Twelve Fontana Unified School District schools have earned platinum honors from the California Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coalition for the 2025-26 school year – the most FUSD campuses to receive the top recognition in District history – while 30 schools were recognized overall for fostering positive, supportive campus cultures. This is the third consecutive year that Fontana Unified has had 10 or more schools earn platinum honors. All 30 schools will be celebrated at the 2026 California PBIS Conference, held Oct. 7-9 in Sacramento.
Fontana Unified School District has earned recognition on the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report High School rankings, with all five of its comprehensive high schools ranking among the top 50% of schools in California and the top one-third of schools nationwide. The rankings also reflect strong graduation outcomes across the District, with each high school reporting a 90% or higher graduation rate above both the California rate of 87.5% and the national rate of 87.4%.
Fontana Unified School District community members and partners celebrated its newest transitional kindergarten through sixth-grade elementary school with a groundbreaking ceremony held on Sept. 16, expanding access to modern learning spaces in one of Fontana’s fastest-growing areas. The 63,000-square-foot, single-story campus is expected to open for the 2028-29 school year and will provide an academically-rich environment for up to 800 students. It will be the second new Fontana Unified campus to open in two years, following the opening of Oak Grove Preparatory Academy in August.
Bonita Unified students honored first responders and remembered those affected by the Sept. 11 attacks during the 54th annual Smudge Pot rivalry game, which opened with a pregame ceremony and moment of silence on the 25th anniversary. The Sept. 11 matchup at Mt. San Antonio College’s Hilmer Lodge Stadium brought Bonita and San Dimas high schools together for an evening of community and remembrance. For students whose parents serve as first responders, the tribute carried a personal connection.
Upland Unified School District will bring students, families, staff, and community members together for a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration featuring an evening of culture, community, and entertainment at Upland High School.
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.
