University High School (UHS) in unlike any other high school in the Central Valley, and that’s not just because of its direct affliction with the area’s largest college campus. Established in 2000 through a charter written by Dr. Luis Costa, then Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at California State University, Fresno, with partial funding from the State of California, UHS built a state-of-the-art facility on the Fresno State campus. In building the foundation for University High School, Dr. Costa and his team began to envision a rigorous, liberal arts school that would teach music, Latin, and would be the pride of the Central Valley. UHS students are concurrently enrolled at Fresno State, completing at least one year of college coursework by the time they graduate. They receive Fresno State ID cards and have access to university resources, including the library and campus green spaces.

A Premier Public Charter
University High School is a public charter school of choice, meaning students from any district can apply and, if selected through their lottery system, attend without needing a district transfer. UHS accepts 135 freshmen annually and is also a music-focused school—every student participates in a performing ensemble, either choral or instrumental.

What truly sets UHS apart includes:

College Integration UHS students take college-level courses at Fresno State, while most area schools partner with community colleges
48 Book Program Each student receives one high-quality book per month over four years—48 books in total—to build a personal library and encourage deep reading with annotation and discussion.
Intersessions Twice a year, students participate in enrichment classes like sailing, SAT prep, trips to Belize or Costa Rica, community service, painting, and many more.
Personal Fitness Focus Their P.E. program emphasizes lifelong health and personal fitness. Students use heart rate monitors and apps to track progress and consistently outperform nearby districts on state fitness assessments
Comprehensive Student Support UHS employs two full-time counselors, a part-time mental health therapist, and even a therapy dog. The counseling team also leads a wellness curriculum on mental health, stress, anxiety, and nutrition.
Code of Character Strong values are instilled with their “UHS Code of Character”—students strive to be Understanding, Honorable, and Studious. An Honor Commission promotes a culture of kindness, community, and ethical citizenship.

According to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UHS is:

#1 in the Fresno Metro Area
#12 among all California high schools
#27 among charter high schools nationwide
#110 among all high schools in the U.S.

*These rankings are based on multiple indicators, including state assessments, college readiness, curriculum rigor, and graduation rates.

University High School Dr Randall Cornelison — Dr. Randall Cornelison, Music Director.

Fresno’s Top-Ranked High School
One of the key drivers of UHS’s success is their student body. Because students choose to attend UHS, often leaving their neighborhood schools, they arrive highly motivated and ready to engage. This sense of ownership creates a school culture where hard work, curiosity, and academic excellence are celebrated. The result is a positive, collaborative environment where students support one another and take pride in their learning.

Equally important is the caliber of their teaching staff. UHS teachers are highly qualified professionals—many with advanced degrees—who are deeply committed to their students and passionate about their subjects. They bring high expectations, innovative teaching strategies, and a college-preparatory mindset to the classroom, challenging students while providing the support they need to thrive.

Innovation Meets Inspiration
UHS’s stunning campus was designed by world-renowned architect Art Dyson. Several locations on the Fresno State campus were considered; the current site was chosen for its accessibility and alignment to the Music Department along with Fresno State’s long-term vision for partnership and growth. The architecture of these buildings blends innovation with modern aesthetics, offering students an inspiring place to learn every day.

University High School Ms. Jeffie Esparza — Ms. Jeffie Esparza Hickman, Superintendent/Principal.

Music at the Cornerstone
From the very beginning, music education was not just an extracurricular activity—it was a central pillar of the UHS experience. Mr. Gerard Jones, the founding music director, developed and built the program into the vibrant, multi-ensemble department it is today. Music continues to play a critical role in shaping students’ discipline, creativity, emotional intelligence, and collaborative skills—tools that support both academic and lifelong success.

In the late 1990s, many school districts were drastically cutting back their arts and music programs. Around that time, a Fresno State music professor approached former dean Dr. Luis Costa with concerns about the declining quality of public school music education. The professor hoped to start an after-school music program—but when the California Department of Education invited CSU deans to consider founding charter schools, Dr. Costa saw an even greater opportunity.

After conducting focus groups and research, the conclusion was clear: Fresno needed a rigorous, college-preparatory high school. At the time, many students entering the CSU system required remedial coursework in English and math. Research showed that students who studied and performed music regularly outperformed their peers academically. Thus, music became the school’s “common interest,” helping to shape a unified, high-achieving student body.

University High School A choral group — A choral group at UHS.

There are 12 choral and instrumental performing groups found at UHS:

Choral Groups
Concert Choir
Advanced Concert Choir
Mixed Choir
Chamber Choir
Show Choir

Instrumental Groups

Concert Band
Symphonic Band
Wind Ensemble
String Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Jazz Band
Symphony Orchestra

Tailored to the Modern World
UHS offers a personalized and rigorous learning environment. With a student body of about 500, the teachers here truly get to know their students and adapt instruction to support individual needs. The campus culture is tight-knit and collaborative, fostering both academic and personal growth. Students graduate with real-world skills, including technological fluency, community service experience, and the ability to navigate a college campus with confidence. A commitment to communication, innovation, and excellence ensures UHS graduates are ready for success—wherever their futures take them.