ABOUT US
Building Bright Futures
James Monroe High School was first approved for establishment in the year 1957. The school was named after James Monroe (1758-1831), the fifth President of the United States, who was best known for his “Monroe Doctrine.” Monroe High School is in the north-central San Fernando Valley, serving the communities of North Hills, and Panorama City.
In 1958, James Monroe High School opened with a population of 1,927 students. James Monroe High School has a minority population, especially non-English speaking students who make up 88.5% of our total school enrollment. Monroe High School is made up of Small Learning Communities (9th Grade Academy, Arts, Media, & Entertainment, Engineering & Design, Fire Academy Magnet, Law & Government Magnet, Police Academy Magnet, and School for Advanced Studies.
James Monroe School selected the team name “Vikings” after a movie of the same name starring Tony Curtis. The Multipurpose room was named Odin's Hall and our Annual was named Valhalla.
Some of the Notable Alumni include: Meredith Baxter Actress, producer (briefly attended during her sophomore year), Guy Benjamin - NFL Quarterback for the Dolphins, Saints, and 49ers, Brandon Browner – NFL Football player for the Seahawks, Patriots, and Saints, Doug De Cinces – Former Major League Baseball player California Angels, Debra Winger – Academy Award-nominated actress and our most famous alumni’s are Medal of Honor Recipient’s William Thomas Perkins Jr., Corporal, USMC Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division awarded posthumously for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Gary Michael Rose, CPT. Ret., 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. (Both from the Class of 1965) According to the Medal of Honor Society, James Monroe High School is the only high school to have two Medal of Honor Recipients from the same graduating class!
The Department of the Army, General Order Number 18, dated 30 September 1976, established the United States Army Junior ROTC Instructor Group, James Monroe High School, in February 1977. The unit was designated the “Viking Battalion” and had an initial enrollment of 42 cadets. Captain Charles F. Waters was appointed the first Senior Army Instructor.
Our current mission statement is: “To Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens.” Our mission is accomplished through a balanced schedule of the outdoor drill, physical education, classroom theory, and administrative activities that motivate and challenge cadets. Most activities are performance-oriented, meaning that the cadets are required to “do,” not just read or hear, but perform.
Click here to learn more about the unit crest, unit patch, and the two medal of honor recipients that graduated form the same class at James Monroe High School.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DAY DO I WEAR UNIFORM?
The Junior ROTC Uniform is worn one day a week normally on Thursday. Please read the Unit Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) in Cadet Resources(Useful Links) for detailed information.
WHEN ARE PHYSICAL TRAINING DAYS?
Normal Physical Training Days are on Monday and Wednesday as well as Drill on Tuesday of each week. Cadets bring their PT (Physical Training) shirt each Monday and Wednesday with black shorts or sweats according to the weather. Please read the Unit Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) in Cadet Resources (Useful Links) for detailed information.
WHERE CAN I HAVE ACCESS TO MY LEADERSHIP EDUCATION & TRAINING (LET) TEXTBOOK AND NOTEBOOK?
Normally you would be issued them, however, due to COVID, you can locate these materials either on Schoology under Student Resources in the Cadet Resources (JROTC Books).
DOES ENROLLING IN JUNIOR ROTC MEAN YOU HAVE TO JOIN THE MILITARY?
The short answer is NO. The Junior ROTC program is not a recruiting class. We have speakers who are welcome to include all Branches of the Military and Colleges/Universities.
WHAT DOES JUNIOR ROTC DO IN HIGH SCHOOLS?
The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program prepares high school students for leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens.