skip to main content

School Profile

Student / Community Profile

Student / Community Profile

Sunset High School is located in Encinitas, California, in northern San Diego County and
currently has a population of approximately one hundred and forty-five students.
Sunset High School's motto is “Respect and Responsibility”. Students are constantly
reminded of how much we value respect. Staff members set an example by respecting one
another and students, and respectful behavior is encouraged campus wide. The school is
very student-centered with an emphasis on these two qualities and on helping students to
recognize their own potentials and possibilities.

An advisor system is at the core of the school whereby all teachers serve as advisors to a
group of ten to twenty-five students with whom they have daily contact. This establishes an
immediate connection to the school and helps students to be more aware and accountable
for their progress, attendance, and behavior.

Sunset High School’s curriculum and graduation requirements are aligned with the other
high schools in the district. Textbooks are approved by the California Department of
Education and adopted by the San Dieguito Union High School District. The textbooks,
supplemental materials, and course requirements are standards-based.
 

Why Sunset?

Sunset High School is a school of choice. Some students choose
to come here because they like the small size and family
atmosphere; others want to accelerate their progress and
graduate early; some students are behind in credits and want to make them up. We have a
wonderful blend of students who work together in a very diverse and interesting
environment.
We at Sunset are dedicated to making the campus, curriculum, and teachers accessible,
supportive, and encouraging for the students. We strive to provide each of them with a
sound education and a caring and challenging learning community. Our goal is that
students connects with their deepest potential and eaves with the life skills and academic
preparation to be successful as they transition out of high school.
 

Academics

Sunset students are required to attend
school four hours a day, five days a
week. Students generally enroll in two to
four classes at a time and work at their
own pace. When a class is completed,
students work with the counselor to
select and enroll in a new one. The goal
is to complete at least 6 classes in a
semester, 12 in a year.
 
Credits can be earned in a variety
of ways within the school and also
through independent study in the
areas of physical education, work
experience, music, and the arts.
Students can earn additional credits by
attending community college, taking
classes at one of the comprehensive
high schools, attending private school
classes, or by taking Adult Education
classes.
 
Small class sizes, one-on-one student
teacher interaction, student-paced,
individualized instruction, and wide
availability of technology resources provide
opportunities for all students to meet
standards and excel academically.

Weekly staff meetings provide the
opportunity to address school issues and
concerns regarding students. Conferences
with students and parents are regularly set
up as a result of these meetings.

Progress reports and a school newsletter
with relevant information are sent home
every six weeks. 
Colleges Sunset students have been accepted to from the last two years:

Colleges Sunset students have been accepted to from the last two years:


● Bellus Academy
● California College of the Arts
● California State University, Channel Islands
● California State University, Chico
● California State University, San Marcos
● Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
● Hawaii Pacific University
● Humboldt State University
● Mesa College
● MiraCosta College
● Monroe Community College
● Palomar College
● Palomar Institute of Cosmetology
● San Francisco State University
● Santa Barbara City College
● University of California, Santa Barbara
● University of California, San Diego
● University of Nevada, Reno
● University of Oregon
● University of Wyoming
Grading & GPA Calculation

Grading & GPA Calculation

Letter Grade Percentage Range Standard Grade Points Advanced Placement (AP) Points
A 90–100% 4 points 5 points
B 80–89% 3 points 4 points
C 70–79% 2 points 3 points
D 60–69% 1 point 1 point
F 0–59% 0 points 0 points

Marks of W = Withdraw, NC = No Credit or P= Passare not factored into GPA calculation.
Weighted grades are designated on the transcript with a (+) symbol.
 

● Total GPA 9-12: Includes every course taken in grades 9-12.
● Academic GPA 9-12: Includes all courses taken 9-12, except PE &
courses graded Pass/Fail.
● Academic GPA 10-12: Includes all courses taken 10-12, except PE &
courses graded Pass/Fail
SDUHSD Graduation Requirements 

SDUHSD Graduation Requirements 

Subject Area Required Credits Specific Requirements / Notes
English 40 credits  
Mathematics 30 credits Must include Algebra 1 (per EC 51224.5)
Social Science 30 credits Includes World History, US History, & Govt/Econ
Science 20 credits Must include both Life and Physical Science
Physical Education 20 credits  
Electives 70 credits  
Practical Arts 10 credits  
Visual/Performing Arts 10 credits  
Total Credits 230 credits