Opened in 1959 Ulysses S Grant High School stands proudly in Valley Glen. It was built for the families of World War II veterans settling in the San Fernando Valley. These first students were the baby boomers. They moved into new suburban homes. Grant High served as a beacon of opportunity. It was a place where dreams took flight. The school served not just Valley Glen but parts of Sherman Oaks Van Nuys and North Hollywood.
The school’s history isn’t without its challenges. In the 1990s ethnic tensions flared between Armenian and Latino students. This sadly affected Grant’s reputation. A major fight in 1999 led to a peace treaty. It was signed by the students to bring harmony back to the campus.
But Grant High also boasts incredible achievements. In the late 1960s it won a local TV quiz show It’s Academic. Students set a Guinness World Record for the largest musical chairs game. They even helped paint part of the Great Wall of Los Angeles mural. It is one of the longest murals in the United States.
Grant High has a unique culture too. The school newspaper is called The Odyssey. This is a reference to Ulysses the main character in Homer’s epic. Every year around April 1 a satirical issue called the Oddity is published. It features funny and irreverent articles.
Today Ulysses S Grant High School continues its legacy. It offers magnet programs including one focused on communications and technology. The school’s impact extends far beyond its walls. Many notable alumni have achieved great things in various fields. Their successes stand as a testament to the school’s enduring legacy. So next time you’re in Valley Glen take a moment to appreciate this remarkable institution. It’s a place where history education and community come together.