GUHSD students receive an exceptional, comprehensive academic experience. Students participate in rigorous academic programs that help them be successful daily while preparing them for continued success beyond high school. While attending a GUHSD high school, students can earn college credits that are recognized and accepted by colleges and universities throughout the country. Students interested in pursuing university studies outside of the U.S. have an opportunity to earn the Advanced Placement International Diploma, a globally recognized achievement.

GUHSD is home to numerous regional and state titles. On average, 80 percent of students are involved in athletics or belong to one of more than 40 clubs and organizations offered at GUHSD schools.

GUHSD is proud to promote and showcase the immense contribution arts education makes within the schools. Disciplines including dance, music, choir, theatre, media arts, and visual arts are essential elements of a GUHSD education.

GUHSD schools focus on preparing students for success after high school, whether they choose to pursue postsecondary education or to begin a career immediately after graduation. In addition to STEM courses, GUHSD schools offer more than 50 Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses as well as a partnership with West-MEC, including culinary, nursing, construction trades, fire science, home health education, welding technology, engineering, and more. GUHSD CTE programs prepare students to enter the workforce with the academic and technical skills needed to compete successfully in the job market.

The Glendale Union High School District Online Learning Academy is accredited by Cognia and offers excellent options for students to choose from in an environment that fits their needs. Whether a student wants to attend full-time or work from home, the GUHSD Online Learning Academy is an outstanding and flexible program tailored for student success.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is vital for students' college readiness. GUHSD offers high-level STEM courses, including Advanced Placement Physics; technology-related classes such as Coding and Advanced Placement Computer Sciences; engineering-related courses, including Robotics and Advanced Engineering Sciences; and rigorous math courses, including Advanced Placement Calculus AB and Advanced Placement Calculus BC.