News and Events
Doc for a Day
Over a dozen juniors and seniors at The Preuss School get the chance to chat with physicians who are members of the American Medical Association’s Minority Affairs Section.
Spotlight: Indira Hood-Esparza '11
When Indira Hood-Esparza was admitted to The Preuss School UC San Diego in 2004 as a sixth grader, she was so eager to start wearing her school uniform that she would try it on in secret over the summer, making sure it was ready for the fall.
U.Did It! First Giving Day a Success
On u.give – UC San Diego’s first Giving Day – the UC San Diego community demonstrated that giving together results in powerful outcomes.
Principal Scott Barton Announces His Retirement
After 20 years at The Preuss School, Principal Barton will retire, effective July 1, 2019.
Preuss School UC San Diego Ranked Region’s Top High School for Third Year
The Preuss School was also ranked the 7th best high school in California, ranked the 58th best school in the U.S. (up from #76 last year), and the 14th best charter school in the nation (up from 25th last year).
Principal Barton Honored by La Jolla Rotary
Preuss School Principal Scott Barton was honored recently by the La Jolla Rotary Club with a Vocational Services Award. Congratulations, Mr. Barton!
Preuss School’s Tiffany Majors Honored as California Educator of the Year
Tiffany Majors, an English teacher at The Preuss School UC San Diego, has been named the statewide High School Educator of the Year by the California League of Schools.
Preuss Students Receive Summer Camp Scholarships
iD Tech provided 24 Preuss School students with scholarships to attend STEM summer campus.
Sea Bass in the Classroom
The program is designed to give students the opportunity to learn more about wild marine life and expand their awareness of ocean resources and sustainability.
Spotlight: Jerome J. Sanders '10
A graduate of The Preuss School class of 2010, Sanders went on to become the first in his family to attend college, majoring in marketing at Santa Clara University, where he secured a marketing internship at Cisco.
Focus On: The Preuss School Recognized in 2018 "Race to Submit" Competition
The Preuss school was recognized as one of the top five schools of its size for highest completion rates of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) in 2018.
Alumni Update
An update about The Preuss School's alumni Amara Tang '12 and Vanessa Muños Campos ’15
Preuss Celebrates First Day of School
The Preuss School UC San Diego welcomed back its 845 students this fall with a special First Day of School Celebration.
Principal's Office
A letter from the Principal's office discussing the updates in the school's charter.
Boys Soccer Fundraises for Uniforms
Our boys soccer team is raising funds to provide each student-athlete on the team with a training kit—including three shirts, three shorts and one warm-up suit. Join us in helping our students succeed both on and off the field!
A Bright Idea
As The Preuss School UC San Diego celebrates its 20th year, Triton Magazine looks at how far the school has come.
Preuss Educators to Attend Smithsonian Teacher Innovator Institute
Science teachers Anne Artz, Shaoni Bandyopadhyay and Ted Kim will attend the Teacher Innovator Institute at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
Preuss School Ranked Top High School
Preuss has been named the top high school in San Diego by U.S. News and World Report, which just released its annual list of “Best High Schools.” The school also received a Gold Award designation and was ranked #6 in the state.
Preuss School Students Organize “A Call for Change”
Students held the special event with community leaders in honor of the 19 th anniversary of the Columbine High shooting.
Preuss School Celebrates 20 Years with April 20 Benefit
The Preuss School will celebrate this milestone year at its annual benefit, the Preuss Promise, on April 20. The event will celebrate 20 years of academic achievement and excellence and raise funds for the school to continue to make an impact on future generations of students.
David Weber Receives Educator of the Year Award
Preuss Math teacher David Weber receives "High School Educator of the Year" from the California League of Schools.
2017-2018
Teaching the Joy of Coding
Students are huddled over one smart phone, poking at the screen and laughing. But in this class, they’re not being disruptive—they’re testing a game app for smartphones that they programmed themselves.
Working Hand-in-Hand with Scientists
Preuss students gain medical research experience as part of internship with Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute.
Ninety-Four Percent of Preuss Seniors Accepted to Four-Year Institutions
The entire class of 102 graduates will pursue higher education, attending schools including Harvard University, UC San Diego and the University of Southern California.
Teacher Anne Artz Receives Fulbright Award
Artz is one of nine U.S. citizens selected to participate in the prestigious program.
Student and Teacher Named Bezos Scholars
Eric Tran is the third Preuss student to be selected for the prestigious leadership development program.
Inside California Education Highlights Preuss
See our segment on the new television series that explores public education in California.
The Washington Post and NASSP Honor Preuss Achievements
Preuss was named one of America’s Most Challenging High Schools and a Breakthrough school, respectively.
Best High School in San Diego, Fifth in California
U.S. News & World Report ranked Preuss best in San Diego County, fifth in California and among the top 15 charter high schools nationwide.
Vote for Preuss in Vans Custom Culture Contest
Preuss is one of 10 semifinalist teams in California and could win $50,000 for its art program. Voting is open through May 10.
Local Couple Quietly Lifts Lives of At-Risk Youth
Longtime friends of The Preuss School – Chris and Pat Weil – were profiled in the San Diego Union-Tribune for their charitable work.
New Television Series to Highlight Preuss
The school will be featured this spring on the new PBS statewide television series, Inside California Education.
Students Win Leadership Scholarships
Congratulations to Vivian Dinh and Jonathan Ventura for winning “ambassador scholarships” from Global Leadership Connection.
INNOVATE 8 Features Preuss Students, Teacher
Students spoke about opportunities to learn from innovators such as UC San Diego professor Gentry Patrick.
Senior Named Student of the Month by Local Rotary
La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club recently recognized one of our students at their regular meeting.
Promoting STEM Through INNOVATE 8
Two Preuss students and a teacher were interviewed for an upcoming INNOVATE 8 segment that will air on CBS 8 News.
2016-2017
Squashing College Dreams, In a Good Way
The San Diego Union Tribune profiles Access Youth Academy, which has worked with Preuss students for 10 years.
Trolley Groundbreaking Celebrated at Manchester Field
Preuss was the site for the Mid-Coast Trolley Groundbreaking celebration which was attended by more than 4,000 people.
‘I See Myself in My Students, and They Inspire Me Every Day’
Preuss college adviser Jessica Resendez-Orozco was named one of the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Latino Champions.
Helping First Generation Students Succeed
Language teacher Viviana Zamora-Luna talks about Preuss and its students with La Prensa San Diego.
Education on the Brain
Preuss students participated in an education symposium on the brain as part of a gift from the Junior Seau Foundation.
2015-2016
Local CEO Speaks to Preuss Graduates
Leonard Comma of Jack in the Box Inc. shared words of wisdom with the Class of 2016 as this year’s special commencement speaker.
Finding Success – Through Failure – in AP Classes
The Washington Post talks to Preuss teacher Anne Artz who offers insight into how AP classes benefit students at Preuss.
Robotics Team Shares Love of Science
The Preuss Midnight Mechanics hosted a day of exploration for other young learners at the Kids Who Code event.
Local Rotary Awards Scholarships to Students
Congratulations to Preuss students Ihan Nunow, Stephanie Silvar and Carlos Pedroso who received scholarships from the Rotary Club of La Jolla.
Preuss Ranked One of America’s Most Challenging High Schools
The Washington Post ranked Preuss one of the most challenging high schools in California and #39 in the nation.
Preuss Ranked Among Top 10 Schools in State
U.S. News & World Report ranked Preuss 9th in California and one of the top 100 high schools nationally. See the 10 News segment on Preuss’s achievement.
Alumna Monika Langarica to Speak at Annual Benefit
Now an immigration attorney in Northern California, Langarica will share how Preuss helped change her life.
Senior Awarded $20,000 Foot Locker Foundation Scholarship
Cristabel Otero Castaneda was one of 20 scholar athletes around the country recognized for being a leader in school, sports and the community.
Midnight Mechanics Raising Funds to Get to Championship
The Preuss robotics team has a chance to go to the FIRST Robotics Championship in St. Louis. You can help them get there.
Preuss Robotics Team Competes in San Diego Regional
Congratulation to the Midnight Mechanics who made it into the elimination rounds of the recent FIRST Robotics competition.
Reimagining Cities of the Future
Preuss middle school students build sustainable cities of tomorrow as part of the Future City Competition.
20th Annual Lytle Scholarship Concert Features Gilbert Castellanos Jan. 31
Proceeds benefit scholarships for Preuss graduates who attend Thurgood Marshall College at UC San Diego.
Preuss Students Search the Stars
The wonders of the night sky come alive thanks to the Terry Arnold Rising Stars Program.
Teacher Selected to Attend 2015 National Gallery of Art Institute
Marsha Greco, an educator at The Preuss School UC San Diego in La Jolla, CA was selected as one of only 51 participants of the 2015 National Gallery of Art Teacher Institute on Art of the Renaissance held in Washington, D.C.
Preuss Champions Honored with Revelle Medals
Cecil Lytle and Bud Mehan have been recognized with the most prestigious honor that can be bestowed upon a faculty member at UC San Diego.
Squashing the Odds
Preuss alumna Reyna Pacheco is breaking stereotypes and beating the odds as a professional squash player and student at Columbia University.
Girls in STEM Conference a Success
Preuss hosted the inaugural conference to encourage girls to pursue an education and careers in STEM.
'Bridge for Kids’ Gets Kids in the Game
Fox 5 News highlights local organization, Bridge for Kids, which helps Preuss student athletes receive the tools they need to play and study at the collegiate level.
Give Teachers Time to Collaborate
Preuss is cited as a model for teacher peer-to-peer learning in a recent Education Week commentary on the benefits of expanded learning time.
Fish & Richardson Sends Students to Space Camp
The law firm awarded full scholarships to three Preuss middle school students to attend the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Space Camp.
2014-2015
Preuss Seniors Celebrate Success, Scholarships
Nearly the entire Preuss Class of 2015, 102 out of 103 seniors, has been admitted to a four-year college or university.
Alumna Gets Second Boost from Longtime Preuss Supporters
Indira Esparza, an alumna of Preuss and UC San Diego, will begin grad school at UC San Diego with the inaugural Weil Family Teacher Preparation Fellowship.
Students Participate in Seabass in the Classroom Program
Four Preuss students completed a months-long animal husbandry project by releasing 40 tagged fish into Mission Bay.
Students Get an Inside Look at Chamber Opera
The UC San Diego Division of Arts and Humanities’ Arts Outreach Program provides students from Preuss and other schools with first-hand experiences in the arts.
Preuss Ranked Best High School in San Diego County
U.S. News & World Report ranked the school best in the county, 5th in California, 9th best charter school in the country and 39th overall in the nation.
Preuss Named a 2015 California Gold Ribbon School
Gold Ribbon schools “provide great examples of the things educators are doing right” says Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Preuss Ranked One of America’s Most Challenging High Schools
The Washington Post ranked Preuss California’s most challenging high school and #21 in the nation.
Health and Wellness Fair To Be Hosted at Preuss
The event will be held May 16 immediately after the parent meeting at Preuss. A variety of free services and screenings will be offered.
Lytle Scholarship Concert Honors ‘Harlem Hellfighters’ – April 17
Proceeds benefit scholarships for Preuss graduates who attend Thurgood Marshall College at UC San Diego.
Students at Preuss Waste No Water
See the video students made for the San Diegans Waste No Water campaign. You can do your part, too!
Celebrate the Preuss Promise – April 17
Our annual benefit helps ensure that we can continue to provide the transformative power of a Preuss education for years to come.
Inspiring a New Local School
Preuss was one of several area schools that served as a model for a new specialty school set to open this fall.
Preuss Featured in San Diego Magazine’s Big Ideas Issue
Principal Scott Barton was one of 25 San Diegans highlighted in the special issue and advocated for a longer school day and school year.
Top of the Class
Website Niche.com ranked Preuss in the top 30 best public high schools in California based on stats, test scores and school ratings.
Bus Schedule Changes Effective January 5, 2015
Please take note that the new bus schedule will be in effect when students return to school from break.
In Memoriam: Fiona Tudor
A “versatile contributor to arts, philanthropy,” Fiona Tudor was a valued member of The Preuss School Founders’ Circle.
Longtime Educator Honored with Award
Hugh “Bud” Mehan, UC San Diego professor emeritus and one of the founders of Preuss, received the USD Remarkable Leaders in Education Award.
Volunteers: Good for Preuss, Good for Business
Preuss, like many other non-profits, can benefit greatly from company-sponsored volunteer programs.
Preuss Named One of America’s Top High Schools
Preuss was named the top “change-making” school in “America’s Top High Schools 2014,” a recently-released ranking by The Daily Beast.
2013-2014
Class of 2014 Celebrates Achievements
Senior Daniel Million is one of two recipients of the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship. This year’s class has garnered over $1.6 million in award money. Read the article in Times of San Diego and a profile on Daniel Million and his family by KPBS.
Science Teacher Awarded Prestigious Fellowship
Shannon Baird is one of 14 educators from across the nation to receive a Frontiers in Science Research Teaching Fellowship from the American Physiology Society.
Time for Teachers is Critical
A new report featuring The Preuss School examines how expanded learning time enables effective teacher development, and benefits student performance.
Running Club Laces Up Shoes to Support Scholarships
The Preuss Running Club joined the UC San Diego community to support student scholarships through the Triton 5K.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks Preuss Best High School
Preuss was named the best high school in San Diego County and a top 5 school in California according to recent rankings. Read the article in the UT San Diego.
Preuss Named One of America’s Most Challenging High Schools
The school was named the top school in San Diego County and #4 in California in the annual ranking by The Washington Post’s educational columnist, Jay Mathews. Mathews also cites Preuss as proof that schools full of low-income kids are not always at a disadvantage.
Gift from Parker Foundation Supports Longer Learning Time
Monies will go to support Preuss’ longer school day and school year as part of the Campaign for Longer Learning Time.
Save the Date: Preuss Benefit May 2
Mark your calendars for the annual celebration to benefit our students.
Scholarship Makes World of Difference to Preuss Grad
Indira Esparza ’11, a UC San Diego junior majoring in political science, discusses how the Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship has made a difference.
The Benefits of Grades 6-12 Schools
Preuss is cited in article that examines grades 6-12 high schools and how they help some schools boost student achievement.
Alumnus Named One of Forbes ‘30 Under 30’
Khoa Phan ’08 is one of Forbes “30 Under 30,” a tally of the brightest young stars in 15 different fields. Phan was recognized for his creative videos.
Make a Pledge for Preuss With Birdies For Charity
Preuss is partnering with Farmers Insurance and the Century Club of San Diego to raise funds through the 2014 Farmers Insurance Open. You can help.
Leading by Example
Preuss is cited as a successful model for Rochester Institute of Technology’s effort to develop a university-affiliated charter school in Rochester next year.
Educators Participate in Special Army Leadership Training
Principal Scott Barton and Athletic Director Lisa Hawk are two of only 30 school leaders selected to participate in this unique opportunity. See a clip in the San Diego Metropolitan.
Professional Skateboarder Speaks at Preuss
Skateboarder and filmmaker Amelia Brodka spoke recently at Preuss, sharing her story and inspiring students to pursue their dreams.
Preuss Profiled in Triton Magazine
The success of Preuss is highlighted in the recent issue of Triton, UC San Diego’s popular alumni magazine.
Students Attend Forum on San Diego’s Future
Several Preuss students attended a recent public forum with interim San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Councilman Kevin Faulconer.
Preuss Named A Top Five Charter High School in California
A new report by USC’s Center on Educational Governance ranked the state's top 10 charter schools at the elementary/middle and high school levels.
Give with Target, Get Stuff for Preuss
Preuss can receive up to $10,000 in Target GiftCards for any supplies our students need. You can help.
In Memoriam: Duane Roth
Preuss Founders' Circle and board member, Duane Roth, was a loyal and longstanding supporter of our school. His visionary leadership and friendship will be greatly missed.
Students Get Chance to Grapple With Global Issues
Preuss student Belen Hernandez Garcia was one of 50 teenage delegates to Sister Cities International’s Youth Leadership Summit in San Antonio.
2012-2013
Preuss Alumna Named Fulbright Scholar
Thuy Hua has been awarded a prestigious grant from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program to conduct research abroad in the 2013-2014 academic year.
Perfect Score for Preuss Graduates
The UT-San Diego covers Preuss’ “Perfect 10” as the school’s tenth graduating class achieves a 100 percent acceptance rate to four-year colleges and universities.
Tenth Graduating Class Achieves Record College Acceptance Rate
All 96 students in the Class of 2013 have been accepted to a four-year college or university, marking a milestone for Preuss.
Students Receive Prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarships
Mandy Chan and Saron Goitom are the 25th and 26th Preuss students over the last seven years to receive the coveted “good through graduation” scholarships.
Preuss Named Nation’s Top Transformative High School Again
For the third consecutive year, Newsweek has lauded Preuss for its ability to prepare low-income and first generation students for college and beyond. Read the article in the U-T San Diego.
What is the Preuss Promise?
Lives are transformed when dedicated teachers, hardworking students, supportive families and a caring community work together.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks Preuss 4th in State
Preuss was also ranked the best high school in San Diego County, the 7th best charter school in the nation and 30th overall in the nation.
Preuss Seniors Among New Chancellor’s Associates Scholars
Preuss is one of three local high schools whose graduates are eligible to receive newly-created Chancellor’s Associates Scholarships at UC San Diego.
Celebrating the Preuss Promise
The annual benefit supports our mission to transform lives and ensure a Preuss education is available for generations to come.
Science Teacher Anne Artz Awarded Einstein Fellowship
Artz, one of only 27 educators selected for the fellowship, will serve for an academic year in Washington, D.C. as a representative and promoter of STEM education.
Students Get Behind the Scenes Look at Arts
An immersion program created by UC San Diego’s Division of Arts and Humanities introduces Preuss students to the rich arts programs at the university.
Preuss Named Local Peacemaker
Preuss was honored with the Local Peacemaker Award by the National Conflict and Resolution Center, a San Diego-based nonprofit specializing in alternative conflict resolution services. The Presidio Sentinel interviews Cecil Lytle about the award and Preuss.
Sharing Strategies for Success at the NASSP Conference
Preuss was invited to present at the National Association for Secondary School Principals Breaking Ranks School Showcase and share what makes the school a success.
The Washington Post Holds Up Preuss as National Model
The newspaper mentions Preuss and cites a new book on the school by one of its founders, UC San Diego professor emeritus Hugh “Bud” Mehan.
Preuss School Reflects Cofounder’s Passion for Teaching
The UT San Diego profiles Peggy Preuss and shares how her passion for teaching and education helped make the school a reality.
Sophomores Named Kuni Scholars
Harry Zhou, Tony Chau and Sam Martin are the first Preuss recipients of awards from the H. William Kuni Scholarship & Mentoring program.
2011-2012
USC Ranks The Preuss School UC San Diego Top Charter in California
USC's Center on Educational Governance named The Preuss School UC San Diego as the top charter school in California based on financial health and academic performance.
Newsweek Ranks The Preuss School UC San Diego Top Transformative School
For the second consecutive year, The Preuss School UC San Diego has been named the top transformative school in Newsweek's rankings of America’s Best High Schools.
U.S. News & World Report Ranking
The Preuss school UC San Diego was awarded the U.S. News & World Report Gold Medal as one of the top high schools in California (#8) and the Nation (#44).