This high school, housed at the Joan F. Sparkman Alternative Education Center, is an independent study program.
The school was originally called Temecula Independent High School and located at the school district's office. It later changed its name to Rancho Santa Rosa High School, then a few years later to Susan H. Nelson, after one of its teachers who died.
The school is one of three schools housed at the center. The others are Rancho Vista High School and Rolling Hills Academy.