Mountain View High School has stood on the eastern edge of El Monte for more than five decades, serving generations of students from El Monte and South El Monte while evolving with the needs of its community.
Founded in 1971, Mountain View High School is one of five comprehensive campuses in the El Monte Union High School District. The school was built to serve the city’s eastern boundary and nearby South El Monte during a period of rapid growth in the San Gabriel Valley. Its 40-acre campus sits on a gentle slope near the San Gabriel River, offering clear views of the San Gabriel Mountains that inspired the school’s name.
From its opening, the campus has drawn most of its students from feeder schools in the Mountain View School District, including Kranz Intermediate School and Madrid Middle School. The school’s Viking mascot and emphasis on school pride have remained consistent even as programs and facilities expanded.
Campus Growth And Modernization
In recent years, Mountain View High School has undergone significant upgrades aimed at modernizing classrooms and student spaces. A major modernization project concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in September 2024, marking the completion of new and improved learning environments.
The campus includes 78 classrooms, a library and media center, a career center with an adjacent computer lab, a parent center, and multiple specialized labs. These include multimedia, math, and family and consumer science labs, along with a student-run bank. Mobile technology access has also expanded, with Chromebook, iPad, and computer carts supporting a push toward a lower student-to-device ratio.
Funding for technology and facility improvements has come from a mix of E-rate funds, categorical programs, and district bond measures. Measure HS, approved by voters, helped fund large-scale projects such as a new stadium and other infrastructure upgrades across the district.
Historic Challenges And Resilience
The campus has also faced challenges. On Jan. 21, 2013, a fire destroyed the roof of the school’s cafeteria building. The blaze also damaged historic photographs and awards stored inside. Classes continued as repairs were made, and the loss became part of the school’s shared history.
District officials have since emphasized modernization and safety, using lessons from the fire to guide facility planning and preservation.
Notable Alumni And School Culture
Mountain View High School has produced alumni who have made their mark in public service, media, and the arts. Graduates include U.S. Rep. Norma J. Torres, actress and model Emily Rios, NBC Dateline producer Luz Villarreal, and television writer and producer Chris Abrego.
Another alumna, Marisol Heredia, was the first female Hispanic soldier killed in action in Afghanistan. In her honor, the El Monte Post Office was renamed following federal recognition.
The school maintains a strong “Career and College Going Culture,” offering Advanced Placement courses and programs such as the VISTA Academy. About 15 percent of the current staff are alumni, a fact school leaders often cite as a reflection of deep community ties.
As Mountain View High School moves forward, its history remains closely linked to the families and neighborhoods it continues to serve. More information about the El Monte Union High School District is available at https://www.emuhsd.org.
