WEST COVINA, CA – Mt. SAC Early College Academy – West Covina Unified’s flagship dual-enrollment public high school – has been named the top high school in the San Gabriel Valley, according to the Reader’s Choice Awards from San Gabriel Valley News.

Presented by Southern California News Group, the annual awards recognize the best people, places and things as voted on by SCNG readers.

“Mt. SAC Early College Academy teachers and staff work tirelessly toward one goal: providing students the opportunity to jumpstart their college education through an exciting, rigorous course of study,” Mt. SAC Early College Academy Principal Candace Leuthold said. “We are thrilled to be recognized for these efforts and to continue offering students the financial and academic advantages that are unique to this school.”

Opened in fall 2018, Mt. SAC Early College Academy provides students the opportunity to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and up to two years of free, transferable college credit. The Academy provides college courses, books and materials at no cost to students.

College courses are taught by Mt. SAC professors on the Academy campus and offered during the traditional school day. Students have access to Mt. SAC resources and free tutoring to support academic success.

Academy students also benefit from a close-knit campus and traditional high school clubs and activities.

West Covina Unified School District was named runner-up for Best School District in the 2017 Reader’s Choice Awards.

“Mt. SAC Early College Academy is a one-of-a-kind institution, one that truly embodies the District’s commitment to equity for every student,” West Covina Unified Superintendent Dr. Charles D. Hinman said. “The Academy is increasing access to higher education and inspiring greater levels of academic excellence, and is therefore truly deserving of this recognition.”

West Covina Unified is a state-certified District of Choice, accepting students from across the region. High school students from Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties are eligible to apply to the Academy.