Poway High School

15500 Espola Road

Poway, CA 92064

School District

Poway Unified
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:25
Type

public

School Map for Poway Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on April 20, 2022

It is a high school that offers the most AP subjects among schools in the Poway Unified School District (PUSD) and also has the best athletic program. For example, wrestling is a place where formal Olympic training is held.
Submitted by parent on December 04, 2021

We've been at PHS for three years, and have many more to go with all our kids. Overall, it has been a great experience. From our perspective the teachers care about their students and want them to learn and succeed. The AP teachers are phenomenal --truly passionate about their subject matter. There have been a few bumps along the road, but the administration is engaged and is committed to improvement and student outcomes. Most importantly, our child is ready for college, both socially and academically!
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2021

Not a good school, the admin could work on some training with regards being anti racist.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2021

My family has been very impressed with Poway High School. Mr. Nash is an outstanding leader. Very organized and extremely positive.Staff at the school is very friendly. Most teachers have been at the school for a long time.During distant learning, it is apparent they want the kids back on campus.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2020

The admin staff is very friendly and sweet here. That is all I know, I visited this school a few times and I was floored by the admin staff's polite friendly attitude.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2020

Very positive culture and climate. Well rounded academic program
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2020

first rate school. It is large enough to offer a plethora of courses and extracurriculars.
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2018

Poway High is known to be a racist school. Its great if you are white and don't want your kid to like or be exposed to other races.
Submitted by student on February 27, 2017

Absolutely fantastic. Everyone here is great and I love this school. The spirit is intense, the classes are rigorous but great for college prep, and the faculty is really helpful. The Spanish department is especially amazing. I am fluent after taking Spanish from 8th-11th grade and next year I will be taking even more.
Submitted by other on August 20, 2013

Started at Poway High at 84-85 and graduated in 89. Best years I had in school. Learned a lot and had a much better education compared to the education I would have gotten back in Mount Union, PA. Glad I had the opportunity to go to such a great school and meet the great staff at the time which taught me a lot.
Submitted by other on October 16, 2012

i believe it to be a great school. i dont go there, but my cousin did. i havent heard of any problems about Poway High School. its counted as one of the ttop best schools in America. i would like to there, that is why im searching for a house near PHS.
Submitted by other on May 12, 2012

Allow me to address this first: The Drug Problem. The drug problem in Poway has been highly exaggerated and is no way any worse than the drug problems that any other high school has encountered. The fact that we have had deaths relating to drugs does not mean that our problem is any worse. On another note, all teachers are very friendly and look to do the best for the students. Poway high has a generally very accepting environment. As a school and student body we do not tolerate any bullying when it comes to light. Student services is pretty helpful but it is mostly the students who are a very strong foundation in keeping everyone safe. Our teachers are excellent and really know their material and are very willing to help. The principal, Mr. Fisher, is one of the best principals ever. He is very supportive and always seeks out the best for the students. He engages a lot in school in order to help Poway be one of the best schools. Academic courses are challenging and rigorous although on the negative side they lack the variety of electives. Due to budget cuts the school was forced to cut down on course such as jewelry, woodshop, child development etc. Overall a great school.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2012

We have been very happy with this school - all the teachers are very caring and the school has very good spirit/unity, etc. A word of advice though - be careful senior year and don't overload your child with too many AP classes esp the hard ones like Physics/Calc because the CA public colleges will not accept you with even one D in one semester even if you were an A student all along. Don't hesitate to get a tutor if needed. And make sure your child has at least two extracurricular activities that they can put down on college apps if they want to go to a UC. The CSUs don't ask about activities (only Cal Poly SLO and SDSU Honors). Good luck - this is a great school with a lot for your student to take advantage of!
Submitted by other on June 25, 2011

this school has a druggie problem. there also is a bulling issue. i only know a couple people who like it there
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2008

We had three children attend this excellent high school. In addition to offering a wide array of AP classes, the extra-curricular options are varied. The marching band and orchestra programs are great--whether or not your student is particularly 'musical.' Our students were all UC-qualified. Today 2 have graduated with professional degrees and 1 remains in school.