James Monroe High School

Opened in the fall of 1958, James Monroe High School stands as a landmark in North Hills. This isn’t just any high school. James Monroe High School is home to unique programs, including Small Learning Communities and two magnet schools. The school’s history is filled with intriguing stories. Did you know the Viking mascot, school colors, and even the school song were chosen by students? The Multipurpose room, Odin’s Hall, and the yearbook, Valhalla, also got their names from student selections. Originally part of the Los Angeles City High School District, James Monroe High School became part of the LAUSD in 1961. A notable incident in 2004 involved five students, including future rapper Hopsin, who were arrested for vandalizing the school. The incident, intended as a prank, led to charges and $20,000 bail. The opening of Panorama High School in 2006 helped alleviate overcrowding at James Monroe High School. In 2010, Newsweek ranked the school 420th in its list of U.S. high schools. Beyond its general curriculum, James Monroe High School offers specialized programs. These include a 9th Grade Academy, an ARMY JROTC program (the Viking Battalion), Arts, Media & Entertainment, Public Service (Fire Academy), Engineering & Design (including the Monroe SAS), and Magnet programs (Law & Government and Police Academy). The Monroe School for Advanced Studies, established in 2001, falls under the Engineering & Design SLC. The two Magnet programs at James Monroe High School prepare students for careers in law, police science, criminology, forensics, and related fields. The Law and Government Magnet, established in 1991, involves students in activities like mock trials and debate team. It also offers internships and Junior Statesmen of America membership. Its graduates have been accepted into prestigious universities like Harvard, Stanford, Yale, USC, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. The Police Academy Magnet, founded in 1996, features a special physical education class with an obstacle course. It also immerses students in law enforcement career opportunities. James Monroe High School also boasts its own courtroom, used by the Law and Government Magnet’s mock trial team. This team participates in the Los Angeles County Mock Trial Competition, competing against approximately 80 schools. From 2002 to 2007, the team reached the semifinals four times and the quarterfinals twice. In 2008, they reached the finals but lost to Gabrielino High. In 2009, they again placed second, narrowly losing to Louisville High School. Many notable figures have walked the halls of James Monroe High School. Alumni include model and Los Angeles icon Angelyne, actress Meredith Baxter, NFL players Guy Benjamin and Brandon Browner, actor Larry Cedar, and Major League Baseball players Doug DeCinces, John Ennis, and Steve Wapnick. Other notable alumni include computer software entrepreneur Jon V. Ferrara, rapper Hopsin, musician Jimmy Keegan, actress Lori Lively, actor and musician Wayne Massey, computer security consultant Kevin Mitnick, Medal of Honor recipients William T. Perkins Jr. and Gary M. Rose, stuntman and actor Kerry Rossall, gymnast Sharon Shapiro, composer Ron Wasserman, and Academy Award-nominated actress Debra Winger.