We foster creativity and independent thinking, stimulate curiosity, cultivate inquiry, and champion novel solutions.
Life at York is active.
With an inclusive and supportive community, students can jump in and get involved. From helping write the yearbook to dressing in flannel for lumberjack day to debating the benefits of ice cream for dinner, students can explore their interests and try something new.
Clubs, leadership activities, spirit days, and dances all make high school fun and exciting. The end result? Well-rounded, confident individuals with great friendships and lasting memories.
Campus Culture
Stick up for each other and stick together. Our campus culture is strong and supportive. Our students, faculty, staff, and families work together to create an inclusive and welcoming environment. This makes it easy for students to try new things, expand their thinking, and discover who they really are. We value each other as individuals and as members of a vibrant, diverse community.
Our core principles of honesty, respect, and responsibility are central to our campus culture. Students can leave their backpacks outside and know they will be there when they return. Passionate debates can happen in the classroom and competitive play on the field, but students are still kind to one another. The York campus is full of welcoming people who experience a remarkable level of trust, compassion, and appreciation. York is a place where a diversity of ideas and experience is not just what we do but who we are.
How does it feel to be surrounded by people who are excited about learning, who are interested in the world and each other, and who approach life with enthusiasm? It feels like YORK.
Shield
Shield is York’s student ambassador organization. Shield members assist the Admissions Office by representing York at school and community events both on and off campus. Shield members also act as hosts for prospective students and school visitors.
Shield membership develops character, leadership, and citizenship. Membership in Shield requires an application and committee review. Shield applicants should model excellent character, exude enthusiasm about York, enjoy meeting new people, be friendly and outgoing, and embody the York values of honesty, respect, responsibility, and compassion.
Student Government
Getting involved in student government is a great way for students to expand their leadership skills. Student government officers keep students informed about campus news and events, fundraise for student activities, coordinate dances, spirit days, and more. Student government is broken down into two groups: Executive Student Council and Class Officers.
EXECUTIVE STUDENT COUNCIL
Members of the Executive Student Council represent the entire student body. Elections are held each spring. Students in grades 10-12 can run for:
- President
- Vice-President
- Secretary/Treasurer
- Student Council Officers
CLASS OFFICERS
Each grade level elects a group of students to represent its class. Students can run for:
- President
- Vice-President
- Secretary/Treasurer
- Class Officers
Clubs
Getting involved is easy at York. Joining a club is one of the best ways to meet new people, explore interests outside the classroom, serve local communities, and be a leader. Our club line-up is varied, and driven each year by student interest.
Current clubs include:
- Art Attack
- Asian Culture Club
- Basketball
- Black Student Union
- Chess Club
- Cinema Club
- Crafting Club
- Digital Gaming
- Fantasy Sports
- Guitar Club
- Interact Club
- Kapwa
- Lit Mag
- Mental Health Club
- Model UN
- Psychology Club
- Project Light
- Robotics
- SAGE-Queer Alliance
- Spanish in Action
- Tech Squad
- Tech Theatre Club
- Triple Threats
- Yoga
Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning at York School emphasizes learning through hands-on, real-world experiences. Our program bridges theory and practice, allowing students to engage in projects that connect with their interests and passions. By participating in courses like TEDx, where students present ideas to the world, or Songwriting, where they create their own music, students apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. Other options, such as Cooking with Chemistry and Environmental Research and Design, blend practical skills with creative exploration. This approach fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills, preparing students for future challenges. Our Experiential Learning courses offer a dynamic way to deepen understanding and make learning an engaging, impactful journey.
Current Experiential Learning offerings include:
- 3D Arts & Crafts
- AIM Ideas Lab
- CAD
- Cooking with Chemistry
- Dancing Around the World
- Design for Print
- Designing for the Stage
- East Asian Arts
- Electrical Circuits
- Environmental Research & Design
- Intramural Ethics Bowl
- Mountain Biking
- Pixels & Pages
- Sewing & Stitching
- Songwriting & Creativity
- Sports Official
- TEDx
- The Album Experience
- The Mural Project
- The York Oracle Newspaper
- York Rock Band
"York played a critical role in both my admission to Berkeley and my academic career there. The intense academic requirements and preparation enabled me to adjust to college academic life without suffering any type of major turbulence or discomfort. I will graduate in three years with two majors."
- August Di Zhan '10
