Thomas Riley High

Thomas Riley High School, located in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, is a specialized educational institution within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Unlike a traditional comprehensive high school, Riley High is primarily recognized as a continuation school. Its mission is designed to support students who have fallen behind in credits or require a more flexible, personalized environment to complete their high school graduation requirements. By offering smaller class sizes and individualized attention, the school provides a vital pathway for students to overcome academic barriers and stay on track for their diplomas.

The school’s presence in the 103rd Street corridor plays an important role in the local community, serving as a critical safety net for the South Los Angeles area. Because the student population at continuation schools often faces significant socioeconomic challenges, Thomas Riley High focuses heavily on fostering a supportive, structured, and goal-oriented atmosphere. Through credit recovery programs and a curriculum tailored to meet the specific needs of non-traditional learners, the school empowers its students to persist in their education and work toward future success despite the obstacles they may have faced in traditional settings.