The Irvine Unified School District manages five outstanding public high schools in Irvine, California: University High School, Irvine High School, Woodbridge High School, Northwood High School, and Portola High School. These institutions are renowned for their academic excellence, with multiple Blue Ribbon honors among them and four ranking within California's top 100 public schools.
The district's educational approach combines innovative curricula, collaborative teaching methods, and strong community involvement. Students consistently outperform national averages, with SAT scores averaging 2000 compared to the national 1700 . Approximately 60% of students participate in Advanced Placement courses, contributing to an impressive 90% college attendance rate.
University High School
Founded in 1970, University High stands as one of Irvine's most prestigious institutions. This Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished School maintains a 1:28 student-teacher ratio, with 95% of faculty having three or more years of experience. The school earns perfect 10/10 ratings on GreatSchools, with 46% of students excelling in English and 75% in mathematics on CAASPP tests.
Academic highlights include:
- 24 AP courses with 90.6% pass rate
- 98% graduation rate
- 74% meeting UC/CSU requirements
Beyond academics, University High shines in Olympiad competitions, athletics, and its award-winning orchestra. Notable alumni include prominent comedians and entrepreneurs.
Northwood High School
Established in 1999, Northwood High has quickly gained recognition for sending graduates to top universities including UCLA, Berkeley, Stanford, and Ivy League institutions. Ranked 25th nationally by Newsweek, the school's humanities program offers exceptional depth while mathematics instruction frequently exceeds standard curriculum levels.
The school's Grammy Signature School designation highlights its outstanding music program, while academic teams regularly win state and national competitions. Many students earn prestigious awards like the National Merit Scholarship.
Irvine High School
Since 1975, Irvine High has emphasized character development alongside academic achievement, fostering integrity, responsibility, and social awareness. With similar teacher qualifications as its peers ( 95% with 3+ years experience), the school maintains strong performance metrics:
- 46% English proficiency
- 75% math proficiency
- 86% AP pass rate
- 97% graduation rate
Its Grammy Foundation "Signature Gold School" music program and successful Science Olympiad teams complement a welcoming campus environment. Alumni include professional athletes and actors.
Woodbridge High School
Founded in 1980, Woodbridge combines academic rigor with vibrant student life. Rated 9/10 by GreatSchools, this California Distinguished School and National GRAMMY Signature School boasts a 97% graduation rate. In 2015 alone, 19 students became National Merit Semifinalists.
The school's athletic programs and music department provide balanced opportunities for student development, while maintaining strong academic standards across all disciplines.
Portola High School
As Irvine's newest public high school, Portola focuses on cutting-edge facilities and sustainable learning environments. While its history is brief, the school demonstrates strong commitment to educational innovation and student success, positioning itself to join its peers among California's top institutions.
Collectively, Irvine's high schools represent a model public education system that prepares students for college and beyond through rigorous academics, diverse extracurriculars, and character development. With consistent excellence across all five campuses, Irvine continues to set the standard for quality secondary education.