Chaparral High School (Temecula, California) Explained

Chaparral High School, colloquially known as Chap, is a public, 4-year comprehensive high school in Temecula, California, United States. The school serves students in grades 9 through 12 and is one of five high schools in the Temecula Valley Unified School District.

History

The school opened in 1997 with a class of freshmen and sophomores, and added juniors the following year and seniors after that, graduating its first class in 2000.^[2] It was the second comprehensive high school built in the Temecula Valley Unified School District, after Temecula Valley,^[3] and was constructed at a cost of $36 million.^[4] The puma was chosen over the cougar for the school mascot, and platinum was chosen for a school color instead of flat silver.^[5] It was also named a California Gold Ribbon School in 2017.^{[6] [7]}

The school became the subject of media attention after it cooperated with the local police in orchestrating an undercover drug sting which resulted in the arrest of an autistic teenager.^[8]

The school was named the best National Student Section by the Student Section Report in 2024.^[9]

Demographics

According to U.S. News & World Report, 66% of Chaparral's student body are minorities, with 30% of the student body coming from economically disadvantaged households, as determined by student eligibility for California's reduced-price meal program.^[10]

Athletics

The school's construction included an Olympic-sized pool, to be shared with Temecula Valley High.^[11] Puma athletic teams compete in the Southwestern League.^[12] The varsity football team won a CIF-SS championship against Vista Murrieta High School in 2009.^[13] The girl's varsity water polo team were crowned CIF-SS Division 5 Champions after their win against Troy High School in 2024.^[14]

Performing arts

Chaparral High School fields two competitive show choirs, the mixed-gender "Platinum FX" and the all-female "Dynamics". The school also has an all-male group, "Forte".^[15] The program also hosts an annual competition.^[16]

Feeder Schools

• Elementary: Alamos Elementary School, French Valley Elementary School, Susan LaVorgna Elementary School, Ysabel Barnett Elementary School, Temecula Elementary School
• Middle: James L. Day Middle School, Bella Vista Middle School^[17]

Notable alumni

• Rob Brantly, professional baseball player^[18]
• Allen Craig, professional baseball player^[19]
• Justin Dedich, professional football player^[20]
• Braylon Doughty, professional baseball player^[21]
• Tyler Glenn, lead singer of the band Neon Trees^[22]
• Sarah Hammer, Olympic track cycler^[23]
• Tyler Hansen, professional football player^[24]
• Sean Manganti, basketball player^[25]
• Shane Peterson, professional baseball player^[26]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Chaparral High. National Center for Education Statistics. July 14, 2024.
2. News: School . October 30, 2020 . The Californian . Newspapers.com . October 11, 1997.
3. News: Caldwell . Michelle . Chaparral High School prepares for opening day . October 30, 2020 . The Californian . Newspapers.com . May 1, 1997.
4. News: New high school dedicated . October 30, 2020 . The Californian . Newspapers.com . October 11, 1997.
5. News: Crall . Shari . Pumas are on the prowl . October 30, 2020 . The Californian . Newspapers.com . February 4, 1997.
6. Web site: California Gold Ribbon Schools Awardees 2017 . California Department of Education . October 30, 2020.
7. Web site: Medical Assistant School near Temecula . hdmc.edu. October 30, 2020.
8. Web site: LA Weekly - Autistic Teen Hounded For Pot By Undercover Cop Sues District. www.laweekly.com . 2013-10-31 . 2016-01-16.
9. Web site: Raineri . J. P. . 2024-01-25 . The rise of Chaparral High School’s Puma Pit; Named best National Student Section . 2024-10-28 . Valley News . en.
10. Web site: Chaparral High School . 2022-09-17 . U.S. News & World Report.
11. News: Trustees . October 30, 2020 . The Californian . December 13, 1997.
12. Web site: Raineri . JP . Chaparral High School plays host to Southwestern League individual wrestling finals . Valley News . October 30, 2020 . February 21, 2020.
13. Web site: All Time Football Champions . California Interscholastic Federation . October 30, 2020.
14. Web site: Raineri . J. P. . 2024-02-17 . Chaparral Girls water polo crowned CIF Southern Section Division 5 champions . 2024-10-28 . Valley News . en.
15. Web site: SCC: Viewing School - Chaparral High School . Show Choir Community . October 30, 2020.
16. Web site: Mendez . Mani . Sound Express achieves high merit at Chaparral Showcase . The Lancer Link . October 30, 2020 . March 8, 2016.
17. Web site: About the District / Directory of Schools . 2024-10-28 . www.tvusd.k12.ca.us . en.
18. Web site: Baseball Reference Rob Brantly Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics & History . The Press-Enterprise . May 4, 2021 . May 4, 2021.
19. Web site: HUNNEMAN: Chaparral High alum signs big deal with Cardinals . The Press-Enterprise . October 30, 2020 . March 9, 2013.
20. Web site: Miller . Bryce . 2023-12-24 . USC’s ‘Grandpa,’ center Justin Dedich, ready for one more ride at Holiday Bowl . 2024-09-18 . San Diego Union-Tribune . en-US.
21. Flick . Daniel . Atlanta Braves MLB Draft Rumors: 'Frequent Connection' with High School RHP . Sports Illustrated . 14 July 2024 . 15 July 2024.
22. Web site: Avants . Maggie . Hometown Benefit Concert: Neon Trees Attract Fans From Near and Far . Patch . October 30, 2020 . June 9, 2013.
23. Web site: Miller . Jeff . Rio Olympics: Cyclist Sarah Hammer wins second silver medal . Orange County Register . October 30, 2020 . August 16, 2016.
24. Web site: Holden . Will C. . Chaparral grad Hansen in underdog role at Colorado . The Press-Enterprise . October 30, 2020 . July 28, 2011.
25. Web site: Sean Manganti - 2013-14 - Men's Basketball . University of Maine at Presque Isle . en.
26. Web site: HUNNEMAN: Chaparral's Peterson on the verge of "the show" . The Press-Enterprise . October 30, 2020 . March 18, 2013.