358 Everson Dr
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Have had a great experience with the school for our child since a young age, starting with TK and the after-school program. Great teachers, librarians, and parent community. Has had renovation of some of the school buildings, and lots of active families that bike commute and participate in extracurriculars. Very diverse student population, and overall a great community-based institution for families.

Some teachers seem unmotivated and waiting to retire. Some teachers rely on group work due to large class sizes, which means the smart kids get bullied to provide answers while the other kids goof off. No accountability. Social dynamics foster exclusivity, racism, and bullying with no oversight or consequences from admin.

My son has thrived at SCHS. He is a high achieving kid and loves Math Academy and advanced science classes. The teachers have been really engaged and communicated their passion for their subject matter effectively as well as offering terrific instruction. He also likes the relative diversity of the school and how it's a community with all different kinds of people. The more vocational classes (auto, bike, ceramics, etc...) also seem excellent. Lots of different sports, theater and band, something for everyone. The principal is also amazing. I think that she goes above and beyond as a leader to foster an environment where everyone feels like they have a place and are welcomed. No school is going to be perfect for everyone all of the time, but I feel like SCHS is a great model of what a thriving public high school can be. I also really like that while my son has enough work to learn and stay engaged, he isn't drowning in homework and doesn't seem stressed the way that I know some kids are in other parts of Silicon Valley. Couldn't be happier.