In the late 1980s, the Madera Unified School District commissioned a new high school to be built, to take some of the weight off of Madera High School by easing up some of the overcrowding of the school. Construction started in 1990, but a limited budget forced an abrupt end in 1992. It was decided that the campus was not big enough to be counted as a separate stand-alone high school, and the site was eventually renamed Madera High School's "South Campus". In November 2002, a school bond was passed, allowing MUSD to fund the completion of the project. As a result, the idea of a new, separate high school was once again possible after 10 years. Construction resumed on the campus in late 2004, yet heavy rain and other factors slowed it to a halt. The set date of August 2005 was pushed back a year, and as a result, the incoming freshmen at the school were still labeled as Madera High School students. However, by August 2006, construction had completed, and Madera South High School opened its doors.
Courses
Similar to Madera High School, Madera South High features many "career schools"—i.e., mini-schools located within the campus, customized for whichever career a student wishes to choose from. Current career schools include:
Agriculture
Business/Human Services
Humanities
Health Sciences
Athletics
Madera South High School offers many athletic opportunities. Fall Sports:
Cross Country
Football
Girls Golf
Girls Tennis
Girls Volleyball
Gymnastics
Water Polo
Cheer & Dance
Winter Sports:
Girls Basketball
Boys Basketball
Boys Soccer
Girls Soccer
Wrestling
Cheer & Dance
Spring Sports:
Baseball
Boys Golf
Softball
Boys Tennis
Swimming
Track & Field
Boys Volleyball
Agriculture
The Agriculture Department is the crowning jewel of Madera South High School and it hosts the Madera FFA Chapter. The Madera FFA Chapter was founded at the same time as the National FFA Organization in 1928. Since then Madera FFA has experienced years of excellence.
First graduating class
In 2009, Madera South graduated their first class as a high school. Even though the Class of 2009 was mixed with Madera High students their freshman year, the two schools were completely separated by their senior year
New high school
In late 2008, Madera Unified bought land for a new high school in the northern part of town, and the school was to be named Madera North High School. Madera North is scheduled to be completed in August 2019. As of early 2017, the Madera Unified school board has chosen to have a public vote upon a name for the school rather than the previously chosen name "Madera North High School." A complete list of names will be presented to the Board of Trustees on May 23, 2017, and a public hearing will also be held.