Acalanes Union High School District

Acalanes Union High School District is a public school district serving several affluent communities in central Contra Costa County, California. Established in 1940, the district operates four comprehensive high schools and one alternative education campus, consistently ranking among the top-performing districts in California based on standardized test scores and college readiness metrics. It is governed by a locally elected five-member Board of Education and is funded primarily through local property taxes and state funding under the Local Control Funding Formula.

History

The district was formed in 1940 through the union of several smaller districts to serve the growing suburban communities east of Berkeley. It is named for the Rancho Acalanes Spanish land grant. The first school, Acalanes High School, opened in 1940 in Lafayette. Post-World War II population growth, fueled by development and the expansion of Interstate 680, led to the opening of Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek in 1950. Further suburban expansion resulted in the establishment of Miramonte High School in Orinda in 1955 and Campolindo High School in Moraga in 1962. The district has been involved in significant legal and educational discussions, including aspects of the Serrano v. Priest rulings on school funding equity.

Schools

The district comprises four traditional high schools and one continuation school. Acalanes High School in Lafayette is the original and namesake campus. Campolindo High School in Moraga and Miramonte High School in Orinda are known for strong academic and athletic programs. Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek serves students from that city and the adjacent community of Alamo. The alternative campus, Del Oro High School, provides a continuation program for students. Each comprehensive high school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Governance and administration

The district is governed by a five-member Board of Education elected by trustee areas to four-year terms. The board appoints a Superintendent as the chief executive officer; as of 2023, this role is held by Dr. John Nickerson. Financial operations are overseen by the Chief Business Official, and the district participates in the Contra Costa County Office of Education oversight system. Key administrative functions include curriculum development aligned with the California Department of Education frameworks, facilities management, and coordination with feeder K-8 districts like the Lafayette School District and Orinda Union School District.

Demographics and performance

Student demographics across the district's schools show a majority White and Asian student population, with smaller percentages of Hispanic, African American, and multiracial students. The district consistently achieves some of the highest scores in California on the Smarter Balanced assessments and boasts high Advanced Placement participation and pass rates. U.S. News & World Report regularly ranks all four comprehensive schools among the top in the state and nation. Significant funding from local property taxes and support from foundations like the Acalanes Parents Club contribute to these outcomes.

Extracurricular activities and athletics

The district offers a wide array of extracurricular programs. Athletic teams, competing in the Diablo Athletic League of the North Coast Section, have won numerous state and section championships in sports like football, swimming, water polo, and soccer. Renowned performing arts programs include award-winning marching bands, theatre departments, and choirs. Each school hosts active chapters of the California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society, along with robust student government and a diverse set of clubs ranging from robotics to debate.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved prominence in diverse fields. In entertainment and arts, notable figures include actress Megan Follows, musician Chris Isaak, and Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Steve Breen. In sports, alumni include Major League Baseball player Dontrelle Willis and National Football League quarterback David Fales. The district has also educated figures in public service and law like California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu and United States Ambassador Kristie Kenney. In science and technology, alumni include NASA astronaut Stephen Robinson and Intel co-founder Gordon Moore.