Cerritos College

Cerritos College stands as a vibrant educational cornerstone in Southern California, proudly serving a diverse student body of over 22,700 individuals. As a public community college, it offers accessible, quality education to a broad district encompassing the communities of Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Norwalk, La Mirada, and Hawaiian Gardens. Its very name connects deeply to the region's heritage, inspired by the historic Rancho Los Cerritos, a legacy so influential it even sparked the renaming of a neighboring city from Dairy Valley to Cerritos.

The college's journey began in 1955, embarking on an interesting path to establish its permanent home. Initially, classes were held in rented classrooms at the now-defunct Excelsior High School, demonstrating an early commitment to providing educational opportunities even without a dedicated campus. A pivotal moment arrived in 1957 when the Cerritos Junior College District successfully won a legal case to secure the undeveloped land that would become its future educational site, solidifying its promise to the community.

By 1959, Cerritos College proudly moved from its temporary high school location to its current, permanent site, a testament to years of dedication and community support. Under the leadership of President Jose Fierro, the institution continues its mission to empower students, offering pathways for academic advancement, career training, and personal growth. It remains a vital force in the region, fostering individual potential and contributing to the economic and social vitality of its expansive district.