Esperanza Will be Closed from 11/22-11/30
Esperanza Will be Closed from 11/22-11/30
Esperanza Families- the school will be closed on the above dates. School will resume on 12/1/25. We hope you all enjoy your time off and get to spend time resting and recharging.
Upcoming Events
Classroom Spotlight
Classroom Spotlight
Ceramics: Slab-Built Lidded Boxes
In Ceramics, Mr. Kowalski's students are currently learning a foundational technique called slab building—similar to constructing a gingerbread house. Using hand-built clay slabs, students are designing and creating themed lidded boxes. Each piece includes intentional texture, patterns, and a custom handle that reflects the student’s chosen theme.
Students also had the opportunity to work on the potter’s wheel again, where they created an additional lidded form. Across both methods, students are gaining confidence in essential ceramic techniques while expressing their creativity in meaningful, artistic ways.
2025 CA Honor Roll School
2025 CA Honor Roll School
We are excited to share that Esperanza High School has been officially recognized as a 2025 California Honor Roll School, a distinction celebrating excellence in student achievement and continuous academic growth.
The California Honor Roll, presented by Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and supported by the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE), highlights schools across the state that are preparing students with the essential skills needed for success in college, career, and life.
To earn a place on the Honor Roll, schools must demonstrate strong academic performance across multiple years of CAASPP English Language Arts and Math results — not just overall, but across all student groups, including historically underserved populations. Only about 21% of schools statewide achieve this level of comprehensive excellence.
This honor reflects the dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and families who work every day to create a supportive, challenging, and inclusive learning environment. We are incredibly proud of the hard work and continuous improvement that led to this recognition.
Congratulations, Aztecs!
This accomplishment is another example of the outstanding things happening at Esperanza High School.
EHS Digital Brochure
EHS Digital Brochure
Want to learn more about Esperanza? Check out our new Digital Brochure to see what we have to offer!
EHS Academy Applications
EHS Academy Applications
2026-2027 Academy Applications
All Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District comprehensive high schools are NOW accepting applications to their academies for the 2026-2027 school year. It is important to note that families who complete an academy application do not need to complete a separate School Choice Transfer Request. Once accepted into an academy, the student will be automatically transferred to that high school. Spread the word to other families and friends! Esperanza offers specialized future-ready academies in Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (AJROTC), Engineering and Manufacturing, Medical Sciences, and AP Capstone.
Esperanza High School
Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AJROTC) — www.esperanzahs.net/AJROTC
Aztec Engineering and Manufacturing Academy — www.esperanzahs.net/aema/
Medical Sciences Academy — www.esperanzahs.net/msa/
AP Capstone — www.esperanzahs.net/APcapstone
Important Dates
Application Closes: December 12
Acceptance Notification: Early January
CTE Academy Commitment Day: January 23
Finals Bell Schedule Semester 1.docx
12th Grade Students and Parents:
Join us for AZTEC University: FAFSA/CADAA Hands-On Workshop on December 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the EHS Library.
Representatives from Cypress College will be available to guide students and parents through the FAFSA/CADAA application step by step.
Please review the event flyer for important details. All participants must arrive with their FSA ID already created. You can create your student and/or parent FSA ID at the following link:
👉 https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
A parent email with the RSVP link will be sent out soon, or click HERE to RSVP.
Welcome to this month's PYLUSD College & Career Newsletter! Our goal is to keep you informed about important deadlines, events, and opportunities to help every student plan for life after high school - whether that means college, career training, or entering the workforce. Click on the link below for a version with direct links:
Activities
Unified Sports
Unified Sports
Basketball Game
Basketball Game
Our annual Unified Sports Basketball game will take place on Wed, Dec 3rd at lunch in our main gym. come out and watch our amazing unified athletes hit the court and compete.
Aztecs on Air
Aztecs on Air
YouTube Channel
YouTube Channel
Please check out the latest news on the NEW Aztecs on Air YouTube channel. Weekly episodes will be uploaded every Monday and Friday. Enjoy!
Get in the game with go fan
Get in the game with go fan
The GoFan Link for tickets to all Athletics games is listed below. The QR code also takes you to the link.
Men's Basketball
Men's Basketball
Esperanza Men's Basketball kicked off the season with a great victory over Mission Viejo High School in the Cal High Tournament!!
Congratulations to Coach Anthony Ballestero and JoJo Ballestero for a great season opener!
Cross Country
Cross Country
Esperanza Girls Cross Country Team will be advancing to the CIF finals that will be held on November 22 at Mt. SAC college. Good luck the weekend!
Congratulations to Coach Medellin and Coach Mariotti!
Women's Basketball
Women's Basketball
On November 11, Esperanza Girls Basketball attended the Century Conference Media day @ Crean Lutheran High School. The Lady Aztecs open up the season 11/24 competing in the Bishop Amat Thanksgiving Invitational.
Featured above from Left to Right - Ellie Frazier '26, Coach Jimmy Valverde, and Charlotte Muller '26
Cheer
Cheer
This past weekend, our competitive cheer team competed at the USA Regionals, earned 2nd place and officially qualified for Nationals in February!!
Athletics
Athletics
For students that are transitioning from a fall sport to a winter or spring, be sure to fill out the "Student Athlete Checklist Form". The form is blue and requires multiple signatures. Copies are located in the front office.
Repeat Announcements
AP Exams: To purchase an AP exam in a subject, you must be currently enrolled in the course at EHS. We do not administer exams to students not currently enrolled in a corresponding EHS course.
September 29, 2025 – AP Exam sales open (in-person and online)
October 31, 2025 – Last day to purchase AP Exams
Late orders: +$40/exam
Cancellations after this date: $40 cancellation fee
February 6, 2026 – Exam sales open for 2nd-semester-only AP courses (AP Gov, AP Macro, AP Micro)
Students - If you have an account with The College Board from last year, DO NOT make a new one. If you forgot your password, call the College Board at 888-225-5427.
Questions? E-mail Dr. Nguyen at stenguyen@pylusd.org
Need extra help?
Check out the flyer for details about tutoring every Tuesday at lunch in Room 258, hosted by Esperanza’s National Honor Society students. Tutoring is available for all subjects, so don’t miss this great opportunity to get support!
Seal of Civic Engagement
Seal of Civic Engagement
PYLUSD developed local SSSCE criteria in accordance with parameters set forth by the CA State Board of Education. The PYLUSD Board of Education then approved the district’s criteria on November 15, 2022.
Students will show Civic Proficiency through scholarship, earning a C- or better in World and US History, citizenship, by earning citizenship marks of O/S, and exemplary character, shown by teacher recommendation.
Students will show Civic Engagement through participation in active research stemming from in classroom learning, personal interest, or programs, a project calling changemakers to action, and reflection on the impact of the project.
Submit Application Here (due 2/28)
ROP CLASSES (SPRING SEMESTER)
ROP CLASSES (SPRING SEMESTER)
Join our ROP Google classroom. The Google class code is c6lbywet.
Get a head start on college and earn FREE college credit while still in high school! Through Fullerton College’s CollegeLink Program, you can take exciting courses that transfer to most 4-year universities—helping you prepare for success after graduation.
The best part? All classes are 100% online, so you can learn from anywhere while balancing your high school schedule.
🌟 Spring 2026 CollegeLink Course Offerings:
🌟 Spring 2026 CollegeLink Course Offerings:
🎸 History of Rock
🥗 Human Nutrition
🎨 Intro to Visual Culture
📚 Intro to Chicano Studies
📚 Cultural Anthropology
📚 College and Career Success
🚔 NEW THIS YEAR: Intro to Criminal Justice!
🔊 NEW THIS YEAR: Intro to Public Speaking!
💡 Why Take a College Class in High School?
💡 Why Take a College Class in High School?
Save time and money by earning college credits now
Get ahead on your college journey
Experience real college coursework while still in high school
Enjoy the flexibility of online learning
Important: Complete Steps 1–3 on page 3 of the flyer to register. Don’t wait—classes begin February 2nd, and they fill up fast!
Note: If you’re currently in a Fall 2025 Dual Enrollment class, you do not need to reapply.
📩 Questions?
Email Mrs. Botello at mrambotello@pylusd.org or visit the College and Career Center. You can also find the flyer under Counseling → CollegeLink: Free College Courses on the school website.
The PEO Chapter VG, local Yorba Linda group, has created a $2000 scholarship exclusively for female high school seniors in the Placentia Yorba Linda School District.
A few points to keep in mind about this scholarship:
· Only graduating female seniors in the Placentia-Yorba Linda School District are eligible.
· Eligible recipients must have proof of citizenship or be a permanent U.S. legal resident.
· Application due date is January 29, 2026.
· The amount awarded for this coming school year 2026-2027 will be $2,000 dollars.
By January 29, 2026, the following material will need to be turned in, preferably via email: ylpeoscholarship@gmail.com
· Completed application
· Proof of U.S. citizenship
· Personal essay (No AI generated essays)
· 2 letters of recommendation
· Official transcript (Junior and Senior years)
Please go to the College and Career Center for application or visit the Scholarship Newsflash page on the EHS website under the Counseling tab.
PEO recognizes that there are many deserving young women pursuing their academic goals. They are excited to be able to be a part of helping at least one of these young women along their educational path.
Join the PTSA
Join the PTSA
If you haven't joined yet- THERE IS STILL TIME!
Why Join?
The Placentia Yorba Linda Unified Council of PTAs/PTSAs represents over 10,000 members at 32 schools in the Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District. The Council celebrates over 50 years of supporting the local units in our district. The Council strives to educate unit leaders, model good parliamentary procedures and advocate on behalf of our members. We also provide thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving graduating seniors annually.
Your Esperanza PTSA membership support the following Esperanza High School programs:
Aztec University
Mock SAT/ACT Testing
Student leadership training
Creative Arts/Reflections Program
Staff Appreciation luncheons
Aztec Pride Day
Honorary Service Awards
Distinguished Aztec Academic Recognition (DAAR)
Scholarships
And more!
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