Bradley, California, is a town built on tracks and trails. In 1886, when the Southern Pacific Railroad laid its line across the land of Bradley V. Sargent, a community began to take shape around the station. Later, Highway 101 brought more families and businesses, weaving the town tightly into the fabric of the region. At the center of this growing community, Bradley Union School District has quietly guided generations of students, helping them find their own paths forward.
The district has always reached beyond the classroom. For more than 30 years, the annual AIDS LifeCycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles has passed through Bradley on Day 3. Students prepare lunch, craft postcards, and create buttons for the cyclists. The donations collected in return fund field trips, sports programs, and new technology, giving students a hands-on lesson in service and community engagement.
Each year, students in the Middle School attend Science Camp — an immersive experience that provides hands-on learning, boosts academic performance, develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and fosters independence and confidence. Students also improve social skills through teamwork and collaboration, disconnect from technology, and gain a deeper appreciation for nature. This enriching opportunity is made possible by the generous donations from AIDS LifeCycle participants.
Bradley Union School District carries a clear vision: “Pathway to the Future.” It blends respect for the town’s past with programs that prepare students for an unpredictable world. Here, history and innovation meet, giving students the tools, confidence, and curiosity to step into whatever comes next.
Building Skills and Exploring Passions
Bradley Union School District serves students from TK through eighth grade, following Common Core standards with carefully aligned curriculum and resources. Beyond core academics, students explore creativity and athletics through partnerships with Sol Treasures for bi-monthly Art lessons and First Tee for weekly Golf instruction. After school, opportunities abound in Guitar, Spanish, Sports, and Math support.
To guide students toward their futures, grades 2 through 8 use the Beable Career Development Platform, exploring career pathways while improving Reading skills. This approach has contributed to measurable growth in students’ Reading levels, connecting learning with personal interests.
Additionally, the district’s classrooms undergo “Room Transformations” throughout the year — immersive learning experiences that increase engagement and motivation through themed lessons. These transformations make learning more memorable and enjoyable, boost student buy-in, encourage collaboration, and foster a sense of ownership, while also reducing anxiety and helping students connect with the content on a deeper level.
Welcoming Every Student
The school district prides itself on being inclusive, welcoming students from within the community as well as neighboring districts. The admissions process is open and straightforward, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to join the school. The district also focuses on accessibility for families from all economic backgrounds, providing programs and support to help students thrive regardless of income.
The district’s growth reflects this commitment. Over the past two years, enrollment has surged nearly 50 percent, with a remarkable 38 percent increase last year alone. Serving primarily Hispanic and Caucasian students, the Bradley Union School District stands out as one of the few districts in California experiencing such rapid growth, underscoring its reputation as a welcoming and high-performing educational community.
People at the Heart of Education
Superintendent and Principal Josh Van Norman leads the Bradley Union School District with a focus on people. He ensures students have the support and resources they need to succeed while trusting staff to make decisions that serve students’ best interests. Van Norman also emphasizes the importance of keeping families informed and engaged. “My focus is always on people, supporting students, staff, and families, and keeping clear communication about both our present work and future goals,” he says. Under his leadership, the district has built a culture of trust and collaboration, where students, staff, and families feel valued and empowered.
Fostering Belonging and Personalized Learning
The Bradley Union School District places a strong emphasis on creating an environment where every student feels welcomed, safe, and part of the community. One unique initiative is the creation of “Houses,” where students and staff are grouped into teams that compete in activities like relay races or Ultimate Frisbee. Creating “Houses”helps foster a stronger sense of community and belonging, building better relationships between students and staff, and providing opportunities for leadership and healthy competition. This system creates more connected groups, which improves school culture, student engagement, and overall school pride. These gatherings build pride, belonging, and school spirit.
Students also explore their interests through electives offered by staff volunteers, ranging from Jewelry making and Roping to Chess and Guitar. Meeting with different staff members fosters new relationships and engagement.
Classrooms include both a teacher and an instructional assistant, allowing for differentiated instruction in a multi-grade environment. Additional blocks of time are dedicated to Reading and Math support, using programs such as Read Naturally and supplemental resources to address learning gaps. During the 2024-25 school year, the district was selected to attend an international summit in Helsinki, Finland, reflecting its commitment to innovative learning and global collaboration.
The Bradley Union School District is also a proud member of the League of Innovative Schools — a prestigious national network, formed by Congress, that recognizes forward-thinking districts driving innovation in education and improving outcomes through technology and collaboration. This recognition highlights Bradley’s commitment to excellence, creativity, and preparing students for the future.
Supporting Students and Families
Bradley Union partners with Care Solace to provide students, staff, and families 24/7 access to resources for mental health, substance use, food insecurity, shelter, and affordable medical and dental care, ensuring support is available whenever it is needed.
Each week, the Monterey County Free Libraries Book Mobile visits the district, allowing students, staff, and community members to borrow books and engage with literature. The district, along with Monterey County, is also planning a permanent Bradley Library Branch that will double as a Resiliency Center, offering essential support during challenging times while promoting learning and growth.The new Library will also create a space where students can borrow books, conduct research, and access the latest technology just steps from campus.
Local Partnerships and Pathways
Bradley students benefit from direct access to local employers and higher-education institutions that provide internships, job-shadowing, field trips, mentorships, and career exposure. Key partners include:
- Chevron
- California Resources Corporation
- Taylor Farms
- Union Pacific
- Joby Aviation
Local universities and colleges that have the opportunity to collaborate with Bradley include:
- Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
- Cal State Monterey Bay
- Hartnell College
- Cuesta College
These partnerships expand student opportunities—connecting classroom learning to local industry and higher education.
Student Life: Exploring, Competing, and Creating
Student life at Bradley Union is filled with opportunities to explore interests, develop skills, and build community. The district hosted its first Regional Career Fair last year, connecting local schools, industry partners, and sponsors from Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties. With over 250 attendees, the event introduced students to potential career paths and linked classroom learning to real-world experiences.
Athletics play a key role in student life. The annual Bulldog Basketball Tournament brings together co-ed teams from 4th through 8th grade for a day-long competition, supported by local sponsors. Students also participate in Cross Country, Volleyball, Soccer, and Basketball against schools from across Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties.
Each year, the Bradley Union School District also holds the annual Bulldog Fun Run — an event created in memory of Marjorie Vicente, a beloved former student of the district. The run raises funds for the Marjorie Vicente Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides college tuition assistance to students who have graduated from the Bradley Union School District. This cherished tradition not only honors Marjorie’s legacy but also inspires students to pursue their educational dreams.
Enrichment extends beyond Sports. In addition to after school enrichment opportunities, students also participate in field trips to sites like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Hearst Castle, and Aviation facilities, which broaden learning and spark curiosity.
Collaboration at Every Level
In the Bradley Union School District, staff take on multiple roles to ensure smooth operations. This collaborative approach allows every team member to support one another, creating a tightly connected environment where responsibilities are shared, and the focus remains on providing the best possible experience for students.
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“At Bradley, we are committed to seeing our students develop their ‘Pathway to the Future.’”
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