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Students cite community, dual enrollment and new sports facilities as draws to El Rancho Unified
Summary
On a district podcast, El Rancho Unified Superintendent Dr. Marco Viegas spoke with three students who highlighted strong community support, a graduation rate above 96%, dual-enrollment ties to Rio Hondo College and ongoing athletic facility upgrades as key strengths of the district.
On a district podcast, El Rancho Unified Superintendent Dr. Marco Viegas hosted three high-school students who described the district’s community support, academic options and recent facilities work as reasons they would recommend El Rancho Unified to prospective students.
"I think what makes our school district so special is our community," said Jocelyn Dea, an 11th grader, citing local-business sponsorship of sports, alumni turnout at games and multi-generational attendance at events. The students described tight-knit support at games and school events, and said younger students often look up to high-school athletes and alumni.
Dr. Marco Viegas noted the high-school football team’s run to the CIF finals — the district said it was the program’s first appearance in about 25 years — and described community turnout, including caravans and strong away-game presence, as a sign of local engagement. He also pointed to the district’s academic outcomes, saying the district has a graduation rate above 96% and noting the academic decathlon’s fifth-place finish at state competition as evidence of student achievement.
Students praised district staff and student supports. "The staffs here just hear out the students and how they feel and they just want to improve a lot," said Jessine Martinez, a 10th grader, who named the college career center and the wellness center as places that help students access college and support services. Students described the superintendent’s student advisory as a forum where "everyone has a voice," and said principals and district leaders use the advisory to hear concerns and ideas.
The students highlighted college-readiness opportunities. Several described dual-enrollment partnerships with Rio Hondo College and CTE (career and technical education) classes such as sports medicine and MedCore as concrete pathways to earn college credit or explore careers while in high school. "I've taken a couple classes through Rio Hondo and it's been really easy going," one student said, noting staff support in the college-and-career center for paperwork and enrollment.
Clubs and inclusiveness also drew praise. Students noted multiple clubs, including Latino-focused groups and Spanish-language activities, that they say help make the school welcoming to Hispanic students and others seeking community.
Several students pointed to recent and ongoing capital projects — a new field, a new swimming pool and renovations to baseball and softball facilities — as tangible improvements that build pride and attract students interested in athletics.
The podcast ended with Dr. Viegas reiterating the district’s range of academic offerings — International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses, dual credit and CTE options — and inviting listeners to visit district schools to see programs and facilities firsthand. The episode centered on student experience and local supports rather than policy changes or formal board action.
