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 2,571 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 21:1 is equal to 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 Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,571 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- 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%)
- Attendance Zone: Lowell High's attendance zone covers the entire school district of San Francisco, CA, encompassing approximately 47.4 square miles. Families within this area can typically expect a 10-15 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge being about 9.1 miles away.
- 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 2,571 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 123 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,571 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
123 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1856
School Calendar
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 0.66, 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%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
83%
34%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
96%
47%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
80%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
53%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
17%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
16%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
12%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
98%
86.2%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)10.9%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
8%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Cardinal
School Mascot
Northern Cardinal, Cardinal
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
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 86.2%.
How many students attend Lowell High School?
2,571 students attend Lowell High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Lowell High School students are Asian, 17% of students are Hispanic, 16% of students are White, 12% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lowell High School?
Lowell High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is equal to 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.
School Reviews
Review Lowell High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
