynwood Unified students who started the new school year with excitement and enthusiasm on Aug. 13.

LUSD_SCHOOLYEAR_2: Abbott Elementary transitional kindergartners are excited to start their very first day of school at Lynwood Unified, marking the beginning of their educational journey.

LUSD_SCHOOLYEAR_3: Newly-appointed Lynwood Unified Superintendent Patrick Gittisriboongul, Ed.D., joined the welcoming crew at Lynwood High School to usher in a successful and inspiring start to the 2025-26 school year.