About Us

About Samueli Academy

Samueli Academy opened in 2013 thanks to Orangewood Foundation and local philanthropists Susan Samueli and Sandi Jackson. With the idea of increasing high school graduation and college attendance rates for all students, especially youth in the foster care system, an innovative and unique educational experience was crafted, which includes on-campus dorms for foster youth. Today, over 800 students attend on a daily basis, and over 1,000 alumni continue to receive support from the school.

Since its inception, 99% of students have graduated, 92% attend college, and 85% persist through college (more than 2x the national average for our demographic of student). Samueli Academy is recognized by the U.S. News and World Report as being within the “top 5% of public schools in the nation.”

Meet Our Executive Director

Samueli Academy is governed by a Board of Trustees and led by Anthony Saba. As Executive Director, Anthony brings over 20 years of high school experience (both in the classroom and in administration) plus a passion for involving students in the learning process. “My teaching philosophy is to allow students to take an active, hands-on role in their learning,” he says. “I think it is especially important in the 21st century that we don’t just teach students WHAT they need to know but show them WHY they need to know it.”

Student Support

Samueli Academy offers youth an innovative and student-centered choice for their education. This includes on-site housing for foster youth who need a stable living environment in order for them to excel academically. An on-site school psychologist is always on hand to support our students’ well-being.

Apply to Samueli Academy

Samueli Academy welcomed its first class of 120 freshmen in August 2013. The school now serves 800 students in grades 7-12. If you are interested in applying to Samueli Academy for your teen, please fill out an application.

Employment at Samueli Academy

For employment inquiries, please visit our employment page.