 The school is renowned for its high level of academic success and graduation levels, with top students from each year attending many of the most prestigious universities in the United States.In 2010, the API index for the school was 812.Carlsbad High School is also well known for extracurricular and athletic excellence, including programs such as the Speech and Debate Team, the technical theater program, Lancer Dancers, CHSTV, Chamber Singers, the Carlsbad Marching Lancers, Wind Symphony, cross-country team, soccer team, water polo team, swim team, and surf team (which has been crowned state champions more times than all other Carlsbad High sports teams).