El Monte Union welcomes students and families to the 2025-26 school year with a message from Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga. The district, serving nearly 7,700 students across five comprehensive high schools and alternative programs, begins classes Tuesday, August 19. El Monte Union urges families to have students arrive on time and ready to learn to set a positive tone from day one.
El Monte Union opens school year
Dr. Zuniga emphasizes that the regular school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and that strong attendance supports academic growth and connection building. Families are asked to help students prepare for each day, with materials and a mindset geared toward success. The district operates Arroyo, El Monte, Mountain View, Rosemead and South El Monte high schools, along with adult and alternative education programs that offer personalized learning pathways for all ages.
El Monte Union protects student safety
In light of a challenging national immigration climate, El Monte Union reaffirms that its campuses are safe, inclusive spaces where every student belongs. Federal law guarantees access to public education regardless of immigration status. State law, including Assembly Bill 699, bars immigration enforcement agents from campus without a valid judicial warrant. The district does not collect or share information on immigration status or Social Security numbers and treats student and family data as confidential. Visitors must check in at the front office on closed campuses. For more on school safety and student rights, visit www.emuhsd.org
El Monte Union offers student support
El Monte Union staff are trained to respond with compassion to any concerns and to uphold legal protections for all learners. Students experiencing stress or anxiety may seek help from guidance counselors or visit campus Wellness Centers staffed by mental health professionals. Families can access legal aid, mental health support and resources through the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Public Counsel and the California Department of Education’s Safe Havens Initiative (cde.ca.gov/ls/pf/sa/healshavens.asp). The district also offers a Support Line at (626) 406-1317 to discuss challenges or tailor learning plans.
By arriving on time, staying engaged and supporting one another, El Monte Union students and families can make the new school year a success for all. The district stands in solidarity with immigrant students and remains committed to fostering safety, learning and belonging on every campus.
