News Update

More than 35 schools, districts cancel classes following Hurricane Hilary

Monday
August 21, 2023
9:06 am
Mallika Seshadri

More than 35 schools, districts, colleges and universities across Southern California have either canceled or postponed the start of their school years as a result of Hurricane Hilary. 

Sunday evening, the Los Angeles County of Education released this list of school districts that announced closures: 

  • Los Angeles Unified School District
  • Inglewood Unified School District 
  • Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District 
  • Pasadena Unified School District  
  • Paramount Unified School District  
  • Saugus Union School District 
  • William S. Hart Union High School district 
  • Castaic Unified School District  
  • Newhall School District  
  • Sulphur Springs Union School District  
  • Westside Union School District  
  • Eastside Union School District  
  • Antelope Valley High School District
  • Lancaster School District  
  • Palmdale School District
  • Rosemead School District 
  • Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes Union School District

“This was not an easy decision,” LAUSD officials said in a news release. “Los Angeles Unified recognizes the unique, unprecedented nature of Tropical Storm Hilary, which has garnered city, county and state declarations of emergencies.” 

Despite the cancellation of classes, students will receive activities and resources from their teachers by 10:30 a.m. on Schoology. 

Outside Los Angeles, schools and districts in Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties also announced closures, the Press Enterprise and KTLA reported:

  • Beaumont Unified
  • California School for the Deaf, Riverside
  • Coachella Valley Unified
  • Desert Sands Unified
  • Norco Elementary
  • Palm Springs Unified
  • Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified
  • Adelanto Elementary School District
  • Apple Valley Unified
  • Barstow Unified
  • Bear Valley Unified
  • Colton Joint Unified
  • Fontana Unified
  • Helendale School District
  • Morongo Unified
  • Redlands Unified
  • Rialto Unified
  • Victor Valley Unified
  • Anaheim Union High School District

For some districts — such as the San Diego Unified School District — canceling classes Monday also means postponing the start of the 2023-24 academic year. 

“As eager as we are to welcome students and staff back to school, safety must come first,” said San Diego Unified’s board President Sabrina Bazzo in a news release. “I would like to thank our entire San Diego Unified community for their understanding as we work through this unprecedented weather event. To the staff who are working to keep our schools, students and employees safe, I thank you.” 

Beyond K-12 school districts, Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Long Beach also announced closures — along with community colleges including Cypress College and Pasadena City College campuses.