The new, sustainable San Pedro High School offers a collaborative learning environment based upon the small high school concept. The design creates an inviting campus environment that respects its rich historical site and embraces open views of the Pacific Ocean to the south and southwest. Main teaching space is organized into two small-school groupings – freestanding, two-story clusters of classroom buildings surrounding sunken courtyards. Five additional buildings house food services, library, performing arts, gymnasium, administrative, office and service/maintenance functions. The high school generates electricity from renewable energy on site through photovoltaic and wind turbine technology. Cool roofs, natural light and operable windows also help reduce energy consumption.