The forty-acre Soquel High School campus is located on a plateau in the foothills of this Coastal California community one mile from the shores of Monterey Bay, six miles south of Santa Cruz and forty-five miles north of Carmel. Soquel High is bordered by the confluence of Soquel Creek as it flows to Capitola-By-The-Sea through the wooded surroundings of this campus. Fishing, hiking, bicycling, running and aquatic sports are all popular pastimes for Soquel families and are reflected in many annual events.

Strong as a “commute” community to the employment centers of Monterey, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, San Jose and the Silicon Valley, Soquel (a Costanoan Indian word for “place of the willows”) takes pride in its own social and commercial center of Soquel Village with its shops, businesses and recreational areas.

The Santa Cruz City Schools District is comprised of four elementary schools, two middle schools, three comprehensive high schools, one continuation high school and several alternative programs available to middle school and senior high school students. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits schools in our district.

Students at Soquel High School reside in the Soquel Village area, Capitola-By-The-Sea, Live Oak and parts of Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley. These students come from the Soquel Elementary School District, the Live Oak Elementary School District and Santa Cruz City Schools. Students are served by Cabrillo Community College, University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC), California State University at Monterey Bay and are in proximity to San Jose State University and many Santa Cruz County Regional Occupational Programs.

Soquel High School is a comprehensive public school with a student population of approximately 1200 in grades nine through twelve. Proud to be identified as a California Distinguished High School Soquel offers and affirms a challenging and rigorous academic program leading to graduation as well as surpassing college entrance requirements. Computer research, several vocational certificate programs articulated with area community colleges and training programs, a vital visual and performing arts department as well as honors and advanced placement courses in twelve academic areas exemplify the excellence sought by this school. Students from a broad and diverse suburban population come together at Soquel to learn and grow toward their futures.

• Ken Lawrence-Emanuel, Principal
• Rod Martin, Assistant Principal
• Craig Miller, Assistant Principal
• Stuart Walters, Athletic Director
• Miriam Kaplan, Student Activities

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW

• Class of 2009 survey (204 of 229 graduates): 93% plan to continue their higher education of which 30% plan to attend four-year universities and 63% plan to attend two-year colleges. Remaining plan to go into the military, trade school or work.
• 2008-09 SAT Reasoning Test mean scores: Critical Reading 555; Math 560; Writing 538. CA state: CR-500; M-513; Wr-498.
  ACT Composite mean scores: 25.6. CA: 22.2.
• Honors & Advanced Placement: HN Pre-Calculus/A. Geometry; HN American Literature, AP English Literature, AP U.S. History, AP Spanish, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Statistics, AP Calculus BC, AP US Government & Politics, AP Macroeconomics
• Cabrillo College - qualified students may concurrently enroll at the community college
• UCSC HS Scholars Program – qualified seniors may concurrently enroll at the University of California

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

English as a Second Language (ESL) sheltered instruction, Resource Specialist Program (RSP), Special Day Class (SDC), Regional Occupational Program (ROP)

SCHOOL CALENDAR

The School year (180 days, 36 weeks) is divided into two semesters with six 6-week grading periods.  Soquel High students meet with all of their classes on Monday,

followed by an alternating A/B Schedule with 100 minute periods (A days: T, Th B days: W,F).  Most students are enrolled in 6 classes.

GRADING SYSTEM

Five credits are given for each semester class successfully completed.  Variable credit is awarded in a few classes.  Passing grades are A, B, C, D, P.

GPA / CLASS RANK

Using a weighted 4.0 system, the Academic GPA does not include grade 9 or PE classes.

The calculation of rank in class and the selection of valedictorians and salutatorians will be selected on the basis of a weighted academic GPA.  This information is noted on the student’s transcript.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

• English: 40 credits (30 credits for classes of 2009 and 2010)
• Social Studies: 30 credits (World History, US History, American Government, Economics)
• Math: 20 credits
• Science: 20 credits (10 credits – Life Science, 10 credits – Physical Science)
• Fine and Applied Arts: 25 credits (Fine Arts – 10 credits, Applied Arts – 5 credits, additional Fine or Applied Arts or World Language – 10 credits)
• Physical Education: 20 credits
• Health: 5 credits

Remaining credit to total 230 may be taken in other academic or elective
areas

• English Language Arts Portfolio: 6 writing entries with an average of 3.5.  This requirement must be completed by the end of senior year.

Examination:

Every student must pass the California High School Exit Exam in Math and English to receive a Soquel High School diploma

Infinite Campus

We are producing transcripts from Infinite Campus.  We believe all student data is accurate.  However, if there is a question about a student’s record, please contact a representative of our counseling staff.