University High School

Five stars for academics. Kids get a solid college prep experience, with a lot of AP & college credits. Instruction is overall good -- in an academic sense. But the school falls down in its administration & attitudes. If you have a very authoritarian mindset -- if you want your child to be a follower and a future "cog"; if you want him to obey authority without question (even when authority has erred); if you like the type of discipline in CUSD, your family will feel at home. If, however, you want your child to develop an independent mind and to question authority when appropriate; if your child is not a pleaser or an overachiever; if your child is not the stereotypical cookie-cutter "conservative Valley kid," she might not be appreciated & valued at this school. Example: UHS's draconian "tardy policy" doesn't match its written policy; kids who were late to class more than 1% of the time were told at the last minute they couldn't go to prom. When another parent noticed the written policy wasn't being followed, the admin refused to bend. Bad leadership; bad example. There's more to life than scores/GPA/awards/punishments/conformity. I'm not sure we'll send our other kids here.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a freshman at University High. UHS is amaizing you take Algebra 2 as a freshman.The freedom is awsome, how many highschools get to go on a college campus for lunch, or be able to use thier library.
--Submitted by a student

I am a parent of a 2008 UHS graduate. UHS is not for the faint of heart. If your student is not highly motivated and bright, it will be a long 4 years. The program is rigorous college prep and music. Expect an 8 to 5 school day or more. As with any school there are some exceptional instructors as well as some duds. English is good, math is challenging. My student retook most of high school math over again in Jr. College, not because of grades but because the instructors didn't teach the material, they just assumed everyone knew it. You must keep on top of your students progress and not procrastinate in taking remedial action if they slip. On the other hand, my student told me the other day that he was glad he went to UHS because he is not having any trouble being successful in college.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a freshman at UHS and i couldn't have asked for a better program. We take Physics as a freshman! We also get great opportunities for electives!
--Submitted by a student

I am a Junior at UHS and I absolutely love it!
--Submitted by a student