The ABC Unified School District serves the communities of Artesia, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, as well as portions of Lakewood, Long Beach, and Norwalk. The district was founded in 1965 when the Artesia, Bloomfield and Carmenita School Districts unified. ABC Unified includesnineteen elementary schools, five middle schools, three comprehensive high schools, a college prep 7-12 school, a continuation high school, infant/children centers, extended-day care, and adult school. The region's diverse ethnicity is reflected in the K-12 population which is American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, African American, Filipino, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, Portuguese, and White. District schools offer many noteworthy programs such as magnet schools, the G.A.T.E. program, independent study, adult education, extensive extra-curricular programs, and a university prep school. The district is also recognized throughout the state as a leader educational planning and innovation. Students and staff in the district have received numerous awards and honors on the local, state and national level throughout the years. ABC Unified has also established integral partnerships with nearbycommunity colleges, regional occupational program, state universities, and local businesses to continue to provide bridges for academic success.