Brief History

Founded in 1901, El Monte High School is one of the oldest high schools in the San Gabriel Valley. The school has grown significantly since its early days. In its initial year of operation, in a single, upstairs classroom in the old Lexington Avenue Grammar School, the high school boasted an enrollment of 12-15 students. By 1908, the high school had its own campus and a student body comprised of 65 students. Today, El Monte High School has a student enrollment of approximately 1,400 students. 

Also of note is the history of our school’s mascot, the lion. In the early part of the 20th century, Gay’s Lion Farm resided in El Monte. Thus, El Monte High School became known as the Home of the Lions. Although Gay’s Lion Farm is long gone, lion murals and statues can be found across our campus as proud reminders of our history.

Alma Mater

Hail Monte, hail
We pledge our loyalty,
We’ll never fail
To love and honor thee,
To our banner waving free
Loyal and true we’ll ever be
White and blue to victory
Hail, El Monte, Hail