As a WASC Accredited, California Distinguished School, Gahr High School is a diverse community with over 30 cultural groups and languages shared by students on the campus. In this context, staff seeks to provide a variety of opportunities for students to learn and develop as global citizens prepared for the 21st Century and beyond. The Gahr community understands the value of a quality education and provides opportunities for students to grow and develop as individuals and teams. This growth is accomplished in each classroom, class meeting, club meeting, rehearsal or team practice, as students are equipped to meet their educational and career goals. As a diverse, comprehensive high school, Gahr provides students with diverse options in the areas of Academics, Activities, and Athletics.

Gahr High School offers student programs that range from courses for English Learners to Advanced Placement courses. Most courses offered at Gahr are college preparatory in nature and meet the requirements for entrance to the University of California and California State University systems. In addition, the Gahr staff believes that students should have available to them assistance or intervention in academic subject areas. This assistance is found in various courses and opportunities provided for students. Gahr High School offers English Language Arts and Math courses for students who are in need of assistance with passing the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) or other graduation requirements; tutoring in English, Math, Science, Social Science, and Foreign Language; and Advanced Placement review sessions and experiences.

The academic diversity of the campus is also seen in the many programs that are available for students, which require time both in and out of the classroom. The following are some of the academic programs available for students that provide real life learning experiences which students can use when they leave Gahr High School:

The Arts Technology Academy (ATA) is a California Partnership Academy that provides students with a visual arts and technology focus during their high school experience. Academy students are enrolled in English, Social Science, Science, and Art Technology courses together during the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. In addition, 9th grade students are able to participate in the Introduction to ATA/Art I course as part of a bridge from middle school to high school. The educational experiences of the students are enhanced by a variety of guest speakers, field trips, and special activities that allow students to experience the art world and the use of technology in that world.

Model United Nations (MUN) is both a course and club on contemporary world issues in a variety of areas including economics, politics and social/cultural conditions. Gahr MUN utilizes simulation activities that allow students to explore more deeply the problems that exist on the international playing field. Students attend conferences and simulations where they study and represent various nations of the world and the challenges being faced today by those nations. Gahr MUN has earned many awards and received recognition for their research and debate work. The program has also worked through KIVA to provide micro-finance support for various people in underdeveloped nations.

The Regional Occupational Program (ROP) provides opportunities for career and technical training in a variety of fields during high school. Classes are provided in career areas where there is a promising job market. Through the Regional Occupational Program, students acquire the job skills necessary to enter and compete in today’s workforce, and in many cases, earn advanced placement or credits at area community colleges. There are a number of ROP courses available at Gahr High School including Microsoft Office Suite; Virtual Enterprise, a simulated business that is set up and run by students to prepare them for working in a real business environment; Adobe PhotoShop; Auto Mechnanics; Forensic Science; Hospital Occupations; Pharmacy Clerk; and Pharmacy Technician.

Gahr High School offers many opportunities for student interested in theater and music. Through the theater program, students have opportunities to participate in dramatic productions throughout the school year, develop ideas for costuming, and learn set design and construction. In addition, the Gahr High School theater program has participated in numerous community events. The theater program also works in conjunction with the music program each year to put on a musical in the spring. In addition to the collaboration with the theater program, students have opportunities to participate in various musical experiences including: orchestra, jazz band, marching band, concert band, symphonic winds, concert choir, and music appreciation.

The variety of activities available for students at Gahr High School truly matches the diversity of the student community. Gahr has an active Associated Student Body (ASB) that coordinates the multiple student groups on campus. Students are able to participate in their Class Cabinet where ideas are shared and plans are prepared for major school events like the Winter Formal, Prom, and Senior Candle Rose. In addition, the Class Cabinets work together to encourage school spirit and student participation in various school events. Gahr High School also offers a variety of clubs on campus. All clubs are designed to provide an educational outlet for students to learn together and share their learning with the campus. The clubs at Gahr High School are: Arts and Travel Club, Barkada Club, California Scholarship Federation (CSF), Emergency Environmental Service Club (EES), Equality Through Feminism Club Fashion for Humanity Club, French Club, International Thespian Society (ITS), Japanese Club, Key Club, Korean Fellowship Club (KFC), Literary Cinema Club, Math and Science Club, Multicultural Forum (MCF), National Honors Society (NHS), Organization of African American Unity (OOAU), Spanish Club, Virtual Enterprise, and Youth Alive.

The diversity of Gahr High School is also found in the multiple athletic opportunities that exist for students. The athletic programs happen on a seasonal calendar with Cheerleading and Color Guard being year-round programs. In addition, most of the athletic programs at Gahr have summer activities. To participate, a student must complete an Athletic Clearance Packet and complete a tryout or interview with the team coach before being placed on an athletic team and in an athletic class period.

In the fall season, Gahr High School offers Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country, Co-Ed Football, Girls Golf, Girls Tennis, Girls Volleyball, and Boys Water Polo. During the winter season, Gahr High School offers Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Girls Water Polo, and Co-Ed Wrestling. Finally, in the spring season, Gahr High School offers Co-Ed Badminton, Baseball, Boys Golf, Softball, Boys Swimming, Girls Swimming, Boys Tennis, Boys Track & Field, Girls Track & Field, and Boys Volleyball.

In addition to the many traditional athletic programs, Gahr High School is proud to offer Co-Ed Cycling for students who are interested. This program provides training and education for beginning to advanced students and gives students opportunities to participate in various cycling events in our local area.

Finally, the programs at Gahr High School are supported by a number of parent run organizations associated with the school. There are many opportunities for parents to get involved with Gahr High School through Athletic Boosters, English Language Acquisition Committee (ELAC), Music Boosters, Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), and School Site Council (SSC). These various groups meet regularly and information is available on the school web site and through program teachers and coaches.

To learn more about Gahr High School, please stay connected through the school web site at www.gahrhs.org. The web site is updated regularly and provides critical information on upcoming events and happenings for the Gahr community.