University of San Carlos – North Campus (USC High School) Guide
Overview of the University of San Carlos – North Campus (USC High School)
The University of San Carlos (USC) – North Campus is one of the most respected basic education campuses in Cebu City, known for its balanced academic training, values-centered formation, and strong preparation for college. As part of the USC Basic Education Department, the North Campus hosts USC High School programs for Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS), offering a comprehensive curriculum that meets national standards while integrating Carolinian values and 21st-century skills.
Located in Talamban, the North Campus benefits from a learning environment that is safe, well-organized, and equipped with modern facilities. It has earned a strong reputation among parents seeking high-quality education that blends academics, faith, discipline, and holistic growth.
This guide provides an in-depth look at USC High School programs, campus life, curriculum, facilities, admission processes, tuition fees, and what makes the North Campus a top education choice in Cebu.
High School Programs Offered at USC North Campus
USC High School at the North Campus provides a full basic education program for Grades 7 to 12. The curriculum follows the K-12 standards while integrating USC’s own formation programs, community outreach, and academic enrichment.
Junior High School (Grades 7–10)
The Junior High School program focuses on foundational academic learning, character formation, and preparation for Senior High School. Core subjects include:
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Mathematics
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Science
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English
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Filipino
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Araling Panlipunan
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ESP (Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao)
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Technology and Livelihood Education
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Music, Arts, PE, and Health (MAPEH)
USC JHS is known for rigorous Math and Science programs, consistent participation in academic competitions, and strong language training.
Senior High School (Grades 11–12)
The USC North Campus offers a wide range of Senior High School tracks designed to match students’ strengths and future academic or career goals:
Academic Track
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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) – The most popular track; ideal for students planning to take engineering, nursing, IT, architecture, and science courses.
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ABM (Accountancy, Business, and Management) – Prepares students for business-related college programs.
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HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences) – Designed for students pursuing communication, education, psychology, law, and social sciences.
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GAS (General Academic Strand) – Flexible option for students exploring various fields.
Arts and Design Track
Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) Track
Why Choose USC North Campus for High School?
USC is one of the premier private universities in the Philippines, and its basic education campuses consistently reflect the institution’s academic excellence. Parents choose the North Campus for several reasons:
Strong Academic Tradition
USC students are known to perform well in local and national assessments. The school also produces competition achievers in:
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Math and Science Olympiads
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Robotics and research fairs
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Journalism and speech contests
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Arts, dance, and music festivals
College-Ready Education
USC High School programs are designed to prepare students for competitive college admissions. Many USC graduates successfully enter USC’s own undergraduate programs, as well as top universities in the Philippines and abroad.
Balanced Formation and Values Education
Carolinian education emphasizes discipline, integrity, faith formation, and social responsibility. Students regularly participate in:
Safe and Well-Maintained Campus
The North Campus provides a well-secured and structured learning environment with complete facilities for sports, academics, and extracurricular activities.
USC encourages holistic growth through various clubs and interests:
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STEM and robotics clubs
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Debate and journalism organizations
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Visual arts, dance, and music groups
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Sports teams (volleyball, basketball, soccer, swimming, etc.)
Campus Facilities and Learning Environment
USC North Campus has facilities designed to support a full high school program:
Academic and Learning Spaces
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Air-conditioned classrooms
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Science laboratories
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Computer and robotics labs
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Multimedia rooms
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Library and resource center
Sports and Physical Development
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Covered courts
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Open fields
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Fitness and PE areas
Student Support Facilities
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Guidance and counseling offices
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Clinic with licensed medical staff
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Campus ministry and chapel
Campus Security
The environment is conducive to focused learning, safe mobility, and healthy social interactions.
Tuition Fees and Other Costs
Tuition and fees for USC North Campus vary depending on the grade level and selected track. While exact rates change yearly, parents can generally expect:
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Junior High School: Medium to upper-medium range tuition among Cebu private schools
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Senior High School: Slightly higher than JHS, especially for STEM
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Additional fees include books, uniforms, lab fees, and miscellaneous charges.
USC also offers academic scholarships and financial assistance, especially for high-performing students.
Admissions and Enrollment Process
Admission at USC North Campus is competitive, especially for STEM and popular JHS sections. The process usually includes:
Requirements
Steps
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Create an online application account via USC Basic Education admission portal.
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Submit required documents.
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Take the entrance test (if applicable).
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Attend orientation and interview when required.
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Proceed with reservation and enrollment.
Early application is encouraged, as slots for key strands fill quickly.
Student Life at USC North Campus
Daily life at USC High School is structured, engaging, and community-focused.
Academics
Students follow a balanced weekly schedule with core subjects, enrichment classes, and lab sessions.
Values and Formation
Regular mass services, recollections, and values classes help shape character and spirituality.
Activities and Events
Annual campus events include:
Clubs and Organizations
Students choose from many recognized clubs in arts, sciences, sports, and advocacy.
Transportation and Accessibility
Located in Talamban, USC North Campus is accessible by:
Traffic is heavier during peak hours, so many parents prefer early drop-offs.
Tips for Parents Choosing USC North Campus
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Apply early, especially for STEM.
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Prepare students for admission tests by reviewing core academic subjects.
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Explore extracurricular options early to help students discover interests.
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Monitor homework schedules, as USC’s academic load is moderately heavy.
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Attend parent-teacher conferences to stay updated on student progress.
Is USC North Campus Right for Your Child?
USC North Campus is ideal for students who thrive in structured academic environments, appreciate discipline and values formation, and want strong preparation for college. With competitive programs and a well-rounded education system, it remains one of the top choices for families in Cebu looking for quality high school education.
If you want a campus with strong academics, a respectful community, and excellent pathways to college, USC North Campus is a strong match.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What grades are offered at the University of San Carlos – North Campus (USC High School)?
USC North Campus offers a complete high school program from Grade 7 to Grade 12.
Grades 7 to 10 belong to Junior High School (JHS), while Grades 11 and 12 are under Senior High School (SHS).
Within SHS, students can choose from several academic and specialized tracks depending on their strengths and future college plans.
Where is USC North Campus located and is it easy to access?
USC North Campus is located in Talamban, Cebu City. The campus is accessible by common public transport routes such as jeepneys and is also served by school service vans and private vehicles.
Because traffic can get heavy during rush hours, many parents prefer early drop-off and pick-up times. The school has designated areas for student loading and unloading to help manage traffic flow safely.
What Senior High School tracks and strands are available at USC North Campus?
USC North Campus offers several Senior High School (SHS) tracks. Under the Academic Track, students can choose among STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), ABM (Accountancy, Business, and Management), HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences), and GAS (General Academic Strand). Some Arts and Design and Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) options may also be offered. STEM is particularly popular for students planning to pursue science, health, and engineering courses in college.
How competitive is admission to USC North Campus?
Admission to USC North Campus can be competitive, especially for high-demand tracks such as STEM and popular Junior High School sections.
Applicants are usually required to submit their previous report card, a good moral certificate, PSA birth certificate, photos, and other school documents.
An entrance exam and, in some cases, interviews or orientations form part of the screening process. Applying early increases the chances of securing a slot in the preferred level or strand.
Is USC North Campus a Catholic school and how is values education integrated?
Yes, USC is a Catholic institution, and values formation is central to its educational philosophy. USC North Campus integrates faith and values through Christian Living or values education classes, campus ministry activities, recollections, and regular masses.
Students are encouraged to develop integrity, social responsibility, and compassion along with academic excellence. Outreach programs and community involvement further reinforce these values.
What is student life like at USC North Campus?
Student life at USC North Campus is structured but dynamic. Learners follow a full weekly schedule of academic classes, labs, and performance tasks, balanced by extracurricular activities and school events.
There are clubs for science, robotics, debate, journalism, arts, music, and various sports teams. Annual activities such as science fairs, intramurals, cultural shows, and leadership camps give students opportunities to explore their talents and build friendships.
What facilities are available for high school students at USC North Campus?
USC North Campus provides facilities that support both academic and non-academic growth. These typically include well-equipped classrooms, science laboratories, computer and robotics labs, multimedia rooms, and a library.
Sports facilities such as covered courts and open play areas support physical education and athletics. Students also have access to guidance and counseling offices, a school clinic, and campus ministry spaces that attend to emotional, health, and spiritual needs.
How much are the tuition fees and what other expenses should parents expect?
Tuition fees at USC North Campus generally fall within the medium to upper-medium range among private schools in Cebu. Fees vary by grade level and Senior High School strand, with some tracks such as STEM having higher laboratory or miscellaneous costs.
In addition to tuition, parents should budget for books, uniforms, school supplies, laboratory fees, and occasional activity or club-related costs. Since rates change regularly, families are encouraged to contact the school directly for the latest fee schedule.
Does USC North Campus offer scholarships or financial assistance?
USC typically offers various forms of financial support, such as academic scholarships for high-performing students and possible discounts or grants, depending on current policies.
Some scholarships may be based on entrance test performance, academic grades, or special achievements in areas like sports or the arts.
Parents should inquire with the admissions or registrar’s office for updated information about scholarship categories, requirements, and application timelines.
How does USC North Campus prepare students for college?
USC North Campus is designed to be strongly college-preparatory. The curriculum in both Junior and Senior High School is rigorous and aligned with national K-12 standards while emphasizing critical thinking, research, communication, and problem-solving.
SHS strands are structured to align with university courses, and many graduates proceed to USC’s own colleges or other top universities in the Philippines and abroad.
Guidance services also assist students with career orientation and college course selection.
What is the class size and teacher-to-student interaction like?
Class sizes at USC North Campus are moderate, allowing for a mix of collaborative learning and individual attention. While the exact number of students per class may change by school year and strand, the goal is to keep classes manageable so that teachers can monitor student performance closely.
Teachers often use a combination of lectures, group work, performance tasks, and projects to engage different learning styles and encourage student participation.
Is the campus safe and what security measures are in place?
Safety is a top priority at USC North Campus. The school usually employs 24/7 security personnel, has controlled entry and exit points, and uses ID systems for students and staff.
CCTV cameras are installed in key areas, and visitor access is monitored. Emergency protocols and drills are also conducted to prepare students and staff for various scenarios, helping maintain a secure environment for learning.
How can parents stay involved in their child’s education at USC North Campus?
Parents are encouraged to stay engaged through regular communication with teachers, attendance at parent–teacher conferences, and participation in school events and orientations.
Monitoring the child’s performance, checking school announcements, and supporting homework routines at home also make a big difference.
The school often provides updates through circulars, online platforms, or official announcements, so parents should keep contact information updated and stay connected to school channels.
