Chula Vista High School Students Protest

Due to the school district’s decision to reduce classes from eight to six, affecting the arts program

Students from Chula Vista High School, which is part of the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD), protested against the proposal to reduce the current school day from eight to six classes.

By definition, a school day includes the time “during which students attend school and participate in educational activities, including regular classes, recess, lunch, and extracurricular activities.” Essentially, students—along with several teachers—have come out in defense of extracurricular activities, particularly in the arts, which are considered highly valuable, as well as other elective courses that are essential for students.

They Would Lose the Opportunity for a Well-Rounded Education

However, students emphasized that if the Chula Vista High School administration follows through with its plan to eliminate these activities and reduce the school day to six classes instead of eight, they would lose the opportunity for a well-rounded education, as “core classes would take priority over elective courses.”

Lack of Support at Home

It is worth mentioning that although the school district has argued that students could arrive earlier (before the school day starts) or stay later if they want to take arts classes, it has not considered the fact that many of these students do not have the support at home to arrive early or stay late. In fact, students who have been protesting have pointed out that SUHSD is not taking into account the different life experiences these students face outside of school.

They Will Take Their Concerns to the District Offices

Students from Chula Vista High School, the city’s oldest and most historic high school, protested on Thursday, February 6, and have announced plans to do so again on Monday, February 10. The purpose of Thursday’s protest was to ask the district to listen to them, have a conversation with them, and take their concerns into account. It was anticipated that students would walk out around 4 p.m. from Chula Vista High School and march to the school district offices, hoping to present their concerns at the district’s monthly board meeting.

by Horacio Rentería | February 9, 2025 | ChulaVistaToday

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