Aliso Viejo
Aliso Niguel High School
Grades 9 - 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.
Program Highlights:
- 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