This high school is outstanding. One of the best in California. This school offers excellent, competitive academic programs, and extracurricular activities for a wide variety of interests.
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Posted by a student on 05/11/09
I graduated from San Marino High School a few years ago and I have found that it has not helped me (or other people I know who graduated from this school) to really be mature, self-confident, self-directed adults. This school was more like a factory of test-taking, essay writing, spoiled overachievers.
... Read more I did not gain much life experience, socialization, or critical thinking skills from this school. I remember most students just doing what their parents expected of them. The sports teams were for the most part coached by teachers without much coaching experience. The visual arts program had little to no supplies and little to no support. Most of the teachers at this high school simply met the parents' demands. There is major grade inflation at this school. Whatever happened to life skills, life experience, global education as well as social or civic awareness? Read less
Posted by a student on 05/10/09
As a student I must say the academics at SMHS are outstanding not only because of the test scores that are produced, but because of the staff. The teachers at San Marino are constantly challenging the students to look at the curriculum beyond the standards and use the material from the class room and
... Read more apply it to world situations. Furthermore, the facilities/extra circular at San Marino are unbelievable. Moreover, the amount the school is able to provide in comparison to the average spent on pupil is amazing. And the great part about SMHS, the school doesn t remain complacent and always looks for ways to improve. Read less
Posted by a student on 01/22/09
Having heard the level of excellence at SMHS mostlybrought upon the parent initiated tutors for their kids, I was apprehensive about moving to SM. However, having my 3 kids (ages elem to h.s. ages) at Carver and SMHS, for the last 3 years, I realized I was listening to the rants of a few outspoken parents
... Read more who thought their kids were brighter than they were. As a 'minority' in the SM district (non-Asian), my kids have blossomed intellectually. The test scores are not as high bc of the high Asian population (though it helps), but, of my honest opinion, bc of the great support the schools and community provide for all of the kids. I thought I would have to get after-school tutors for my kids, but my oldest is in all AP classes and my hubby and I are happy to say that we haven't spent 1 cent on tutors. Read less
Posted by a parent on 04/06/08
Sometimes it's just not about school teachers that create a great school. I was a student there only in my senior year but the environment is the envy of other school. I had to get extra tutoring to keep up with some of the advanced classes. The entire community and parents really support the school,
... Read more raising funds to improve the school, either bringing in better equipment and facilities. The most important is the parents get involved in their kid academic activities. Kids don't get ostricized for having good grades. Heck, even the jocks have good grades. If I had kids, I'd would put them there. It's like being in a private school but none of the high costs these school charges. It's a bargain. Read less
Posted by a student on 03/05/08
I had a complaint about a teacher who post a teenager girl in swim suit on the school homework website. I was not able to talk to the principal directly without first going through teachers, counselors, and vice principal. When I finally reached the principal, I offered to send him an email to let him
... Read more know the inappropriate school website. His response was 'I cannot give you my email address. Can you imagine if all the parents have my email address?' Some of the teachers do not care about students' well being at all. The school is rated highly in academic area only because all parents send their kids to tutors. Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/21/07
I spent the majority of my life growing up in the San Marino Unified School District. As the composition of San Marino has progressed substantially from affluent white families to Asian families, the academics have become unbearably stringent for some. I have quite a few friends that graduated from
... Read more Polytechnic High School of Pasadena who note that San Marino H.S.'s education is at least equal to if not better than Poly. We had a few very competent Poly students transfer while I was attending who found it difficult to keep up in the advanced courses at SMHS. There are numerous instructors at SMHS who are top caliber, but there still remains some whom I would rate as average. The student academic mentality is what separates this high school from many in its region. Even at a standard class level entering students should expect an near-AP difficulty edu. in comparison w/ local HS's. Read less
Posted by a former student on 05/02/07
I think that the San Marino schools are much overrated! Though the SAT scores are very high, it is not the schools that are teaching this, but the parents that are pushing them at home. Many of the children in San Marino are not exposed to much diversity. If you want your kids to have a better academic
... Read more experience then go to South Pasadena or La Canada. Read less
Posted by a parent on 12/19/06
Given that this school is in one of the most affluent towns in the country, I consider it mediocre. They often tout their high test scores as evidence of their excellent instruction, but that is just smoke and mirrors. One expects high test scores from students who have highly educated parents and who
... Read more have unparalleled financial resources. I recently requested a list of courses offered and it was laughable. Compared to other public high schools their programs look pathetic. Read less
Posted by a parent on 06/13/06
I loved my experience at San Marino High. The academics were tough but the class size was just right to provide us with the attention we each needed to succeed. The teachers really care about your needs. I hope my children can attend San Marino Schools.
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* In 2008-2009 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.
Math, Science, English, Fine Arts, Foreign Language
*The resources listed are programs that the institution is staffed to support. Staffing for a program does not guarantee that it will be offered. This content is provided by the institution and may be incomplete. The institution may offer programs not listed here. Please contact the school directly for additional details.
Advanced Placement
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
San Marino schools — San Marino High School is located at 2701 Huntington Dr, San Marino CA 91108. 2701 Huntington Dr is in the 91108 ZIP code in San Marino, CA The school district for San Marino High School is the San Marino Unified School District. San Marino High School is a Public school that serves grade levels 9 - 12.
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Test Score Ratings
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not provided by the state Department of Education, which may have their own rating systems.
