Arnold O. Beckman High School, commonly known as Beckman High School, is a public high school located in Irvine, California. Established on August 30, 2004, the school serves students in grades 9 through 12 and is part of the Tustin Unified School District. Despite its Irvine location, Beckman High School primarily serves communities in both Irvine and Tustin, including Tustin Ranch, Northpark, Orchard Hills, and West Irvine, as well as a small portion of Santa Ana.
Campus and Facilities
The Beckman High School campus was constructed at a cost of $94 million and opened its doors in 2004. In 2015, the school expanded with the addition of the World Languages Building, a $17 million, two-story, 30,000-square-foot facility designed to enhance the school’s language programs.
Academic Excellence
Beckman High School has been recognized multiple times as a California Distinguished School by the California State Board of Education, receiving the honor in 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019. This designation reflects the school’s commitment to academic excellence and its success in providing high-quality education to its students.
The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, allowing students to challenge themselves academically and prepare for higher education. Beckman High School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), adhering to the NACAC Statement of Principles of Good Practice.
Student Body and Staff
As of the 2023-2024 academic year, Beckman High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,713 students. The student-to-teacher ratio is 26.24, with a full-time equivalent (FTE) staff of 103.38. The school’s principal is Donnie Rafter.
Extracurricular Activities
Beckman High School offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and academic clubs. The school’s mascot is Patrick the Patriot, and its colors are red, white, and blue. Beckman competes in the Pacific Coast Conference, with Irvine High School being its primary rival.
The school publishes a newspaper called the Beckman Chronicle and a yearbook titled The Anthem. Additionally, Beckman High School has a television program known as Beckman Beat, providing students with opportunities to engage in journalism and media production.
Irvine CubeSat STEM Program
Beckman High School is a participant in the Irvine CubeSat STEM Program (ICSP), an initiative that aims to inspire the next generation of innovators by involving students in the design, development, and launch of CubeSats—miniature satellites used for space research. The program includes six public high schools from the Tustin and Irvine School Districts, each contributing to different aspects of the CubeSat missions. Beckman High School leads the Avionics team within this collaborative effort.
Notable Alumni
Beckman High School has produced several notable alumni, including:
James Kaprielian: A pitcher for the Oakland Athletics in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Matt McLain: A shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, selected 17th overall in the 2021 MLB Draft.
Recent Incidents
In February 2023, Beckman High School was involved in a controversy when hidden cameras were discovered in a student bathroom. The perpetrator, a teacher at the school, was arrested following the incident.
In September 2024, the former teacher, Siu Kong Sit, was sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison for secretly recording children using hidden cameras in school bathrooms. Sit pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material and admitted to installing hidden cameras in Beckman High’s bathrooms beginning in February 2020.
Community and Culture
Beckman High School fosters a vibrant community with active participation from students, parents, and staff. The school’s Associated Student Body (ASB) maintains an Instagram account (@bhspatriots) to provide updates on students, sports, activities, and more, reflecting the dynamic and engaged student life at Beckman.
Conclusion
Arnold O. Beckman High School stands as a prominent educational institution in Irvine, California, known for its academic achievements, comprehensive extracurricular programs, and commitment to student development. Despite facing challenges, the school continues to strive for excellence and maintain its reputation as a distinguished high school within the state.