Schools/Escuelas

The John Swett Unified School District (JSUSD), located in Contra Costa County, California, serves the communities of Crockett, Rodeo, Port Costa, and parts of Hercules. Established in 1927 with the construction of John Swett High School in Crockett, the district is named after the "father of California public schools," who championed free education in the 1860s. 

Key Historical & District Details:

• Namesake: Named after John Swett (1830–1913), the 4th California Superintendent of Public Instruction (1863–1867), who abolished tuition and established free public schools.

• Formation & Growth: The district's flagship, John Swett High School, was established in 1927 to serve the industrial town of Crockett. The district grew to include Rodeo Hills Elementary, which opened in 2004, replacing older, smaller schools.

• Challenges & Evolution: Located in a historically industrial area (C&H Sugar), the district faced challenges with declining enrollment and funding in the early 2000s.

• Modern Era: As of the 2024-2025 school year, JSUSD operates a small, community-focused district with roughly 1,200–1,300 students. In 2016, the district changed the high school mascot to the Warriors, moving away from the former Indian mascot.

• Infrastructure: The historic 1927 high school complex received significant seismic upgrades and new construction, including music and administration buildings completed in 2014. 

Today, the district focuses on providing a personalized, "small school" environment with modern technology integration.