Why HPHS
Who Are the HPHS Jaguars?
We Are…
A Small, Specialty High School in the Sacramento City Unified School District.
A school that focuses on Health and Medical Sciences and offers a challenging & relevant high school experience focused on preparing our students for college and careers in the healthcare field. Our students complete a 4-year Patient Care Pathway that includes work-based learning, clinical experiences in hospital settings and industry certifications including BLS, Stop-the-Bleed & Certified Nursing Assistant training.
Many of our students are dual-enrolled in college classes and we offer a college success class and academic counseling support for students dual-enrolled in college classes and students graduate with an average of 10 or more college units.
We are open to ANY student in the Sacramento Region (in or out of the district) who is interested in exploring careers in the medical field and enrolling in our Patient Care Pathway.
In partnership with local hospitals, emergency medical responders, and health care providers, we provide students with early access to learning from a wide variety of healthcare industry professionals, extensive clinical skills training, and opportunities for certifications and work-based learning.
Our mission is to provide students with an outstanding college-preparatory education, rich with relevant academic, and leadership experiences in the healthcare field, professional training and certifications that prepare our students for success in College and Careers.
Frequently Asked Questions about HPHS
What college prep courses will my student take?
What electives are available for my student to take?
The electives offered are heavily science-based because of the specialized focus on healthcare. Students have the option of taking Spanish for Health Careers, Yearbook/ASB, and Foundations of Success which supports students who are dually-enrolled in college classes through Los Rios Community College District. There is a wide range of college classes available for our students to take and recommended college level introductory health care classes are listed in our Course of Study document.
Will there be AP courses offered? What is the Dual Enrollment Program?
Instead of AP courses, we offer support for students who are concurrently enrolled in college classes. The majority of our students complete college classes and earn college credit while still in high school. The required courses at Arthur A. Benjamin HPHS meet and exceed A-G college entrance requirements for both the University of California and the California State University systems.
What is the Arthur A. Benjamin Diploma of Excellence?
All students completing the rigorous college prep course sequence requiring 250 units, 100 community service hours, job shadowing, and industry internship are eligible to receive the HPHS Diploma of Excellence. More information can be found in the Student Handbook.
What extracurricular activities are available to my student?
Students are encouraged to participate in Student-Led Clubs offered on campus such as HOSA, Faces for the Future, Bloom Leadership Academy, Cheer, Flag Football, etc.
Is my student able to play sports?
Yes! HPHS is a part of the Small School’s Co-Ed Sports League where we compete against other small high schools in the area. Sports currently offered are Soccer, Volleyball and Basketball.
What tutoring services are available for my student? We offer free tutoring before school, during lunch as well as after school by appointment. Students should reach out to their teachers and after school programs manager for available tutoring days and times.
How can parents get involved with the school?
We encourage parents to come to Site Council meetings, English Language Advisory Council (ELAC) meetings, special parent events, join in classes and student activities and help with fund raising activities.
Will my student need to wear a uniform to school?
Yes! Health Professions High School has a strict uniform policy and all students are required to wear scrubs Monday through Thursday. On Fridays students have the option of wearing scrubs OR a school or college tee-shirt with scrub bottoms.
What Certificate Programs does HPHS offer for my student?
In 2025-2026 HPHS is offering CPR/First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Public Health Safety First Aid, a Community Health Worker Certification through UC Merced, and Medical Assisting. A Certified Nursing Assistant Certification Program is currently being developed and we hope to have that available for students by Spring 2026.