Since at least 1972 a high and middle school already existed in the gated eponymous community, located in the
Río Piedras district. The University Gardens neighborhood is located right along
PR-52, and close to the
University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus. It has historically been composed mostly of middle class and upper lower class families, and serves as "serves as a buffering zone between the rich and lower class areas of San Juan". Currently, there has been an influx of upper class individuals, who have transformed some residence into mansions. In 1976, it was converted into a magnet school. Roxánna I. Duntley-Matos described the school's appearance as it was in 1981 as: It used to offer grades 10th–12th; however, this was changed by a Department of Education reorganization.
Hurricane María, earthquakes and COVID-19 After the
2019–20 Puerto Rico earthquakes UGHS was evaluated and, while the field inspector declared the school "suitable for immediate operation and occupancy," they did note that there were fissures on the walls, as well as the façade of a wall that was close to breakings off. During February 2021, it was one of 172 public schools identified as "suitable to open" that formed part of an initial phase proposed by the Department to resume in-person teaching starting in March. Nevertheless, this plan was abandoned, and in-person classes did not occur until 13 May. On the first day of class seniors came in a caravan on the first day of school, as part of their traditional celebration for the beginning of their final school year. Due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, from August 2021 onwards, classes will start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m., after students receive their take-out only lunch. == School community ==