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Student and Family Handbook

2026-27 Introduction from the Principal

Dear Peninsula Community,

Welcome to Peninsula High School (PHS). We are proud of our long history of supporting students from the San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD) who may be off track for graduation while providing high-quality educational programs. At PHS, our focus is on helping students get “back on track” academically while supporting their personal growth.

Our school is designed to meet the academic and social needs of our students by creating a supportive and welcoming environment for both students and staff. Whether this is your first experience at Peninsula or you are returning, we believe this is a great opportunity to renew your goals and educational aspirations while taking full advantage of the academic and social support available on our campus.

At PHS, we provide guidance and coaching that supports academics, personal development, life skills, and future career planning. As students work through daily challenges, we encourage them to take advantage of the social-emotional supports available on campus.

Our smaller class sizes allow students to build stronger connections with their instructors and provide more opportunities to ask questions and receive individualized support. Our staff is highly trained in differentiated instruction and uses a variety of teaching methods to meet diverse learning styles. Whether through Canvas or in-person instruction, our goal is to strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

Peninsula High School serves students in grades 10, 11, and 12. After one school year at PHS, students may choose from several pathways depending on their progress. Students who catch up on credits may return to their comprehensive school site, continue working toward their diploma at PHS, or, if progress remains limited, transition to an Adult School Diploma or GED program.

Most core classes are offered across five of our six daily periods, along with career-focused classes, electives, and social support courses. Sophomores participate in a full six-period schedule to maximize credit opportunities and prepare for a possible return to their comprehensive site as juniors. Regardless of grade level, all students have access to academic and social-emotional support courses.

Students who successfully get back on track are not required to return to their comprehensive site and may choose to continue their education at PHS. Our programs are designed to build the academic foundation and life skills needed for success after high school.

At Peninsula High School, we emphasize several post-secondary pathways, including:

  • Community college with transfer to a university
  • Earning an AA degree from a community college
  • Job training programs and workforce placement
  • Military service
  • Trade schools

We are excited to support our Puma seniors as they prepare to walk across the stage at graduation in Spring 2027. Our staff is committed to helping every student achieve their diploma and find the pathway that best fits their goals and aspirations.

The Puma staff is ready to support our students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to meet today’s challenges and succeed in the future. I look forward to working together and having a wonderful school year.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Barnaby Payne
Principal of Peninsula High School (PHS)