Southwest High School in San Diego, California on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Southwest High School","outOfStateSupporters":12.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10232529,"projectId":9664667,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"High School Comfort Closet: Meeting Student Needs\" project. Because of your generosity, we were able to create our Raiders Closet, which operates like a student-centered thrift store where students can shop for free for essential items before school, after school, or request time during the school day. This structure has allowed us to create a space that feels normal, welcoming, and empowering for students. Instead of simply receiving items, students are able to choose what they need with dignity. We now have students visiting the Raiders Closet every single day, and over 73% of our student population has already accessed the space.\r\n\r\nOne moment that truly stood out was when a student quietly came in during the school day and shared that they hadn't had access to basic hygiene items at home. They were able to take what they needed without drawing attention to themselves, and before leaving, they said, \"Thank you, I feel better coming to school now.\" That moment really captured the purpose of this space. It's not just about the items—it's about how students feel when those needs are met. Since then, we've seen more students come in with confidence, some even encouraging their friends to stop by if they need anything.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the closet, many were surprised and relieved that this kind of support was available to them on campus at no cost to them. What stood out most was how quickly the space became part of our school culture. Moving forward, we plan to continue growing the Raiders Closet and expanding the variety of items available, while also connecting this space to conversations around self-care and independence. Your support has created more than just a closet—it has created dignity, stability, and a stronger sense of belonging for our students. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1766849025865,"projectUrl":"project/our-high-school-comfort-closet-meeting/9664667/","projectTitle":"Our High School Comfort Closet: Meeting Student Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. GARCIA-DE LA ROSA","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10232529"},{"teacherId":10375444,"projectId":9947875,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\nWe would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your generous donations. Because of your kindness and support, our students, our families and our community will be very happy and excited to visit the Raiders Closet and find clothing and snacks available to them on a daily basis.\r\nYour generosity makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, and we are truly grateful for your continued support.\r\nThank you again from the bottom of our hearts.\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nThe Raiders Closet Team","fullyFundedDate":1766243961708,"projectUrl":"project/raiders-cove-clothing-closet-southwest-h/9947875/","projectTitle":"Raiders Cove Clothing Closet Southwest High School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Valdez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10375444"},{"teacherId":10375444,"projectId":9947503,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\nWe would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your generous donations. Because of your kindness and support, our students will be very happy and excited to visit the Raiders Closet and find clothing and snacks available to them on a daily basis.\r\nYour generosity makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, families and our community. we are truly grateful for your continued support.\r\nThank you again from the bottom of our hearts.\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nThe Raiders Closet Team","fullyFundedDate":1765422064555,"projectUrl":"project/raiders-cove-clothing-closet/9947503/","projectTitle":"Raiders Cove Clothing Closet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Valdez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10375444"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_40803","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1586,"numTeachers":81,"percentFrplEligible":75,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":86,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"19.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":87.6,"schoolId":40803,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Southwest High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Southwest High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/sweetwater-union-high-school-district/southwest-high-school/40803"}

About this school

Southwest High School is an urban public school in San Diego, California that is part of Sweetwater Union High School District. It serves 1,586 students in grades 9 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.6:1. Its teachers have had 12 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 9 - 12

1,586 Students

81 Teachers

1685 Hollister St

San Diego, CA 92154 View local requests

http://www.sweetwaterschools.org

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Southwest High School to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Southwest High School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Mrs. GARCIA-DE LA ROSA

Mr. TAPIA

Ms. Valdez

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.

Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.

See how DonorsChoose works

Southwest High School Demographics

75%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

89%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Southwest High School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Apr 10, 2026

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.