Imagine hallways buzzing with the energy of almost 1,600 students. This is Southwest Senior High School. Southwest High School opened its doors in 1975. It stands on land with a unique past. This land was once a railroad yard. The Southern Pacific Railroad owned it. The San Diego-Tijuana line ran here. But the tracks moved east in the mid-1930s. Now trolley tracks run there.
Southwest High School serves diverse communities. Students from Nestor, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and San Ysidro attend. Southwest High is part of the Sweetwater Union High School District.
Academics are a point of pride here at Southwest High School. The school excelled in the Academic Decathlon. From 2003 to 2008, they won six consecutive county titles. In 2005, the San Diego County School Board honored this success. June 17 became Southwest High Academics Day. The Varsity Academic League also boasts many Metro championship titles.
In 2015, a Southwest High School student achieved a perfect score. It was on the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam. Only 55 students worldwide earned this distinction. This student excelled after leaving the English Learner program.
The Southwest Raiders represent the school’s athletic spirit. The Raiders offer various sports programs. In 1985, the football team played its first home game. Before that, they played at other local schools.
Several notable alumni have walked these halls of Southwest High School. Frankie J is a pop singer. Damon Washington played in the NFL. He was a running back for the New York Giants. Adrian Garcia Marquez is a sportscaster for Fox Sports and ESPN Radio. Chris Martin is a former professional boxer. Rene Ortiz played soccer for the San Diego Sockers.
Southwest High School’s colors are cardinal red and gold. The mascot is the Raider. The school newspaper is the Raider’s Digest. The yearbook is called The Scimitar. The school’s motto is “Once a Raider, Always a Raider!” Principal Easter Finley leads Southwest High School.
Today, Southwest High School continues its mission. It provides education and opportunity. The school’s address is 1685 Hollister Street, San Diego. You can reach them at (619) 628-3600. Southwest High School is more than just a school. It is a hub of learning, growth, and community pride.