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Public School0
San Diego Unified School District

University City High School

#1,153 in Best Public High Schools in America
  • A
    Overall Grade
  • Public
  • 9-12
  • San Diego, CA
  • 444 reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    A
  2. Diversity
    A+
  3. Teachers
    A-
  4. College Prep
    A
  5. Clubs & Activities
    C+
  6. Health & Safety
    C+
  7. Administration
    B
  8. Sports
    B+
  9. Food
    C-
  10. Resources & Facilities
    D+
View Full Report Card
University City High School is a highly rated, public school located in San Diego, CA. It has 1,799 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 26 to 1. According to state test scores, 59% of students are at least proficient in math and 83% in reading.
Address
6949 Genesee Ave
San Diego, CA 92122
Telephone
(858) 457-3040
Website
sandiegounified.org

University City High School Rankings

Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

Academics

Percent Proficient - Reading
83%
Percent Proficient - Math
59%
Average Graduation Rate
96%
Average SAT
1220
377 responses
Average ACT
28
123 responses
AP Enrollment
40%
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Living in the Area
A+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Cost of Living
    D+
  2. Good for Families
    A
  3. Housing
    C-
Area Feel
Suburban
Median Household Income
$77,115
National
$55,322
Median Rent
$1,964
National
$949
Median Home Value
$503,425
National
$184,700

Culture & Safety

Health & Safety
C+
Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
Poll
82%
of students agree that they feel safe at their school.49 responses
Poll
78%
of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.49 responses
Poll
What are your favorite school events or traditions?
Based on 156 responses
Report
  • Spirit Weeks
    17%
  • Senior Disneyland Trip
    16%
  • Pep rallies
    15%
  • Homecoming football game
    14%
  • Homecoming dance
    8%
  • Basketball games
    8%
  • Grad Nite in the Gym
    7%

Students

Diversity
A+
Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
Students
1,799
Free or Reduced Lunch
40%
76%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.51 responses
76%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.51 responses
75%
of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.51 responses

Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio
26:1
National
17:1
Average Teacher Salary
$79,852
Teachers in First/Second Year
1.4%
60%
of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.65 responses
68%
of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.65 responses
69%
of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.65 responses

Clubs & Activities

Clubs & Activities
C+
Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
Average
Expenses Per Student
$13,540/ year
National
$12,239
85%
of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.68 responses
49%
of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.68 responses
69%
of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.68 responses
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University City High School Reviews

444 reviews
All Categories
I have really enjoyed going to University City High School and I think it prepared me very well for college. The students are nice, as are the clubs and activities. I wouldn't say the school is exceptional, but it definitely is not hard to succeed here as long as you stay on top of your work, are respectful to your teachers, and study.
UCHS offers a lot of AP courses, honors classes, as well as college classes which are very helpful with regards to boosting GPA, getting college credit, and looking good for college applications. In addition, these classes are challenging since they are advanced classes but they are not so hard that students are constantly. The counseling staff is helpful whenever you need any help with anything as well.
I definitely had a good high school experience at UCHS
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Good academics for anyone interested in an AP course load and community college dual enrollment. Good, very spirited student community with clubs and teams for everyone to find their niche. A good portion of the students are high achievers (many have over 4.0 GPAs and this is not considered extraordinary to most), but as is the way of all public schools, some kids are the opposite. Helpful admin- IF you advocate for yourself. Many services and help that you'd never know existed unless you went looking. Not super high ranking athletic teams, but almost everyone in on some kind of team or club. Facilities are all being upgraded, but there is an ongoing issue with rats and roaches.
My experience here was good. The school is quite laid back and the principal is big on sports especially football. Depending on the classes you take, the students can be either very competitive/hardworking or laid back. Location wise, the school is located at an awkward place, but it is close to the UTC mall. This school has the PLTW Biomedical Science program for those interested in a career in science or healthcare, which I am a part of. You will learn a lot in the four years of the program and will be ready for any lab class. Also there is a new engineering program and an art oriented program. There were a few fights here and there, but those were with the underclassmen. However, depending on the people you hang out with you can avoid that at all cost. Many of the teachers are willing to stay after school or come early in the morning to have tutoring sessions. I haven't had a teacher that wasn't willing to put in the effort to give students the extra help.