Imperial High School

Imperial High School is located in the city of Imperial, California, which is the heart of Imperial County. The city of Imperial is a community of many firsts in the valley. The town-site of Imperial was plotted in 1902 for homes and commercial businesses. The city would have the first printing press, drugstore, grocery store, brick building, and the first church in the valley. The city can even boast of having the first school in the valley.

 

Imperial High School, a California Distinguished School (2003 and 2007), is located in the city of Imperial. The school was established in the early 1900’s. Some of the current buildings were ready for occupancy in 1956 for grades nine through twelve.  The school has continued to expand its physical site.  Teachers, staff, and administrators continue to act on the principle that students come first. Staff members are dedicated to ensuring the academic success of every student and providing the most comprehensive educational experience. This dedication of students, parents, and staff has paid off significantly. The National Education Trust Foundation awarded Imperial High School with the “Dispelling The Myth” award.  I.H.S. is the only high school to have received this award and it is for closing achievement gaps between significant subgroups.

 

For six consecutive years, Imperial High School has been named a Silver Medal School by U.S. News and World Report. Additionally U.S. News and World Report ranked I.H.S 1298th nationally and 269th in California. Furthermore the CBEE  Foundation/Just for the Kids awarded I.H.S. the California Star Schools Award and also the California Chamber of Commerce recognized for their outstanding achievements. Recently, Imperial High School has been published in the following book: It’s Being Done, How It’s Being Done and Getting it Done, by Karin Chenoweth, all by Harvard Education Press, 2007, 2009, 2011. and the first Chamber of Commerce.

 

Currently, Imperial has a growing population of 12,970 (2009 data) with a median household income level of $61,699. The city prides itself in providing large city amenities while keeping a small town atmosphere and culture. The greater Imperial area is mainly agrarian with an ever-expanding population of various employers such as the Imperial Irrigation District, Centinela State Prison, Department of Homeland Security, solar wind projects, and other local educational agencies.