In the late 1980s and early 1990s, La Quinta gained notoriety for expressed racial tensions between those of Asian and Hispanic/Latino descent.

[3][4] In 1994, La Quinta was known for a tuberculosis outbreak of 106 students and faculty who tested positive, and subsequent quick response and compliance with county public health officials.

[5] In 2009, La Quinta again made headlines for student demonstrations in support of a teacher allegedly abused by the high school's administration.

The 400 building to the south houses weight rooms and classrooms for miscellaneous subjects, such as art, music, band and computer graphics.

Asahi Gakuen, a part-time Japanese school, leases La Quinta on Saturdays for its Orange County campus.

Their most recent show is titled "Roots Before Branches" (2023), and past shows include "Reflections" (2022), "Revenant" (2022), "The Journey" (2021), "The Looming Threat" (2020),"When No One Is Watching" (2019), "A Place in My Daydream" (2019), "State of Mind" (2018), "Going Home" (2018), "Where the Clouds Dance" (2017), "Tribal Affect" (2016), "Sacred Geometry of Chance" ft. "The Gambler" (2015), "The Machine" ft. Mechanize (2014), "Playback" (2013), "One" (2012), "Heroes" (2011), "Ex Astris Scientia" (2010), "Fantasmic" (2009), "Pyramids of Egypt" (2008), "Pirates" (2007), "Cowboys" (2006), "La Nouba" (2005), "Pearl Harbor" (2004), "Jesus Christ, Superstar" (2003), "Circle of Life" (2002), "Cabaret" (2001), & "Salute to John Williams" (2000).

In 2017, La Quinta's Drumline made it to SCPA (Southern California Performing Arts) Finals for the first time and achieved second place.

Along with Marching and Symphonic Band, La Quinta High School offers other music classes such as Concert Choir and String Orchestra.