San Bernardino City Unified School District’s Middle College High School, which has long been one of the top-performing schools in the Inland Empire, is now among the best in California.
Schooldigger.com, which evaluates the academic performance of schools around the nation, recently ranked Middle College High ninth in the state based on student test scores. Middle College ranked better than 99.9 percent of high schools in California and was the only school in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties to make the Top 10 list.
Located adjacent to San Bernardino Valley College, Middle College serves about 300 students. Eighty percent of students are initially recruited as middle-performing students, who with the additional challenge of dual enrollment and increased academic support, thrive in a smaller learning community.
Principal James Espinoza believes the school’s success comes from having 100 percent engagement from students, staff, District, parents, community and SBVC.
“Our goal is simple,” Espinoza said. “Every student will be prepared to graduate from a four-year college of choice in preparation for careers of choice that require a four-year degree or higher.”
At Middle College High School, failure is not an option.
“We know that when we set the academic bar high, students will meet and exceed our expectations,” Espinoza added.
For the 2015-16 school year, 23 Middle College students are on track to graduate with an Associate of Arts degree, giving them a jump on their college and career goals.