South High School opened in September 1957 and moved to a new campus in January, 1958 with 20 buildings and 106 classrooms.

[4] In 1980 Asahi Gakuen, a weekend Japanese-language education institution, began renting space in South Torrance High School.

[citation needed] American Beauty was filmed on the South High School campus during the winter break of 1998/1999.

[7] The short movie Skaterdater was filmed using the Imperial Skateboard Club whose members went to South High.

The 2016-17 Athletic Training Program placed first in the small school division at the St. Francis Sports Medical Competition.