Civic Learning Award: Los Altos High School

Civic Learning Description

Students in the College Prep US History are required to team up with other classmates and become modern day muckrakers, by investigating a current problem causing damage or harm to a sector and identifying ways to get involved. In addition, following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, students and staff developed a long term relationship with Haitian youth to provide relief, address poverty and build democracy in Haiti. Last year, students and teachers also launched "History Week – The Pursuit of Rights," a speakers series for the whole study body examining local and global issues.


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.
  • Offer extracurricular activities that provide opportunities for young people to get involved in their schools or communities.
  • Encourage student participation in school governance.  


Contact Information

Wynne Satterwhite
201 Almond Ave.
Los Altos, CA 94022
(650) 960-8813