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For notification letters regarding meal benefits, please contact Kimberly Luvisi.

U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, announced that University High School (U-High) was named one of the country’s National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. U-High was the only high school in the state of Arizona to receive this honor in 2021. The U-High administration, teachers, and staff are passionately focused on the academic achievement of every student. We challenge students every day and provide them with resources and supports to ensure student success.

All core classes at U-High are at the advanced, pre-AP, or AP level. Tolleson High School staff teaches electives which include AP and general electives, such as dance, ceramics, art, and CTE programs. We offer AP Spanish, psychology, music, and computer sciences. TUHS provides social opportunities for U-High students, including diverse electives and extra-curricular opportunities that support a healthy, well-rounded student. Our students enjoy a small learning community while experiencing the opportunities of a 6 A comprehensive campus.

A Message from Principal Vickie Landis

Welcome to University High School!

University High School is immensely proud to be one of the best public high schools in the country. Our rigorous curriculum and dedication to student achievement have us ranked #1 in the West Valley for public schools. US News and World Report has recognized us as a state and national leader because of our commitment to excellence. We are honored to be a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School.

The University High Difference:

1. Micro School
   University High School is a school within a school, sharing buildings, programs, and resources with Tolleson Union High School. They are encouraged to join their Tolleson Union peers to compete at the 6A level in numerous sports and to join electives like ceramics, choir, theater, and band. University students can also enroll in Career and Technical Education programs through West-MEC.
2. Accessible Excellence
   Students attending University High School benefit from a free, high-quality, college-prep public high school right in their neighborhood. It is a private-style education at a public school cost.
3. Critical Thinking and Close-Knit Environment
   University High School classes are kept intentionally small to allow for a focused educational approach, where our students engage in rigorous advanced-level coursework. Our graduating classes are typically less than 100 students. Our rigorous approach to instruction lends itself to a diverse student body, attracting people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Students appreciate the unique abilities and perspectives of others as they create a network that will serve them well in the future. Our students are also expected to engage in community service opportunities and projects that impact the environment. For example, the freshman class of 2023 worked with Trees Matter to understand the impact of the urban heat index.
4. AP and Dual Enrollment
   Students begin college-level coursework during their freshman year; each year AP and dual enrollment offerings expand. U-High offers 22 Advanced Placement classes and eight dual enrollment classes. Students graduate with college credits that can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree. This practice ensures that many of our students have an opportunity to double major and have prerequisites completed toward their future degree.
5. College and Career Ready
   We boast a 95% persistence rate as cited by the National Student Clearinghouse. This means that 95% of college freshmen enroll for their second year. In other words, the dropout rate is very low because our students are prepared for college-level studies and responsibilities. This rate is well above national college averages. We are proud that our students are prepared to be successful at whatever they choose–be it an Ivy League college, state university, community college, or the military.

University High is committed to inspiring a community of critical thinkers who embrace challenges for continuous growth. We provide dynamic learning experiences that promote self-advocacy and resiliency. University High has been Harnessing the Power of Dreams since 2006, and we look forward to educating many generations to come.

Yours in Education,

Vickie Landis

Vickie Landis
Proud University High School Principal