Waterford USD is located in California's Central Valley, a region known for its agricultural heritage and the current world leader in almond production.

Our schools provide a safe and connected learning environment, targeted small-group instruction, and a variety of special programs, including:

  • EARLY LEARNING

  • EXPANDED LEARNING

  • S.T.E.A.M.

  • COMPUTER EDUCATION

  • DUAL ENROLLMENT

  • MUSIC, VISUAL, AND PERFORMANCE ARTS

  • SCHOOL CLUBS

  • ATHLETICS

  • CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION PATHWAYS (CTE)

  • SUMMER ACADEMY

  • FFA

our mission is to develop self-directed and collaborative learners who are college,  career, and community ready.

Waterford Unified School District, in partnership and collaboration with families and community, is committed to developing:

  • A safe, healthy and supportive environment

  • Academic excellence and achievement for all students

  • Well-rounded successful citizens with personal integrity

  • Diverse learning opportunities

  • Critical thinking and creative expression

  • Effective use of technology as a tool for learning

The Waterford Unified School District is a Pre-K-12 district made up of five schools with a TK-12 enrollment of around 1,840. Waterford USD has a broad scope of educational offerings, from Preschool through Adult Education, and is the regional provider of Special Education grade 7 through adult. It is home to Sentinel High School, a continuation school that provides students the opportunity to recover credits to complete their graduation requirements. The Sentinel office also manages the Waterford Adult Education Center, where a variety of career and technical training courses are offered. Waterford USD sponsors Connecting Water Charter School, a home school charter serving 2,100 students in a seven-county geographical region.

ABOUT WATERFORD USD

Programs

Waterford USD provides a broad scope of supplemental programs appropriate for each grade level. In elementary school, children receive an instructional approach to teaching, including targeted small group reading instruction. At the intermediate level, all students visit the STEAM lab, where they rotate through various projects, including robotics, programing, video production, art, and more. L.W. Intermediate students can also choose to participate in music classes, intermural or competitive sports, student leadership, and gardening. During their time at the Jr High, students have more options for sports, a deeper musical education, a variety of extracurricular clubs and activities to choose from, and mentorship and tutoring opportunities.

At all levels, students are provided a Chromebook to support student learning. Waterford USD also has several grants in place to provide free meals and all necessary school supplies.

Students from TK-6th grade can participate in Expanded Learning before or after school, which includes an academic power hour and numerous other extracurriculars. Students in 7-8th grade can participate in the After School Program as desired.

Preparing our students for the future

96.9% Graduation rate - over 9% higher than the state average.

Waterford High School, home of the Wildcats, has a thriving athletics program, with many championship titles. Students also enjoy access to dozens of academic, extracurricular, leadership, and performing arts clubs. In addition to the Advanced Placement classes, WHS offers dual enrollment at Modesto Jr College. The adult education center, in collaboration with Modesto Jr College, also offer career and technical training classes on campus.

Sentinel High School is a continuation school that offers an alternative diploma pathway.

Impacting our community

Our mission goes beyond academics; we aim to nurture youth into becoming well-rounded successful citizens with personal integrity and emotional maturity. Each month, Lucille Whitehead focuses on a Character Trait or Life Skill to develop. At our Jr High, staff and counselors lead students through "Kindness Week" and have a monthly reward system for students they see demonstrating good character. At both the Jr and Sr High, students complete required service hours and service projects. The High School has a Community Youth Club focused on serving the younger campuses and our greater community, and the FFA, other clubs, and sports team regularly volunteer for community events.

Each Spring, each campus participates in the City-Wide Volunteer Day, and students are encouraged to join with their friends or team to sign up for a project to give back to their community.

WATERFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Home of the Wildcats!

Waterford High School is a small town high school that's achieving BIG things!

Waterford High School (WHS) is well known throughout the Central Valley for consistent gains in student achievement. In fact, WHS has the highest four-year growth in academic performance of any comprehensive high school in California. In 2007, WHS was named a California Distinguished School. The students at WHS received the Title I Academic Achievement Award presented at the state Title I conference in May 2006 and 2007. WHS was the first high school in the region to reach and surpass the state target of 800 (2008). In the 2016-2017 school year, Waterford High School received the Gold Ribbon Award and Title I Academic Achievement Award. These awards are some of the most prestigious award school can earn in the state.

Waterford High School offers a diverse catalog of courses and extracurriculars. Students may explore the Arts, Music and Drama. Students can also enroll in Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses, and a Career and Technical Education Pathway. Over 45% of WHS students complete in athletics, and our Wildcat teams have won a variety of championships, awards, and honors, often going on to compete on a state level. Waterford High School is also home to a thriving FFA chapter.

WILDCAT SPORTS

Waterford High School is young compared to many schools, but that hasn't stopped our athletes from raking in the championship tities!

  • 6 Section Titles

  • 27 League Titles

  • 1 National Championship

  • Numerous State Appearances

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (VAPA)

Waterford High School is home to a thriving VAPA program that allows students to express themselves and inspires creativity. The music program performs at school concerts, as well as other school and community events. The drama club presents two community productions annually. Some of the VAPA opportunities offered include:

  • Art Classes

  • Ceramics Classes

  • Drama Club

  • Theatre Arts

  • Choir

  • Guitar

  • Band

  • Jazz Band

  • Orchestra

  • Color Guard