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District Information

students with masks in front of school
 
The Mountain View Los Altos High School District (MVLA) reflects the diversity, ambitions and spirit of innovation of the Silicon Valley. Serving the communities of Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, the MVLA district is comprised of two comprehensive high schools, an alternative high school, an adult education center, the Freestyle Academy for Arts & Technology, and Middle College. MVLA is committed to providing learning and growth opportunities so each of our 4,539 students can reach their full potential.
 
The MVLA High School District is located approximately 15 miles north of San Jose and 40 miles south of San Francisco. Our communities are home to a variety of high-tech firms including Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Intuit and Synopsys, as well as NASA-Ames.
 
Outstanding universities such as Stanford and San Jose State border our district to the north and south. The vibrant economy, diverse culture of the area and a strong heritage of educational excellence support our two comprehensive high schools that are consistently ranked in the top 500 high schools nationally.
 
Student Population: 4,539
Demographics

Demographics

According to California Department of Education’s Data Reporting Office 2021-22 data, MVLA's 4,539 students are:
  • Caucasian 36.5%
  • Latino/a 26.1%
  • Asian 25.2%
  • Filipino 1.9%
  • African American 1.3%
  • American Indian, Native Alaskan .2%
  • Pacific Islander .4%
  • Two or more ethnicities 8.3%
Outstanding Teachers

Outstanding Teachers

MVLA recruits and retains excellent teachers, many of whom hold Masters or Doctorate degrees. We support our 400+ teachers with technology in the classroom, ongoing professional support and training, and top salaries and benefits. We foster collegiality, respect, and cooperation among all students and staff. The average student to teacher ratio is 20:1.
 
District Funding

District Funding

MVLA has an $126-million budget, funded largely through local property taxes, and state and federal funds:
  • 85% from local property taxes
  • State funding 7%
  • Federal funding 2%
  • Other local 6% (MVLA Foundation, developer fees, plus other local donations/contributions)
 
Thanks to the generosity of contributors of the MVLA Foundation, the district is also able to provide:
  • College and career counseling to all students
  • Tutorial services
  • Rich library resources
  • Enhanced technology in the classroom, including access to Google Chromebooks
  • Wellness initiatives and mental health support to students
  • Free access to the online Naviance tool to help in college planning
Academics & Achievement

Academics & Achievement

MVLA has a long history of academic achievement and success, reflecting our high standards and proven in our high test scores. Our graduation and college acceptance rates are among the best in the state. Los Altos and Mountain View high schools are consistently ranked in the top 1% of high schools nationally. In the MVLA district, 98 percent of our graduates matriculate to college. Our schools offer more than 40 Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes. Student to teacher ratio is 20 to 1. All of our schools have received the maximum six-year accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
History

History

Mountain View High School was founded in 1902, at the corner of El Camino Real and Calderon Avenue. By the the 1920s, enrollment had grown significantly and a second high school was needed. In 1924, the school district opened a new school on Castro Street. The 1933 opening of Moffett Field prompted growth at both schools, and facilities were added on both campuses to accommodate students of local and military families.

By the 1950s, Mountain View Union High School was again unable to accommodate the increasing student body on its campus. In 1956, the school district added Los Altos High School on Almond Avenue. By 1961, the district built another school near Grant Road at the corners of Truman and Bryant: Chester F. Awalt High School, named for the first superintendent of the district.  

The Mountain View School District sold the original school buildings on Castro back to the city and relocated the school to Awalt High School. Originally, Los Altos High School adopted the Mountain View school colors and mascot. Later individual identities were selected:  Mountain View High became the Spartans (colors: black and gold) and Los Altos High became the Eagles (colors: blue and gray).

MVLA District Office

1299 Bryant Ave., Mountain View
650-940-4650
 

Comprehensive School Sites:

Los Altos High School
201 Almond Avenue, Los Altos
650-960-8811 
Mountain View High School
3535 Truman Avenue, Mountain View
650-940-4600

Innovative Education Alternatives:


Freestyle Academy
MVLA’s Freestyle Academy of Communication Arts and Technology provides juniors and seniors a unique and challenging opportunity to find or enhance an artistic/technical passion and develop their skills in film and digital media, animation, and visual and technological arts, photography, and more.

Address: 1299 Bryant Avenue, Mountain View
Phone: 650-940-4650 x0090


Middle College
In partnership with Foothill Community College, MVLA also offers a Middle College program as an alternative program for bright, college-bound students who are ready for a change from the traditional high school environment. Students complete high school graduation requirements by taking a broad range of both community college and high school courses on the Foothill College campus.


College Now
College Now is a program designed for some juniors and seniors to start college early (attending Foothill Community College) and graduate from high school with a year or more of transferable college credits. It is ideal for students who are highly self-motivated, mature, independent, responsible, and hardworking, and who may have ‘outgrown’ high school and are seeking a stimulating educational environment that is different from high school.


Alta Vista High School
Students who experience academic or personal difficulties may be recommended to MVLA’s Alta Vista High, which provides a safe, caring and flexible learning environment so students can graduate high school prepared to successfully transition to college and career. Fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), AVHS students must meet the same graduation requirements as students who attend traditional schools.

Address: 1325 Bryant Avenue, Mountain View
Phone: 650-691-2433


MVLA Adult School
Each year, thousands of people earn their high school diploma or GED, integrate into the community through ESL (English as a Second Language) and citizenship, and get career training and job placement in tech, healthcare and other fields at MVLA’s Adult School. The course catalog is online: www.mvlaae.net.

Address: 333 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View
Phone: 650-940-1333