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Grades: 9 through 12
Opened
in 1993, Aliso Niguel High School is nestled
in the community of Aliso Viejo. The school’s
renowned “high tech” environment
provides students with a contrast to the
California beach culture. One of the youngest
high schools ever to be honored as a California
Distinguished School, National Blue Ribbon
School and New American High School, Aliso
Niguel is one of the most technologically
advanced schools in the region. It received
nearly $1 million in state Digital High
School funds.
Aliso Niguel
teachers are focused on the future. They see themselves as pioneers
who turn the promise of educational excellence into reality every
day. They understand that technology is only a tool until placed
in the hands of thoughtful teachers who inspire, motivate and challenge
students. For example, one of our first teachers to become a leader
in this mission was the television production instructor who transformed
a small, ordinary classroom into a state-of the- art newsroom complete
with industry-standard cameras and editing equipment. Within a year
of the school’s opening, students were not only broadcasting
live daily news programs to every classroom, they were also producing
the District’s “Chalk Talk” cable access television
show.
Technology
represents only a part of the total vision of providing individualized
programs that transform the larger high school landscape into smaller
group settings. Our overall educational program revolves around
a central theme: “There are two lasting bequests we can give
our children—one is roots, the other is wings.” Interweaving
a strong academic core (the roots) with incentives for personal
aspiration (the wings), our campus houses teams of teachers and
students working together in a culture that is collaborative, dynamic
and supportive, while thriving on shared discovery. Even though
our school’s population is large, Aliso Niguel still feels
like a hometown school—a place to belong, a place to garner
strength for the journey ahead.
In response
to feedback from parents and community, Aliso Niguel focuses on
three critical areas: teaching practices (technology integration,
project oriented/hands-on activities), assessment methods (curriculum
mapping, comprehensive rubrics, standardized testing strategies),
and logistical structures (block schedule, tutorial period, cross-curricular
teaming).
A commitment
to excellence is the cornerstone of all Aliso Niguel programs. Over
half of our seniors regularly take the SAT, scoring well over state
and national averages with a combined score of 1,110 last year.
Our teachers have added steadily to the number of Advanced Placement
(AP) courses available, now offering 28. AP course enrollment has
steadily increased, while the combined pass rate has remained at
an impressive 81 percent. The state mandated Stanford 9 achievement
test is given annually to more than 95 percent of our students in
grades 9-11. In 2001, the school exceeded its growth target on the
Stanford 9 and earned an Academic Performance Index (API) of 795.However,
such impressive test scores and qualitative data tell only part
of the story. Through an academic and co curricular culture that
seeks to incorporate every student, the real proof of success lies
in the nearly unanimous perception that “there is something
for everyone” at Aliso Niguel.
Our Colorguard
and Drumline are nationally ranked, the Song Team was Grand National
Champions and we have the largest string
orchestra in the state. Athletics excel as exemplified by the state-ranked
girl’s soccer team last year.
• Rigorous
academic program
• Advanced Placement classes
• National Merit Scholars
• Digital High School
• Dynacom technology
• Outstanding performing arts program
• Strong co-curricular and athletics program
• Active PTSA and booster clubs
• Freshman Link Crew Specialized Programs:
• TV broadcasting classes
• Internet lab
• Computer graphics lab
• Auto design classes
• CISCO classes
• Culinary Arts Academy
• Latin
• AVID program
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