Academics

Desert Hot Springs High School is accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). All PSA classes meet the G - Elective requirement for high school graduation and universities and the Career Technical Education (CTE) class for grades 11th-12th are dual enrollment college courses through College of the Desert.
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​Learning occurs through academics, community service, competitions, field trips, guest instructors, hands-on training, mentorships, and internships. Students attend classes as a grade level and are taught teamwork, leadership, physical training, and industry and social skills. In addition, students have the opportunity to earn certifications and awards.

Freshmen and Sophomores participate virtually in the following mentorship programs:
  • OPHELIA PROJECT - Is sponsored by John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation. Their mission is to empower teenage girls in grades 8th-12th to increase their sense of self-worth and maximize their potential contribution to society.
  • GENTS ALLIANCE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM - Is sponsored by One Future Coachella Valley. Their vision is to engage local business, education, and civic partners to develop services and resources to improve college access and completion rates of young men in the Coachella Valley.
COVID-19 has required us to rethink our delivery of instruction. PSA is following California, PSUSD, and DHSHS COVID-19 protocols for personal safety. Students will not be participating in events that will compromise their health and safety. The PSA team has been working with our business partners to ensure that we deliver an effective experience related to public safety. During Distance Learning, mentor and internships will be virtual, and we are working on opportunities for virtual tours and guest speakers.  
PSA CTE Academy Flow Chart
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High School Distance Learning Schedule
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File Type: pdf
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Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. It provides educational programs, events, and competitions that support career and technical education in the nation’s classrooms. PSA students compete in Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Justice, Cyber Security, and First Aid/CPR. For additional information, contact Mr. Huber. 
​SkillsUSA Website 
​​​CyberPatriot is sponsored by the Air Force Association to inspire students toward careers in cybersecurity critical to our nation's future. The National Youth Cyber Defense Competition puts teams of students in the position of IT professionals tasked with managing the network of a small company against virtual scenarios that find cybersecurity vulnerabilities while maintaining critical services. For additional information, contact Mrs. Becerra. 
​CyberPatriot Website
Exploring is a program for young men and women ages 14-20 that provides law enforcement and fire-medical experience and training, while networking with professionals and peers. For additional information about the Desert Hot Springs Police Explorer Program please contact Mr. Huber. 
​Exploring Website

PSA Team

Caroline Cota, Ed.D., Principal

Kai Lyles, Assistant Principal

Mike Phelan, Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Eric Huber, PSA Co-Coordinator
9th -12th Career Technical Education
​SkillsUSA Advisor

Christine Becerra, PSA Co-Coord.
​9th -11th Science
​CyberPatriot Advisor
Scott Chariton, 10th World His. & 12th Psych.
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​Robert Jensen, 9th Physical Education

Derrick Perez, 10th & 11th English

​Demitrious Sinor, 11th U.S. History