Hello Future Sea Kings,
You will soon have to be making a decision on which high school to attend. You have a choice between two excellent schools. Let me tell you about Palos Verdes High School.
Palos Verdes High School was known for 30 years as one of the finest high schools in the state and nation. Graduates went to colleges and universities throughout the nation and then entered every profession you could think of. Sadly all three high schools on the “The Hill” closed in 1991 because of declining enrollment. Normally when a high school closes it never reopens. That was not the case with PV. It was very exciting reopening PVHS in September 2002. We are currently in our 8th year and the school has grown to 1850 students.
The mission from the outset was to attract students and then build the academic program quickly. We have now had five graduating classes and feel that once again Palos Verdes High School is recognized for academic excellence. Check out the college acceptances for the last two graduating classes at pvhigh.com. Click on CCC(College Career Center) and then go to “college acceptances.” It was exciting being named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 100 public high schools in the nation. We encourage students to challenge themselves and those who are not recommended for an honors or AP course can still enroll by signing a waiver form.
The biggest difference between PV and Peninsula is that we have a block schedule. Students attend 3 classes a day instead of 6 and they are 114 minutes long. This was the biggest challenge when PV reopened and it did not take long to see that it was a success. Our teachers like it, our students like it and the most important questions were answered when our graduates returned to visit and said they were very well prepared for college. The truth is that block schedules have been around for years. Also known as flexible scheduling, this is great preparation for the college and university level. We are committed to the block and it is part of the personality of our school.
You should also have fun in high school. We have a full extra curricular program which includes leadership, music, drama, dance, pep squad, video production, Model United Nations, debate, academic decathlon, mock trial, math club, science club and every other club you can think of. We are known for a very competitive athletic program and compete in the Bay League. Every sport is offered except wrestling.
Our campus is absolutely beautiful and our facilities are top notch. We have had major capital campaigns to address facility needs and have recently put in a new pool, a new synthetic stadium field and a beautiful new all weather track. This year there will be new bleachers installed on both sides of the field with Measure S bond money. Our parent support is huge with one all encompassing Booster Club which supports academics, arts and athletics, and then we have a fantastic PTSA. We are looking for parents who want to get involved in the whole high school experience.
I could not be more proud of the progress made at Palos Verdes High School in less than 8 years. I am most proud of the environment on our campus and the spirit displayed by our students and parents. We still have a new school feel and everyone at PV is “on the same page.” Join us at PVHS for a great high school experience.
Chris Bowles, Principal
Palos Verdes High School
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