Testimonials

Mr. Huang: 

My daughter Clair Huang has grown well in two ways at e3: design thinking and internship. Clair and her teammates did a design thinking project titled "Happy Band". Their project was to develop a wristband to help people monitor their mental health. This idea attracted people's attention and recognition, winning an award of 500 dollars. This design thinking project allowed Clair to explore something she had never done before, inspiring Clair to delve into her potential and come up with a creative and useful idea.

The internship program allowed Clair to experience doing a job she was interested in. This program also educated Clair on how to manage her financial issues in the future. I remember Clair excitedly shared with me what she learned from the internship lesson one day after school. She said she used a computer program to simulate her financial condition in the future. She was so surprised that even with an annual income of $90,000, she barely made her ends meet because everything was so expensive and there were so many bills to pay. I really felt Clair was enlightened by this experience and gained a much better understanding about budgeting and financial planning.

I sincerely believe that Clair really learned things she won't be able to learn at any other high school. I am glad that I made a decision to guide Clair to e3. Finally, I deeply appreciate the staff of e3. They are caring and hard working. They are real educators. They educate my daughter Clair very well. Thank you, e3.

Sincerely,

Yenwen Huang

Mrs. Scudder:

If I could share something about e3, I would share that e3 is a place that has the best interests of each student at heart and the teachers and administrators work very hard to ensure their success. The school is flexible and is not bound by traditional methods or ideas that may be outdated or overly rigid.

My son Aidan has been exposed to the workforce development program that enabled him to interact directly with businesses in the San Diego area and create his own internship that added value to the business as well as allowed him to experience "real world" work expectations. Aidan has also had the opportunity to work on projects that directly benefit the community around him, instead of simply learning about them in a book.

What I like most about e3 is the flexibility they offer. e3 gave Aidan the flexibility to take online classes in order to graduate on time even though he had spent his junior year studying abroad. e3 worked with him to make it happen. In addition, the college counselors were very helpful and gave Aidan one on one attention when it came to reviewing parts of his college applications and essays.

During these times of COVID, I have been telling everyone around me that of all of the schools I hear about, e3 is the one school that has weathered the transition to online learning the best. Since each student had the proper technology and then later, internet connection, the ability to continue teaching students each day seemed almost seamless.

In addition, we have experienced LFs (teachers) and administrators who truly care about students and are willing to help them overcome challenges to succeed. They worked with me even before Aidan started his senior year at e3 to discuss his classes and how they would make sure he graduated on time. The LFs are engaged and are empowered to use creative methods to teach students.

e3 has been a great option for our family and we appreciate that each student is set up to succeed from day one.

Thank you,

Mary Scudder

Star Soltan:

I am a mentor. I have sent seven children to e3 from underperforming public schools. E3 is an oasis of incredibly caring, devoted, and highly talented teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff. E3’s strength is caring deeply for each student, never giving up, using innovative techniques and technology, and guiding them toward success.

The principal knows each student by first name and greets them one by one each morning. She seeks out the students’ opinions after introducing a new teaching method or technology platform and adjusts accordingly. The school community not only supports each other but also addresses local, national, and world events. Mental health counselors and teachers host round-tables to discuss school shootings, COVID-19, racism, protesting, and how to effect change. They also provide a space for students’ to share their own experiences and trauma. Teachers bring food and masks to students’ families. There is an “all hands on deck” aspect to supporting each student.

There is also a focus on college and job success. Students learn essential 21st-century skills like computer science, coding, digital media techniques, and design thinking. Students are placed in highly sought-after internships for at least one semester and have access to job shadowing and guest speakers. All students receive free and targeted SAT prep. The entire school is registered and takes a free official SAT exam during school hours. The college counselors are extraordinary – they provide private one-on-one attention tantamount to a private for-hire advisor. They have won awards for the breadth of their financial aid resources to the students and the percentage who apply to four-year universities. They give equal support to those seeking the Ivy League as well as junior colleges, the military, and technical schools.

Class sizes are small and the students have tutoring resources if needed. AP classes and dual enrollment college classes are available through City College, UC San Diego, and Point Loma Nazarene University. Innovative programs include aviation, robotics, design thinking, and cybersecurity training. Most impressive is the supportive community that exists and the transformation students make attending e3. Many will attest that the school saved their lives.

Star Soltan

Attorney-at-law and mentor

E3 Civic High is an innovative and diverse school where I enjoyed my high school years and will continue to this coming fall. Our school focuses on making sure we are prepared for college and the steps we are to take afterward. I can always rely on teachers, TA's, and my fellow scholars if I'm ever confused or just need someone to talk to. It's a small school so a lot of us know each other. I definitely think e3 has the advantage of providing all the scholars their own laptop to use during school and outside of school for everything school-related. I personally have never seen acts of bullying in my school. When I say diverse I mean diversity is over half the population of our school. It's incredible! There is that familiar feeling of someone you can relate to. Overall, I love being at e3 and what is had provided me with.

- Upcoming Senior Scholar

e3 Civic High is a great school. With a great community, teachers, and Academics. It may be a small school compared to others, but it's nice having it where you can at least know everyone in your grade level. Also with the teachers. Classes are longer than usual, but gives you more time to spend with them. Helps you understand the material that you are learning, unlike other high schools.

- Freshman Scholar

e3 Civic High is the most well prepared high school in San Diego. e3 Civic High contains opportunities that prepare you and opens you to experiences that shape your education and future.

- Junior Scholar