University High School

University High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
4771 Campus Dr,  Irvine, CA
Irvine Unified School District
3.9
3.5
2,097 Students
A+
Niche Grade
Established in 1970, University High is an above-average public school in the Irvine Unified School District. Home of the Trojans, the school is located at 4771 Campus Drive in the city of Irvine. Serving ninth through twelfth grades with a student population of approximately 1,700, the school sits on an impressive 55 acres of land and boasts an expansive layout of six academic buildings, a performing arts theater, band room, swimming pool, eight tennis courts, an indoor gymnasium, sports stadium and several practice fields. The school features a solid curriculum focusing on English, math, science, industrial technology and physical education. University High offers more than 24 official athletic teams and is proud of its unique collaboration of attending students who reign from more than 70 countries and speak more than 52 languages combined. In addition, University High also sponsors an English proficiency program, a special education program and the Orange County Deaf and Hard of Hearing program. In 2011, University High School was rated the number one public school in California by Newsweek Magazine who also voted the school the 8th best public high school in America. 96% of University High School graduates go on to attend colleges and universities.

School Details

Head of School
Kevin Astor
Student Teacher Ratio
26:1
Average SAT Score
1410
Average ACT Score
31
Math Proficiency
70%
Reading Proficiency
75%
Average GPA
3.64
Graduation Rate
96%

Niche Grade

A+
Academics
A+
Teachers
A+
College Prep
B-
Administration
C
Resources/Facilities
C+
Clubs and Activities
C+
Sports
C+
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.64
Reading Proficiency
75%
Math Proficiency
70%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
26:1
Teachers
82
Full Time Teachers
82
Teachers in First or Second Year
10.9%
College Prep
Average SAT
1410
Math
720
Verbal
690
Average ACT
31
Math
30
English
31
Reading
31
Science
30
Number of AP Courses
23
AP Pass Rate
94.4%
AP Math Enrollment
Very High
AP Science Enrollment
Very High
Other AP Enrollment
Very High
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
Low

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Math
45%
State Average
17.9%
Science
30.3%
State Average
9.9%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
341:1

Student Diversity

Male
53.1%
Female
46.6%
Asian or Pacific Islander
42.5%
White
32.9%
Hispanic
12.2%
Two or more races
9.2%
Black
2.5%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
Native American
<1%
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School Rankings

#5 Best College Prep Public HS in California
#18 Best Public HS in California
#54 Best HS For Stem in California
Source: Niche

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
University of California - Los Angeles 770 Students
University of California - Irvine 643 Students
University of California - Berkeley 598 Students
University of California - San Diego 590 Students
University of Southern California 495 Students
University of California - Santa Barbara 409 Students
University of California - Davis 375 Students
New York University 262 Students
Stanford University 262 Students
San Diego State University 230 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Business 253 Students
Biology 246 Students
Computer Science 204 Students
Psychology 186 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 101 Students
Economics 99 Students
Political Science and Government 93 Students
Chemistry 79 Students
Environmental Science 76 Students
Engineering 73 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.9 449 Reviews
3.0 Senior
9/18/2024
The food is not that great, there is no designated area for students to sit down and eat lunch. The teachers are hit or miss. I don't feel much was done to prepare me for college, especially with the school counselors. The school is known for being very difficult, competitive environment.
4.0 Sophomore
9/6/2024
University High School (UHS) is often known for its strong academic programs, dedicated faculty, and vibrant student life. It's a place where students are encouraged to pursue both intellectual and personal growth. The school usually offers a range of extracurricular activities, advanced placement courses, and opportunities for leadership and community involvement.
5.0 Alum
8/28/2024
The teachers were amazing, many times did the teachers personally assist in helping out the students do their best. I was there for almost three years, I had transferred from another high school out of the district, and had just recently moved close by. It was startling at first, as I had no friends at all to be with, and couldn't find a social click, so I focused more on my classes and put in the effort. Leaving the high school with a good academic GPA.
GreatSchools Reviews
3.5 20 Reviews
5.0 parent
12/17/2023
We had 2 children go to and excel at Uni in the ‘90’s.The first was The Valadictorian and was accepted to and went to Harvard. Our younger one went to and excelled at Cal/BerkeleyWe never had to worry about our kids and did not spend any $$$ on tutors.Thanks for the Great Education and most apprecia...
2.0 parent
3/15/2021
University H S came highly recommended, that's the reason we moved to Irvine and close enough for our kids to attend High School here.Very high demanding expectations from teachers, but if you want the best you expect the best and everything was fine, until covid happen. Last year they gave a pass t...
1.0 other
10/2/2019
Uni is not well rounded, stressing academics 100% and completely ignoring sports, arts, and social development. Many students are elitist snobs who bully underachievers. Students with learning differences get no services and are pressured to conform to the curriculum. As a former student I do not re...
3.0 parent
5/18/2018
Academics are highly pushed. Sports are pushed aside. (Unless it’s tennis, or golf). If you’re not already smart then you have to try harder. Great school but not a fair one.

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