The Mountain Empire Unified School District is the Southeastern most school district in San Diego County, bordering the Mexican State of Baja California on the South and Imperial County on the East. Mountain Empire Unified School District encompasses over 660 square miles. The District began educating students in 1923 and was composed of seven elementary schools and one union high school. Unification of the District took place in 1952. The District now consists of four (4) elementary schools, Pre-K through 6th grade; two (2) middle schools, 7th through 8th grade; one (1) high school; an Alternative Education Program consisting of an independent study program, a continuation high school and a community day school; two (2) state preschools and one (1) Head Start preschool. The rural setting and the sparsely populated areas requires extensive bussing of students; however, it also provides a healthy, cheerful surrounding, which strengthens educational opportunities.