Principal's Message

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you as the new principal of Southridge High School. It is an honor to join this incredible community of dedicated educators, talented students, and supportive families. Together, we will continue to foster a warm, inclusive, and welcoming environment that has defined Southridge High School throughout the years.

Southridge High School is more than just a school; it is a diverse and vibrant community. With over forty languages spoken within our halls and students from all walks of life.  We celebrate our rich cultural tapestry. Our commitment to equity underpins our work and guides us as we strive to provide an inclusive and nurturing environment for all.

Since its establishment as an IB World School in 1999, Southridge High School has remained dedicated to the guiding principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB) mission statement. Today, we continue to offer the renowned IB Program, including both the Diploma and Career-Related pathways, empowering our students to excel academically and prepare for their future beyond high school.

In addition to the IB Program, we provide a multitude of academic opportunities to support the success of every student. Our offerings include five Career Technical Education Programs of Study Pathways, four Southridge High School Pathways, a Dual Language program, a Newcomer program, and an innovative Seminar class integrated into the schedule to provide targeted interventions and extensions of learning.

We also offer honors extensions in Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts classes, ensuring that our students are challenged and engaged in their coursework. For those who require additional support, we have implemented a Graduation Mentoring Program and a Testing Center to provide resources, time, and assistance to those in need. Because we firmly believe in the power of education to transform lives, we have embraced the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) elective classes and have instilled an AVID school-wide focus, empowering students to develop essential skills for college and career readiness.

While our academic programs are truly exceptional, we also take great pride in our remarkable achievements in athletics and performing arts. Over the past 22 years, our athletic programs have secured an impressive 17 athletic, 1 band, and 1 Mock Trial state championships. Our performing arts program consistently produces top-rate productions and represents us admirably at state-level competitions. We are delighted to see the growing interest and participation in these enriching activities.

As we embark on this exciting journey together, I invite each member of our community to embrace our shared mission: to be compassionate critical thinkers who connect to our school, community, and the world. By working collaboratively, we will continue to build upon the strong legacy of Southridge High School and create an even brighter future for all.

I am truly honored to serve as your principal, and I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you. Let us embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm, compassion, and a commitment to excellence.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Maria Copelan, Principal 

Southridge High School