La Jolla High School

La Jolla High is a great school for most students. It is an exceptional school rated against other public schools, but is not a private school. Students that do best here are the students that do best in college and the workplace; self-motivated, creative, dedicated and hardworking individuals. This is not the school for students who need to be coddled. I have had two very different children go through the system. Each got out of their experience exactly what they put in. Both got into their top college choices. One had an IEP and had the BEST support possible. Zero complaints there. Warning, there are a few cooky teachers that will be there forever - if your student is stuck with one of them, they will gain valuable experience in skills that have nothing to do with academics - such as patience, self-advocance and flexibility. All in all it is a great school, but if your child is a "glass half empty" type, or you are a parent who is wound tight, private school may be your home-sweet-home.
—Submitted by a parent

La Jolla High was once a very great school indeed, but recently its standards have been much less than satisfying. A teacher was suspended for slapping kids last school year and many teachers have said that are less than motivated about teaching (understandable due to budget cuts and students who were less than willing to learn and have no interest in academics). Recently, CST tests had proved that LJHS have been experiencing a great drop in its standards.
—Submitted by a parent

I love La Jolla, and it is unfortunate that we have to pull our daughter out of LJHS because she has not found the help she needed with her mild ADD. She has an IEP that was always ignored by the teachers. Teachers are good but don't care to help students, only cater to self motivated ones, which she was not. It is so hard to contact most teachers and counselors. Parents are involved in fundraising and other events, but when it comes to academics you would see 3 parents visiting the school!
—Submitted by a parent

All of my children and now my grandchildren are or have attended and graduated with honors from La Jolla High. The friends made there seem to be life long. the teachers, counselors are all highly motivated and many of the students have the opportunity to take classes at UCSD. Its the best of the besr
—Submitted by a parent

Because our school is always together and the clubs are just awesome!
—Submitted by a student

I love La Jolla High School because there are so many unique and interesting people here. Our school is ranked high for academics, and we have so many different clubs on campus it's crazy
—Submitted by a parent

La Jolla High is a jewel of La Jolla. Academically we rank among many nation-wide top 100 lists and the administration continues to provide new and interesting topics which allow students to find one that truly interests them. Our athletic teams consistently win CIF, yet have always been welcoming towards new players. When it comes to school spirit and unity we go above and beyond, always putting on amazing dances and pep rallies which bring in huge crowds. Finally, there are about 50 clubs at La Jolla and each offer something unique to their members and work with the community. There is definitely something for everyone at La Jolla.
—Submitted by a student

Great teachers, great student body, and great location! La Jolla High has a consistent track record of sending the majority of its senior class on to very good colleges. High school alumni report great success in college as well.
—Submitted by a parent

La Jolla High has exceded all my expectations for bring academic excellence into our family.
—Submitted by a parent

We have great students! They work very hard to achieve and help others less fortunate.
—Submitted by a parent

This school caters to the highly self-motivated kids and the jocks. A kid who is bright (mine is seminar) but needs some encouragement and motivation is left by the wayside - teachers don't care!
—Submitted by a parent

Okay, the school so far is doing great for my child, althought he enviornment is rather materialistic so to speak. The teachers are very good so far and I am pleased with my child's progress.
—Submitted by a parent

La Jolla High discourages parental involvemment, they also do not want to talk to parents. They cater to a lot of foreign/asian students who are self taught at home. Your child won't learn much in class; they will be exposed to foreign competition. The staff makes it difficult to communicate to them, the counselors, teachers, and especially the administration. 'Arrogance commeth before the fall.'
—Submitted by a parent

LJHS is not a place for higher learning of good (A-B)students. Work is assigned for home study. Classes are stagnant and boring. It is a place for exceptional self taught or bussed in students and all the rest are thrown by the wayside. Try to meet with a teacher or staff or counselor.
—Submitted by a parent

Academic programs are of very high quality, especially n the seminar program. The top tier of students are extremely competitive. Extra curricular programs vary in quality but there is something for everyone. The core group of parents are extremely helpful and influential.
—Submitted by a parent

Superb academic programs, esp. math and science. Level of parent involvement is immense.
—Submitted by a parent

Academic programs are excellent, although best teachers have retired. Arts, AP programs, extracurricular, drama programs good. Good Seminar program. Level of parent involvement is very high. Has a high number of bussed kids and has a remedial program, but also many advanced and AP classes, great preparation for AP exams. Separation between kids with low and high incomes/ bussed in kids vs. residential kids.
—Submitted by a former student

This is a very credible school. I attended its hallowed halls, and I plan on having my children and my children's children attend. My neices tell me that each student is taken care of individually when it is needed, and that teachers will tend to every need.
—Submitted by a former student

My kid has always liked this school and loved the acidemics- highly recomended!
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is great!!! my child loves it!
—Submitted by a parent