Between 1993 and 1996 the number of students that passed Advanced Placement tests in government and macroeconomics subjects increased from 5% to 70%. The teaching of Ron Klein has been credited for this improvement.[4]
Students from this and neighboring schools demonstrated on June 26, 2002 against funding cuts. At South Gate High, nine teachers had been fired and the Second School Program, which provided students who are falling behind with tutoring from university students, had all funding removed.[citation needed]
With the support of the school, about 800 students demonstrated against the counterfeiting of CDs of Latino music on December 5, 2002.[5]
On November 3, 2005, about 500 students took part in a sit-in to protest at issues including overcrowding and a lack of textbooks.[6]
Demographics
As of the school year 2008–09, there were a total of 3,383 students attending the high school.[7]
Football – 1955 City Champions, 1988 3A City Champions, 2004 3A City Finalists, 2013 Division II Finalists
Football – Benjamin Viramontes – State Sack Leader with 34 in 2004
Football – 1994 undefeated South East conference champions. Beat rival bell to preserve undefeated record. Ronnie Landazuri breaks up pass in final moments:[8]
Boys Soccer – 2005 City Champions, 2002 3rd Place
Girls Soccer – 2016 Division III City Champions
Baseball – 1955 City Champions, 1960 City Champions, 1993 3A City Champions, 1995 3A City Champions, 1996 3A City Champions, 1956 City Finalist, 1998 3A City Finalists, 2012 Division II City Finalists, 2019 Division II City Finalists
Softball – 1985 3A City Champions, 1986 3A City Champions, 1987 3A City Champions, 1989 3A City Champions, 1991 3A City Champions, 1997 3A City Champions
Boys Basketball – 1992 3A City Finalists
Girls Basketball – 2016 Division III City Champions
Volleyball – 2011 Girls Undefeated Eastern League Champions
Track & Field- 2008 Undefeated Eastern League Champions
Cross Country- 2007 Undefeated Eastern League Champions
Volleyball – 2013 Girls Eastern League Champions
Volleyball – 2014 Girls Undefeated Eastern League Champions