Walnut High School is one of four comprehensive high schools in the Walnut Valley Unified School District, and it’s earned a reputation well beyond the San Gabriel Valley for its International Baccalaureate program. Located in Walnut, California, “WHS” has been an authorized IB World School since 2000, offering the full IB Diploma Programme alongside a deep Advanced Placement catalog and six A-G-eligible Career Technical Education pathways. This profile draws directly from Walnut High School’s official website and the California Department of Education so families researching Walnut High School in Walnut, CA get one accurate, up-to-date reference.
Walnut High School sits at 400 North Pierre Road in Walnut, CA, and operates as a traditional, non-charter public high school within Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD). As with any public school, there’s no tuition; enrollment runs through residency in the district’s boundaries, though WVUSD also participates in California’s District of Choice program, giving some non-resident families a path in. The campus serves roughly 2,100 students and has built its identity around rigorous academics: an IB Diploma Programme, a large AP course list, Project Lead the Way pathways, and a nationally recognized arts program.
This article walks through Walnut High School’s basic information, contact and location details, academics and curriculum, admissions and enrollment rules, facilities, staff and leadership, community life, and accreditation — followed by an FAQ built around what parents actually search for, from “is Walnut High School a good school” to how District of Choice enrollment works. Whether you already live within WVUSD boundaries or are considering an interdistrict or Allen Bill transfer, this guide is meant to get you accurate answers fast.
Basic Information
Walnut High School is a public, non-charter high school operating a traditional educational program within Walnut Valley Unified School District. According to the California Department of Education’s School Directory, the school is Active, serves grades 9 through 12 only, and has been open since July 1, 1980 under its current CDS record. The school’s own materials describe it as home to roughly 2,100–2,500 students depending on the year, an IB World School since 2000 with more than 900 IB Diploma graduates since then, and a nine-time California Distinguished School. It’s one of four comprehensive high schools serving WVUSD, alongside Diamond Bar High School.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| School Name | Walnut High School |
| District | Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) |
| CDS Code | 19-73460-1939149 |
| NCES/Federal School ID | 06843 |
| School Type (CDE) | High Schools (Public) |
| Sector | Public, non-charter |
| Educational Program Type | Traditional |
| Grade Span | 9–12 |
| Status | Active |
| CDE-Recorded Open Date | July 1, 1980 |
| IB World School Since | 2000 |
| 2025–2026 Enrollment (CDE) | Approx. 2,138 students |
| Mascot | Mustangs |
Contact & Location
Walnut High School’s campus is at 400 North Pierre Road in Walnut, California, in the eastern San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County. The school’s main line handles both general inquiries and connects to individual staff extensions, including the principal’s office. Walnut High maintains active Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram accounts for day-to-day updates, alongside its official Edlio-powered website, which hosts the school calendar, staff directory, and enrollment portal.
| Contact Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 400 North Pierre Road, Walnut, CA 91789 |
| Phone | (909) 594-1333 |
| Fax | (909) 444-3602 |
| Official Website | www.walnuths.net |
| District Website | Walnut Valley Unified School District (wvusd.org) |
| facebook.com/WalnutHighSchool | |
| Twitter/X | @Walnut_Mustangs |
| @walnut_mustangs | |
| Principal Email | jnorell@wvusd.org |
Academics & Curriculum
Academics at Walnut High School center on two flagship programs: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which the school has offered as an authorized IB World School since 2000, and an extensive Advanced Placement catalog with fully digital and hybrid-digital exam formats. The school also offers the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) for students pairing IB coursework with a Project Lead the Way pathway, plus an “IB Course Student” option for students who want individual IB classes without pursuing the full diploma. Beyond IB and AP, Walnut High runs Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences and Computer Science pathways, six Career Technical Education pathways, and a WHS–Mt. SAC Dual Enrollment partnership that lets qualifying 10th-through-12th graders earn community college credit in subjects like American Sign Language, Real Estate, and Hospitality and Restaurant Management.
| Academic Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| IB Programs Offered | IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), IB Course Student option |
| IB World School Since | 2000; 900+ WHS students have earned the IB Diploma |
| AP Exam Formats | Fully digital (e.g., Art History, English Lang/Lit, U.S. History) and hybrid digital (e.g., Biology, Calculus AB/BC, Chemistry, Physics) |
| CTE Pathways (6 total) | Sports Medicine, Nursing, Industrial Engineering, Business Entrepreneurship, Media/Arts & Entertainment, Careers in Education |
| Project Lead the Way | Biomedical Sciences pathway; Computer Science pathway; PLTW Distinguished School |
| Dual Enrollment Partner | Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) via CCAP agreement; open to qualifying 10th graders and up |
| IB Coordinator | Garrett Lim |
Admissions & Fees
Because Walnut High School is a public school within Walnut Valley Unified School District, there is no tuition for enrollment. Families living within WVUSD’s attendance boundaries enroll directly through the district’s online Aeries enrollment portal, submitting proof of residency (a mortgage statement, lease, or property tax bill plus a current utility bill and CA ID), a birth certificate, immunization records, and prior school transcripts and records. Families outside WVUSD’s boundaries need an approved interdistrict attendance permit from their home district, while WVUSD residents who instead want to attend Diamond Bar High School must file an intradistrict permit. WVUSD also participates in California’s District of Choice (DOC) program, which opens a defined annual application window for non-resident students, and offers an “Allen Bill” transfer option for families where a parent or guardian works at least 10 hours per week within district boundaries. Note that the IB program carries its own International Baccalaureate Organization program costs separate from district enrollment.
| Admissions Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tuition | None (public school) |
| Enrollment Basis | Residency within WVUSD boundaries, or approved transfer |
| Out-of-District Students | Require an approved interdistrict attendance permit |
| WVUSD Residents Choosing Diamond Bar HS | Require an intradistrict permit (submitted to the District Office) |
| Allen Bill Option | Available if a parent/guardian works 10+ hrs/week within WVUSD boundaries |
| District of Choice (DOC) Program | Annual application window for non-residents (typically Oct. 1–Dec. 31 for the following school year); not available to Azusa, Pomona, or Rowland USD residents |
| Enrollment Portal | walnutvalleyusd.aeries.net/enrollment |
| IB Program Costs | Separate IBO fees apply for IBDP/IBCP/IB Course students |
Facilities
Walnut High’s single comprehensive campus supports its academic breadth with program-specific spaces, most notably a dedicated Sports Medicine facility that the school’s own CTE materials describe as “state of the art,” supporting its Sports Medicine CTE pathway and certified athletic training program. The campus also includes a Performing Arts Center (PAC), used for AP information sessions and the school’s nationally recognized arts programming, along with a library, a full CTE wing supporting pathways like Nursing and Industrial Engineering, and athletic facilities supporting a full slate of interscholastic sports managed through the separate Walnut Mustang Athletics site. A detailed campus map is published directly on the school’s website for families planning a visit. Specific building-by-building specs (gym capacity, pool details, auditorium seating) aren’t published on the official site beyond what’s listed here.
| Facility/Program Area | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sports Medicine Facility | Dedicated CTE lab space; supports Sports Medicine pathway and certified athletic trainer program |
| Performing Arts Center (PAC) | Hosts AP info sessions and the school’s arts programming |
| CTE Program Spaces | Support Nursing, Industrial Engineering, Business, Media/Arts, and Early Childhood Education pathways |
| Library | On-campus library serving students and staff |
| Athletics Facilities | Support interscholastic sports via walnutmustangathletics.com |
| Campus Map | Published PDF available via the official website |
Staff & Leadership
Walnut High School’s administration is led by Principal Jamie Norell, herself a WHS alumna whose father, Dr. Ken Gunn, was a longtime WHS coach, teacher, and administrator honored by having the football stadium named after him. Norell is supported by Assistant Principal Marc Natividad and three Instructional Deans — Dr. Trina Dreyer, Luz Lozano, and Dr. Ryan McDonnell — along with an Athletic Director, Activities Director, Operations Manager, and Administrative Assistant rounding out the school’s leadership team. This administrative depth reflects the size and program complexity of a campus running IB, AP, CTE, and dual-enrollment tracks simultaneously.
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Principal | Jamie Norell |
| Assistant Principal | Marc Natividad |
| Instructional Dean | Dr. Trina Dreyer |
| Instructional Dean | Luz Lozano |
| Instructional Dean | Dr. Ryan McDonnell |
| Athletic Director | Valeria Varela |
| Activities Director | Pauline Mendoza |
| Operations Manager | Conchita Cawley |
| Administrative Assistant | Monique Estrada |
| IB Coordinator | Garrett Lim |
Community & Events
Student life at Walnut High runs through its Associated Student Body (ASB), which oversees a full roster of clubs listed on the school’s “Clubs at WHS” page, alongside the award-winning Hoofprint student newspaper and Cayuse yearbook. The school’s own materials describe a diverse student population that speaks more than 32 languages, and community traditions run deep around athletics rivalries — the annual “Branding Iron” football game and spirit week against a nearby rival draws heavy student and family turnout each fall. Parent and alumni involvement is active through Parent Organizations, the Walnut High Community Club, and the Walnut Valley Alumni Endowment, while the school calendar publishes recurring events like Back-to-School Night, the WVUSD College Night, and the Mustang Corral Summer Fest.
| Community Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Student Government | ASB; oversees clubs listed on the official Clubs at WHS page |
| Student Publications | The Hoofprint (newspaper), Cayuse (yearbook) |
| Diversity | Student population reported to speak 32+ languages |
| Signature Rivalry Event | “Branding Iron” football game and spirit week |
| Alumni/Parent Groups | Parent Organizations, Walnut High Community Club, Walnut Valley Alumni Endowment |
| Recurring Annual Events | Back-to-School Night, WVUSD College Night, Mustang Corral Summer Fest |
Accreditation
Walnut High School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), with its most recent self-study, visiting committee report, and accreditation status letter all dated 2024 and published directly on the school’s official WASC Report page. Independently of WASC, Walnut High is also authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization as an IB World School, a status it has held since 2000 and which requires ongoing IB evaluation to maintain. The school’s own materials additionally cite recognition as a nine-time California Distinguished School and a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished School, reflecting sustained academic performance across multiple accountability cycles.
| Accreditation/Recognition | Detail |
|---|---|
| Accrediting Body | Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) |
| Most Recent WASC Cycle | Self-study and visiting committee report, April 2024; status letter, June 2024 |
| IB World School Authorization | Since 2000 (IB Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme) |
| California Distinguished School | 9-time recipient (per official school materials) |
| PLTW Distinguished School | Yes |
Conclusion
Walnut High School stands out among San Gabriel Valley public high schools for combining a long-established IB Diploma Programme with a strong AP catalog, six A-G-eligible CTE pathways, and a Mt. SAC dual enrollment partnership — all under WASC accreditation and IB World School authorization. For families already living within Walnut Valley Unified School District’s boundaries, enrollment is a straightforward residency-based process; for everyone else, an interdistrict permit, Allen Bill transfer, or the annual District of Choice window are the paths in. For the most current enrollment deadlines, IB program costs, or course catalog details, always confirm directly with Walnut High School or Walnut Valley Unified School District, since policies and application windows are updated year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walnut High School a good school?
Walnut High School is WASC-accredited, has been an IB World School since 2000 with over 900 IB Diploma graduates, and has been recognized nine times as a California Distinguished School per its own official materials. Independent ranking and review sites also rate the school favorably, though families should weigh multiple data points against their own priorities.
How much is tuition at Walnut High School?
There is no tuition. Walnut High School is a public high school within Walnut Valley Unified School District, and enrollment is based on residency within district boundaries or an approved transfer (interdistrict permit, Allen Bill, or District of Choice).
How do I enroll my child at Walnut High School?
Families residing within WVUSD boundaries apply through the district’s online Aeries enrollment application, uploading proof of residency, a birth certificate, immunization records, and prior school records. Families outside the boundary need an approved interdistrict attendance permit, or can apply through the annual District of Choice window if eligible.
What is Walnut Valley’s District of Choice program?
District of Choice is a California program that lets non-resident students apply to attend WVUSD schools outside their home district. WVUSD’s DOC application window is announced annually (recently October 1 through December 31 for the following school year), though the district cannot process DOC applications from students residing in Azusa, Pomona, or Rowland Unified School Districts — those families must use an Allen Bill or interdistrict permit instead.
Does Walnut High School offer the IB Diploma Programme?
Yes. Walnut High has been an authorized IB World School since 2000 and offers the full IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) for students combining IB with a Project Lead the Way pathway, and an option to take individual IB courses without pursuing the full diploma.
What AP and CTE options does Walnut High School have?
Walnut High offers a large Advanced Placement catalog using both fully digital and hybrid-digital exam formats, plus six Career Technical Education pathways: Sports Medicine, Nursing, Industrial Engineering, Business Entrepreneurship, Media/Arts and Entertainment, and Careers in Education, alongside Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences and Computer Science tracks.
Can my student take college classes while at Walnut High School?
Yes, through the WHS–Mt. SAC Dual Enrollment Program, a partnership with Mt. San Antonio College under California’s College and Career Access Pathways law. Students generally must be in 10th grade or above, seats are limited, and courses are taught by Mt. SAC faculty on the Walnut High campus.
Who is the principal of Walnut High School?
Jamie Norell serves as principal. She is a Walnut High School alumna returning to lead the school where her father, Dr. Ken Gunn, previously served as a coach, teacher, and administrator.
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