La Jolla High School (LJHS), established in 1922, is a public high school located in the coastal community of La Jolla, within San Diego, California. As the second-oldest campus in the San Diego Unified School District, LJHS has a rich history of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and community involvement.
Historical Background
Founded in 1922, LJHS has been a cornerstone of the La Jolla community for over a century. The school celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022 with various events, including a special homecoming football game, a centennial halftime parade, and alumni gatherings, reflecting its longstanding tradition and community significance.
Academic Programs
LJHS offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of its students. The school provides over 80 courses, including seminar, advanced, honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and community college options. Notably, LJHS offers 21 AP courses and several college-level courses in collaboration with local institutions, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school.
The school also supports specialized programs such as the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Seminar program for 10th and 11th-grade students, providing differentiated academic rigor through courses like AP European History and English.
Student Achievement
LJHS students consistently demonstrate high academic achievement. Approximately 72% of graduates attend four-year universities, with many gaining admission to prestigious institutions, including Ivy League schools and the University of California system. An additional 20% pursue higher education at two-year community colleges, indicating a strong college-going culture.
Athletic Programs
Athletics play a significant role in student life at LJHS. The school offers a variety of sports programs, fostering teamwork, discipline, and school spirit. Over the years, LJHS has produced numerous athletes who have excelled at collegiate levels and beyond. The school’s track and field program, for instance, has a history of athletes who continued their athletic careers post-graduation.
Notable Alumni
LJHS boasts a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Notable graduates include Brooke Burke, a television personality and host of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” and Butch Van Artsdalen, a famed surfer known as “Mr. Pipeline.”
Community Engagement
The school maintains a strong connection with the local community. Events such as the centennial celebrations and the involvement of current students, future La Jolla Vikings, alumni, families, teachers, and staff in various activities highlight the school’s role as a community hub.
Facilities and Resources
LJHS is equipped with facilities that support a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities. The campus includes specialized classrooms, laboratories, athletic fields, and performance spaces, providing students with the resources necessary for a well-rounded education. The school’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading its facilities ensures that students have access to modern learning environments.
Educational Philosophy
The educational philosophy at LJHS emphasizes the development of effective communication skills, collaborative interpersonal abilities, higher-order thinking, and a broad understanding of diverse cultures and belief systems. These Schoolwide Student-Learner Outcomes (SSLOs) guide the instructional approach, aiming to prepare students to be contributing members of a global society.
Recent Developments
In recent years, LJHS has implemented changes to enhance student well-being and academic performance. Beginning with the 2019–2020 school year, the school piloted a later start time, with first period beginning at 8:35 am instead of the previous 7:25 am. This initiative aims to increase attendance, test scores, and graduation rates, as well as to decrease rates of emotional and behavioral problems among students.
Conclusion
La Jolla High School’s century-long legacy is marked by academic excellence, athletic achievements, and a strong sense of community. Its comprehensive programs, dedicated staff, and engaged student body continue to uphold the school’s tradition of preparing students for success in higher education and beyond.