Ceres High School is located in the city of Ceres, which is located in the central San Joaquin Valley, 80 miles south of Sacramento and 95 miles east of San Francisco, in the heart of Stanislaus County. Once an agriculturally based community, now most jobs are in manufacturing, retail trade, and social services. An increasing number of residents commute to jobs in the Greater Bay Area.Ceres High is one of two traditional high school in the district. Built in 1908, it is fed by three junior high schools and seven elementary schools. The ethnic trend of increased numbers of Hispanic students continues, with 48.4% of students Hispanic, 35% White, 2.4% African-American, 2.7% American Indian, 7.8% Asian-American,.6% Pacific Islander, and 1.0% Filipino-American. The number of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch continues to climb to 47% - a 4% increase. The number of English Language learners increased significantly over the past three years.More recently Ceres High School began modernization in the summer of 2005. Some portable classrooms are removed and two gyms are remodelled. Renovation of the student cafeteria into a student center has been completed. Although the remodelling caused disruption in classroom instruction and students being displaced, the students, faculty, and staff have responded positively by remaining flexible and focused on quality education. The second phase of modernization will include remodelling the main office and library. The final phase of modernization will include the construction of a new performing arts building that will be used for school and community events.
