Our School

San Diego High and School of International Studies History

The School of International Studies is one of three schools on the San Diego High campus, which is located at 1405 Park Blvd at the edge of downtown San Diego. Our focus is international mindedness, and we explore that in all courses of learning. We also offer International Baccalaureate classes along with the opportunity to attempt the IB diploma. Writing is very important to IS and we encourage writing in every aspect of the school. We are proud to be an IB magnet and look forward to creating a new history at our school.

School Awards and Recognitions

  • US News April 2017, Silver Award #1220 National, #213 California (This year's rankings excluded IB tests)
  • CBEE Honor Roll Schools for 2014
  • US News Best High Schools: May 2015, Gold Award, #149 National, #25 California, #34 Magnet
  • US News Best High Schools: April 2014, Gold Award, #88 National, #12 California, #37 Magnet
  • The Best Schools, April 2013, #24 Ranking, December 2012
  • Washington Post's 2012 America's Best High Schools: May 2012, #169 National, #19 California (This year's rankings include private and public schools instead of just public schools.)
  • Newsweek list of Top Transformative US High Schools: May 2012, #12
  • National Blue Ribbon School 2012 Newsweek list of top US High Schools: May 2012, #168
  • US News World Report list of Best High Schools in America: May 2012, Silver Award, #678 National, #127 California (Data error by US News caused miscalculation, not corrected to date.)
  • Title I Academic Achievement Award: April 2012
  • 2011 CBEE Star School 2011
  • Washington Post's 2011 America's Best High Schools: May 2011, #89 National, #11 California
  • Title I Academic Achievement Award: May 2011
  • California Distinguished School: March 2011
  • Newsweek list of top US High Schools: June 2010, #88
  • US News World Report list of Best High Schools in America: 2010, Gold Award #44
  • Newsweek list of top US High Schools: June 2009, #60
  • US News World Report list of Best High Schools in America: 2009, Silver Award
  • Newsweek list of top US High Schools: May 2008, #72
  • US News World Report list of Best High Schools in America: 2008, Bronze Award
  • Newsweek list of top US High Schools: May 2007, #51
  • Newsweek list of top US High Schools: May 2006, #22

IS Educator Recognitions


2004 - Present

Jaime Brown
  • California Teacher of the Year 2017 - 2018
  • County Teacher of the Year 2017 - 2018
  • District Teacher of the Year Alternate 2016 - 2017
  • Milken Educator Award 2009
David Evers
  • County Teacher of the Year Nominee 2011
  • District Teacher of the Year Alternate 2010 - 2011
Philippe Poncey
  • County Teacher of the Year Nominee 2009
  • District Teacher of the Year 2008 - 2009
Sylvia James
  • NBC 7/39 Inspirational Teacher of the Month 2/2013
  • County Teacher of the Year Nominee 2008
  • District Teacher of the Year Alternate 2008 - 2009
Tim Towler
  • County Teacher of the Year Nominee 2007
  • District Teacher of the Year 2006 - 2007
Stan Murphy
  • National Teacher of the Year Finalist 2004 - 2005
  • California Teacher of the Year 2004 - 2005
  • County Teacher of the Year 2004 - 2005
  • District Teacher of the Year 2003 - 2004

Updated 10/11/2017

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