About Our School

Farb Middle School is located in a tree-filled suburban community of Tierrasanta northeast of downtown San Diego, a neighborhood that calls itself the island in the Hills. The community retains much of its native vegetation canyons and features mature neighborhoods as well as the largest military housing development in San Diego, home to the Pacific Fleet.

Half of our students come from military families. The other half of our student body choose to come here from their own neighborhood by bus through the Choice program and VEEP (Voluntary Enrollment Exchange Program).

Our school opened in 1979. We are proud to be the District’s only all-AVID middle school, which means that our school develops a college-preparatory curriculum that aims to guide all students to better study habits and scholastic achievement through a nationally recognized program called AVID. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.

Students accept responsibility for their learning through development of organizational skills, collaboration with peers, and participation in strategies to acquire deeper knowledge and understanding. The focus of learning is our AVID program and the college-going culture at our school. Trained teachers incorporate specific AVID strategies into their curriculum to support all students with exemplary standards-based instruction.

All campus activities are focused on success, and the road to college and beyond. Our school is home to an award-winning band and music program and includes courses in beginning band, advanced band, orchestra, and all levels of chorus.

Families support the school and participate in numerous activities. Partnerships include military supports and organizations such as Fleet and Family Services, Healthy Start, and Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) and AXA Financial Advisors.

We're not just about work at Farb. We also have wonderful activities and an excellent free after-hours childcare program called PrimeTime. And we have some famous graduates, including world-renowned skateboarding champion and businessman Tony Hawk. In addition to his many accomplishments and awards, he was the star of an ESPN sports cable network special program entitled, "Homecoming," which was filmed at Farb!