Emerald High School has officially opened and welcomed its first class of students, including sophomores and freshmen. The DUSD has been working hard to elevate the high school experience for incoming and current high schoolers. Along with that, the DUSD continues to grow its course catalog and include several passions for different pathways.
Emerald High has technically been open for two years, starting with the class of 2027, even though the campus was under construction . The current sophomores went to Dublin High School while registered as EHS students and were housed in portables away from the DHS students. Even though they were on the DHS campus, they had different classes and teachers than Dublin High students. In August 2024, the current sophomores transferred to their new Emerald High School home.
The construction of Emerald High began in the fall of 2020. EHS was estimated to be fully completed by 2026. Seven buildings have been built since 2020, including the Admin, Student Union, Vapa, Library, Gym, Locker Rooms, and the F buildings. Two buildings are currently under construction: the G Building and an extension to the Vapa Building.
EHS offers diverse courses to help students find their interests and expand career opportunities. However, there has been a conflict about the courses and extra classes offered in recent weeks. Many parents are arguing with the district, advocating for a better variety of classes and more outside the district-approved courses for their children. Since then, many board meetings have taken place, where decisions for the future of Emerald High School students have been made.
Emerald High has new technology on campus. Many schools rely on Chromebooks and technology to teach their students. EHS has a checkout service for Chromebooks that is available to all students. Any students who do not have access to technology at home are welcome to check out a Chromebook. Photography cameras are also used by yearbook students and teachers to capture their events and memories.
Emerald High offers a variety of after-school sports throughout the year, and playing a sport for two seasons fulfills a year of PE credit. EHS has standard team sports such as Cross Country, Football, Volleyball, Basketball, and Soccer. Emerald also offers more unique sports like Water Polo, Hip Hop, Cheer, and Archery. All of these help students get to know each other better and create bonds that will last a lifetime.
EHS also offers a 7th period for band, orchestra, marching band, and color guard. Band/ Orchestra 1 is for those interested in learning the basics of an instrument, while Band/Orchestra 2 or 3 requires an audition and is for more advanced students. Marching Band takes place during the first semester and can fulfill a PE credit. Emerald High also offers two levels of Colorguard: Junior Varsity and Varsity. These 7th-period classes allow students to expand their horizons without taking up time in their regular 6-period schedule.
Clubs are essential to student life and help students feel more connected to their school. Emerald High offers many clubs created and run by students to include everyone. Many student unions at EHS allow every student to feel comfortable. All these clubs take place during lunch; anyone is welcome to join.
Many new staff members have joined Emerald High School for new opportunities. The current principal of EHS is Ms. Velez, and she helps many students and families feel welcome at Emerald. Many of our Fallon teachers have transferred to EHS, including Mr. Branson, Mr. Rick, Ms. Pappalardo, Ms. Tomilloso, and Mr. Voeller. Emerald High School staff has been working hard to make Emerald a thriving school.
Emerald High is a great school that has welcomed many new students and will continue to do so. EHS offers a variety of classes, sports, and clubs for students to explore their interests and career options. There are many things for EHS to work on, such as the development of new classes, but for now, Emerald High is a place for students to explore their interests and future careers.
