Rialto Unified School District, nestled below the San Bernardino National Forest, was established shortly after the opening of its first school in 1891 with one principal and two teachers. Rialto, also known as the “fruit colonies” of San Bernardino County and “Bridge City” for its Mediterranean like weather, became a magnet for ranchers and inhabitants in pursuit of economic growth thus impacting its population exponentially. The Rialto Unified School District, since inception, was positioned to meet such demands and has now welcomed an approximate 24,000 students in 29 schools with 2,700 employees providing an array of educationally related services from Preschool through Adult Education with 19 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 3 comprehensive high schools, 1 continuation high school, 1 independent studies, preschools at select locations and 1 adult school.

The demographics of our student population is primarily comprised of Latinos with an approximate representation of 85% followed by 9% African American, 3% Caucasian and 3% other. The home language of our student body reveals that an approximate 44% speak a language other than English. With this diverse backdrop and the Superintendent’s leadership, a multitude of Rialto Unified Schools have received the following state recognitions for academic, environmental, and social emotional accomplishments: California Green Schools at Bronze, Silver, and Gold Status, California Gold Ribbon, California Distinguished Award, AVID Demonstration Schools, PBIS Coalition Award, and California Pivotal Awards. As a cornerstone to the environmental and academic celebratory milestones was the development of the Wellness Centers at all secondary schools and the Heritage Citrus Grove and Gardens at all elementary schools and one middle school. These two distinctive elements address the fundamental social-emotional and psychological needs of students to foster the capacity for learning.