San Gabriel Unified School District
Choosing the right school district is often the most important decision for parents moving into a new neighborhood. For many looking in the San Gabriel Valley, San Gabriel Unified School District (SGUSD) stands out as a top contender, with their exceptionally high standards & dedication to student success, it’s no wonder the district has had so many years of academic success.
Whether you’re new to the area or just exploring your options, let’s walk through everything you’d need to know about this school district before you think about enrolling your children. From the schools that are involved to the future planning for the entire district, I’ll be covering everything and so much more.
History
The San Gabriel Mission was established in 1781, it was the fourth California mission and is landmarked as the start of settlement in the San Gabriel Valley. San Gabriel Unified School District was later founded in 1868 and has maintained it’s long tradition of academic success. The district has 5 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school.
Student Demographic
San Gabriel ca & San Gabriel Valley in general is known to being a very asian centric community, and it definitely shows in the student demographic. With over 50% of students being asian, the student demographic goes as follows, 1% African-American, 50% Asian, 4% Caucasian, 3% Filipino, 37% Hispanics, and 5% others
Employees
SGUSD has over 500 employees that are dedicated to working and supporting students all throughout the year. With over 289 certified, 30 management, 242 classified, and 5 confidential employees, SGUSD staff undergo strict requirements to ensure nothing but the best for the students, and it shows!
Mission Statement
‘ It is the mission of the San Gabriel Unified School District, in partnership with the Community to prepare its students for their future as productive citizens and lifelong learners. We are committed to a balanced curriculum, supportive programs and practices, and an environment that encourages students to reach their maximum potential ‘
The SGUSD enforces their mission statement as much as possible, this can be easily seen from their commitment to uphold high standards.
Future Plans
The SGUSD 2023–2028 Strategic Plan is a comprehensive, blueprint designed to implement the district’s priorities and decision-making over five years. Grounded in community input and shaped by students, educators, families, and partners, the plan articulates SGUSD’s deep commitment to preparing every student for success.
At the heart of the plan is the district’s “Portrait of a Graduate,” which defines six key competencies every SGUSD student should embody upon graduation: Creative Thinker, Collaborator, Communicator, Empathetic, Global Citizen, and Resilient. These qualities serve as a foundation for instructional strategies, curriculum development, and support services across all schools.
The plan itself is organized into four strategic priorities, each with specific goals and metrics for measuring progress:
Student Success and Well-Being
SGUSD emphasizes the importance of academic achievement, mental health, and social-emotional learning. The plan commits to providing “high-quality instruction, rigorous and engaging curriculum, and inclusive, affirming learning environments.”Culturally Responsive and Future-Ready Learning Environments
The district prioritizes the creation of modernized, safe, and culturally inclusive schools. This includes expanding access to technology, building career pathways, and integrating real-world, project-based learning.Engaged and Effective Staff
SGUSD recognizes that student success depends on recruiting, developing, and retaining a highly qualified and diverse workforce. The plan supports ongoing professional development, culturally responsive teaching practices, and leadership growth opportunities. It also acknowledges the importance of staff well-being, stating that “supporting the health and wellness of our educators is key to sustaining quality learning environments.”Collaborative and Inclusive Culture
The district is committed to strengthening partnerships with families and the community, enhancing communication, and fostering a sense of collective responsibility.
The strategic plan encapsulates the Mission/Vision of the District, and is altogether measurable. SGUSD provides a dashboard of key performance indicators to track outcomes, ensuring that the goals remain actionable and transparent.
Overall, the 2023–2028 Strategic Plan reflects SGUSD’s belief that education must evolve to meet the changing needs of students in a diverse and dynamic world. It offers a clear roadmap rooted in shared values and collective aspirations, aiming to empower every student to become a thoughtful, compassionate, and capable contributor to society.
Which Schools are in SGUSD
Elementary Schools
Coolidge Elementary School
McKinley Elementary School
Roosevelt Elementary School
Washington Elementary School
Wilson Elementary School
Middle Schools
Jefferson Middle School
Focused on smooth grade transitions and strong student support services.
High Schools
Gabrielino High School
SGUSD’s main comprehensive high school, offering a range of AP courses and CTE pathways.
Why is San Gabriel Unified a Good School District?
SGUSD focuses on student development while maintaining high standards of mental health awareness for both it’s student and staff. Their mission has always been to prepare students by building soft skills to maximize their potential in future curriculums. The district is also fortunate to have exceptional parent support and organizations such as the San Gabriel Education Foundation (SEF). SGUSD is also known for making significant investments in to the professional development of their teachers and staff to ensure continuiously raise their standards.
FAQs
How to enroll in San Gabriel Unified School District?
Enrolling has never been any easier! Simply fill out the online enrollment process for new students, provide the necessary inform such as proof of residence, and a valid email. You will most likely speak to a staff member to provide legal documentation before finalizing the enrollment.
What is Gabrielino High School's Public School Rating?
Gabrielino High School is one of the top rated public schools in the San Gabriel Valley. GreatSchools.org gave the high school an 8/10 overall rating, putting it well above the average. The school also boasts a score of 10/10 for college readiness rating.
What are the Top 3 Elementary Schools in SGUSD?
Based on Niche.com, the top 3 elementary schools in SGUSD based on public rating are Washington Elementary, McKinley Elementary, and Coolidge Elementary. With Washington & McKinley being ‘A’ rated, and Coolidge being ‘A-‘.
📍 Final Thoughts from a Local Realtor
San Gabriel Unified School District is a powerful option for anyone looking to secure a prosperous education for their children.
There is just so much more that I couldn’t fit into this article, such as their pathways and special curriculums for students. Please visit the SGUSD website for more details!
Have questions about specific neighborhoods, I’d love to help.
