The History of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District

The Chaffey Joint Union High School District traces its beginnings to 1882 when George Chaffey, the founder of Ontario, established a relationship with the University of Southern California to found an agricultural school in the area. Chaffey was convinced such a school would complement the agricultural and commercial activities he envisioned for Ontario.

However, when Chaffey returned from a lengthy stay in Australia, he discovered USC had decided to sever their relationship with Ontario and abandon the school. Chaffey, a great believer in education, did not agree with this idea and pursued litigation. Although the suit dragged on, Chaffey eventually emerged as the winner, and USC was forced to pay a settlement fee. Chaffey established a trust fund for scholarships with that fee, a trust fund which is still in existence today. It is administered by volunteers, and every year, 18 scholarships are awarded to students from the district as a result of that original lawsuit.

The land allocated for the agricultural school, the current site on Euclid Avenue of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District, was converted into the campus of Chaffey High School. For some 50 plus years, it was the only secondary school in the whole valley. The school drew students from the communities of Ontario, Fontana, Alta Loma, Mt. Baldy, Etiwanda and Upland when it became developed.

The end of World War II made a big difference in the valley, and it went from a solely agricultural community to the beginnings of manufacturing and industry. The availability of jobs and housing resulted in a population explosion in Ontario, paralleling the state itself. The District began developing high schools in the surrounding cities.

Today the Chaffey Joint Union High School District serves the communities of Montclair, Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga. There are six high schools within the District which are, in turn, fed by seven elementary districts. For many years, Chaffey High School was the mainstay of the area, but after the War, Upland High School and Montclair High School were both constructed. In the next several years, Alta Loma High School and Ontario High School appeared. No new building occurred from 1967 until 1987 when Etiwanda High School opened and in 1992, Rancho Cucamonga High School. Now, the region is enjoying another boom period, and the district has plans for two more new high schools, one in Ontario and one in Rancho Cucamonga.

The original buildings at Chaffey High School were damaged in the 1932 Long Beach earthquake. Because of the damage, all the buildings were razed and between 1935 and 1937, WPA labor built the buildings that stand today.

Just as the growth of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District parallels the growth of the valley, so does its diversity. In its early years, the district's population was almost solely Anglo with very few Hispanics, even though there was a large Hispanic population working the groves. However, as the local environment changed from agricultural to small manufacturing and industrial, the population of the schools began to reflect this change until today when Hispanics represent the largest segment of the district population.

In recent years, the District has experienced an influx of people from all over Latin America, many of whom desire a high school education but cannot speak English. When this phenomenon became more pronounced, the district established Newcomer School. In this way, if a student entering the district cannot speak English, he or she can attend Newcomer's School for one year in order to learn enough English to complete the high school curriculum, graduate and continue their education.

The Chaffey Joint Union High School District has some unique qualities. There has always been an emphasis on academic excellence, including fundamental skills essential for continuing leaming. There is pride in providing students experiences and opportunities to prepare them for responsible citizenship and career options. There is confidence in the long tradition of the District to provide quality educaton which supports the energy and enthusiasm for innovation.

Another characteristic of the district is stability. The members of the Board of Trustees have long tenure in their positions, providing experience and knowledge for policy decisions as the schools adapt and adjust to changing populations. There have been seven superintendents in the history of the District, each building on the strengths of prior administrations.

Graduates exhibit their pride in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District. Today, it is not unusual for the fourth generation of a family to be attending school in the district. Such a tradition makes the students and their families proud and supportive. The District looks forward to the challenge of the future to promote the effective use of technology while maintaining the traditions of the past, to find the strength of their diversity and to continue to build the legacy of excellence.

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