Our Story
Nearly seven decades on the same campus in West Covina — told here through restored photographs from the school's own yearbook archives.
The Same Name, The Same Hills, Since 1957
South Hills Academy opened in 1957 as a Christ-centered private school in West Covina. The photographs on this page were restored from the school's own yearbook archives — black-and-white prints from the earlier decades, and color photographs from the years the school celebrated its 40th anniversary and built the campus families walk into today.
Look closely and you'll recognize the school we are today: the name on the jerseys, the cross above the chapel, the mix of faces in every class photo, and teachers who stand inside the frame with their students, not beside it.
Founded
Established as a Christ-centered private school in the hills of West Covina.
The Yearbook Era
The black-and-white photographs on this page — teams, choirs, classrooms, and a campus already a generation old.
The 40th Anniversary
Dancers, handbells, and a proclamation on the anniversary stage — as new campus buildings rise on Francisquito Avenue.
Welcoming the World
Grows into Pre-K–12, earns WASC accreditation, and opens boarding at the Eagle's Nest for students from around the world.
Building the Future
The AI & STEM signature program — robotics, drones, and AI labs.
The Same Ground Students Walk Today
The courts, the pool, the play yard against the hills — photographed more than four decades ago, and still where school happens every morning.
The Name On The Jersey Hasn't Changed
Decades ago, students pulled on jerseys that read SOUTH HILLS ACADEMY — the same name our Eagles wear onto the court and field today.
Schools change mottos, mascots, and marketing. The name across these jerseys is the one we still answer to.
South Hills Academy · Est. 1957Our Christian Heritage — In Their Words
An early yearbook gave these pages a title we didn't have to invent: Our Christian Heritage. Chapel, choir, and the Christmas program have anchored the school year from the beginning.
Diverse From Day One
No staging, no brochure gloss — bikes after school, the lunch line, recess under the sun. And in every candid frame, the mix of backgrounds that still defines a South Hills class photo.
The People Who Built This Place
Students, teachers, and the staff who kept it all running — faces from the archives, restored one print at a time.
A New Era — In Living Color
By its 40th year the academy was bursting at the seams: an anniversary festival on the lawn, new buildings rising over Francisquito Avenue, and the Eagles taking the court in purple and navy.
Forty Years, Celebrated On The Lawn
In its 40th year South Hills marked four decades — with a decorated stage, folklórico dancers, student performers, and a framed proclamation for the school's forty years of service.
The Campus You Walk Into Was Born Here
Framing lumber, scaffolds, blueprints — and the SOUTH HILLS ACADEMY arch going up over the new entrance. The buildings in these photos are the ones families tour today.
Already The Eagles, Even Then
Cheer pyramids in purple, navy jerseys with the eagle across the chest — the mascot our teams still wear was already soaring a generation ago.
Microscopes, Chalk, And Brand-New Computers
A science lab in full swing, a computer lab stacked with brand-new machines, story time on the rug — the daily work of school, a generation ago.
Learning Didn't Stop At The Gate
The yellow bus, a snorkel day on the coast, Knott's in matching shirts — and yes, one very memorable limousine.
The Uniforms You'd Recognize Anywhere
Crested polos, plaid skirts, rainy-day umbrellas and after-school victories — a generation of Eagles who look right at home on today's campus.
Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle
The students in these restored photographs went on to college campuses and careers around the world — and they're still Eagles. Recognize yourself, a classmate, or a parent? We'd love to hear from you.
Where Our Eagles Are Now
We're collecting stories from graduates across the years — including the students in the photographs above. Share yours and you might be featured right here.
Your Story Here
A recent grad thriving in college — tell us where you landed and you could be featured here.
Your Story Here
An Eagle building a career, business, or calling — we'd love to share your journey.
Your Story Here
Wherever life has taken you, you're still part of the family. Reconnect and say hello.
Results Families Can Count On
100% of our graduates are admitted to Top 100 U.S. universities, 90% to the Top 50, with an average SAT of 1280+.
Tell Us Where Life Has Taken You
Wherever you are now — college, career, family, a city far from West Covina — we'd love to hear from you. Share your update and we'll keep you in the loop on reunions, alumni news, and ways to stay part of the South Hills family. It takes a minute.
"I thank my God every time I remember you." — Philippians 1:3
Need a Transcript or Records?
Alumni and current families can request official transcripts and academic records from our Registrar. Submit a request online and we'll take it from there — please allow a few business days.
Support the Next Generation
The school that shaped you is still shaping young Eagles every day. Alumni gifts to the SHA Vision Foundation help fund scholarships, programs, and campus life.
The story continues — come be part of it.
Tour the campus these photographs were taken on — or reconnect with the family that raised you.