FAQs
Where is Del Norte High School located?
Does Del Norte offer Advanced Placement (AP) and honors classes?
DNHS currently offers 19 Advanced Placement classes that are available in Math, English, History, World Languages, Science, Music, and Art. In addition, Del Norte’s trimester class schedule allows students the opportunity to accelerate their learning, taking as many as 15 classes each year.
What athletic programs are offered?
Del Norte High School’s application for CIF membership was formally accepted in December 2008. In our first five years competing at the varsity level in SD North County, the Nighthawks have won over 50 League Titles and Six CIF Championships. We're competitive in every sport, and we emphasize good sportsmanship. For more information about our Athletic Program please see the athletic page.
Do students attending Del Norte have opportunities to participate in the visual, technical, and performing arts?
Absolutely! Del Norte has state-of-the-art facilities including five art labs, two music classrooms, one drama classroom, 11 career-technical education classrooms, and a Performing Arts Center. We offer a wide range of arts classes from drama and choir to ceramics and design mixed media. In additon, we offer a full range of computer arts classes including 3D Computer Animation, Digital Media, Engineering Geometry, Computer Science, and Internet Publishing.
Led by Dr. Jennifer Kitelinger, the award winning Del Norte High School Music Program supports over one hundred-fifty students presently. Dr. Kitelinger works closely with her assistant, a small army of sectional coaches, and enjoys the support of a well-organized parent booster association. The Color Guard is directed by Jim and Melissa Barton.
Our Drama department is led by Mrs. Stephanie DeYoung and produces several shows annually; our Choir program is directed by Mrs. Ruth Wong.
Additionally, through the Del Norte Network, students are involved in all aspects of digital video production. Their work can be found archived on Vimeo and YouTube. Finally we support Improv, talent shows, and Night at the Museum.
What daily schedule is Del Norte on and how does it benefit DNHS students?
Del Norte High School is one of two high schools in the Poway Unified School District on the trimester system. Students attend school the same number of days (175) and for the same length of time daily, but the time is divided into three distinct 60-day grading periods. The beauty of the trimester schedule is that it allows for maximum flexibility. Students can take as few as four classes per trimester or as many as five classes.
Each class meets 70 minutes daily. What does this mean for students? More options! The athlete or band student does not have to take summer school in order to graduate college ready. Struggling students have room in their schedules to take extra support classes. Advanced students can spend more time getting ready for AP exams. Students interested in exploring different electives now have an opportunity to do so. This system has been instrumental in supporting our students achieve their goals and realize their potential.
Do students have to take five classes each trimester?
No. As explained above, students have more options and greater flexibility on the trimester system as compared to the traditional semester system. Students are encouraged to take five classes each trimester; however, it is not uncommon to have four classes scheduled along with an “off-roll” period in one of the trimesters. For example, a student athlete in wrestling may elect to take four classes from period 01 to 04 and an off-roll period 05 during the second trimester.
Before selecting an off-role option, students should consult their counselor to make certain all high school graduation and a-g college requirements are being met.
What daily schedule is Del Norte on and how does it benefit DNHS students?
Del Norte High School is one of two high schools in the Poway Unified School District on the trimester system. Students attend school the same number of days (175) and for the same length of time daily, but the time is divided into three distinct 60-day grading periods. The beauty of the trimester schedule is that it allows for maximum flexibility. Students can take as few as four classes per trimester or as many as five classes.
Each class meets 70 minutes daily. What does this mean for students? More options! The athlete or band student does not have to take summer school in order to graduate college ready. Struggling students have room in their schedules to take extra support classes. Advanced students can spend more time getting ready for AP exams. Students interested in exploring different electives now have an opportunity to do so. This system has been instrumental in supporting our students achieve their goals and realize their potential.
Do students have to take five classes each trimester?
No. As explained above, students have more options and greater flexibility on the trimester system as compared to the traditional semester system. Students are encouraged to take five classes each trimester; however, it is not uncommon to have four classes scheduled along with an “off-roll” period in one of the trimesters. For example, a student athlete in wrestling may elect to take four classes from period 01 to 04 and an off-roll period 05 during the second trimester.
Before selecting an off-role option, students should consult their counselor to make certain all high school graduation and a-g college requirements are being met.
What is homeroom/tutorial? How often do these classes meet?
Homeroom is a class that all students are required to take; it meets for 25 minutes every Friday. Homeroom is a means to help a large school feel smaller. Most students do not change homeroom teachers - they stay with their assigned group all four years. By meeting together over a prolonged period of time, with the same teacher and peer group, it is hoped friendships will form and that each student will enjoy a close connection with an adult advocate.
The homeroom curriculum was created by Del Norte teacher-leaders and focuses on missional objectives: college readiness, future focus (character ed), and global awareness. Homerooms meet on average 8-10 times each trimester. Additionally, Homerooms meet three times each year with the administrative team and three times with the counseling department.
Tutorial takes place during the same time on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays (3:00-3:32 p.m.). Like homeroom, tutorial is a mandatory part of a student's day and it is designed to support the academic instruction taking place in each classroom. Students with A's and B's can go to the library for an independent study hall while students with C's, D's, and F's must be in a academic classroom of one of their teachers.
What extracurricular opportunities (other than athletics) are available to students?
There are over 100 different clubs at Del Norte High School representing a vast array of hobbies and interests. Clubs meet before and after school as well as during lunch. Students interested in chartering a club must follow the ASB policies and protocols.
Does Del Norte High School have a PTSA and a Foundation?
Interested in getting involved and supporting Del Norte?
Consider joining the PTSA and/or the DNHS Foundation. Click the following links for more information: the PTSA and the Foundation.
Where do I park when I come on campus?
When you enter the school's main driveway follow the circle to the left and the first row of parking spaces closest to the building is visitor parking
If I need to drop something off for my student, where do I do that? If I need to get a hold of my student, how do I do that?
In a continuing effort to increase student and staff safety, and to reduce instructional time interruptions, we will no longer accept any items to be picked up nor delivered to students. These items include: lunches, beverages, phones, money, birthday items, homework, clothing, athletic equipment or any type of food deliveries (UberEats, Amazon Restaurants, DoorDash, etc). Thank you for your support and understanding!
If you have any additional questions please call (858) 487-0877.