Pomona Unified School District

Innovative Academic Programs

Great things are happening at PUSD. In August, 2007, we opened our two newest schools: Cortez Mathematics and Science Magnet School, and the School of Extended Educational Options. Cortez, unique in our region, is a collaboration with Cal Poly Pomona and Western University of Health Sciences, which delivers core academic content around a mathematics and science focus for students in grades Pre-K-8. It already boasts an API well above the state standard. The School of Extended Educational Options, our first district-dependent charter school, serves students in grades 7-12 who can benefit from independent or small-group learning, or who need a path to accelerated learning. It's located at the safe and technology-rich Village at Indian Hill, where students can also take advantage of the many social and career services located there. In 2009-10, two new small academies were launched: Palomares Health Sciences Academy, and Fremont Engineering and Design Academy. In 2010-11, the two new academies are officially becoming high schools as they each add grade 9. Each consecutive year, the academies will add another grade level. The Class of 2014 will be the first to graduate from Palomares Health Sciences Academy and Fremont Engineering and Design Academy. The academies are open to students in other parts of the district on a space-available basis. In addition, five new Pre-K-8 programs were launched in 2009 at existing elementary schools: Golden Springs, Lexington, San Jose, Vejar, and Harrison elementaries. These new programs, along with our more traditional elementary, middle, and high schools, give parents and students from all across the district more choice and more opportunities.