The Matadores' Edge: 7 Shocking Facts About La Mirada High School's 2025 Success And Famous Alumni
La Mirada High School (LMHS), home of the Matadores, has cemented its reputation as a forward-thinking institution, particularly with its innovative career technical education (CTE) programs and consistent academic performance. As of late 2025, the school continues to make headlines, not just for its athletic prowess but for pioneering pathways that bridge the gap between high school and a skilled, high-demand career.
The school's recent focus on real-world skills, highlighted by its nationally recognized welding curriculum, demonstrates a commitment to preparing students for college and career success in equal measure. This deep dive explores the most current facts, the school's impressive performance metrics, and the legendary figures who once walked its halls.
LMHS Legends: A Complete List of La Mirada High School's Most Notable Alumni
La Mirada High School has produced a remarkable roster of talent across professional sports, entertainment, and the arts. The school's alumni base includes multiple Olympians, professional athletes, and Grammy-nominated performers, demonstrating a diverse legacy of excellence.
- Jennie Finch (Class of 1998): Arguably the most famous alumnus, Finch is a legendary American softball player, a two-time Olympic medalist (Gold in 2004, Silver in 2008), and a two-time collegiate All-American. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest softball pitchers of all time.
- Amber Riley (Class of 2004): An acclaimed actress and singer best known for her role as Mercedes Jones on the Fox hit series Glee. She is also a winner of Dancing with the Stars and has starred in West End productions.
- Tony Brown (Class of 2016): A professional American football player who has competed in the NFL as a wide receiver and kick returner.
- Derrick Williams (Class of 2009): An American professional basketball player who was the second overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft.
- Henry Corrales (Class of 2004): A professional mixed martial artist (MMA) who competes in the Featherweight division for Bellator MMA.
- Thaddeus Dixon: An American football defensive back who has played professionally.
The 2025 Academic Snapshot: Test Scores and Innovative Pathways
The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District (NLMUSD) has consistently positioned LMHS as a leader in offering diverse educational opportunities. The latest performance data for the 2024-2025 academic year reflects the school's commitment to rigorous standards and college readiness.
Current CAASPP Performance and School Ratings
The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) scores for 2025 show La Mirada High School maintaining a strong position compared to other schools. While specific raw data is detailed in the official comparison reports, the school's weighted average for Math and English test scores recently stood at approximately 74.11%. This places LMHS comfortably in the 73rd percentile statewide, indicating a high level of proficiency among its student body. The school encourages all stakeholders to review the full 2025 CAASPP Score Comparison to see its performance against local and global benchmarks.
The Early College Program (ECP) Advantage
One of the most significant academic offerings is the Early College Program (ECP), run in partnership with Cerritos College. This program allows students to take college-level courses taught by Cerritos College professors directly on the LMHS campus. Students can take up to two ECP courses per semester, earning transferable college credit while still in high school. This initiative provides a massive financial and academic head start for students planning to attend a four-year university.
In addition to ECP, LMHS is home to a robust, four-year Engineering program based on the renowned Project Lead the Way (PLTW) model. This curriculum provides hands-on, project-based learning in engineering principles, preparing students for highly technical fields.
The Viral Welding Program: A National Model for Skilled Trades
In a major piece of recent news, La Mirada High School’s Career Pathway program gained national attention, specifically for its extraordinary summer welding programs. The curriculum was featured in a prominent LA Times article, highlighting a growing trend of skilled trades making a powerful comeback in public education.
A Deep Dive into the Welding Curriculum
The LMHS welding program, led by instructor Brent Tuttle, is far more than a simple shop class. It is a comprehensive, four-year pathway that offers students seven different welding classes. The curriculum is designed to give students practical, marketable skills, focusing on techniques such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding.
Students who complete the extensive course sequence can accumulate over 1,000 hours of hands-on experience in a professional welding shop. This depth of training is crucial, as it prepares them for immediate entry into the workforce or for further specialized training after graduation.
Mentorship and Community Impact
The program’s summer sessions are particularly unique, involving middle schoolers who are mentored by the high school students. During these popular summer courses, students gain practical experience by welding functional items, such as barbecue grills and mosaic tables. This mentorship structure not only teaches the younger students a valuable trade but also develops leadership skills in the older Matadores, fostering a strong sense of community and trade continuity.
The Matadores' Athletic and Extracurricular Prowess
Beyond academics and career technical education, La Mirada High School remains a formidable presence in Southern California high school athletics. The school proudly fields 24 athletic teams, with a long-standing history of winning League and CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) Titles.
Sports and Team Highlights
The Varsity Football team, a perennial powerhouse, continues to compete at a high level, with the 2024-2025 roster featuring key players like Aaron Castro, Josh Gonzalez, and Drew Cobos. Similarly, the Varsity Baseball program, led by Head Coach Jimmy Zurn, has a legacy of excellence and continues its strong run into the 2025 season.
The spirit of the Matadores is also kept alive through a variety of extracurricular activities and important senior events. The Class of 2025 is looking forward to key milestones such as Academic Signing Day, Senior Awards, Grad Nite, and the highly anticipated Graduation ceremony. These events mark the culmination of their high school journey and celebrate the diverse achievements of the student body.
From producing Olympic athletes and Hollywood stars to equipping the next generation of skilled tradespeople, La Mirada High School offers a dynamic, comprehensive, and highly current educational experience. The school's blend of rigorous academics, innovative career pathways, and competitive athletics solidifies its status as a top-tier institution in the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District.
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