La Cañada High School (LCHS), situated in La Cañada Flintridge, California, is a distinguished public educational institution serving students from grades 7 through 12. Established in 1963, LCHS operates under the La Cañada Unified School District (LCUSD) and has garnered recognition for its academic excellence, comprehensive extracurricular programs, and strong community involvement.
Location and Campus
Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains and adjacent to the Angeles National Forest, LCHS is located at 4463 Oak Grove Drive, La Cañada, CA 91011. The campus is conveniently situated near the Interstate 210 Freeway, north of Pasadena’s Rose Bowl and south of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, providing a picturesque and accessible environment for education.
Academic Excellence
LCHS has a longstanding reputation for academic achievement. It has been designated a California Distinguished School multiple times, with recognitions in 1986, 2003, and 2021. Additionally, the school has been honored as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 1992, 1993, 2004, and 2015, reflecting its commitment to high academic standards and exemplary programs.
In state assessments, LCHS students consistently perform at high levels. The school’s dedication to maintaining high performance on state standardized tests is evident, as highlighted by the La Cañada Unified School District’s academic excellence.
Advanced Placement and College Readiness
LCHS offers a robust Advanced Placement (AP) program, providing students with the opportunity to engage in college-level coursework and exams. This rigorous academic environment prepares students for higher education and contributes to the school’s high ranking within California.
Extracurricular Activities
Beyond academics, LCHS boasts a wide array of extracurricular programs, including athletics, arts, and various student organizations. The school’s yearbook, “Omega,” has received national recognition, earning First Place in the Junior/Senior High Schools Large Schools Category from the American Scholastic Press Association for the 2023 edition titled “The Common Thread.”
Community and Parental Involvement
The success of LCHS is bolstered by strong community and parental support. The La Cañada Unified School District emphasizes collaboration among educators, parents, and community members to create a nurturing and effective educational environment.
Notable Alumni
LCHS has produced several distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields:
Michael Cunningham (Class of 1970): Author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Hours.”
Brian Behlendorf (Class of 1991): Computer programmer and primary developer of the Apache Web server.
Chris D’Elia (Class of 1998): Stand-up comedian and actor.
Collin Morikawa (Class of 2015): Professional golfer and multiple-time PGA Tour winner.
Kate Hansen (Class of 2010): Olympic luger who represented the United States in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Facilities and Resources
LCHS is equipped with modern facilities that support a comprehensive educational experience. The campus includes state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and arts spaces, all designed to enhance student learning and engagement.
Student Demographics and Enrollment
As of the 2022–2023 academic year, LCHS serves approximately 1,993 students with a student-teacher ratio of 24:1, fostering an environment conducive to personalized instruction and support.
Accreditation and Affiliations
LCHS is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), ensuring that it meets rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness. The school is also a member of the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section (CIF-SS) Rio Hondo League, participating in various athletic competitions.
Recent Achievements
In addition to its academic accolades, LCHS has recently been honored with four awards from the American Scholastic Press Association, highlighting the school’s commitment to excellence in student publications.
Conclusion
La Cañada High School stands as a beacon of academic excellence, extracurricular achievement, and community involvement. Its rich history, dedicated faculty, and supportive community continue to provide students with a well-rounded and high-quality education, preparing them for success in higher education and beyond.