[9] In the fall of 2011, the administration of Kennedy High School was criticized for its "Gold Card Program," in which students who performed well on the California Standardized Tests the previous year were given special recognition through special planners and ID cards, along with perks and bonuses at local businesses and throughout the school.

Nearby Cypress High School had also implemented a similar program, but it did not receive as much media attention.

[26] In 2000, the marching band and two other Orange County high schools were invited and performed in the 2000 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Sydney, Australia.

[29] The high school currently has five show choirs: "Executive Order," "First Ladies," "Secret Service," "Central Intelligence," and "Jackie.

[31] The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a prestigious and rigorous course of education that prepares students for study in the most elite colleges and universities worldwide.