Top Schools in San Diego
We set out to find the top schools in our region. Take a look at local high schools making the grade. Plus: Are private schools ahead of the curve?
By Marcia Manna | Photographs by Max Dolberg
WE KNOW THE STRUGGLES high school students encounter on the road to college. There are the trials of test-taking, dealing with the temptation to cheat and the frustration of matching achievements to specific requirements.
Those same challenges, ironically, are faced by high school administrators and educators. For San Diego high schools, making the grade has never been more complicated. Test results measure academic performance, not the quality of a school or the efforts of its teachers. Parent involvement and programs that address the needs of a diverse student population also contribute to a school’s success. But how do you quantify that?
That said, we set out to find great high schools in our region. We found eight San Diego public schools that made our “800 Club.” All meet the following criteria: They serve grades nine through 12; have a minimum of 1,000 students; are accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges; and have an Academic Performance Index (API) base score of at least 800 (out of 1,000) and a statewide rank of 10, the maximum.
The annual API—developed as part of California’s 1999 Public Schools Accountability Act (see the “What Is API?” sidebar on page 93)—measures school performance and improvement by a number of factors, including ethnic diversity, test proficiency and enrollment. The state wants 800 to be the goal of all schools.
At the beginning of the year, the state calculates test scores and determines the base API, then sets an annual growth target. There is tremendous pressure for schools to improve ratings and test scores. Those that repeatedly fall short risk sanctions and even closure.
“The API is a great tool and the most comprehensive, because it measures grade-by-grade, subjectby- subject performance on the California Standards Tests, which we as a state have agreed is what kids need to know,” says Jim Esterbrooks, public information officer for the San Diego County Office of Education. “But it’s very tricky to rely on any one method. It’s like naming the greatest rockand- roll band of all time. It’s not just about data and statistics— and judging a school’s merit is not an exact science.”
To most fairly attempt to measure our schools, San Diego Magazine chose to use API—in particular because it is a state benchmark. We are aware that no one system of measurement can address all of the issues, and that any attempt will invite controversy. Consider the nationally renowned Gary & Jeri-Ann Jacobs High Tech High charter school in Point Loma, which did not make Newsweek’s list. Yet more than 75 percent of its students scored above the U.S. national average in standardized tests. The school’s philosophy favors project-based learning over AP tests. Statewide, High Tech High received an API base score of 792, with 335 students tested. Many would call that a success.
We are teaching students to think deeply about content and then do something with their knowledge, not just race through a textbook,” says High Tech High director Ben Daley. “Ultimately, we think the number-one problem in American high schools is lack of student engagement. This is because what we teach in schools is frankly not very relevant to students and their lives. Admissions policies, attrition data and the percent of students who are going to college would be a more interesting way to look at ‘the best schools.’
Daley makes a valid point. Many of the best teachers fight what some would call a losing battle every day. Yet they still strive to engage high school students and inspire them to reach their educational goals. So, in addition to our 800 Club, we added “honorable mention” (where you’ll find High Tech High) and “outstanding charter schools” lists.
The 800 Club
Coronado High School
Coronado Unified School District
650 D Avenue, Coronado
619-522-8907
Principal: David Lorden
Most current enrollment: 1,050
Students tested: 675
2005 API base score: 838
Coronado High is a California Distinguished School, a National Blue Ribbon School and a New American High School. To become the latter, administrators had to submit documentation that demonstrated increases in student achievement and enrollment at post-secondary institutions, increases in student attendance and reductions in student dropout rates.
The Coronado School of the Arts, located on campus, is a public schoolwithin- a-school that focuses on music, dance, theater and visual arts.
“Our teachers invest in our students through building relationships and teaching rigorous core content standards,” says principal David Lorden. “Coronado High School teachers are willing to sacrifice their lunch, before-school and after-school time to help any student succeed.
Spelling It Out
What all those acronyms mean:
AP Advanced Placement
API Academic Performance Index
AVID Advancement Via Individual Determination
CIF California Interscholastic Federation
CSU California State University
IB International Baccalaureate
PTA Parent Teacher Association
PTSA Parent Teacher Student Association
SAT Scholastic Aptitude Test
UC University of California
VEEP Voluntary Ethnic Enrollment Program
San Diego Unified School District
750 Nautilus Street, La Jolla
858-454-3081
Principal: Dana Shelburne
Most current enrollment: 1,656
Students tested: 1,191
2005 API base score: 834
A California Distinguished School and an AVID School of Distinction, La Jolla High prides itself on providing programs and resources that promote intellectual and emotional development in a multicultural setting. About 40 percent of the students are nonresidential, and 16 percent are from VEEP, a program designed to expand educational outreach to San Diego High and Hoover High areas.
More than 80 percent of seniors qualified for the CSU or UC systems this year, and the overall AP pass rate was 83 percent. Many staff members are AP teachers, and more than 70 percent hold a master’s degree or higher. There are more than 50 extracurricular clubs oriented to academics, the arts, cultural heritage, athletics, careers and services.
“We wish to continue to present academic challenges to all students,” says principal Dana Shelburne, “so they can achieve their full potential.
Rancho Bernardo High School
Poway Unified School District
13010 Paseo Lucido, Rancho Bernardo
858-485-4800
Principal: Jeff King
Most current enrollment: 2,822
Students tested: 2,071
2005 API base score: 832
Half of RBHS seniors qualified for CSU or UC admission this year. The school offers 15 AP classes, with a total of 54 individual class sections.
Math teacher Keith Koelzer was named a county Teacher of the Year. In January, the school broke ground on a $1.6 million music building, a project made possible by the Rancho Bernardo High School Music Boosters. The Rancho Bernardo Royal Regiment marching band plays regularly in regional field show tournaments, and its 50-member color guard performs throughout the United States after marching season.
“We continually work on issues such as aligning our curriculum to California Standards Tests and designing specific intervention strategies for students who struggle,” says principal Jeff King. “But the core of our efforts focuses on preparing our students to successfully complete college if they choose to do so.
Poway High School
Poway Unified School District
15500 Espola Road, Poway
858-748-0245
Principal: Scott Fisher
Most current enrollment: 3,048
Students tested: 2,178
2005 API base score: 829
Nearly half of the school’s teachers have master’s degrees, and five are nationally board certified. Poway is both a California Distinguished School and National Blue Ribbon School.
The school was also selected as one of 33 in the nation to receive a $1,000 Grammy Signature Award for excellence in music education. Poway sporting teams have just earned their 100th CIF team title, and more than half the school participates in at least one sport.
Campus programs are designed to make students feel connected. Link Crew, for example, pairs upperclassmen with a group of freshmen, two days before school starts. This gives incoming students a link, to help them achieve—socially and academically.
Principal Scott Fisher says 54.6 percent of students have met the A-G requirements, a program of college preparatory courses approved by the UC and CS systems.
Mount Carmel High School
Poway Unified School District
9550 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego
858-484-1180
Principal: Tom McCoy
Most current enrollment: 2,111
Students tested: 1,447
2005 API base score: 824
Mount Carmel High School opened in 1975 and is undergoing a major renovation. It’s the most diverse campus in the district, with a student body estimated to be 56 percent Caucasian, 15 percent Filipino, 13 percent Asian, 8 percent Hispanic and 4 percent African-American.
More than 60 percent of teachers have master’s degrees or higher, and about 60 percent of students complete A-G courses, which qualify them for UC and CSU admission. All 450 students in the class of 2006 passed both portions of the California Exit Exam.
A great source of pride is the school’s marching band. Led by Warren Torns and Garry McPherson, the Marching Sundevils performed in the 2006 Tournament of Roses Parade, as well as in 1984 and 2000.
Torrey Pines High School
San Dieguito Union High School District
3710 Del Mar Heights Road, Carmel Valley
858-755-0125
Principal: Rick Schmitt
Most current enrollment: 3,177
Students tested: 2,374
2005 API base score: 821
Named a National Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished High School, Torrey Pines High is known for academic achievement and parent involvement. More than half of the teaching staff has earned master’s degrees or better.
The school’s foundation raises $2 million to $3 million per year to support academic, athletic and art programs. Principal Rick Schmitt says Torrey Pines has won more CIF championships than any other school in San Diego history— more than 120 titles since 1976.
Last year, seniors averaged 1200 on the SAT; 24 AP classes are offered. The school’s acting ensemble, the TP Players, has been awarded the opportunity to perform at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, this summer.
“The goal for the future,” says principal Rick Schmitt, “includes helping special-education and English [as a second] language learners have more success.”
San Dieguito Academy
San Dieguito Union High School District
800 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas
760-753-1121
Principal: Barbara Gauthier
Most current enrollment: 1,430
Students tested: 1,037
2005 API base score: 816
A modernization has resulted in new student bathrooms and walkways. In the fall, a new media center will be completed.
The Career Pathways program enables students to pursue a full-time academic schedule while exploring career options. Block scheduling allows students to take a variety of electives along with core courses.
“We have done research and feel we need to improve our instructional activities so they require our students to take information, synthesize it and make a practical application of it,” says principal Barbara Gauthier. “We will continue to establish connections with our community so students can see the relevancy of their learning firsthand.”
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