City education guide
Moreno Valley, CA
Schools, degree programs and student life in Moreno Valley, CA. Compare sponsored programs below, or tell us what you want to study.
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Discover Moreno Valley CA
Moreno Valley – Nestled in the heart of Riverside County, Moreno Valley offers a blend of suburban charm and natural beauty. With scenic mountains, family-friendly parks, and a growing community, it's a hidden gem in Southern California. Whether you're hiking through Box Springs Mountain or enjoying local shopping centers, Moreno Valley gives you a laid-back lifestyle without losing touch with nearby big-city perks.
- Population: ~213,000
- Weather: Warm and sunny most of the year (50-95°F); hot, dry summers and mild winters.
- Places To Visit: Box Springs Mountain Reserve, March Field Air Museum, Lake Perris State Recreation Area, Moreno Valley Mall.
- Top Activities: Hiking the trails, fishing or boating at Lake Perris, exploring aviation history, shopping, and community events at local parks.
- Famous Food: Street tacos from local food trucks, flame-grilled burgers at Farmer Boys (born here!), and classic American diners.
Fun facts
Moreno Valley is a growing city in Southern California that offers stunning desert landscapes, a rich history, and fun surprises hidden in every corner. Discover what makes this inland gem special with these fun facts:
- Sky-High Views – Box Springs Mountain towers over the city and offers sweeping views of Moreno Valley. It’s popular for hiking and spotting local wildlife.
- March Field Air Museum – Home to over 70 historic aircraft, this museum near the city celebrates aviation history, including planes from World War I to modern jets.
- Home to One of California’s Largest Parks – Lake Perris State Recreation Area lies just south of the city and covers over 8,000 acres. Locals love it for boating, rock climbing, and camping.
- City with Military Roots – Moreno Valley grew quickly in the 1980s after the expansion of March Air Reserve Base, one of the oldest airfields in the U.S., first established in 1918.
- Rapid Growth – Moreno Valley was one of the fastest-growing cities in California during the late 20th century, nearly tripling its population between 1980 and 2000.
- Sunny Skies – The city enjoys a warm climate with an average of 277 sunny days per year, making it perfect for outdoor activities most of the year.
- Movie Magic – Parts of Moreno Valley have served as filming locations for major TV shows and films, especially those needing open desert or rugged mountain backdrops.
- Diverse Community – People who live in Moreno Valley come from many backgrounds. The city celebrates this with multicultural festivals and events every year.
- Biggest ‘M’ on the Hill – The giant white letter "M" on Box Springs Mountain stands for Moreno Valley and lights up at night during special events and holidays.
- Animal Adventures – The Western Science Center, located nearby, displays fossils of extinct animals found in the area, including mammoths and saber-toothed cats.
Jobs and careers
Moreno Valley, located in Riverside County, California, has become a growing center for logistics, healthcare, education, and public services. With a strong infrastructure and proximity to major freeways, the city offers a range of employment opportunities across several key industries. Below are some of the top jobs in Moreno Valley, CA.
Top 5 Jobs in Moreno Valley
| Job Title | Average Salary | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | ~$83,000 | Healthcare |
| Logistics Coordinator | ~$56,000 | Logistics |
| Elementary School Teacher | ~$65,000 | Education |
| Medical Records Technician | ~$47,000 | Healthcare Support |
| Police Officer | ~$80,000 | Public Safety |
High schools
Moreno Valley, CA is home to several high-quality high schools that equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college and beyond. Whether you're looking for a top-rated public school or a well-regarded private institution, the city offers diverse options to support student growth and academic success.
Top Public High Schools in Moreno Valley
- Canyon Springs High School – A well-established school known for its college preparatory courses, athletics, and strong Advanced Placement (AP) program.
- Valley View High School – Offers a wide range of academic and career pathways, including STEM-focused programs and visual and performing arts academies.
- Vista Del Lago High School – Popular for its supportive learning environment and strong emphasis on student engagement and leadership opportunities.
- Ridge Crest High School – A small but focused alternative high school geared toward helping students catch up on credits and succeed in a more personalized setting.
- Moreno Valley High School – One of the oldest schools in the area, known for its diverse student body and a variety of extracurricular activities and academic clubs.
Top Private High Schools in Moreno Valley
- Valley Christian Academy – This faith-based school offers strong academic programs and a caring environment focused on character development and college readiness.
- Calvary Chapel Christian School – A private Christian school with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and an emphasis on academic excellence and spiritual growth.
- Moreno Valley Christian School – Known for blending rigorous academics with biblical teachings in a nurturing and supportive environment.
- Sunnymead Montessori School – Offers a Montessori-based high school program that encourages independent learning and critical thinking in smaller classroom settings.
- Victory Chapel Christian Academy – A private Christian school focused on traditional values, faith-based education, and individualized student attention.
Colleges and universities
Moreno Valley, California, is a growing hub of education and opportunity. Located in the Inland Empire, this city offers proximity to several excellent colleges and universities. Students in and around Moreno Valley have access to quality public and private institutions that focus on areas like healthcare, technology, business, and liberal arts.
Top Public Colleges & Universities in Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley College – A part of the Riverside Community College District, Moreno Valley College offers associate degrees and certificate programs with strengths in allied health, public safety, and STEM fields.
University of California, Riverside (UCR) – Located just west of Moreno Valley, UCR is a top-tier public research university known for its programs in engineering, environmental sciences, business, and healthcare. It is part of the prestigious University of California system.
California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) – Around 30 minutes from Moreno Valley, CSUSB is recognized for its business, public administration, and criminal justice programs. It also serves as a Hispanic-serving institution committed to diversity and community impact.
Riverside City College – Another college within the Riverside Community College District, RCC offers a wide range of programs, including strong music and performing arts departments, as well as transfer pathways to UC and CSU campuses.
Mt. San Jacinto College (San Jacinto Campus) – Serving the greater Moreno Valley region, this public community college provides programs in liberal arts, nursing, and career technical education. It's ideal for students seeking affordable and flexible learning options.
Top Private Colleges & Universities in Moreno Valley
California Baptist University (CBU) – Located in nearby Riverside, CBU is a respected private Christian university offering over 150 degree programs. It is known for engineering, nursing, business, and its strong commitment to faith-based education.
La Sierra University – A private Seventh-day Adventist university in Riverside, La Sierra University has earned praise for its business, pre-med, and education programs. It emphasizes ethical leadership and service-oriented learning.
Platt College Riverside – Platt College is a private institution offering targeted career education in healthcare, business, and legal fields. It is known for hands-on training and accelerated associate degree programs.
The California College of Barbering and Cosmetology – Located close to Moreno Valley, this private school offers specialized training in cosmetology, barbering, and esthetics. It prepares students for licensing and entry-level careers in the beauty industry.
UEI College – Riverside Campus – Focused on career training, UEI College offers certificate programs in medical assisting, HVAC, and business administration. Its mission is to serve local communities with practical, skills-based education.
Sports teams
Moreno Valley, located in Riverside County, California, does not currently host its own major professional sports teams. However, its close proximity to major Southern California cities allows residents to enjoy and support many nearby professional teams across different sports.
🏀 Basketball – Local Support for Nearby NBA Teams
- Los Angeles Lakers – Many basketball fans in Moreno Valley cheer for the Lakers. With 17 NBA championships, they are one of the most successful and beloved teams in history. Former legends like Kobe Bryant and current stars like LeBron James have helped maintain their popularity.
- Los Angeles Clippers – Another NBA team residents follow closely is the Clippers. Though they have yet to win a title, players like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have brought them to playoff success and made them a team to watch.
⚾ Baseball – Regional MLB Favorites
- Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers are a favorite among Moreno Valley locals. With 7 World Series championships, including their most recent in 2020, they have a loyal fan base that spans much of Southern California.
- Los Angeles Angels – Located in nearby Anaheim, the Angels offer a convenient game-day option for residents. They won their first and only World Series title in 2002 and have had superstars like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani.
🏈 Football – NFL Action Just a Drive Away
- Los Angeles Rams – Rams games are popular with Moreno Valley fans, especially after their Super Bowl LVI win in 2021. With a winning legacy and players like Aaron Donald, they offer exciting football each season.
- Los Angeles Chargers – The Chargers also call SoFi Stadium home. Though they have not won a Super Bowl, they have made strides with young talent like quarterback Justin Herbert.
⚽ Soccer – Passion for the Beautiful Game
- LA Galaxy – Moreno Valley soccer fans often follow the Galaxy, the most successful MLS franchise with five MLS Cup titles. Historic players like Landon Donovan and David Beckham have helped grow the sport locally.
- Los Angeles FC (LAFC) – LAFC is a newer team that has quickly made an impact, winning its first MLS Cup in 2022. With thrilling matches and stars like Carlos Vela, they attract a growing fan base in Moreno Valley.
🏒 Hockey – NHL Teams Within Reach
- Los Angeles Kings – The Kings are a top team that draw support from across Southern California, including Moreno Valley. They won Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014, with players like Jonathan Quick and Anže Kopitar.
- Anaheim Ducks – Another NHL option nearby, the Ducks won the 2007 Stanley Cup. Their games at the Honda Center are a popular outing for local hockey fans.
While Moreno Valley may not have its own franchise, the city's location gives residents easy access to a wide range of professional sports teams that play just an hour or two away. This makes it a great place for fans of all kinds, from basketball and football to baseball and soccer.
Places for students
Moreno Valley, located in sunny California, offers students a variety of spots to unwind, relax, and have some fun. Whether you're into the great outdoors, good food, or just enjoying some downtime, Moreno Valley has plenty to offer.
Lake Perris State Recreation Area – Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, this area offers swimming, hiking, and picnicking. It's a great spot to destress and enjoy some time with friends by the water.
Round1 Bowling & Amusement – This fun spot is ideal for a night out with friends. Enjoy bowling, arcade games, and karaoke all in one place. It's a great place to let loose and have a blast.
Moreno Valley Mall – Catch a movie or do some shopping at this popular local mall. With plenty of food options, it's a convenient place to hang out and enjoy a casual day with friends.
Box Springs Mountain Reserve – For those who love a good hike, the trails here offer stunning views of the Inland Empire. It's a peaceful escape from city life and a great way to recharge your energy.
Harkins Theatres Moreno Valley 16 – Offering the latest movies in a comfortable setting, this theater is perfect for catching a film with friends. Enjoy the latest blockbusters or indie films for a fun outing.
Hidden Springs Community Park – A lovely park for a laid-back day, pack a picnic and relax. It's an ideal spot for reading a book or just enjoying the fresh air with friends.
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