Civic Learning Award: NP3 High School

Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep High School (NP3)

May 23, 2013

Natomas Unified School District
County of: Sacramento
Civic Learning Award of: Distinction
Recognized for: Law-Themed Curriculum; Senior Project; Peer Sentencing Court

School Website


Highlight: Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep, a unique law-themed high school, is ranked #761 nationally by US News and World Report.

Civic Learning Description

NP3 is one of only two law-themed high schools in California. Through a partnership with McGeorge School of Law and the University of Pacific, the school offers a rigorous 4-year law and civic curriculum that meets UC college entrance requirements. The school has an active Peer Sentencing Court program for students who have admitted guilt in school policy or state education code. And all students complete a culminating senior project that engages them with the political, governmental, and service processes related to the real-world community issue of their choice.


Research-Based Civic Education Practices

This school demonstrates the following research-based best practices in civic education. For more information on research-based best practices, visit the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools website.
  • Provide instruction in government, history, law and democracy, and avoid teaching only rote facts about dry procedures.
  • Discuss current local, national and international issues and events in the classroom, particularly those that young people view as important to their lives.
  • Conduct community service that is linked to the formal curriculum and classroom (Service-learning)
  • Offer extracurricular activities that provide opportunities for young people to get involved in their schools or communities.
  • Encourage student participation in school governance.
  • Encourage students’ participation in simulations of democratic process and procedures such as voting, trials, legislative deliberation, and diplomacy.


Contact Information

Tom Rutten
3700 Del Paso Road
Sacramento, California 95834
916-567-5743