Imagine a school born from a bold idea. The Preuss School. It stands as a beacon of opportunity right here on the UCSD campus.
The Preuss School’s story began in 1999. It was a response to California Proposition 209. This proposition banned affirmative action. Faculty at UC San Diego believed they needed to do more. They wanted to help disadvantaged youth.
The Preuss School was conceived. It would prepare low-income students for college. The goal was to address under-representation at the University of California.
Listen to the criteria. Students’ guardians must lack a college education. Families must qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. This ensures the school reaches those who need it most.
The Preuss School is tuition-free. It has earned impressive accolades. It boasts accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It’s a National Blue Ribbon School and a California Distinguished School. The Center of Education Reform calls it a top charter school. The University of Southern California agrees. They say it is the best charter school in California.
From 2007 to 2012, Preuss consistently ranked among the top 50 high schools in America. Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report recognized its excellence. An impressive 96% of graduates attend four-year universities.
Early on, the University of California Regents rejected the initial proposal. They cited concerns about fiscal responsibility. But the founders persisted. They created the Center for Research on Educational Equity, Access, and Teaching Excellence CREATE. CREATE ensured Preuss would serve as a model for public education. Public outcry and positive press helped secure approval.
Doris Alvarez, a National Principal of the Year, was chosen to lead The Preuss School. Janis Gabay, a National Teacher of the Year, headed the faculty. In May 1999, they received over 500 applications. The school selected 150 students by lottery.
The Preuss School influenced other schools. Gompers Middle School was modeled after it. Lincoln High also used Preuss as a guide. Even UC Davis and UC Berkeley studied Preuss. They used its model to design their own schools for disadvantaged youth.
From the beginning, the school was situated on the UCSD campus. This location integrates students into university life. UCSD students serve as role models. They tutor the younger students. For its first year, Preuss was in a temporary facility. It was called La Casa.
In August 2000, Preuss moved to its own campus. It cost about $14 million. Community donors funded the project. The campus features five classroom buildings. There is also a gymnasium. An outdoor cafeteria, amphitheater, and library also call the campus home.
Preuss selects students through a blind lottery. Applicants must meet specific criteria. They must qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Their guardians cannot be college graduates. Students must demonstrate motivation.
Academically, Preuss focuses on college preparation. The curriculum aligns with University of California requirements. All students take the same college preparatory courses. They study algebra, geometry, calculus, and advanced science courses. History classes cover Western civilization and U.S. history. Every student studies Spanish for at least three years. By graduation, students will have taken at least six AP courses.
The Preuss School’s schedule is unique. It has a longer school year. It has a longer school day. This allows for more instruction time.
The faculty’s role extends beyond teaching. They meet regularly to discuss student work. They also discuss trends in education. UCSD provides classroom tutors. The school has a community mentor program. Many mentors are UCSD faculty and staff.
The Preuss School consistently achieves high academic results. In 2010, its API ranked 10th in California. Newsweek selected Preuss as the most transformative high school in the nation in both 2011 and 2012.
Preuss offers various extracurricular activities. These include sports like soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. Many clubs focus on science and robotics.
The Preuss School collaborates with the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. They have an internship program. This program inspires students to pursue science careers.
The Preuss School stands as a testament to what can be achieved. It provides opportunities for motivated, low-income students. It empowers them to become the first in their families to graduate from college. The Preuss School isn’t just a school. It’s a launchpad for future success.