English
- The English Department includes a high level of technology integration with the curriculum across all classes.
STUDENT AWARDS
- Students in the English Department regularly receive recognition in annual writing contests, including the annual Library Essay Contest, the USD Character Matters Essay contest, and the CATE creative Writing contest. Outstanding junior students are recipients of annual Book Awards from eight prestigious colleges and universities. We have also had numerous winners of the competitive Harvard Book Prize.
- Poetry Club members participate in open mic spoken word presentations from professional poets and their peers.
- Most 9th grade students participate in National Novel Writing Month through. 12th grade English teachers provide support and guidance in college essay writing.
STAFF AWARDS
- English Department Staff have received prestigious awards such as: the Innovative Educator Award from The Classrooms of The Future Foundation and San Diego Computer Using Educators. Many are also fellows with the San Diego Area Writing Project, and even a delegate to the National Education Association convention. Jennifer Roberts also won the USD EDUC/MLTC Video Challenge for innovative teaching and is a Google Certified Teacher. English Teachers also donate their time as advisory to student clubs such as Poetry and Debate.
History/Social Science
- Advanced Placement courses are available for 9th through 12th grade students, in addition to advanced and honors classes. See department choices here.
- Freshman are offered AP Human Geography.
- Seniors HAVE the opportunity to take a community college level Political Science CLASS on our campus. Students can also take AP Psychology, Psychology and AP Art History.
- Government students participate as poll workers and write letters to elected officials.
- Students get involved in local history celebrations like Cabrillo Day, the WWII re-enactment at Ft Rosecrans, re-enactments of life on the frontier, working on an assembly line during the Industrial Era of US, immersing themselves into the popular culture of the 1950s and the music of the 1960s.
- THE HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCE DEPT hosts an annual history awards banquet to recognize of outstanding students in the study of history. Monetary scholarships are often awarded to students at the banquet.
Math
- Each math subject is offered in various levels.
- Students are able to take a college level Calculus course taught here on campus.
- PLHS has one of the highest pass rates for College level math in the district.
Science
- Advanced Placement is offered for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Variety of options available, see complete list here.
- PLHS students have won first place in Google Science Fair.
- Project based learning in science classes include: Electrical car racing, energy efficient homes project, dissections, wet labs, Famosa Slough experiments and study, coastal/tide pool observation and analysis, interactive notebooks, lab investigations, etc.
- 95% of students taking the AP Bio exam pass! (Score of 3-5.)
- New Engineering Pathway for PLHS students starting with the class of 2018. This course is envisioned as the first in a sequence of courses that eventually will create career pathways in the new Energy and Utilities industry sector. This foundational laboratory science course introduces students to the fast-growing fields of green engineering, renewable energy, and environmental technology. The academic focus of the course is on physics, with the curriculum emphasizing project-based learning. A core goal is for students to demonstrate their understanding of physics by designing and building an alternative-energy solar-powered boat for the National Solar Cup Competition.
Language Other Than English
Previously WORLD LANGUAGE
- PLHS offers French, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish
- Completion of 4 years in one language can earn the student a bi-literacy seal.
College And Career Pathway
(Unique to PLHS)
PLHS has future plans for an Engineering Pathway starting with Green Technology focus for first year students. It will be available for incoming 2018 students.
College & Career Technical Education (CCTE)
CCTE is offered to all students. This is a great way to introduce students to a career pathway that can bridge to a further study at college or career level.
All students taking CCTE classes have the opportunity for internships that offer opportunities in real world applications for students.
Point Loma High School offers 3CCTE tracks. UC/CSU credit is offered for the completion of each track.
- Art & Entertainment.
- Education, Child Development, and Family Services.
- Health Science and Medical Technology.
- 9 of the CCTE classes qualify as UC/CSU approved classes. NJROTC.
- The Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps is offered to all students at PLHS.
- Naval Science courses serve as Physical Education credits but also prepare students with the knowledge, traits, and responsibilities of a naval recruit.
Physical Education Department
- We have a versatile group of teachers that offer a wide variety of options to students to help them maintain health for life. This include: a variety of exercise options, nutrition, mental health, positive peer relationships, sportsmanship.
- Students can receive PE credit for participation in athletics, cheer and marching band.
- Academic supporting programs: OASIS program (Organized Academic Support in School)
- Many PE teachers are also coaches for our athletic teams.
- PE Dept teachers have been awarded the Wrennie Sponsel Award for professional excellence and received non-violence training through the Ahimsa Center.