Summary:
The Walnut Valley Unified school district operates three high schools—Diamond Bar High and Walnut High serving grades 9-12, and the smaller Ron Hockwalt Academies (Continuation)—all of which are located in a high-performing district ranked in the top 5% in California.
Both comprehensive high schools are standout institutions, with Diamond Bar High ranked 98th in the state and Walnut High showing impressive improvement to rank 116th; they boast graduation rates near 97% and test scores significantly above state averages, particularly in English and math. Ron Hockwalt Academies (Continuation) serves a different purpose as an alternative school, offering a much lower student-teacher ratio and specialized support for a smaller group of students.
Key takeaways for parents include the district's consistent excellence, with both main high schools delivering top-tier results. The continuation school operates with a different model and faces different challenges, such as higher chronic absenteeism, which correlates with its lower graduation rate. While per-student spending is higher at the continuation school, the comprehensive schools achieve remarkable cost-effectiveness and outcomes, though a relative weakness in science proficiency across the district presents a shared opportunity for growth.
Thank you for your feedback!