Vision & Approach

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Black circular logo for University High School with a white outline of a phoenix in the center, and the text 'University High School' around the top and 'Est. 2000' at the bottom.

Small classes with personalized attention

We’re proud of our close-knit, inclusive community, where students are known, supported, and encouraged to grow. We cultivate creativity, confidence, and connection, helping students find their voice, explore their passions, and develop into socially responsible, capable young adults. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our mission, fostered through courses like Ethnic Studies, multicultural events, and student-led organizations. University High School provide an exceptional high school experience—one that prepares students not just for college, but for life beyond the classroom.

We are independent, but partner closely with Fresno State. Our students have access to campus facilities and green spaces, take select college courses funded by UHS, and receive Fresno State ID cards. Though considered auxiliary rather than full-time university students, they gain meaningful exposure to college-level learning in a supportive high school environment.

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A legacy of learning, a vision for tomorrow

University High School is a tuition-free liberal arts charter school for grades 9–12, located on the campus of Fresno State. We offer a rigorous, accelerated college-preparatory program that blends strong academics with a rich music curriculum, giving students the tools to excel both intellectually and creatively.

Every student completes four years of music education, including theory, composition, and performance, with hands-on experience in our on-campus recording studio. All students participate in at least one choral or instrumental ensemble, with opportunities to join multiple groups across a wide range of choirs and bands.

Students are challenged and supported in a structured, college-focused environment that includes Fresno State dual-enrollment courses and Advanced Placement opportunities. Most graduate with 21–30 college credits, prepared not only for college, but for a life of curiosity, purpose, and possibility.

Music at the Cornerstone

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A man in a black suit, black hat, glasses, and a red bow tie playing a saxophone in a dimly lit setting.

“Music gives wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”

— PLATO

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A woman in a maroon dress playing a marimba with mallets during a performance.

An emphasis on music is a defining element of the UHS educational experience and a core distinction of our charter. Music is woven into every student’s high school journey, shaping how they think, collaborate, and express themselves. Through four years of music theory and ensemble performance, students develop discipline, creativity, and confidence—building skills that extend far beyond the stage and foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Orchestra performing on stage with conductor in front, various string, wind, and percussion instruments.
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Winter & Spring Intersession Electives

UHS Intersession offers two-week learning experiences in winter and spring, giving students the chance to explore hands-on electives, discover new interests, and build skills in a focused, enriching environment that complements UHS’s academic and music programs.

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Clubs, Interests Groups & Campus Life

Students have opportunities to explore passions, connect with peers, and build community beyond the classroom. From academic and creative pursuits to service and leadership, student-led groups foster collaboration and enrich our vibrant culture.

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Interscholastic Activities & Competitions

University High sports and competitions give students the opportunity to represent their school, build teamwork and resilience, and develop leadership and sportsmanship while fostering school pride and community.

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Silhouette of a stylized phoenix rising with wings spread upwards.

Graduation Requirements

Academic Commitment & Student Life

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Code of Character

As a college-integrated campus, UHS holds students to a higher standard of maturity and conduct. All students sign a Code of Character each year and participate in our Character Education Program, supported by a Teacher–Student Committee that promotes positive behavior and a respectful campus culture.

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Extracurricular

UHS students typically take 8–10 classes per semester, with many on campus from 8-5pm each day. Because of the academic intensity, several of our most competitive programs—such as Academic Decathlon, Science Olympiad, Speech & Debate, Mock Trial, and Math Team—meet in the evenings, after school, and on weekends. Participation requires a high level of commitment and passion

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Community Service

In addition, UHS has a community service graduation requirement. Students complete 80 hours of community service by graduation, encouraging civic engagement, responsibility, and meaningful connection to the broader community.

UHS Signature Program

48 Books

The 48 Books Program deepens learning beyond the classroom. Over four years, students read, analyze, and discuss one book each month in English courses. The texts—classic and contemporary fiction and nonfiction—offer diverse cultural, historical, and literary perspectives. Core criteria ensure consistency and representation in selection, while classroom activities sharpen analytical skills, strengthen Socratic seminar participation, and improve writing across disciplines. By graduation, each student has built a personal library of 48 books explored and shared within the UHS community.

    • Ender’s Game

    • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

    • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

    • Long Way Down

    • Great Expectations

    • A Midsummer Night’s Dream

    • The Old Man and the Sea

    • Of Mice and Men

    • The Odyssey

    • The Human Comedy

    • The Color of Water

    • 100 Best Loved Poems

    • Monkey Bridge

    • Buried Onions

    • The House on Mango Street

    • To Kill a Mockingbird

    • Animal Farm

    • Night

    • Counting Descent

    • Beowulf

    • A Raisin in the Sun

    • Fahrenheit 451

    • Lord of the Flies

    • Romeo and Juliet

    • The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

    • Ishmael

    • The Other Wes Moore

    • There There

    • The Scarlet Letter

    • 1984

    • Oedipus Rex

    • The Great Gatsby

    • Heart of Darkness

    • Things Fall Apart

    • A Doll’s House

    • Macbeth

    • A Confederacy of Dunces

    • Butcher’s Crossing

    • The Catcher in the Rye

    • Ordinary People

    • Pride and Prejudice

    • A Streetcar Named Desire

    • All the Pretty Horses

    • The Laramie Project

    • The Iliad

    • The Piano Lesson

    • The Awakening

    • Earth Abides

Our History

BUILDING LEADERS FOR THE TWENTY FIRST CENTURY

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In the late 1990s, the Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at California State University, Fresno, envisioned a charter high school on campus grounded in research, best instructional practices, and innovative learning. With grant support, Dr. Wendy Costa authored the charter, and Dr. Vida Samiian guided its development.

With the backing of Fresno State’s President, a team of educators, university faculty, master teachers, and community leaders collaborated to create University High School’s distinctive liberal-arts, college-preparatory curriculum, with music at its core.

University High School opened in Fall 2000 as an independent, direct-funded charter school governed by its own board. Initially chartered by Sierra Unified and later Fresno Unified, UHS grew from leased campus space to a permanent, purpose-built facility completed in 2010. Our facility was designed by renowned architect Arthur Dyson, whose excellence has more been recognized with more than 120 awards from architectural and cultural organizations.

For more than 20 years, UHS has remained true to its founding vision, earning recognition as one of the Central Valley’s premier public high schools and preparing students for success in college and beyond.

  • University High School is a 9-12th grade Liberal Arts high school on the campus of California State University Fresno where ALL students experience an accelerated college preparatory program through dual enrollment with the university, two years of Latin and four years of music theory and music performance in all grade levels.

    University High School seeks to foster a culture of care, support and understanding for ALL students where they can grow academically, socially, and personally while establishing a foundation for success in college, career, and beyond.t goes here

  • University High School will maintain high expectations for ALL students and be open to students that have an appreciation of music, a willingness to work hard, and a desire to be challenged academically in an accelerated and rigorous college preparatory environment.    


    University High School educators will use and continually develop exemplary instructional practices to provide a rigorous and challenging college preparatory curriculum.  The goal of all instruction will be student learning which will be met through the study of classical languages,  literature, advanced mathematics, hands-on science, social sciences, music education and music performance.  Curriculum components will be incorporated into the graduation requirements that will prepare students for a successful college experience and integration into the workforce.


    University High School will promote positive partnerships between teachers, parents, students, and the community to create a supportive climate for its students and the school.  Students will learn the importance of community through service and activities that connect them to the broader world. Through service and outreach, the school will stand as a positive model and example for other schools and districts in both the public and charter school communities.


    University High School will work collegially with the California State University Fresno by establishing and maintaining a process for dual enrollment.  The school will maintain the benefits of a small school environment while providing students the opportunities available on a large public university campus.