South High School (Torrance, California)


South High School is a public high school in Torrance, California. It is one of five high schools in the Torrance Unified School District.
As of 2025, South High School is ranked as the best school in TUSD by US News. It ranks nationally at #1,021 and #135 at the state level.
WWW shs-torrance-ca.schoolloo...

History

South High School opened in September 1957 and moved to a new campus in January, 1958 with 20 buildings and 106 classrooms. It currently serves children south of Sepulveda, west of Hawthorne and north of Lomita Boulevard.
In 1980 Asahi Gakuen, a weekend Japanese-language education institution, began renting space in South Torrance High School. The school continues to use the school for its Torrance Campus.
In 2004, South High was under refurbishment. Renovations include improved handicapped accessibility, improved lighting, and new signage.
American Beauty was filmed on the South High School campus during the winter break of 1998/1999. Many contemporary South High students were featured as extras in the scenes set on campus.
The short movie Skaterdater was filmed using the Imperial Skateboard Club whose members went to South High.

Demographics

In the 2024–25 school year, South High had an enrollment of 1,841 students.
  • African-American - 2.6%
  • Asian - 37.6%
  • Hispanic or Latino - 22.6%
  • Pacific Islander - 0.10%
  • Caucasian - 26.9%
  • Multi-Racial - 9.9%
The average household income of South High's ZIP codes is $147,185 and $184,665 respectively.

Athletics

South High's mascot is the Spartan, and their colors are green and white.

Activities

The Marching Band won West High Invitationals Sweepstakes 2009, 2010 Percussion State Champs, and the 2011 & 2013 SCJA Division 5A State Champions. The South High 2014-15 Advanced Dance Team were the 2015 USA Dance National Champions in the category "Novelty." In 2017, the 2016-17 Advanced Dance Team became state champions at the USA State Championship, while also placing first in several divisions at USA Regionals. The 2016-17 Athletic Training Program placed first in the small school division at the St. Francis Sports Medical Competition. Most notably, South High School has a super amazing Speech and Debate program which sweeps the district at the state level every year. They continue to stay the highest ranked team in the district.

Notable alumni