California High School Hits 95% Graduation Rate

When Principal Dr. Barbara Kelley started at A.B. Miller High School three decades ago as a band director, she couldn't have imagined this moment. The California Department of Education just named her school a 2026 California Distinguished School, recognizing dramatic improvements in graduation rates, test scores, and student success.

The numbers tell an inspiring story. In just three years, A.B. Miller lifted its graduation rate from 89% to nearly 95%, meaning hundreds more students are crossing that stage with diplomas in hand. The school also surpassed state averages in English, math, and college readiness.

Kelley credits creative teaching strategies that make learning stick. During "Spill the T.E.A." sessions, students master short-form writing through topic sentences, evidence, and analysis. On "Word Problem Wednesday," they tackle complex math by breaking down exactly what each question asks.

The school adopted i-Ready, a personalized learning program that lets teachers and students set individual growth goals together. When students hit their targets, they earn rewards like homework passes. It turns assessment into achievement.

For students dreaming of college, the AVID program takes them on field trips to UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, and other California universities. A.B. Miller alumni at each campus give tours and share real talk about college life, making higher education feel reachable.

Career pathways offer hands-on learning too. Students can record their own music in the digital audio program, learn aviation, or train in the award-winning Conservatory of Dance. These programs help teenagers discover passions that could become careers.

The Ripple Effect

Kelley's dedication runs deep. She's spent her entire career at this school, moving from band director to assistant principal to leading the whole campus. Now her own daughter attends A.B. Miller, and her son will follow soon. "My husband and I are true Fontana believers," she said.

That belief shows up in the data. English learner progress reached the state average in 2025, proving the school's commitment to closing opportunity gaps for every student, regardless of background.

Superintendent Miki R. Inbody celebrated the recognition as proof of the district's equity mission. When schools focus on building students up instead of sorting them out, remarkable things happen.

Ninety-five students out of every hundred are now graduating on time, prepared for whatever comes next.