From its inception, Clark Middle School has followed a single-track calendar adopted by the San Diego City Schools Board of Education.

The school is approximately 67% Hispanic, 15% Asian, 15% African American and 3% other populations. Many of the students are not yet English language proficient as most are first generation immigrants from a number of Central American, East African, Asian and Croatian nations.

Recently Clark Middle School has recorded a jump in its California Academic Performance Index of more than 120 points. This level of achievement has not been seen in the City Heights community for the past 30 years.

With a student population of 1,700, Clark Middle is part of a City Heights Collaborative that includes Rosa Parks Elementary School, Hoover Senior High, San Diego State University, the San Diego City School Board, San Diego Educators Association and Price Charities.

This collaborative has been on the cutting edge of student achievement, teacher training and education and community involvement. The collaborative was set up five years as part of an overall plan to boost the quality of life in the City Heights area.

Test scores are up at all three schools and students are focusing on their futures.

In April 2003, San Diego Magazine highlighted the program as one of the most innovative educational programs in the county.

With the help of the Collaborative, Clark Middle school has made changes that were only dreamed about seven years ago. They are committed to meeting the needs of the students in the years to come.