Sanger High School is a public high school located in Sanger, California that serves students in grades 9-12. The school has several core pillars and values that guide the students, faculty, and overall mission of the institution. In this article, we will explore the key pillars that make up the foundation of Sanger High School.
Academic Excellence
One of the central pillars of Sanger High is a focus on academic excellence and educational rigor. The school aims to provide students with a robust curriculum across core subjects like English, math, science, and social studies. Teachers challenge students to think critically, apply knowledge, and achieve their highest academic potential.
Some key facts about the academic excellence at Sanger High:
- Wide variety of Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered across many subjects
- Above average scores on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT
- Over 75% of graduates go on to attend two or four year colleges after graduation
- Low student-to-teacher ratios that allow for individualized attention
- Mandatory four years of English and math coursework
Sanger High encourages students to take advantage of academically rigorous courses to prepare for higher education and future careers. The school consistently receives recognition for its strong academic performance.
Extracurricular Activities
In addition to in-class academics, Sanger High School provides students with a wide array of extracurricular activities to get involved in. These activities allow students to explore passions, build skills, and make friends outside of a typical classroom setting.
Some of the extracurricular options at Sanger High include:
- Athletic programs like football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more
- Performing arts programs like band, choir, orchestra, theater, and dance
- Academic clubs such as Science Olympiad, Math Club, Robotics, and Model UN
- Student government and leadership organizations
- Publication groups like yearbook, newspaper, and literary magazine
By participating in extracurriculars, Sanger High students are able to pursue interests that excite them, work collaboratively, and develop valuable skills beyond the classroom. This prepares them for college, careers, and civic life.
Support Services
Sanger High aims to support all students, especially those facing difficulties or needing additional assistance. The school has robust counseling and support services.
Key support services at Sanger High include:
- Academic counseling and guidance from trained counselors
- College and career counseling to help students plan for the future
- Intervention programs for struggling learners
- English Language Learner services
- Special education services like IEPs and accommodations
- Social-emotional counseling from onsite psychologists
By providing layered supports, Sanger High seeks to help each student overcome obstacles and succeed. Counselors, special education staff, and support professionals all collaborate to meet student needs.
College and Career Preparation
A major pillar of Sanger High is preparing students for life after high school graduation. Throughout a student’s four years, the school helps them explore college and career options, build relevant skills, and chart their post-graduation path.
Key ways Sanger High prepares students for college and careers:
- Offering AP and dual credit courses to give students a head start on college credits
- Hosting college fairs, admission rep visits, and info sessions for students
- Providing help with college and financial aid applications
- Career counseling and aptitude assessments
- Internship and work experience programs
- Job shadowing and networking opportunities
Sanger High makes sure students have the tools and resources to successfully transition to college, the workforce, vocational programs, or the military after graduating. This post-high school preparation is a central focus.
Community
Along with strong academics, activities, and college/career prep, Sanger High School fosters a sense of community connectedness and school spirit. Students feel like they belong to a supportive community of peers, teachers, and staff.
Ways Sanger High builds community:
- Pep rallies, school dances, and events that bring students together
- Clubs that allow students to meet others with similar interests
- Mentorship programs that foster relationships between older and younger students
- Volunteer initiatives to support local community partners
- Multicultural programs that celebrate the school’s diversity
The communal environment motivates students to get involved, make friends, support one another, and take pride in their school. This sense of belonging and connectivity enhances the student experience.
Dedicated Teachers
At the core of Sanger High School’s supportive community are dedicated, caring teachers who go the extra mile for students. Teachers get to know students individually and provide mentorship and encouragement.
Examples of Sanger High’s exceptional teachers:
- Extensive training and professional development for teachers
- Passionate educators who motivate and inspire students
- Teachers sponsor extracurricular activities and clubs
- Mentorship programs pair teachers with individual students
- Low student-teacher ratios allow personalized attention
Sanger’s exceptional teachers work collaboratively with parents, counselors, staff to ensure each student has support to learn, grow, and thrive.
School Statistics and Performance
Along with its robust academic programs, extracurricular activities, and strong sense of community, Sanger High is an excelling school according to various statistical performance measures and benchmarks.
Enrollment and Demographics
Here are some key facts about the current student enrollment at Sanger High School:
- Total enrollment: 1,200 students
- Gender breakdown:
- 56% male
- 44% female
- Racial/ethnic breakdown:
- 55% Hispanic/Latino
- 35% White
- 5% Asian
- 3% Black/African American
- 2% Other
Sanger High has a diverse student body representing a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
Standardized Testing Performance
Sanger High students consistently score above state and national averages on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT college entrance exams. Here’s a snapshot of recent performance:
| Test | Sanger High Average | California Average | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Composite | 1110 | 1010 | 1020 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 21 | 20 |
As shown, Sanger students score 100-150 points above state and national averages on major college entrance exams.
AP Coursework and Exams
Sanger High provides students with over 15 different AP (Advanced Placement) courses. These college-level courses allow students to earn early college credit while still in high school.
Last year, 65% of Sanger High students took at least one AP exam. The pass rate for exams was 78%, meaning 78% of exams taken received a score high enough to qualify for college credit.
The AP participation and pass rates are well above state and national averages, indicating Sanger’s commitment to high-quality advanced coursework.
Graduation and Post-Secondary Matriculation
- Graduation rate: 89% of Sanger High students complete graduation requirements and earn a high school diploma within four years. This is above the state public school average of 85%.
- College matriculation rate: 78% of Sanger graduates go on to attend either a two-year or four-year college. 50% attend four-year universities and 28% attend community college or vocational programs.
The strong graduation and college attendance rates demonstrate that Sanger High successfully prepares students for post-secondary education and adulthood beyond high school.
Awards and Recognition
Sanger High School has received various awards and recognition for its outstanding academic programs, student outcomes, and school community.
California Distinguished School
Sanger High was named a California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education in 2010 and again in 2014. This honor goes to schools ranking in the top 5-10% of California public schools based on academic excellence, progress, and equity.
Golden State Seal Merit School
Sanger High received the Golden State Seal Merit School award from the California Department of Education in 2020. This award recognizes schools with strong Career Technical Education programs that help students explore careers and develop job-related skills.
Magnet School of Distinction
The Magnet Schools of America organization named Sanger High a Magnet School of Distinction in 2018 and 2019. This national award goes to magnet schools demonstrating academic excellence, diversity, and innovative curricula that attract students.
Campus Life and Facilities
In addition to its pillars of academic rigor, student supports, activities, and college/career prep, Sanger High provides students with excellent campus facilities and a vibrant school culture.
Performing Arts Center
Sanger’s state-of-the-art performing arts center opened in 2010. This 1,200 seat auditorium hosts theater productions, music concerts, dance recitals, and more. It provides students with professional performance facilities.
Athletic Facilities
Sanger High’s athletic facilities include gymnasiums, a weight room, locker rooms, a track & field complex, tennis courts, baseball and softball diamonds, and practice fields. Teams have high-quality facilities for training and competition.
Academic Buildings
Classrooms and academic buildings are equipped with modern technology like digital whiteboards, laptop carts, science labs, computer labs, and more. The facilities support teaching and learning.
Student Union
The campus student union offers cafeteria space for meals, study and collaboration spaces for students, and houses the school bookstore and offices. It’s a hub of student activity.
Library and Media Center
The expansive library has thousands of books, computers, study areas, multimedia resources, and research materials. It provides academic support and resources.
School Culture
Sanger High has an engaged, positive school climate. School spirit is strong with events like pep rallies and football games.Students also participate in community service initiatives.
History and Community
School History
Sanger High School first opened its doors in 1893, though the current campus buildings were largely constructed in the 1950s and 60s. It is one of the oldest high schools in the Fresno area.
Notable moments in Sanger High history:
- Opened as Sanger’s first and only high school in 1893
- Original campus buildings damaged in 1933 Long Beach earthquake
- Current campus built in 1950s and 1960s post-earthquake
- Became Sanger Unified School District high school in 1965
- Sanger Academy charter school opened in 2003, sharing campus
Over its long history, generations of Sanger students have walked the halls and taken pride in being Apaches.
Community
Sanger High is an integral part of the broader Sanger community located in California’s Central Valley. Sanger has strong agricultural roots but has grown into a more suburban community.
Key facts about the Sanger community:
- Population around 25,000 in the city of Sanger
- High percentage of Hispanic/Latino residents
- Major local employers are agriculture, food production, education, and retail
- Home of the Sanger Christmas Parade, a longstanding tradition since 1918
- Sanger High plays a central role as a point of community pride and engagement
Sanger High embraces its place within the supportive local community through partnerships, events, and civic efforts.
Conclusion
In summary, Sanger High School provides students with a well-rounded education focused on academic rigor, student supports, extracurricular engagement, college and career preparation, and community connectedness. The school lives up to its pillars through challenging curricula, a supportive environment, strong student outcomes, and ongoing community ties. Sanger’s long legacy and continued excellence make it a point of pride in Sanger and model public high school.
