Built in 1882 near the present site of Central Elementary School at 9th Street and E Avenue, National School was the South Bay's first high school. National's successor, National City High School, was built in 1908 around that same location, where Central Elementary School now stands. To accommodate the growing population of high school students, Sweetwater Union High School was built in 1921 at 2900 Highland Avenue. The present day administration building was originally two-stories with the library upstairs. Thanks to Proposition O, the Sweetwater Union High School District was able to fund a remodel of SUHI's campus. This extensive upgrade, which incorporates some of the classic architecture in the new design, was completed in the summer of 2011.
Demographics
According to US News and World Report, based on the 2013–2014 school year, 99% of Sweetwater's student body is "minority enrollment", with 87% of the student body coming from an economically disadvantaged household, determined by student eligibility for California's reduced-price meal program. Approximately 25.5% of SUHI's student population are designated English Language Learners, and 12.8% are students with disabilities.
Classes
The Sweetwater High School staff consists of 201 teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff. Their 101 teachers offer a variety of AP courses in English Literature, English Language, Spanish, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, World History, United States History, Art History, Calculus, Statistics, Computer Science, Government, Economics, Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps and Psychology. Sweetwater High School has also integrated a career technical education program that consists of educating students in the medical, fire fighting, and other technical fields such as welding. In order to increase the number of SUHI students who continue on to post-secondary education, the school has formed partnerships with University of California, San Diego, San Diego State University, and Southwestern College.
Marching and concert band
SUHI is home to marching and concert bands. The Red Devil Corps is a class 2A marching band that performs in the SCSBOA circuit.
SUHI Foundation
Found in 2006 with the help of SUHI alumni, The SUHI Foundation is a 501 group that provides scholarships, student financial aid services, and awards students in need.
