Del Mar High School is located in the heart of Silicon Valley within the boundaries of the Campbell Union High School District, is a comprehensive four year high school which services a socio-economically and ethnically diverse population of students. The area surrounding Del Mar is comprised of high density apartment buildings, single family homes, retail businesses, light industry and the home campus of eBay. There has been a steady decline in enrollment since 2010. There has been a steady increase in the Hispanic/Latino population for the past five years. However, starting in 2014/2015 this trend is beginning to reverse.
Del Mar High School, along with other schools in the district, has received tremendous financial support over the past decade in the form of bonds and parcel taxes which were voted on an approved by the greater Campbell Union High School Committee. It began in 1999 with a 95 million dollar bond measure which was approved by the tax payers resulting in structural upgrades for Del Mar High School. These funds mostly went to the refurbishing of all standard classrooms on Del Mar’s campus. It also created a new science wing which opened in the fall of 2005. An additional bond passed in 2006 helped finish the renovation of the student service center and the home economics wing. Del Mar’s gym and locker rooms also benefited from an additional bond in 2008. This plan also included the redesign and construction of a new quad in the center of campus including brick pavers, a new drainage system, lawn, trees, and new tables and bench equipment. Plans are currently being drawn up for a new state of the art library which will also increase in square footage compared to the current structure. The band and choir room next to the cafeteria is also scheduled to be refurbished.
Del Mar is a secure campus. It is closed which means that students are not permitted to leave campus during breaks or lunch. All visitors must sign in at the main office where they receive a badge to identify them to students and staff that they have permission to visit the campus. Non Del Mar students are not allowed to be on campus during regular school hours. In 2012, Del Mar instituted a no hat or beanie policy, making it very easy to identify students who do not belong on campus. The school safety plan is updated and reviewed by the deans with staff members annually to promote a safe campus even in an emergency situation. Del mar High School also utilizes the services of the San Jose police department and has one or two officers every day to support the deans in disciplinary situations as well as coordinating with other emergency services to assure a coordinated response in case of an emergency.
