Trabuco Hills High School

General Information

Reviews

Trabuco Hills High School, California, K12 is widely regarded as a strong public high school within the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, consistently earning positive feedback for both academics and extracurricular engagement. Students, parents, and community reviewers frequently highlight the school’s rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) offerings, inclusive culture, and breadth of opportunities that serve diverse interests and talents. The school’s strong reading proficiency and graduation rates, which surpass state averages, frequently appear in evaluations as evidence of effective instructional quality and supportive academic structures. Many families appreciate that the school strikes a balance between academic challenge and student well‑being, offering honors tracks, IB (International Baccalaureate) options, and numerous elective pathways that enable personalized learning. In addition, extracurricular programs such as athletics, performing arts, robotics, and service clubs are often noted for their ability to foster leadership, collaboration, and school spirit among students. While some reviewers point out the challenges typical of large suburban high schools—such as navigating social dynamics and managing workload intensity—overall sentiment reflects strong satisfaction with the school’s capacity to prepare students for college and career success. This reputation is rooted in consistent academic performance, robust support systems, and a community environment that values high expectations alongside student development. Public School Review+1

Contact Information

Phone Number: (949) 768‑1934 Public School Review
Main Address: 27501 Mustang Run, Mission Viejo, California 92691, United States Wikipedia
General Email Address: alicia.foulk@svusd.org (Principal) svusd.org
Administrative Office: 27501 Mustang Run, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 svusd.org
Athletics Office: 27501 Mustang Run, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (Athletic Director contact available through school) svusd.org

School Facts

Rankings

Trabuco Hills High School, California, K12 Academics

Faculties / Departments

English / Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
World Languages
Fine and Performing Arts
Physical Education and Health
Career and Technical Education
Guidance and Counseling Services
Instructional Technology Support

Trabuco Hills High School, California, K12 Courses Offered and Programs / Majors

Core courses: English, Algebra, Biology, U.S. History
Advanced Placement (AP) courses such as AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP English, AP U.S. History, AP Psychology
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme including HL and SL courses svusd.org
Honors courses across core disciplines
Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways including engineering, multimedia design, and CAD
World Languages: Spanish, German, French (including AP/IB) svusd.org
Arts and Music Programs, including instrumental and visual arts
Electives in computer science and statistics svusd.org

Online Learning

Trabuco Hills High School integrates digital learning tools as extensions of in‑person coursework, allowing students to access course materials, complete assignments, and collaborate online with peers and instructors. These online platforms support differentiated learning, provide additional practice for core concepts, and facilitate communication between students and educators. Digital resources may also enhance AP and IB course delivery and assist in credit recovery or supplemental study, ensuring flexibility in academic engagement. Complementing classroom instruction, online learning opportunities contribute to students’ technological fluency and readiness for digital academic environments in postsecondary education.

Degrees and Certifications

As a secondary school, Trabuco Hills High School awards a high school diploma upon successful completion of graduation requirements set by the California Department of Education. While it does not confer postsecondary degrees, the school offers pathways for students to earn college credit through Advanced Placement (AP) exams and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, providing rigorous academic credentials that support competitive college admissions. Additionally, Career Technical Education (CTE) courses may allow students to earn industry‑recognized certifications in fields such as engineering, multimedia design, and computer graphics, enhancing college and career readiness.

Summer School

Trabuco Hills High School participates in district summer enrichment and remediation programs designed to support students who need additional instruction, wish to explore elective interests, or seek advancement opportunities. These summer offerings often focus on core academic reinforcement, preparation for AP or honors coursework, and enrichment modules that sustain engagement over the break months.

Average Test Scores

Retention and Graduation Rates

Retention at Trabuco Hills High School is reflected in its strong continuation to graduation, with a reported graduation rate of approximately 95%, which exceeds the California state average and indicates effective student support, curriculum alignment, and preparatory practices for postsecondary transitions. Public School Review

Trabuco Hills High School, California, K12 Admissions

GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range

High school admissions for Trabuco Hills High School are based on residency within the Saddleback Valley Unified School District’s attendance boundaries, rather than selective academic criteria such as GPA or college entrance exam scores. GPA and standardized college test scores (SAT/ACT) may inform placement into honors, AP, or IB courses, but are not admission requirements.

Acceptance Rate

Application Requirements

Admission to Trabuco Hills High School is administered through the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. Prospective students must provide proof of residency within the school’s attendance area, age and identity documentation, immunization and health records, and academic transcripts from previous schooling if transferring. The process ensures compliance with district and state education requirements while facilitating appropriate grade placement and program access.

Enrollment Overview

Trabuco Hills High School serves a large student population in grades 9 through 12, with enrollment figures exceeding 2,500 students. The school’s size supports a broad range of academic programs, extracurricular participation, and student services designed to foster academic achievement, personal development, and postsecondary readiness.

Application Process

Submit proof of residency within designated attendance boundaries
Provide birth certificate or valid identity documentation
Present up‑to‑date immunization records
Transfer academic records if applicable

Application Deadlines and Important Dates

Essay Prompt

An admissions essay is not required for attendance at Trabuco Hills High School, as placement is based on residency eligibility and completion of the district enrollment process rather than a competitive review.

Trabuco Hills High School, California, K12 Scholarships

As a public high school funded by local and state education revenues, Trabuco Hills High School does not administer its own scholarship programs. Students are encouraged to pursue external scholarship opportunities through community organizations, collegiate partnerships, and national merit initiatives, with guidance support available from the school’s counseling and college/career centers.

Trabuco Hills High School, California, K12 Tuition Fees and Costs

Student Profile and Demographics

Student Demographics

The student body at Trabuco Hills High School is diverse, encompassing multiple racial and ethnic backgrounds that reflect the broader Mission Viejo community. Enrollment data indicates a blend of White, Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial students, contributing to a rich cultural environment where varied perspectives shape classroom discussions, extracurricular interactions, and peer collaborations. This level of diversity supports a learning environment that values inclusion, cross‑cultural understanding, and mutual respect among students with differing experiences and viewpoints. Niche

Low‑Income Students and Students with Disabilities

Approximately one‑fifth of the student body qualifies for free or reduced‑price lunch programs, indicating socioeconomic diversity within the school community. Trabuco Hills High School provides targeted academic support and inclusive instructional strategies to support students with disabilities, including accommodations, individualized instruction, and access to specialized services. Unified Sports, Best Buddies, and related programs foster integrated participation and social engagement, ensuring equitable access to both academic and extracurricular experiences for all students. Grokipedia

Student Body Overview

University Diversity

Diversity at Trabuco Hills High School enriches the educational experience by bringing together students from varied cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This diversity enhances academic discourse and social learning, as students interact with peers whose lived experiences foster broader perspectives and deeper interpersonal understanding. The school’s inclusive environment encourages students to collaborate across difference in classrooms, clubs, and athletic teams, building social‑emotional competencies that are essential for success in an increasingly interconnected world. Through school events, elective courses, and leadership programs, students engage in dialogues that celebrate cultural heritage and promote empathy, while also addressing societal challenges collaboratively.

Average Earnings

Average earnings data are not directly applicable to a high school; however, the academic preparation, AP and IB engagement, and college counseling resources at Trabuco Hills High School position graduates for competitive postsecondary opportunities that correlate with higher future earning potential. Students who complete rigorous coursework, earn college credits through exams, and develop skills aligned with labor market demands are better positioned for success in higher education and subsequent careers.

Graduation Rate

Trabuco Hills High School maintains a high graduation rate of approximately 95%, which reflects the school’s commitment to academic support, student engagement, and preparation for postsecondary transitions. Public School Review

Trabuco Hills High School, California, K12 Faculty and Staff

Teachers and Staff

Faculty and staff at Trabuco Hills High School are composed of certified educators, counselors, and support professionals dedicated to student achievement and well‑being. Teachers collaborate to design instruction that meets diverse learning needs, supports academic rigor, and fosters critical thinking across disciplines. Counseling staff guide students in academic planning, college and career readiness, and social‑emotional development.

Faculty Profiles

Many faculty members hold advanced degrees in education fields and contribute expertise in areas such as STEM instruction, world languages, arts, and humanities. These professionals engage in ongoing professional development to refine pedagogy and support student outcomes through data‑informed instruction and innovative learning strategies.

Trabuco Hills High School, California, K12 Campus and Student Life

Campus Life and Housing

Campus life at Trabuco Hills High School is enriched by a broad range of extracurricular activities, athletics, performing arts, clubs, and leadership opportunities that foster a vibrant school community. Students participate in sports, music ensembles, academic teams, and service organizations, building connections that extend learning beyond the classroom. Residential housing is not offered, as the school operates as a public day institution serving its local community.

Transportation

Transportation services include district‑provided school buses for eligible students, along with family‑provided commuting options, ensuring reliable daily access to campus and participation in school activities.

Job Openings and Career Opportunities

Career opportunities at Trabuco Hills High School include teaching positions, administrative roles, counseling support, and extracurricular leadership positions. Openings are posted through the Saddleback Valley Unified School District hiring system and encompass roles dedicated to academic instruction, student services, and school operations for professionals committed to public education and student success.