The small schools are distinct from one another with different vice principals, teaching staff and course requirements.

Kearny High uses a 4x4 block schedule, which means that students are able to complete four full classes a semester (fall term and spring term) totaling eight full classes a year, rather than the traditional six year-long courses.

This enables students to complete a year's full curriculum in a more condensed term and allows them to enroll in additional electives or ROP courses.

Each academy offers individual AP, ROP, and electives pertaining to their specific theme.

Exclusive to Kearny High, students who display academic excellence are able to take Mesa Fast Track their junior and senior years.

Kearny's student body is roughly 50% Latino, 20% Asian, 10% black, 10% white, and 8% Mixed Race.

Tom Barnett graduated from Hoover High School, but taught and coached at Kearny for more than 30 years.