Principal's Message

Welcome to Clairemont High School, the home of the Chieftains. As we embark on a new school year, we are very excited about new additions to our staff, an increase in our student population and innovative programs like Advanced Placement and Striving Readers. These changes represent some of the dynamic opportunities that are offered at CHS.

Since my arrival as the new principal at Clairemont High School in December of 2006, I have been impressed with the potential of our school. CHS has been called “the hidden jewel of San Diego” with good reason. In my 37 years of experience, I have not met a friendlier student body. To capitalize on this asset, this year our emphasis is on the theme of “connections.” It is by working together as a community engaged in collaboration, with clear communication that we can ensure every student receives the best education possible to become productive contributors and global citizens. This connectedness makes our school community-at-large a collection of capable learners who are destined to succeed. These are our expected schoolwide learning outcomes.

My goal as principal is to support the teachers and support staff to provide a rigorous academic experience that leads your student to a quality education. Supports are in place to address individual academic needs and the California State Requirements. Strong emphasis will be placed upon passing two diploma requirements, the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), along with our newly designed Senior Exhibition.

Please feel free to contact me or any member of the Clairemont High School team when you have suggestions or comments for continuing to make CHS one of the best high schools in the district.

Lenora Smith