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A Comprehensive High School in a Rural Setting  As the bell rings at 7:32 a.m., all 2300 students quickly move toward their classes. The students know that at NHS instruction begins the moment the tardy bell rings. Here, learning is significant because the students see themselves as part of a school family that is supported by the rural community. Norco is a unique area in Southern California. Its equestrian lifestyle offers a combination of family and community that is reminiscent of the Old West. The school chant, "We Are Norco, reflects the pride the teachers, staff, and students have for the school. They want everyone to know who they are and where they come from.Norco High School's Agricultural Department is a large part of our rural school's dynamics and offers classes such as agricultural natural science, small engine repair, floral design, agricultural mechanics, and construction. Other classes include agricultural biology, horticulture, and land management. The reputation of the Ag department is one of the best in the state and brought Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to NHS several years ago to proclaim his admiration for our agriculture department and career technology education programs. We also offer a unique program called, Dare to Soar, which rewards students who complete approved sequences of courses in career technical areas such as agriculture and business/industrial technology. In this way, students can earn recognition for hands-on career building classes that enable them to successfully enter the work force or college. Students receive a graduation cord which they may display as part of their graduation attire. Norco High School strives to give students a solid academic foundation, the ability to solve problems, communicate effectively, and behave ethically. To that end, teachers meet once a week in a professional learning community format, collaborating to improve curriculum and instruction. Norco High's academic performance index is 721. Last year the school improved twenty points and has set a goal of 750 for this school year. NHS students have also scored well on the California High School Exit Exam. Pass rates have continued to increase over the last several years and are 81% for English/Language Arts and 78% for mathematics. 76% of seniors graduate and continue their education in junior college and four-year universities. The Principal's Honor Roll was given to 646 students who had achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or above. Additionally, NHS offers seventeen honors and advanced placement classes. 53% of students taking the advanced placement examinations passed with college credits. The Course Majors Program recognizes those students who demonstrate the school motto to Make the most of your life through education. Students may choose one or more of eight majors, culminating in advanced placement course work. Our advanced placement courses reflect diverse interests such as foreign language and vocal arts. By the end of their senior year, students who complete the program receive course major medallions to wear at their graduation ceremony. It is not uncommon to see several graduates wearing three to five medals, majoring in many different subject areas. Our students have also faired well in academic competitions such as Destination Imagination, History Day, Science Fair and PTSA Reflections contests. It is important that NHS meet the needs of all our students by increasing achievement for special needs students through a wide variety of programs. The Student Assistance Program at NHS is an umbrella of resources that help students in need of assistance, both immediate and long term, to find support and counseling. Our Peer Counseling program provides mediation to many students and helps to reduce the number of fights and conflicts on campus. The peer counselors make in-class presentations explaining their function on campus such as violence prevention and the referral process. Supporting our freshman is a top priority. Link Crew is a leadership and freshman transition program. Link Crew creates a sense of belonging for incoming 9th graders. The program reduces the rate of student isolation and low self-esteem by providing students with a sense of acceptance and connection to our school community. AVID classes are very successful in assisting first generation college students to be accepted at major colleges and universities. AVID students learn the skills necessary to be successful in college such as taking Cornell notes, using a planner, and managing time. Last year twenty-four AVID seniors were accepted to major colleges and universities. Our career center continues to help our students make college and career choices. During a student's freshman year, he or she begins a career portfolio of work that may be used as a tool for college or career planning. In addition, Norco Vista, a school within a school, continues to offer at risk students the opportunity to improve their academic achievement. Offered to 11th and 12th grade students, the program serves as an intervention to get students back on track to graduate. The teachers in this program work diligently to reach these students so that they are academically successful. Norco Vista offers a variety of classes with the help of several specialized computer recovery classes called NovaNET. A wide variety of extra and co-curricular activities augment the educational program. Last year 63% of our students involved themselves in some form of student service, school government, clubs, performing groups, and other extra-curricular activities. Students participate in campus cleanup, blood drive, relay for life, aides walk, giving tree and many other activities. Overall, students can participate in twenty-seven clubs and twenty-two sports. Many students serve in leadership roles including school site council, PTSA and ASB. Last year Norco High School's athletic program had one of its best years to date. Seven sports became Mountain View League Champs and seventeen sports entered CIF competitions. Sixty-three athletes received all Mountain View League honors, twenty-one all Riverside County and thirty-two all CIF honors. Many of our athletic graduates receive full scholarships at division one schools. Recently, both our boy's and girl's varsity basketball teams made it to the CIF finals which are considered a huge accomplishment. Norco Football continues to reign as king with two back to back CIF Championships and a chance for a three-peat this year. Counselors are the heart of any high school, and Norco is no exception. Our guidance counselors are caring and well trained. They guide and assist each student's academic, social, personal, and career goals. Counselors are available to meet with students on a daily basis with no appointment necessary. From enrollment to graduation, counselors see to it that our students are supported. Our counselor's mission is to help educate students to be lifelong learners and contributing citizens. When the bell rings at the end of the school day, Norco High School students filter out of their classes into the quad. They move in slow motion toward the exits. Some filter to the parking lots, while others catch busses, or ride bikes. Many will participate in after school activities. Others will seek the library or a teacher's class for extra help. However, many students take the time to stop and talk to their teachers and administrators. You can tell they like their school. There is a feeling that we, as a staff, create high standards and expectations for all students. We care about them as individuals and they know they are very special to us. In return, our students work hard to achieve the success they so richly deserve. |
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2065 Temescal Avenue, Norco, CA 92860 • Tel: (951) 736-3241 - Fax: (951) 736-3282
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