The Preuss School UCSD is an award-winning, high-achieving charter school that was developed in partnership with UC San Diego. It serves low income, highly-motivated students in grades 6-12, who will be the first in their families to graduate from a four-year college or university. The school was jointly chartered by the San Diego Unified School District and UC San Diego, and is housed on the university campus in a facility funded entirely by private support. Preuss opened in 1999 with 150 students in grades 6-8, and expanded to currently serve 825 students in grades 6-12. The student body is 67 percent Hispanic/Latino, 11 percent African American, 19 percent Asian/Indo-Chinese and 3 percent Caucasian. Students are bussed to the school from their home communities, representing more than 40 zip codes throughout San Diego County. HDP 191 students serve as tutors and mentors in the classroom and work with middle and high school students individually and in small groups.
Message from the Site Mentor
UCSD students serve as tutors and mentors on our campus. You are the face of college, and are seen as a positive role model for post-secondary achievement. Our students and teachers depend on you as supportive adults in their classrooms, NOT passive observers. HDP 191 students must be ready to consistently engage with our students to promote learning. Yes, it is challenging to take mental notes of your observations while having an active role in the classroom. Be aware this is the nature of field research in a school setting. Our teachers are happy to offer helpful information outside of class time, but you must proactively communicate your needs. Please understand student achievement is our number one priority, and we appreciate it when UCSD students are also committed to this goal.
Grades 6 -12 (ages approximately 11-18 years old).
Orientation is mandatory for all UCSD students prior to start date. Group orientation takes place at The Preuss School.
For a list of orientation dates, visit preuss.ucsd.edu:
Select the “About Preuss” tab
Select “Volunteer Opportunities”
Select “Sign up for Volunteer Orientation”
Sign in the appropriate binder located in the Main Office.
Monday-Thursday between 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fridays between 10:15 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Classes are scheduled in block periods of about 90 minutes. Volunteers are expected to come on a Mondays/ Wednesday or Tuesday/ Thursday schedule, and Fridays are optional.
“A days” – Mondays and Wednesdays
“B days” – Tuesdays and Thursdays
Fridays alternate between “A days” and “B days”
Professional attire.
Confidentiality should be observed at all times.