About Our School

As the oldest high school in the county and 4th oldest in California, San Diego High School has a rich history of tradition and change. Initially opening its doors as The Russ School in 1882, it soon outgrew its small, one-room size and evolved into the “Gray Castle” within 20 years. By 1907, the ‘Old Gray Castle’ was dedicated as San Diego High School and so began its storied tradition of famous alumni and accomplishments. The 1970s brought with it new earthquake retrofitting and the eventual demolition of the Old Gray Castle. By the 1980s, San Diego High was celebrating its centennial anniversary and by the early 2000s it was serving students in grades 9 through 12.

However, by the 2004-05 school year, with an influx of millions of dollars from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, San Diego High was separated into 6 small themed-based schools—each with its own principal, staff, and cap of 500 students. Nevertheless, over the last 13 years, three of the schools have closed or merged with others for various reasons, leaving Business & Leadership, International Studies, and Science & Technology as the remaining 3 schools.

Today, the School of Business & Leadership is one of 24 high schools in the SDUSD and serves 560 students in grades 9-12 supported by 51 teachers and staff members. A large majority of the 560 students are resident students and are either dropped off by a parent/guardian or take public transportation to school. The district does provide transportation for students with disabilities or those that attend our school via the Magnet program.

All students participate in an a-g student centered course of study that is enriched with opportunities to participate in College and Career Technical Education (CCTE), Advanced Placement, internships and other elective courses offered throughout the campus, including at International Studies and Science and Technology. 

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