About IUSD
Located in Orange County, California, the Irvine Unified School District is committed to providing the highest quality educational experience we can envision for our more than 38,000 TK-12 students in one early childhood learning center, 24 elementary schools, five K-8 schools, six middle schools, five high schools, one alternative high school and two virtual academies. Since becoming a school district in 1972, IUSD schools have been nationally recognized for comprehensive programs in academics, the arts, and athletics. Through a partnership with talented and caring teachers, engaged students, involved parents, and supportive business and community leaders, student and district performance continually exceeds state and national standards.
As part of Irvine's master-planned community in which schools are placed at the heart of each neighborhood, IUSD schools uniquely reflect the neighborhoods they serve. Open enrollment policies for IUSD students and families, on a space-available basis, encourage and support parental choice.
A Road Map for Success
IUSD's Strategic Initiatives define our core values, essential beliefs, and strategies for helping ensure students are equipped with the attitudes, skills, and knowledge necessary for success within IUSD and beyond. These initiatives serve as an organizational roadmap for IUSD, outlining who we are, where we’re going, and how we intend to get there.
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The commitment to excellence is the hallmark of IUSD. The District's Continuous Improvement Efforts illustrate our core mission to develop essential capacities within our students and staff and to evaluate, each day, the impact of our teaching on student learning.
Talented and Dedicated Staff
IUSD takes pride in our talented and dedicated staff, who are committed to fostering an exceptional educational experience for our students. We strive to create a collaborative and supportive environment that allows our employees to focus on our primary goal: serving the needs and interests of our students. To support our staff, we offer competitive salaries, outstanding health benefit plans, and one of the best working environments in the county, ensuring that our team is well-equipped to make a positive impact in the lives of our students.
Early Childhood Education
IUSD provides a high-quality early childhood educational experience to enhance the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child. Our Universal Early Childhood Learning Programs are intentionally designed to provide access to developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that align with Kindergarten entry and build a strong foundation for school readiness. Our programs consist of Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, formerly known as Transition Kindergarten (TK), and Kindergarten, and include both general education, specialized instruction and special education.
College, Career and Life REady
Through our commitment to college, career, and life readiness, we seek to nurture the diverse gifts and capabilities within each individual; challenge every student and adult learner to persevere for excellence; develop competent, resourceful, resilient, and empowered learners who are prepared to meet the challenges of a complex future; and enhance the human capacity for courage, compassion and contribution.
To achieve this mission, IUSD takes a comprehensive approach that combines academic performance, intellectual risk-taking, and health and wellness. Irvine Unified Career Technical Education creates a bridge to college, career, and life readiness through authentic learning experiences. We also work closely with higher education institutions and the business community, including partners like Edward Life Sciences, Broadcom, and Google, to understand what they seek in future students and employees. This collaboration ensures that, as a K-12 institution, we are best preparing you for success.
Special Education
Special Education ensures that the unique needs of students with an IEP are met through additional services, supports, programs, specialized placements, or environments. Special education services are provided to eligible students at no cost to families. The core purpose of special education is to provide specialized academic instruction and intervention, as well as to give students with an IEP access to the same educational programs and/or activities that are available to their nondisabled peers to the maximum extent possible. Special Education provides a full continuum of program options to meet the educational and service needs of individuals with exceptional needs in the Least Restrictive Environment. Special Education is specialized instruction provided for children from birth to age 22.
Comprehensive Academics, Arts, and Athletics
In addition to nationally recognized schools, IUSD students consistently outperform state and national averages. Our students benefit from comprehensive academics, arts, and athletics programs.
Our district consistently achieves high academic standards, offering a curriculum that prepares students for success in college and beyond. With a focus on innovative teaching practices, personalized learning, and a wide array of advanced placement and honors courses, we empower students to reach their full potential. Our dedicated educators and comprehensive support systems strive to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically.
Arts IUSD offers a diverse range of visual and performing arts opportunities, encouraging students to explore their talents and develop their artistic skills. With dedicated instructors and comprehensive curricula, we seek to inspire a lifelong appreciation for the arts, enhancing our students' overall educational experience and promoting creativity across all disciplines.
Athletics in IUSD emphasize teamwork, discipline, and personal growth. Our district offers a wide variety of competitive sports for students, encouraging physical fitness and fostering school spirit. Visit your child's high school website to learn more about athletics offered.
Offering Flexible Options for Our Families
IUSD Virtual Academies (IVA) are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of students who benefit from a non-traditional classroom environment. Similar to the District’s brick-and-mortar schools, IVA students have access to the IUSD curriculum in a collaborative environment with experienced and talented teachers. However, through a blend of real-time synchronous (live) and independent asynchronous (offline) learning, IVA students work in a flexible environment tailored to meet and support their educational needs from home.
For more information on IUSD Virtual Academies, visit the websites for elementary students and for middle/high school students.
Awards and Honors
IUSD is a nationally recognized school district known for its outstanding academic performance, consistently surpassing state and national averages. Our commitment to educational excellence is reflected in numerous awards and accolades across all disciplines, showcasing the hard work and dedication of our students and staff. With a focus on innovation, rigorous standards, and comprehensive support, we create an environment where every student can have the opportunity to thrive and achieve their highest potential, making IUSD a leader in educational excellence.
Click here for a list of awards, honors, and interesting facts about the IUSD.
Partnerships with Higher Education
Higher education opportunities are also readily available for IUSD students. The University of California, Irvine is a conveniently located university campus. UCI and the Irvine Unified School District enjoy a long-standing and mutually beneficial collaborative working relationship. In addition, Irvine Valley College is centrally located and provides a highly-respected two-year community college program. Satellite campuses for Pepperdine University and National University are also located within the City of Irvine, serving the residents of the community.
Collaborating with Community
IUSD actively collaborates with local, state, and federal partners, as well as the business community, to enhance educational opportunities and resources for our students. These partnerships play a crucial role in expanding access to innovative programs, internships, and real-world experiences that prepare students for future success. By working together with various stakeholders, we ensure that our students receive a well-rounded education that aligns with community needs and industry standards, fostering a strong support network that benefits both students and the broader community.
IUSD's Growth Benefits our District
- At a time when many school districts are experiencing declining enrollment, IUSD has experienced significant growth. Beginning in 2012, IUSD has built the following state-of-the-art schools.
- 2012 – Jeffrey Trail Middle School
- 2014 – Cypress Village Elementary School
- 2015 – Portola Springs Elementary School
- 2016 – Portola High School
- 2016 – Beacon Park School (K-8)
- 2017 – Eastwood Elementary School
- 2018 – Cadence Park School (K-8)
- 2019 – Loma Ridge Elementary School
- 2022 – Solis Park School (K-8)
Measure E Providing Upgrades to Older Schools
Measure E, a locally controlled funding source, was passed by voters in June 2016 and provides IUSD with a maximum available bond issuance of $319 million. The bond issuances occur in multiple funding series over 12 years and provide funding for facilities improvements to 28 of the District's 40 schools.
Bringing all schools up to a similar standard not only supports educational equity for students but it protects the outstanding quality of education for which IUSD schools are known. Measure E projects are focused on facility and technology infrastructure modernizations; upgrades to classrooms, science labs, and high school theaters; the creation of collaborative learning spaces; the development of innovation labs; enhanced accessibility; and other upgrades to improve safety, comfort, and the learning environment for students.