Ontario, CA

Ontario, California may be overlooked by its bigger neighbors, but this fast-growing city has plenty of charm, history, and surprises. From rich aviation history to sunny citrus groves, here are some fun facts about Ontario, CA:

1. Historic Airport – Ontario International Airport opened in 1929 and was once used by Hollywood stars flying to Palm Springs.
2. Home of Hot Rods – Ontario once had the famous Ontario Motor Speedway, a racetrack that could seat over 125,000 people.
3. Lots of Sunshine – Ontario enjoys around 280 sunny days each year—perfect for outdoor fun all year round!
4. Citrus Roots – The city was once filled with orange and lemon groves, and agriculture helped it thrive in the early 1900s.
5. Famous Mall – The Ontario Mills Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in California and draws over 28 million visitors a year.
6. Film-Friendly City – Parts of classic films like Herbie Rides Again and The Terminator were shot in Ontario.
7. Brothers Behind the Name – Ontario was founded by Canadian brothers William and George Chaffey, naming it after their homeland of Ontario, Canada.
8. Planes and Trains – The city is known as a major transportation hub, with easy access to rail, airport, and freeways connecting Southern California.
9. Olive Festival – In the early 20th century, Ontario was known for its olive production, and it even held an Olive Festival to celebrate the harvest.
10. Art and Culture – The Ontario Museum of History & Art showcases the city's rich past and growing art scene, housed in the original 1937 city hall building.

Ontario, California is a growing city in the Inland Empire region that serves as a logistics and business center. Known for its strategic location near major highways and the Ontario International Airport, it’s home to a wide range of industries from warehousing and transportation to healthcare and education.

Top 5 Jobs in Ontario, California

Ontario, California, is home to several outstanding high schools offering strong academics, extracurricular programs, and college preparation. Families in the area can choose from top public institutions as well as private schools known for personalized attention and specialized programs.

Top Public High Schools In Ontario, California

• Chaffey High School – One of the oldest schools in the Inland Empire, Chaffey offers diverse academic pathways and strong programs in the arts and athletics.
• Colony High School – Known for its Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career technical education, Colony prepares students for both college and trade careers.
• Ontario High School – Offers International Baccalaureate (IB) courses and robust support systems for student success in college and life.
• Montclair High School – A part of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District, Montclair High provides strong academic rigor and leadership programs.
• Etiwanda High School – Located near Ontario, this high-performing school has an excellent reputation for its academic achievement and wide range of extracurricular options.

Top Private High Schools In Ontario, California

• Ontario Christian High School – A faith-based school known for academic excellence and a strong sense of community, offering AP courses and a focus on character development.
• Upland Christian Academy – Offers a Bible-centered education with small class sizes, supportive staff, and college preparatory courses.
• Western Christian High School – Located in nearby Upland, this private school emphasizes leadership, academics, and faith with opportunities in athletics and the arts.
• Vina Danks High School – A private continuation program offering alternative education paths for students needing more flexible options.
• San Antonio Christian School – Provides personalized learning in a faith-based setting with strong academic and extracurricular programs for high school students.

Ontario, California is a thriving city in the Inland Empire region and home to several respected colleges and universities. These institutions offer a wide range of programs, from career-focused degrees to liberal arts and science education. Ontario’s academic landscape supports strong educational foundations in healthcare, business, technology, and the arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Ontario, California

Chaffey College – This large community college, with its main campus in Rancho Cucamonga and a campus in Ontario, serves thousands of students. It offers associate degrees and career certificate programs in nursing, business, technology, and the arts. Chaffey is known for its transfer programs to Cal State and UC schools.

California State University, San Bernardino – Ontario Campus – A satellite campus of the well-known CSU San Bernardino, this location provides convenient access to undergraduate and graduate courses. It supports local adult learners and professionals with degrees in business, education, and public administration.

Riverside City College (RCC) – Located nearby and serving many Ontario residents, RCC offers a broad curriculum in health sciences, arts, sciences, and career technical education. It’s known for its strong partnerships with local industries and transfer opportunities.

Mount San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) – Though just outside Ontario in Walnut, Mt. SAC is one of California’s top community colleges. It offers a wide variety of programs, including competitive health and technical courses. Many Ontario students attend for its strong academic and athletic programs.

San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) – As a key part of the Inland Empire education system, SBVC is a popular choice for Ontario area students. It provides career readiness and academic pathways, with strong programs in nursing, cyber security, and administration of justice.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Ontario, California

University of La Verne – College of Law and Public Service (Ontario campus) – This private university operates a campus in Ontario focused on professional studies. The College of Law and Public Service offers juris doctor and public administration degrees designed for working adults and legal professionals.

DeVry University – Ontario Campus – DeVry offers career-oriented programs in fields like business, technology, and healthcare management. Known for flexibility and online options, this private university is a trusted choice for workforce-focused education.

Platt College – Ontario Campus – A respected private institution that provides hands-on training in healthcare, graphic design, and legal studies. Platt is known for career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce.

UEI College – Ontario – UEI offers specialized training in practical fields such as automotive, medical assisting, and HVAC. The hands-on instruction model and job placement assistance make it a popular choice among career seekers in Ontario.

West Coast University – Ontario Campus – Focused on healthcare education, West Coast University offers accelerated degrees in nursing and health sciences. It features modern labs and partnerships with healthcare providers, helping students develop real-world experience and clinical skills.

Ontario, California, while smaller than nearby Los Angeles, has become an important hub for professional sports in the Inland Empire. The city may not host major league teams like the NBA or NFL, but it is home to passionate sports culture through minor league and developmental teams that represent the region with pride and enthusiasm.

⚾ Baseball – Inland Empire 66ers (Class-A Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels)

• Inland Empire 66ers – Based in San Bernardino, which is part of the Greater Ontario area, the 66ers play in the California League as a Class-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. They play their home games at San Manuel Stadium, where fans can enjoy affordable, family-friendly baseball with future MLB talent.

🏒 Hockey – Ontario Reign (AHL)

• Ontario Reign – The Reign are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. They play at the Toyota Arena in Ontario and serve as a key development team for the NHL. The Reign feature fast-paced hockey action and have built a loyal following in the community.

⚽ Soccer – Empire Strykers (Major Arena Soccer League)

• Empire Strykers – Formerly known as the Ontario Fury, the Empire Strykers compete in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). This team brings high-energy, indoor soccer to fans at the Toyota Arena. With a quick-paced style and fan-friendly environment, the Strykers represent the Inland Empire on the national indoor soccer scene.

🥊 Other Sports – Toyota Arena Events

• Toyota Arena – Beyond regular team sports, Ontario’s Toyota Arena hosts a variety of professional sports events, including boxing, MMA, wrestling, and esports. This venue has seen high-profile matches and continues to bring nationally recognized sports entertainment to the region.

Although Ontario, CA may not share the same spotlight as Los Angeles, its professional minor league and indoor sports teams play a vital role in developing talent and entertaining fans across the Inland Empire. Locals enjoy energetic games in a more intimate setting where stars of the future are born.

Ontario, CA, may not be as well-known as other California cities, but it offers a variety of fantastic hangout spots for students. Whether you're looking to relax after classes, grab some great food, or just have a good time with friends, Ontario has something for everyone.

Scandia Fun Center – Perfect for a day of fun and laughter, this amusement park features miniature golf, thrilling rides, and an arcade. It's a great spot to unwind and enjoy some friendly competition.

Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park – This scenic park is ideal for a picnic with friends. Enjoy the beautiful lake, go for a swim, or just relax and enjoy the lovely nature trails. It’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

Ontario Mills Mall – One of the largest shopping malls in California, it offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and a cinema. It's a perfect spot for shopping therapy or catching the latest movie release with friends.

K1 Speed – For a dose of adrenaline, head to K1 Speed for indoor go-kart racing. Challenge your friends and see who can claim the top speed. It's an exciting way to let off steam and have some high-speed fun.

Graber Olive House – Discover a piece of local history and enjoy a unique experience. Take a tour to learn about olive production and sample some delicious olives. It’s an interesting spot to explore with friends.

Upland Lemon Festival – Just a short drive from Ontario, this annual festival is all about fun and lemon-themed activities. Enjoy music, games, and lemon-flavored treats. It's a delightful event to enjoy with fellow students.

Whether you're new to the area or a local, these spots are sure to offer students a chance to relax, enjoy, and make unforgettable memories in Ontario, CA.