Dear Potential GVUSD Parents,

Welcome to Golden Valley Unified School District. We are honored that you are considering our school district as the educational institution for your children. Choosing a high quality education is one of the most important decisions we make as parents for our children. We also take that responsibility very seriously. We are welcoming students who are residents of our district and students from outside of our district. We also welcome students of employees who work within the boundaries of Golden Valley. If you have a student transferring into the district, you can ascertain more information on the Inter-District Transfer process by visiting our website at www.gvusd.k12.ca.us or by calling our district office at # (559)645-7500.

We are a district of approximately 2000 students in grades kindergarten through grade 12. Out district covers approximately 85 square miles bordered by the San Joaquin River on the south, Highway 145 on the north, Highway 41 on the east and Madera Unified School District on the west. We have two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school and five alternative educational programs offering independent studies, continuation high school, community day schools and adult education classes.

Did you know that Golden Valley USD is the highest performing K-12 district in Madera County and the second highest K-12 district in Fresno County? Golden Valley has an Academic Performance Index of 804 and continues to meet all targets under “No Child Left Behind’s” Adequate Yearly Progress Accountability Measures.

Our schools offer a safe, secure learning environment for students to grow academically as well as socially. Students are nurtured by highly competent and caring staff members. We offer award winning schools and programs to our students. Webster Elementary and Sierra View Elementary have both earned the prestigious recognition of California Distinguished School. Ranchos Middle School and Liberty High School are currently in the pipeline for California Distinguished School recognition as well. Webster Elementary also is a state recognized Golden Bell Award winner for their successful reading lab intervention program. Sierra View Elementary also earned the Golden Bell Award for their Character Counts! character education program.

Ranchos Middle School is a smaller learning community serving 7th and 8th grade students. We offer many extra and co-curricular opportunities for our students including athletics, drama, leadership, physical education enrichment programs and a variety of clubs. Ranchos Middle School is building a new state of the art facility that will open its doors in August 2009.

Liberty High School is a WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accredited high school. It offers a smaller learning community with high quality academics, a wide variety of extra and co-curricular activities, including competitive athletic and FFA(Future Farmers of America) programs. Liberty High School has nearly 100% of its students passing the California High School Exit Exam and a high percentage of students eligible for college-bound opportunities.

It would be our privilege to educate your child in our schools. If we can provide further information please contact us at # (559)645-7500.

Kindergarten Pre-registration at Webster Elementary, March 6, 2009 and Sierra View Elementary, March 10, 2009. Ranchos Middle School registration, August 5, 2009. Liberty High School registration, August 6, 2009.

Sincerely,

Sarah Koligian, Superintendent