Ruben Salazar High School is the continuation high school for the El Rancho Unified School District and proudly serves the community of Pico Rivera. RSHS is fully accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Universities (WASC) and was awarded a maximum 6 year accreditation in both 2009 and 2015. Our current term expires in 2021. In 2012, 2016, and 2019 RSHS was recognized as a Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education (CDE) and California Continuation Education Association (CCEA). This award is the highest accolade a continuation high school can receive. Salazar enrollment is comprised of approximately 180 11th and 12th grade students. El Rancho High School is RSHS' primary feeder school. However, RSHS also admits students from other high schools. The ethnic composition of the community is 97% Hispanic, 3% White. The majority of students are socio-economically disadvantaged with 72% of students receive a free or reduced lunch and 9% designated as English learners. RSHS follows a traditional school calendar aligned with the school district calendar. RSHS is on a trimester system which allows students the opportunity to earn credits at a faster pace than the traditional semester system.
Salazar High School has 10 general education teachers,1 special education teacher (RSP) and 2 instructional aides. Administrative and support staff include one principal, one full-time counselor, 1 part-time mental health counselor and interns, a part time school psychologist, a secretary and a clerk. RSHS is committed to using technology to engage students and improve the instructional program. The school has 10 mobile carts that each hold 20-30 Chromebooks. Students also have access to a media center and computer lab making RSHS a 1:1 technology school along with an Innovation Lab. Ruben Salazar also has 4 Promethean Boards for instructors as teachers utilize Google Classroom as their digital learning platform.
RSHS is committed to ensuring that all students succeed and as a result provides flexible schedules and offers a wide range of academic and elective courses. The school also offers online courses through APEX Online Learning. This provides students an additional method to recover credits. Students may also earn credits through work experience and community service programs. RSHS works in collaboration with Rio Hondo College and Tri-Cities ROP to offer onsite college and vocational courses during and after school. Rio Hondo representatives conduct lunchtime workshops that provide students with post-graduation information and resources. Rio Hondo also offers two courses on-campus, which students can enroll in concurrently for elective credit.
RSHS has a student government class that sponsors many on-campus activities to create a sense of community. The school also participates in Character Counts, Olweus Bully Prevention and Safe Dates. RSHS works closely with the Rotary Club, Soroptimist, Woman's Club and other local organizations to offer students volunteer opportunities. RSHS also works in partnership with local business to provide additional resources to improve the instructional program. Additionally, RSHS has a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) team whose goal is to provide behavior supports to assist students to achieve social, emotional and academic success. The RSHS ASB selects a spokesperson and alternate to present school news and other relevant information at the ERUSD Board of Education meetings.