Established in 1950 in San Jose, the East Side Union High School District (ESUHSD) serves over 24,000 high school students- the largest high school enrollment in northern California. Our highly diverse community has a tradition of involvement and interest in its schools and we have become known among students and parents alike for our robust career technical education programs and partnerships with higher education and growing industries throughout Silicon Valley.
In addition to standard tests, we ask students to complete performance tasks that demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving. By applying their knowledge and skills to real-world problems, we help all students thrive in high school and enjoy continued success well beyond graduation.
Glenn Vander Zee serves as the Superintendent for the East Side Union High School District.
Mr. Vander Zee earned his bachelor’s degree at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and his Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Mr. Vander Zee has been an educator for more than 25 years. He began his career as a teacher in Puebla, Mexico. He has taught in elementary and middle schools, and he has served as principal at both the middle school and high school levels. He is an innovative leader in education and has been recognized by his peers in education as the National Principal of the Year – California, Middle Grades Principal of the Year, and Administrator of the Year.
Mr. Vander Zee has served as the Principal of James Lick High School, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, and Associate Superintendent of Human Resources in the East Side Union High School District. In each of these positions, Mr. Vander Zee worked collaboratively with fellow educators to develop clear outcomes, positive relationships, and innovations toward improved student outcomes.
Mr. Vander Zee looks forward to working with the amazing team of educators and professionals in the East Side community and continuing the work towards building equitable educational communities and opportunities for our students and families.
He resides in San Jose with his wife and their two children.
The Governing Board is committed to equal opportunity for all. This means that district programs, activities, and practices shall be free from discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Based in San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, the East Side High School District is home to more than 574,500 people. The curriculum in our schools reflect our community’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity. Students also benefit from our strong partnerships with local community colleges, businesses and four-year colleges/universities.
High Schools
Students
Certified Teachers
Native Languages
Hispanic
Asian
Filipino
European American
African American
Other
"I recently met with educators from the East Side Union High School District in San Jose who told me stories about the kids that get left behind after graduation."