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About Us

Our Mission

Our Mission

Imperial Unified School District is committed to maximizing each student’s potential to learn so they graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve significant educational, civic, and personal goals to enrich our society.

General Information

General Information

The Imperial Unified School District is located within the City of Imperial, in Imperial County, California. The city of Imperial is approximately 111 miles east of San Diego and approximately 19 miles from the border of Mexico. It has a population of 17,454 (estimated as of 2019). 
 
The Imperial Unified School District currently serves 4,296 students in grades TK-12 in one high school, one alternative high school, one middle school, and three elementary schools. Students identified as English learners (EL) comprise 22% of the student population, the vast majority of whom speak Spanish in the home. The percentage of students who are Low Income is 50.2%., 5% of students are identified as Foster Youth. Ethnically, 86.6% of students are Hispanic, 9.6% are White, .7% are Asian, 1.0% are African American, and 1.5% are of other racial backgrounds. In order to serve these students, the District employs 218 certificated, 205 classified, and 32 management, supervisors, and confidential personnel. 
 
Imperial Unified has a long-standing history of academic excellence which is evident by the multiple awards and recognition it has received each year. All of the schools in the district have received recognition from the state of California.  Ben Hulse Elementary, T.L. Waggoner, Frank Wright Middle, and Imperial High School have received Distinguished School awards.  Additionally, Frank Wright has been selected as a “Schools to Watch” three times. Ben Hulse, T.L. Waggoner, Frank Wright Middle, and Imperial High School were recognized as Honor Roll Schools by the Education Results Partnership multiple times and most recently in 2020. 
 
Imperial Unified offers unique opportunities and experiences for students in the area of science through the IVDZ (imperial Valley Discovery Zone) IVDZ’s objective is to increase STEM literacy in our community.  One important element in the program is elementary NGSS-aligned instruction for our district’s elementary students, grades 2-5. IUSD high school students are trained to provide an interactive, engaging educational experience where the students learn through hands-on experiments and experiences. The lessons are presented through the IHSE's facilitating NGSS.  Students learn the standards through the activities that the high school students have created. The original curriculum is relevant to our region and includes memorable STEM experiences for our young students.
School Recognition

School Recognition

  • 2019 Imperial Unified School District - Exemplary District
  • 2017 Imperial Ave Holbrook High - CA Model Continuation High School
  • 2016 AP College Board District Honor Roll 
  • 2020, 2019, 2018, 2015 & 2014 Ben Hulse Elementary School selected as an honor roll "Star School" by the CA Business for Educational Excellence Foundation
  • 2020, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2009, 2008 & 2007 Imperial High School selected as an honor roll "Star School" by the CA Business for Educational Excellence Foundation
  • 2018, 2014 & 1998 Ben Hulse Elementary School - CA Distinguished School Award
  • 2020, 2019 & 2014 T.L. Waggoner Elementary selected as an honor roll "Star School" by the CA Business for Educational Excellence Foundation
  • 2013, 2007 & 2003 Imperial High School - CA Distinguished School
  • 2020, 2019 & 2018 Frank Wright Middle School selected as an honor roll "Star School" by the CA Business for Educational Excellence Foundation
  • 2019, 2015, 2013, 2009 & 2007 Frank Wright Middle Schools-To- Watch/Taking Center Stage
  • 2009, 2008, & 2007 Imperial High School Standards & Poor/School Evaluation Services National Silver Medal Award
  • 2019 & 2007 Frank Wright Middle School - CA Distinguished School
  • 2008 T.L. Waggoner Elementary School - CA Distinguished School
  • 2008, 2004 & 2000 Westside Elementary School - CA Distinguished School
  • 2006 National "Dispelling the Myth Award" - Imperial High School 
  • 2006 Frank Wright Standards & Poor Recognition for "Closing the Achievement Gap" 
  • 2005 T.L. Waggoner Elementary School Honorable Mention CA Distinguished School 
  • 2004 Ben Hulse Elementary School Title I Academic Achievement Award