San Dieguito High Academy

I absolutly love this school! What first attracted me to this school was the friendly atmosphere, and I can honestly say that my first expectation has been lived up to. I have always been a bit of the "odd-man-out" in all of my school experiances but at SDA I always feel like I am accepted and welcomed. I have yet to meet one person that has been judgemental here. On my first day i was surprised to see that everyone of the returning students would not hesitate to show you where any of your classes where and most even carried maps of the school! I am so glad that I came to SDA!
—Submitted by a student

Love this school: Great academics, amazing Japanese program, accepting and kind atmosphere and a sense of history and community. It is harder to get into than it once was, and with good reason.This school is a gem on the coast!
—Submitted by a parent

Attending SDA was the best decision I ever made. When I was in 8th grade, I had to choose between 3 schools: SDA, CCA and LCC. SDA drew me because of its extremely nurturing and non-judgmental atmosphere, its deep roots in the Encinitas community, its artistic vision, its pursuit of academic excellence and its leadership opportunities. The administration and teachers always work with students to help better the school via discussion venues like "The Forum" and consult students on topics such as school beautification and all-school events. Classes are relaxed but uphold a rigorous curriculum and I was always happy, challenged and supported by my peers and teachers. This year's graduating class is sending more students to top, out-of-state colleges than ever before, and I am one of two students headed to an Ivy League university. If I had chosen to attend a different school, I am very certain that this opportunity would not have been available to me. Following the soon-to-be-completed construction of the new state-of-the-art performing arts center, SDA also looks forward to renovations over the next few years to buildings and athletic facilities to be even more accommodating to all.
—Submitted by a student

My son and his friends are thriving at this school. We are highly impressed with Principal Grove, who has terrific communications skills and who responds to concerns in an open manner. We have been so impressed by the faculty at The Academy. They have some fantastic academic instructors, and the Auto Shop and Woodshop are something that my son lives for. How wonderful that there is still an educational choice that has a balance of academic programs and applied, life skills. I highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

San Diegutio High, Acadamy is a school that allows my child to develop her own skills that she wants to develop. It has many classes that she can pick a schedule that fits her life and what she wants to do with it. My daughter did not want to go to the big Border School. SDA is much smaller and the administration treats her like a family. She will be able to graduate with 2 or 3 languages and is currently taking Japanese. This school is a 4 block system, so it is more like college. The kids are all friends and hug each other as a greeting and all accept each other which is rare for high school. Please consider this origional school that has been teaching and working for the last 90years.
—Submitted by a parent

My Daughter is happy there!
—Submitted by a parent

SDA is the greatest school! All kids are treated equally and acceptance is most valued. Without the cliques and bullying, kids are free to find their niche and pursue their dreams. The teachers and staff are amazing and always caring about and encouraging the kids to be their best. I have one daughter that graduated and went on to a top university, she was well prepared for college after her time SDA. I also have a Freshman who is loving it here.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school! The teachers are some of the best you will ever find in public schools, the classes are generally interesting, and the atmosphere completely supports all academic pursuits. There is an air of open-mindedness in which students are free to explore their interests and take learning to the next level.
—Submitted by a parent

The Teachers and Staff treat the students as adults first. Privileges and responsibilities are a normal part of the day, therefore students learn to act as responsible people. The self chosen homeroom gives student an opportunity to make a strong connection with an adult. If there is a problem, then and only then privileges are lost and . This goes from the freshmen to the seniors. Having so many electives classes with students from across all grades teaches respect and cooperation.
—Submitted by a parent

It is accepting of all different students and encourages them socially and academically.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my daughters graduated from San Dieguito High Academy and were prepared well for college and life. Both were accepted by one of the top universities in the United States and have done well. The preparation at this school has further assisted my older daughter as she is currently in one of the top 10 law schools in the US.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. The teachers and administration are respectful and understanding. Students feel safe and welcome at San Dieguito Academy.
—Submitted by a student

I am a current student at SDA. It is difficult to put into words just how great this school is. Everyone here supports the idea of education and community. School is a place to learn and to have fun. As a teenager I can say that this school and it's environment has truly helped me through these years. I will remember it forever, and the rewards and lessosn I learned from my education will stay with me forever.
—Submitted by a student

There are fewer schools in America that compare to SDA than vampires in your attic. Teachers and students enjoy a relaxed environment while learning at an advanced pace. Truely an individualistic school where creativity and freedom of expression is supported and encouraged.
—Submitted by a student

I am a freshman at this school and I absolutely love it. The environment is very open and accepting, and all of the teachers are great. There are many interesting and useful classes. I also enjoy the 4 by 4 schedule it helps you take more classes. The school is also smaller and has very few cliques. The open lunch is great and so is the campus. I love this school!
—Submitted by samantha wetherall, a student

Excellent academics, sports that allow involvement by all interested student/athletes, a culture of achievment and inclusiveness, involved parents..just a dream come true
—Submitted by a parent

Very involved families with top academic programs. A very high percentage of students go on to four year colleges.
—Submitted by a former student

San Dieguito Academy is a jewel. Students are allowed to be who they are in a realtively judgement-free environment. The classes are challenging!
—Submitted by a parent

I have now had 2 daughters complete their high school education at SDA. I have been very pleased with the individual attention and excellence of education they received. One was an honors/AP student (who has now completed college in 3 years); the other was an average student who is entering community college this fall. The 1st got the extra challenging classes she needed, and the 2nd got the nurturing, helping classes she needed. We also especially loved the 4 X 4 schedule that allowed the one to take extra academic courses and the other to take extra ROP electives that might lead to a career. One of the most useful courses there is an elective that prepares students for real life -- leases, tax forms, resumes etc. And the size of the student body allows for greater teacher/student interaction as well as a unique graduation ceremony (personal statement from each student).
—Submitted by a parent

San Dieguito is one of the premier public high schools in San Diego. Its innovative approach to scheduling allows for more in depth learning, for teachers to know their students better and leaves students more prepared for the rigors of college. The teachers are dedicated individuals who enjoy what they do and work hard for the success of every student. The school doesn't emphasize sports, but instead focuses on the arts with an extensive theater program as well as music classes and photography lab. If you are looking for a place for your child to truely grow in a safe secure environment surrounded by love and support San Dieguito could not be a better place.
—Submitted by Sarah, a former student