South Hills Academy
West Covina · Est. 1957
Now Accepting 2026–2027 Applications — Scholarships for qualifying High School students & Sibling Discounts. Apply today
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High School

A Competitive Edge for University Admissions

A rigorous UC A–G curriculum, 31 AP courses, and a 1:4.7 faculty-to-student ratio — preparing graduates for top universities and real-world challenges.

UC A–G Aligned Diploma31 AP Courses1:4.7 Faculty–Student Ratio
31
AP Courses
1:4.7
Faculty–Student Ratio
18
Average Class Size
90%
Admitted to Top-50 Universities
A–G
UC-Aligned Diploma
Why SHA High School

Six Reasons Families Choose Us

From a rigorous AP curriculum to a job-ready trades pathway, every student finds a path that fits — and a school that supports it all the way through.

The Diploma Path

A Direct Path to UC A–G Admissions

Complete 24 courses over 3 years to earn an SHA High School Diploma that meets the UC A–G Admissions Requirements — paving the way to top universities.

  • UC A–G aligned graduation requirements
  • College counseling and SAT/AP testing support on campus
  • Honors and AP tracks in every core department
SHA graduates
UC A–G Requirements

Built Around the UC A–G Pathway

These are the University of California A–G subject requirements — the gateway to UC, CSU, and competitive universities nationwide. SHA's diploma meets every one. Open any subject area to see the courses we offer; AP marks an Advanced Placement course.

AHistory & Social Science2 years requiredOur courses
World History Track
U.S. History Track
Government Track
Also Offered
World History — Ancient civilizations to the modern era — the forces that shaped today's world.
World History Honors — The same sweep at an accelerated pace, with deeper primary-source analysis.
AP World History: Modern — College-level global history from 1200 CE to today, with the May AP exam.
U.S. History — America's story from its founding to today — people, conflicts, and ideas.
U.S. History Honors — Accelerated U.S. history with heavier reading and document-based writing.
AP U.S. History — College-level U.S. history with source analysis and the May AP exam.
U.S. Government & Politics — How American government works — the constitution, branches, and citizenship.
U.S. Government & Politics Honors — Accelerated study of U.S. institutions, policy, and political behavior.
AP U.S. Government & Politics — College-level U.S. politics and constitutional foundations, with the May AP exam.
AP European History — College-level European history from 1450 to the present.
AP Comparative Government & Politics — Compares how six different national governments are organized and run.
BEnglish4 years requiredOur courses
Language Support
Core Sequence
Honors & AP
Also Offered
ESL 1 — English foundations for newcomers — vocabulary, grammar, and confidence.
ESL 2 — Bridging to mainstream English with academic reading and writing.
English 1 — Literature, composition, and grammar foundations for high school.
English 2 — World literature with stronger analytical reading and essay writing.
English 3 — American literature, rhetoric, and research writing.
English 4 — British and world literature with college-level composition.
English II–IV Honors — The accelerated literature and writing track for honors students.
AP English Language & Composition — Rhetoric and argument across nonfiction texts, with the May AP exam.
AP English Literature & Composition — Close reading of fiction, poetry, and drama, with the May AP exam.
Creative Writing — Fiction, poetry, and personal narrative — finding your own voice.
CMathematics3 years required · 4 recommendedOur courses
Core Sequence
Statistics Track
Also Offered
Algebra — Variables, equations, and functions — the language of all higher math.
Geometry — Logic, proof, shapes, and spatial reasoning.
Precalculus — Advanced functions and trigonometry, preparing students for calculus.
Precalculus Honors — Accelerated precalculus with deeper, faster problem-solving.
AP Calculus AB — Limits, derivatives, and integrals — college Calculus I, with the May AP exam.
AP Calculus BC — Extends AB with series and advanced integration — college Calculus I–II.
Statistics — Collecting, displaying, and interpreting data for real decisions.
AP Statistics — College-level statistics — probability and inference, with the May AP exam.
AP Computer Science A — Programming and problem-solving in Java, with the May AP exam.
DLaboratory Science2 years required · 3 recommendedOur courses
Biology Track
Chemistry Track
Physics Track
Environmental Track
Also Offered
Biology — Cells, genetics, ecology, and the living world — with hands-on labs.
Biology Honors — Accelerated biology with deeper lab work and analysis.
AP Biology — College-level molecular, genetic, and ecological biology, with the May AP exam.
Chemistry — Atoms, reactions, and the math behind matter — with hands-on labs.
Chemistry Honors — Accelerated chemistry with quantitative problem-solving.
AP Chemistry — College-level bonding, thermodynamics, and equilibrium, with the May AP exam.
Physics — Motion, forces, and energy — how the physical world works.
AP Physics 1 & 2 — Algebra-based college physics across two years, with the May AP exams.
AP Physics C (Mechanics / E&M) — Calculus-based college physics for future engineers and scientists.
Environmental Science — Ecosystems, resources, and human impact on the planet.
AP Environmental Science — College-level environmental science and sustainability, with the May AP exam.
AP Computer Science Principles — Foundations of computing, data, and the internet, with the May AP exam.
ELanguage Other Than English2 years required · 3 recommendedOur courses
Spanish Track
Also Offered
Spanish I — Foundations — vocabulary, grammar, and everyday conversation.
Spanish II — Building real fluency in speaking, reading, and writing Spanish.
AP Spanish Language & Culture — College-level Spanish fluency and culture, with the May AP exam.
AP Spanish Literature — College-level study of Spanish and Latin American literature.
AP German — College-level German language and culture, with the May AP exam.
AP French — College-level French language and culture, with the May AP exam.
FVisual & Performing Arts1 year requiredOur courses
Music
Visual Art
Music Technology — Producing and recording music with today's digital tools.
Music Appreciation — Listening, history, and the language of music.
Concert Band — Ensemble performance, preparing for school concerts.
AP Music Theory — College-level harmony, ear-training, and composition, with the May AP exam.
Art Appreciation — How to see and discuss art across history and cultures.
Art of Hip Hop — The culture, history, and creative expression of hip hop.
Studio Art 3-D Design — Hands-on three-dimensional design and portfolio building.
AP Art History — Global art from prehistory to today, with the May AP exam.
GCollege-Prep Elective1 year requiredOur courses
AP Capstone Program
Electives
AP Seminar — Year one of AP Capstone (recommended grade 10) — investigate real-world questions, build evidence-based arguments, and present your findings, with the May AP exam.
AP Research — Year two of AP Capstone (recommended grade 11) — design and carry out your own year-long research project and academic paper, with a College Board assessment.
Journalism / Yearbook — Reporting, design, and producing the school yearbook.
Public Speaking — Confident, persuasive speaking and presentation skills.
Economics — How markets, money, and the economy work.
Sociology — How societies, groups, and culture shape behavior.
Psychology — An introduction to the mind, behavior, and human development.
AP Psychology — College-level brain, behavior, and research methods, with the May AP exam.
AP Macro/Microeconomics — College-level economics at the national and individual scale.
PE — Fitness, sports, and lifelong healthy habits.
Fitness & Nutrition — The science of training, health, and nutrition.
Exploring Computer Science — A first look at coding, data, and computational thinking.
Business, Marketing & Finance — Entrepreneurship, marketing, and personal-finance basics.
Plan Ahead

Your Four-Year Roadmap to College

From the first day of 9th grade to the last college decision in spring of 12th, here is the journey our counselors walk with every student — one year at a time.

9

Grade 9 · Foundation

Stage 1 of 4

Set a strong base — grades, good habits, and the people who will guide you.

  • Build a strong GPA across the UC A–G core courses
  • Move into Honors classes wherever you're ready
  • Join clubs and commit to one or two activities you love
  • Meet your college counselor and take the Holland (RIASEC) interest assessment
10

Grade 10 · Exploration

Stage 2 of 4

Stretch into your first AP courses and discover what you're great at.

  • Take your first AP course
  • Begin AP Capstone with AP Seminar
  • Sit your first AP exams in May
  • Take the PSAT
  • Go deeper in one or two activities
11

Grade 11 · Momentum

Stage 3 of 4

Go deep, step into leadership, and put your college plan in motion.

  • Add more APs — two, three, or more
  • Continue AP Capstone with AP Research
  • Take the SAT or ACT in spring
  • Sit AP exams in May
  • Build your college list and begin formal college planning
  • Step into leadership roles
12

Grade 12 · Launch

Stage 4 of 4

Tell your story and send your applications with confidence.

  • Finalize essays and request transcripts (Sept–Oct)
  • Submit Early Action / Early Decision applications (November)
  • Submit Regular Decision applications (January)
  • Weigh offers and decide (December–April) — and finish your final AP exams

Every student's plan is personal — these milestones are the shared backbone we build it on.

College Board · Offered at Fewer Than 1 in 20 U.S. High Schools

AP Capstone

AP Capstone is a two-year College Board program built on two year-long courses — AP Seminar and AP Research. Instead of one more subject to memorize, students learn to investigate real questions, build evidence-based arguments, and present like a college researcher. It's a rare, standout credential on a university application.

Year One — AP Seminar

Recommended in 10th grade.

  • Investigate cross-disciplinary questions from multiple perspectives
  • Write evidence-based research essays
  • Deliver individual and team presentations

Year Two — AP Research

Recommended in 11th grade.

  • Choose your own topic and design a year-long study
  • Carry out an independent research project
  • Defend your findings in an academic presentation

Two Ways to Be Recognized

AP Seminar & Research Certificate

Awarded for scoring 3 or higher on both AP Seminar and AP Research.

AP Capstone Diploma

Awarded for scoring 3 or higher on AP Seminar, AP Research, and four additional AP exams — a signal of true college readiness.

Signature Program · New for 2026–27

AI & STEM, Built Into the Diploma

High schoolers choose from five hands-on labs — autonomous vehicles, drones & AI hardware, Unity game development, embedded systems, and soft robotics — taught with university-trained engineers. Google Gemini and Claude are woven into everyday coursework, so students build with AI, not just learn about it.

Explore AI & STEM
AI & STEM labs at SHA
Earn College Credit in High School

Dual Enrollment

Through partnerships with accredited colleges, SHA students take real college courses while still in high school — earning transferable credit, strengthening their transcript, and exploring a major early. It's open to every college-bound student, not just one track.

Up to ~30 Transferable Credits

Accumulate as much as a full year of transferable college credit before you ever set foot on a university campus.

College Courses, SHA Support

Courses run on the college's online platform (such as Canvas), with SHA teachers and counselors supporting you the whole way.

1:1 Credit Planning

A counselor maps your credit goals to your target universities and intended major, so every course you take actually counts.

For Every College-Bound Student

Available across all pathways — strengthen your application, get ahead on your degree, and test-drive a field before you commit.

How It Works

Academic Assessment

We start by reviewing your transcript, GPA, and readiness for college-level work — then talk through the colleges and majors you're aiming for, so the plan fits you.

A quick records review with your college counselor

Build a Credit Path

Together we map the dual-enrollment courses that fit your goals and target universities, so every credit you earn actually counts toward your degree and your application.

A personalized credit plan mapped to your target schools

Complete Online Courses

Take real college courses on the college's online platform (such as Canvas), with SHA teachers and counselors supporting you the whole way — right alongside your regular high-school schedule.

College courses · SHA support · alongside your HS schedule

Track Credits & Progress

We monitor your progress every term and keep your transcript on target — so you arrive at university with as much as a full year of transferable credit already in hand.

Up to ~30 transferable credits before college

How credits transfer depends on the receiving university, major, and course — our counselors help you plan a path that holds up.

New · Career Pathways

College-Bound — or Career-Ready on Day One

We are building a hands-on Building & Construction pathway for the upper grades, so students can graduate ready to step straight into paid work — while every course stays UC A–G aligned, keeping college fully open.

Job-Ready Certifications

Industry-recognized credentials such as OSHA-10 that employers accept on a real jobsite from day one.

Real Mentors & Projects

Hands-on design-and-build projects with working architects, builders, and engineers.

Stackable Credentials

Trade certifications that stack toward apprenticeships — and pair with Dual Enrollment for college credit at the same time.

Straight to Paid Work

A direct line into paid apprenticeships and skilled-trade careers that pay well right after graduation.

A Promise to Every Student

A Test Center Built Around You

As an official AP exam center, SHA students test right here on campus — no scrambling for a seat at another school. And our commitment goes further: even if just one student needs a course or an exam, we will make it happen. Small classes and real attention mean your path is never too small for us to support.

An Official AP Exam Center

SHA is an authorized College Board AP exam site. Students sit their exams on a familiar campus, with their own teachers nearby — no extra travel, no unfamiliar room, no parent scramble for a seat elsewhere.

Built Around Every Student

If one student needs a course, an AP, or an exam, we open it for that student. Our small classes and "see every child" philosophy mean your choices are supported all the way through — your path is never too small for us.

Block Schedule

Longer Blocks, Deeper Focus

SHA High School runs on a block schedule, the same Monday through Friday — longer class periods mean fewer transitions, deeper focus, and time to finish labs, essays, and problem sets in class with the teacher right there.

Deeper Focus

Extended blocks let students go past the surface — full labs, full drafts, and real discussion in a single class.

Fewer Transitions

A lighter daily course load means less switching and more momentum on each subject.

College-Style Rhythm

Longer blocks mirror university classes — building the time-management habits college demands.

High School · Grades 9–12
8:15 – 9:50
Block 1Periods 1–2
9:50 – 10:05
Break
10:10 – 11:45
Block 2Periods 3–4
11:45 – 12:25
Lunch
12:30 – 2:05
Block 3Periods 5–6
2:05 – 2:40
Homeroom & Clubs
2:45 – 3:30
Block 4Period 7
3:30
Dismissal

One consistent schedule, Monday through Friday.

Beyond the Classroom

More Than a Transcript

Two tracks that round out a college-ready student — academic exposure that strengthens applications, and a heart for culture and service.

Academic & College Track

  • University campus visits and college tours
  • On-campus college counseling and application support
  • AP exams, SAT/ACT prep, and academic competitions
  • Guest speakers and career exploration

Culture & Community Service

  • Community service and volunteer projects
  • Cultural celebrations and student-led clubs
  • Service-learning and giving-back initiatives
  • Leadership, arts, and performance opportunities
Guidance & Self-Discovery

Know Yourself, Then Choose Your Path

Before students choose courses, colleges, or careers, we help them understand how they are made. Through advisory, every student explores their own interests and strengths — a starting point for conversation, never a label.

Career-Interest Discovery

Using the research-based Holland (RIASEC) interest framework — the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET profiler — students map their interests across six areas and connect them to courses, clubs, and real career paths.

Strengths, Not Labels

Every result is a mirror and a conversation — a way to discover the gifts God has given each student, not a box to put them in.

Built Into Planning

Interests are revisited each year and woven into one-on-one college and career counseling, so each student's plan grows with them.

Plan Your Path to College

Meet our counselors and map out the four-year journey.

Get In Touch

Request Information

We're offering Scholarships for qualifying High School students and Sibling Discounts — ask us how to apply.

We respond within one business day. Prefer to talk? Call +1 (626) 919-2000 or email admissions@shacademy.org.

Ready to visit South Hills?Book a campus tour or start your application — we'll take it from there.