5 Shocking Updates And Unbeatable Programs Defining Huntington Beach High School In 2025

Huntington Beach High School (HBHS), often known as the home of the Oilers, is currently navigating a period of significant change and high-stakes local controversy as of December 15, 2025. This historic Orange County institution, established in 1906, continues to stand out not just for its elite academic and performing arts programs, but also for its students' direct involvement in major legal battles that are shaping the future of education and free expression in California. The campus environment is a dynamic mix of tradition, high achievement, and an evolving socio-political climate.

The 2024-2025 academic year is marked by the arrival of a new principal and the continued prominence of its renowned magnet program, the Academy for the Performing Arts (APA). Meanwhile, the Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD) and its students are at the epicenter of debates concerning library censorship and parental rights, making HBHS a key focal point in the state’s current educational landscape.

The New Leadership and School Profile: Principal Daniel Morris

The start of the 2024-2025 school year brought a significant change in leadership with the announcement of Daniel Morris as the new principal of Huntington Beach High School.

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• Current Principal: Daniel Morris
• Previous Roles: Morris is a familiar face in the district, having previously served as the principal of Edison High School. His extensive experience within the HBUHSD also includes time as an assistant principal at several campuses, including the Huntington Beach Adult School, Coast High School, and Marina High School.
• Student Enrollment: The school serves approximately 2,734 students.
• Mascot & Colors: The school mascot is the Oiler, and the school colors are black and orange.
• Establishment: Founded in 1906, HBHS is one of the oldest and most established high schools in Orange County.

Morris’s return to the Oiler campus signals a commitment to maintaining the school’s high standards in both academics and extracurricular activities, particularly its nationally recognized programs and strong athletic tradition.

Academic Excellence and the Prestigious APA Magnet Program

Huntington Beach High School is consistently recognized for its strong academic performance and its unique, world-class specialized programs. The school's commitment to college readiness is evident in its high-achieving student body.

Unpacking the APA: Academy for the Performing Arts

The most distinctive feature of HBHS is the Academy for the Performing Arts (APA). This magnet program operates within the traditional high school structure, drawing talented students from across the Huntington Beach Union High School District and beyond.

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The APA is not merely a drama club; it is a rigorous, pre-professional training ground for students pursuing careers in the arts. It has been recognized as an Arts School Network Exemplary School, a testament to its quality and influence. The program offers comprehensive training across several departments, including:

• Musical Theatre: A cornerstone of the program, known for high-caliber productions.
• Technical Theatre: Focusing on stagecraft, lighting, sound design, and set construction.
• Dance: Offering training in various styles, from classical ballet to contemporary.
• Media/Film: A modern track focusing on digital media production and filmmaking.
• Instrumental Music: Including jazz, orchestra, and various ensembles.

The APA’s reputation attracts industry professionals and provides a unique educational experience that few public high schools can match.

Graduation Rates and College Readiness

HBHS boasts academic statistics that place it among the top schools in the region. These figures reflect a strong emphasis on preparing students for post-secondary education and career success:

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• Graduation Rate: A high 97% of students graduate.
• Average GPA: The average GPA for students is 3.64.
• College Readiness (2024): Approximately 75% of HBHS students entering the California State University (CSU) system in 2024 were deemed ready for General Education coursework without needing supported instruction.
• AP Exams: The school actively promotes Advanced Placement (AP) course registration, with deadlines and information for the 2025 AP Exams being a key focus for the current academic year.

Furthermore, the school has been recognized for its positive school climate, receiving PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) recognition, which spotlights its efforts in fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.

The Legal Battles: HBHS Students at the Center of Controversy

In a twist of modern high school life, Huntington Beach High School has found itself tied to two of the most significant socio-political debates currently raging in California: library censorship and transgender student privacy rights.

The Library Censorship Lawsuit

One of the most compelling and current stories involves a junior at Huntington Beach High School who has become a plaintiff in a major lawsuit against the City of Huntington Beach. The lawsuit challenges a controversial city ordinance that restricted access to certain books in the city's library system, a move critics have labeled as censorship.

The plaintiff, identified as H.P., is part of a group that includes another teenager and a former city librarian, who are suing the city on the grounds that its ordinance violates the California Freedom to Read Act. This legal challenge forced the city to return moved books and re-establish the youth-restricted section, highlighting the direct impact HBHS students are having on local and state-level policy regarding intellectual freedom and access to literature.

The Parental Notification Ban (AB 1955)

In a related political climate, the Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD) is part of the broader conversation surrounding the state's efforts to ban parental notification policies. The city of Huntington Beach has publicly opposed state legislation, specifically the new law AB 1955, which prohibits public schools from requiring staff to disclose a student's gender identity or preferred pronouns to their parents without the student's permission. While the school district's stance is nuanced within the broader city politics, the controversy creates a complex and highly charged environment for students and staff alike, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ rights and student privacy.

The Tradition of Champions: Athletics and Notable Alumni

The Oilers have a long and storied history of athletic dominance, particularly in sports that reflect the Southern California surf culture and competitive spirit.

A History of Sporting Success

The HBHS athletic program is characterized by its consistent success and ability to produce professional-level talent. The baseball program, in particular, is a national powerhouse, having won multiple National High School Invitational (NHSI) titles. The school’s history is dotted with legendary figures, including a 1940 track athlete who won state championships and tied the national high school record in the 220-yard dash, a record originally set by Olympic legend Jesse Owens.

Recent athletic achievements include a standout athlete who earned a coveted spot on the 18U Team USA squad, further cementing the school's reputation for developing elite talent across various sports.

Notable Alumni and Entities

The impact of Huntington Beach High School reaches far beyond Orange County, with a long list of successful alumni in diverse fields. These notable figures are a source of pride for the Oiler community and serve as LSI keywords for the school's topical authority:

• M. Shadows: Lead vocalist for the globally successful rock band Avenged Sevenfold.
• Robert August: An iconic professional surfer and filmmaker, known for the classic surf film *The Endless Summer*.
• Corky Carroll: A legendary professional surfer, often considered one of the sport's first true stars.
• Tony Gonzalez: Hall of Fame professional football player (NFL) and one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the sport.
• Jack Haley: Former professional basketball player (NBA).
• Matthew Harper: Elected official, former Mayor of Huntington Beach.

From the stage of the APA to the fields of professional sports, Huntington Beach High School continues its legacy of excellence, even as its students take on the role of civic leaders in the complex legal and political landscape of 2025.