Type Public high school Staff 201 Enrollment 2,422 Phone +1 619-474-9700 Colors White, Red, Grey | Established 1920 Grades 9–12 Student to teacher ratio 24.1 Principal Maribel Gavin | |
Address 2900 Highland Ave, National City, CA 91950, USA District Sweetwater Union High School District Profiles | ||
Sweetwater Union High School (commonly known as SUHi) is a secondary school located in National City, California, United States. Established in 1920, it is one of the oldest high schools in San Diego County. Part of the Sweetwater Union High School District, SUHI predominantly serves the National City community with an enrollment of 2,422 students.
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In 2009, Sweetwater High School was named on Newsweek's list of the top 1,500 public high schools in the United States. In 2016 it ranked 2065th on US News and World Report's list of best high schools.
History
Built in 1882 near the present site of Central Elementary School at 9th Street and E Avenue, National School was the South Bay's first high school. National's successor, National City High School, was built in 1908 around that same location, where Central Elementary School now stands. To accommodate the growing population of high school students, Sweetwater Union High School was built in 1921 at 2900 Highland Avenue. The present day administration building (100) was originally two-stories with the library upstairs.
Thanks to Proposition O, the Sweetwater Union High School District was finally able to fund a remodel of SUHI's campus. This extensive upgrade, which incorporates some of the classic architecture in the new design, was completed in the summer of 2011 by Sundt Construction, SGI Construction Management, and BCA Architects. The architectural vision of the renovated campus is available online.
Since 2000, SUHI has made gains in its API score:
In 2008, Sweetwater High School achieved a State API ranking score of 9, placing the school in the top 10% of schools in its demographic statewide. It was also one of only two schools in its demographic in the history of California to exit program improvement.
Demographics
SUHI reflects the population of its community.
According to US News and World Report, based on the 2013–2014 school year, 99% of Sweetwater's student body is "minority enrollment", with 87% of the student body coming from an economically disadvantaged household, determined by student eligibility for California's reduced-price meal program.
Approximately 62% of SUHI's student population are designated English Language Learners, and 12.2% are students with disabilities.
Classes
The Sweetwater High School staff consists of 201 teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff. Their 101 teachers offer a variety of AP courses in English Literature, English Language, Spanish, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, World History, United States History, Art History, Calculus, Statistics, Computer Science, Government, Economics, and Psychology. Sweetwater High School has also integrated a career technical education program that consists of educating students in the medical, fire fighting, and other technical fields such as welding.
In order to increase the number of SUHI students who continue on to post-secondary education, the school has formed partnerships with University of California, San Diego, San Diego State University (through Compact for Success), and Southwestern College.
Marching and concert band
SUHI is home to marching and concert bands. During the first part of the year, the marching band and color guard are invited to perform in several local and statewide competitions - including field shows and parades. Then, during the second semester, the marching band performs as a concert band, appearing at various festivals and concerts throughout the season. The band is under the direction of Ms Van Ginkel.
SUHI Foundation
Found in 2006 with the help of SUHI alumni, The SUHI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) group that provides scholarships, student financial aid services, and awards students in need.