SDHS Academics
San Diego High School academic offerings are outstanding both in their breadth and depth. We are offering more than 100 different classes in 2024/2025. These serve the needs of students aiming for college, including the most prestigious universities, and those who are heading for career-specific training courses, trade school, or who would like to go straight from high school into a well-paying career. We also have excellent student support and special education services.
An 8-period A/B alternating day bell schedule allows students to take a wide range of electives, including VAPA, additional sciences and engineering and language classes, and social sciences such as economics, Chicano/black studies, and political science, while meeting SDUSD graduation requirements. The schedule also provides time for students to receive extra assistance, career and college application support, and to re-take classes if they need to.
Juniors, seniors, and also some sophomores (from middle schools that offer accelerated math or language programs), can take classes in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. These are the most rigorous high school classes, with weighted GPAs and an opportunity to earn university credit. We welcome students who transfer into SDHS for junior year to participate in the IB program, and our graduates are accepted into the top universities (see where). More about the IB program.
College courses are taught on our campus during our school day. SDHS Students are taught by City College professors in a variety of courses in math, English, history, languages and a range of VAPA and elective courses. All of these courses are weighted courses that give automatic UC & CSU transferable college units FOR FREE. Students may start taking these courses starting their 10th grade year.
SDHS offers career-focused programs and learning academies featuring real-world learning, industry mentorships, and internships.
The GeoTech Academy is for students interested in engineering and design focused on clean technologies and sustainable building.
Students who follow the MedTech Academy program graduate career-ready for jobs in biomedical sciences and healthcare, or ready for further training/education in an area with many local employment options. They can also receive CNA certification required for nursing school.
The Academy of Finance and Entrepreneurship (AoFE) prepares
students to be successful and competitive in the global world by
developing their entrepreneurial mindset. Students take business courses
and can obtain industry recognized certifications.
Our extremely popular Culinary Arts and Management Program explores the world of hospitality and restaurants. It prepares students for careers in this fast-paced industry with scholarships, internships, catered events experience and hands-on classes in the professional kitchen on our campus.
The Design, Visual and Media program is based on professional practice and fine art. It prepares students for occupations using visual art, digital media, web-based tools and materials for communication and expression. More about Visual Arts and Design.
Classes on video production, broadcast journalism, sports broadcasting and the Yearbook elective provide an introduction to journalism-related careers. Students from the Yearbook elective have the opportunity to attend the National High School Journalism Convention.