Woodbridge High School - Irvine, CA

Woodbridge High School (WHS) is located in the city of Irvine, one of the nation's largest planned communities. Founded in 1980, WHS is a comprehensive four-year high school. Students from WHS are routinely admitted to the most elite colleges and universities, as well as other post high school options. This academic success is combined with a co-curricular program and culture deeply focused on building a sense of belonging.

The Woodbridge High School slogan is "We are many. We are one. We are Warriors.", and serves as a guide and mantra for almost every aspect of the school design. Over 95% of students plan to continue their education in colleges or universities. Over 60% of students at WHS are enrolled in at least one AP/honors course before they graduate. Over 75% of the student body is involved in either Athletics or Performing Arts and, each year, over 100 student run clubs and organizations are created and available to students. WHS is also well known for our annual Cross Country Invitational with over 15,000 participants, and our 2016 National Grammy Signature School Award for the excellence of our Vocal and Instrumental Music Department.

The Woodbridge staff is an innovative and forward thinking group, committed to translating our focus on belonging into systems, structures, and practices that support inclusion. Two hallmark programs at WHS are our use of co-teaching to create a fully inclusive college preparatory curriculum, and our partnership with Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) to identify talented students from underrepresented communities to enroll in AP/honors coursework.

At WHS belonging doesn't end with the staff and students, it includes our parents and larger community. Parents participate in the PTSA, School Site Council, English Learner Advisory Committee, Athletic Booster Club, Visual and Performing Arts Booster Clubs, and Grad-Night Committee, as well as in volunteering time to assist the school on committees and with clerical duties. Our PTSA also includes multiple cultural PTSA groups for Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Persian, Indian, Hispanic/Latinx, and Black/African American families to join. These cultural subgroups serve as community liaisons and support for new and returning families, and are deeply committed to our goal of building a sense of belonging.

The combination of academic excellence, co-curricular involvement, full inclusion, and parent and community support makes WHS a special place. Each year a "strong sense of community" is the most cited strength of the school. This is something we've worked hard to achieve and are very proud to celebrate.