University of San Diego High School
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University of San Diego High School (USDHS) was a Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory secondary school located in San Diego, California. In 2005, the school was closed down, and reopened in Del Mar as Cathedral Catholic High School
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[edit] History
University of San Diego High School (USDHS), fondly known as "Uni", was founded in 1957 on a beautiful site overlooking San Diego Bay to the west and Mission Valley to the south, and dedicated to providing a value-centered education to San Diego's young men. In 1970, it merged with Cathedral Girls' High School and became a coed campus, yet maintained its emphasis on teaching solid values and strong discipline, while at the same time, providing opportunities for each student to grow according to his/her individual potential. Over 10,000 graduates have crossed our threshold; notable USDHS graduates are listed below.
[edit] Uni in Recognition
In 1998, Secretary of Education Richard Riley named University of San Diego High School a Blue Ribbon School. USDHS, and two other San Diego schools, are among 166 secondary schools nationwide being recognized for their excellence in teaching, student achievement and parental involvement. To obtain such recognition, USDHS completed a lengthy process that included a nomination package, a site visit and a final recommendation. The purpose of the visit was to verify the accuracy of information provided by the school on the nomination form and to answer any questions raised by the National Review Panel.To be chosen for a site visit is an honor itself. USDHS' application was reviewed by a panel of private school educators who nominated 101 private schools to the US Department of Education for further review. A second panel made up of public and private school educators then determined which schools would be visited.
[edit] Uni's Mission
The Mission of the University of San Diego High School is to assist the parents in the spiritual, intellectual, and physical development of their children. To facilitate this mission, the school provides the students with a college preparatory academic curriculum and programs which offer the guidance and values necessary for their formation as Christians. In addition, our school offers numerous extracurricular opportunities for students to participate in Fine Arts, a variety of leadership roles, athletics, clubs, and service organizations. As a Catholic High School, we envision our students as responsible individuals who have a positive sense of self-worth and are committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is our intent that they carry a love for learning and a spirit of intellectual curiosity on their continuing journey of personal growth. We foresee that these students will contribute constructively to the society and environment in which they live.
[edit] Uni Today
The Linda Vista campus has held 1,450 students who study a college preparatory curriculum in fulfillment of the school mission "...to assist parents in the spiritual, intellectual and physical development of their children." Students are also afforded opportunities to participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities including fine arts, athletics, clubs, service organizations and leadership roles. Beginning with the 1998-99 school year, students have been required to complete service hours for community organizations to fulfill their graduation requirements.
Presently, alums of USDHS and Cathedral Girls' High School are continuing their support and involvement in the educational process by sending their children to USDHS and enhancing the academic offerings and assisting in whatever way they can to enable the school to be successful. Brother Michael Wallgren, 1985-1991, assisted by a generous gift from the George Pflaum, Jr. Foundation, started the Learning Center at USDHS to provide necessary assistance for students with certified learning differences. Through the generous financial assistance of parents, this facility has increased its capacity to 90 students with two full-time and two part-time faculty.
Dr. Richard Kelly, Principal and President from 1991-2005, has acted on the Strategic Plan prepared for USDHS with the assistance of the School Board, Parents Association, and Faculty. Careful financial planning, as well as generous contributions from the extended USDHS community in San Diego, have ensured that future generations will enjoy the quality education USDHS offers. The Strategic Plan provides for academic, athletic, and social enhancement, often made possible only by physical plant improvements. Academically, there has been an expansion of the Fine Arts Program, the addition of eight new classrooms, and an increase of five Advanced Placement courses. The initial purchase of ten high-end research computers linked to the Internet and a new writing lab complemented the enhancement of the Campus Center building. Our computer lab received all new IMAC computers and all classrooms had a new computer and printer installed to allow teachers to write lessons, input grades, post homework and keep parents updated on student progress in 2000.
[edit] Uni on the Road
Where do we go from here? The Diocese of San Diego announced plans for relocating USDHS to a new site, offering the needed space to expand our educational efforts. The new school, completed in 2005, is called Cathedral Catholic High School.
A greater challenge confronts USDHS at our old site. We cannot cling to the past achievements as we progress on our road to consistent excellence. Parents and students alike are reaching out to be part of the success evidenced on our campus. Every effort must be made to accommodate as many students as possible with an ever-challenging curriculum and the caring leadership of outstanding teachers.
[edit] Cathedral Catholic High School
The move to Cathedral Catholic High School has left a hole in many students, teachers, and alumna's hearts. Though Cathedral Catholic has implemented every single standing of USDHS, from the Dons to the awards, it certainly will never be the same as it were at good ol' Uni. But Uni looks ahead, as always, to expand its educational efforts and to continue its rigorous curriculum, as well as its legacy as the Dons. The move to Cathedral Catholic has weakened the Don spirit for the athletics program, but the fans still cheer on for the Dons of the University of San Diego High School, now the Dons of Cathedral Catholic High School.
[edit] Notable Alumni
- Cameron Crowe - Academy Award-nominated director for Almost Famous, which was was filmed in San Diego. A scene was filmed on campus at USDHS.
- Phil Mickelson - PGA and Champion golfer
- Luke Walton - Basketball player
- Carlos Quentin - Baseball player for the Arizona Diamondbacks
- Mark Prior and Barry Zito - Baseball players
- Scott Peterson - Convicted murderer
- Bobbi Weiss - prolific writer for Warner Bros and Disney
- Kelly Rulon - Water polo player for the UCLA Bruins, who won a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
- Moriah van Norman - Water polo player for the USC Trojans, who won the Peter J. Cutino Award in 2004, recognized as the best female collegiate player.
[edit] Academics
Since USDHS is no longer an active school, the curriculum guide for Cathedral Catholic High School can be found here: [1]
