When I was in eighth grade, I thought I could either go to Canyon Crest Academy (CCA) and “be smart” or go to TPHS and “have fun.” Now a sophomore, I couldn’t have been more uneducated in my belief. Students, especially those choosing which high school to attend, so often label each of the popular high schools in the area as having a few main characteristics: the sports focus and academic ease of TPHS, the rigorous yet opportunity-opening experience at CCA, the preppy social life of Cathedral Catholic High School, or the well-off and snooty students at La Costa Canyon High School are all descriptions that float around Carmel Valley and Del Mar. While these characteristics aren’t without truth, it does not mean they are always the case, nor that they only represent a particular school.

I would describe this school as a place where intelligence, sports and fun are equally valued by most. I have always felt that this school puts in effort to help students feel at ease and enjoy themselves while still providing a quality education. I have yet to come across a teacher who was unsupportive, and I have never met someone at our school who believes students are any less intelligent than those from other neighboring or rival schools. Having a sports program that is top 5 in California and fully supporting and participating does not make this school superficial — some may forget the school is also ranked 13 out of all high schools in San Diego. 

Students who attend neighboring high schools often describe the dynamic at this school differently. CCA student, Suma Bandaru (10), compares the atmosphere of both schools. 

“I think CCA is very stressful compared to TPHS,” Bandaru said. “TPHS looks like a place where great things can happen without as much pressure. It seems like more of the typical high school experience, while CCA feels similar to a college experience.”

Regarding popular stereotypes, Bandaru speaks on what she’s been told. 

“I’ve heard that there are a lot of people who do drugs, that people don’t wear backpacks, people can walk around during class without getting in trouble, and that a lot of the time, friends can be fake,” Bandaru said. “It seems like there’s a social hierarchy, but I think there is at every school.” 

To build upon Bandaru’s idea of typical high school traits, it is true that each school has a different atmosphere, but casting a negative generalization on any school is simply unfair, and this happens far too often to our school.

As Emmy Li (9) reflects on why she chose to attend this school, she shares her thoughts on the school’s stereotypes. 

“I would describe the dynamic at TPHS as very supportive and open — everyone here is always so spirited and encouraging towards each other,” Li said. “Before coming here, I heard that TPHS is just a sports school where nobody cares about academics, but now I can confidently say that’s not true.” 

As Li gets to know the school further, she voices why she chose to attend. 

“My favorite thing about TPHS is the community,” Li said. “I love how students and teachers are there for each other and always cheering each other on. Whether that’s at a sports game or in class, everyone is ready to support one another and push each other to do our best.”

After teaching at this school for 14 years, Kristen Cullen, English 10 Honors and ELD teacher, encounters a variety of students who prove the stereotypes right and wrong. 

“TPHS [has] a very rigorous and competitive environment, yet I think students are very open to each other, and learning and connecting as long as they are given the opportunity,” Cullen said. “I really enjoy the students here.” 

With such experience, a change among students is something that is bound to be noticed throughout the years. 

“I haven’t seen a change in that particular dynamic, but I have seen a change since the pandemic, in students taking risks and putting themselves out there, putting their ideas out there,” Cullen said. 

Cullen shares what she has heard regarding certain labels about the school. 

“I believe that what I’ve heard is neither true nor fair to our students because you can’t encompass 2,600 people into a statement,” Cullen said. “Nonetheless, I’ve heard from other schools that TPHS is a very high academic school, and the students are smart and dedicated. Some of the other stereotypes I hear that are unfortunate, are that TPHS students are a bit entitled, which I haven’t had the experience of.” 

Cullen sees all types of students in her classes and shares how that relates to stereotypes.

“The best way to disprove a stereotype is to have direct access to that stereotype — since I see everyone in my classes, there’s no way I can see them all as being generalized,” Cullen said. “I feel like I can break every stereotype that people say to me.”

I believe the stereotypes surrounding this school to be offensive. They discredit the hard work of students here and label us as superficial. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t kids who fool around and don’t care or only value their sports or Starbucks, but there is such a belief in this community that every student at this school fits into one of those descriptions, which is simply not true. With all the nights I’ve given up multiple hours of sleep just to finish my homework or to make my club poster look a little nicer, it’s disappointing to hear that people that attend other schools simply think we “don’t care about grades.”

Ultimately, this school is one that opens doors to every kind of opportunity, for every kind of student. No matter the labels that others stamp on our school, we know what is correct or incorrect, and we know who we are. We are TP.