Lowell High School is a co-educational, magnet public high school in San Francisco, California, first established in 1856. It is a part of the San Francisco Unified School District.
Serving 2,540 students in grades 9-12, Lowell High School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 83% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 96% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 20:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,540 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 98% (Top 5% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: 83% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 96% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 80% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lowell High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Lowell High School's student population of 2,540 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 129 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,540 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
129 teachers
Year Founded
1856
Colors
White, Cardinal
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Motto
Lowell High School’s mission is to encourage the individuals who attend to contribute their skills, creativity, and intellect to benefit both themselves and the wider community of which they are a part.
School Rankings
Lowell High School ranks within the top 1% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lowell High School is 0.67, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#54 out of 9523 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
83%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
96%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
80%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
20:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
52%
12%
Hispanic
18%
56%
Black
3%
5%
White
16%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
98%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
33%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Northern Cardinal, Cardinal
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lowell High School's ranking?
Lowell High School is ranked #54 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in California.
What schools are Lowell High School often compared to?
Lowell High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lincoln (Abraham) High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
83% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 96% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Lowell High School?
The graduation rate of Lowell High School is 98%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Lowell High School?
2,540 students attend Lowell High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Lowell High School students are Asian, 18% of students are Hispanic, 16% of students are White, 11% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Lowell High School?
Lowell High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Lowell High School offer ?
Lowell High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Lowell High School part of?
Lowell High School is part of San Francisco Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Lowell High School located?
Lowell High School is located in the Lakeshore neighborhood of San Francisco, CA.
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