San Mateo High School is a National Blue Ribbon comprehensive four-year public high school in San Mateo, California, United States. It serves grades 9–12 and is one of the seven San Mateo Union High School District public high schools.
Serving 1,578 students in grades 9-12, San Mateo High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45% (which is higher than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 68% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,578 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 45% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 68% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 44% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
San Mateo High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
San Mateo High School's student population of 1,578 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 88 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,578 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
88 teachers
Year Founded
1902
School Rankings
San Mateo High School ranks within the top 20% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of San Mateo 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
#1887 out of 9602 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
68%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
25%
12%
Hispanic
49%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
16%
20%
Hawaiian
2%
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
28%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: The Bearcats
- San Mateo High School is an American public high school in San Mateo, California serving grades 9-12 as part of the San Mateo Union High School District.
- History: San Mateo High School has been recognized throughout its history for its academic achievement and the role it plays in the local community. In 1991, it was honored as a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education. In 2005, the California Business for Education Excellence (CBEE) organization bestowed a "Gold Standard Award for Academic Excellence" upon San Mateo High School.
- Legend has it that the bearcat mascot was the result of a disagreement about whether architectural adornments at the front entrance of the original building were bears or cats. During a 50-year celebration in 1977, the architect was asked to offer a definitive answer. His response: "They're owls."
- The school's traditional arch-rival is Burlingame High School.
- Campus: San Mateo High School opened in 1902 at a cottage on Ellsworth Street in San Mateo. The school moved twice in 1903 and to Baldwin Avenue in 1911 before moving to its present location in 1927. The original brick-dominated complex was sometimes referred to as "the high school that looks like a university."
- In 2001, the school undertook to demolish and entirely replace the original building in an effort to meet modern earthquake safety requirements. The new building was modeled after Hampton Court Palace in England. Dedicated in August 2005, the new building strongly echoes the design and materials of the original in part due to strong public outcry about the decision to demolish the structure. On February 10, 2006 the campus Quad was dedicated to alumnus Merv Griffin, who donated $250,000 to the school ($100,000 of which went to the performing arts department).
- Clubs and organizations 2006-2007:
- A: Awareness of Cancer for Teens (ACTS), AniManga, Asian, Art Club.
- B: Band, Biotech, Black Student Union (BSU), BBQ.
- C: Chess, Chinese Chess, Chinese, Christian.
- D: DDR Freaks, Dance Team,Drama, Dumbledore's Army.
- E: Eat, Ecology, Education Knowledge and Learning.
- F: Filipino, French, Friday Night Live.
- G: Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), Greek, Guitar Hero.
- H: Hats for the Homeless.
- I: Improv, Indian, Interact, Irish J: Jew Crew, Junior State of America (JSA).
- M: Math Team, Majors, Meaningful Meals, Melee Studies Society, Mock Trial.
- N: No Limit Steppers.
- O: Origami.
- P: Persian, Ping Pong, Polynesian.
- Q: Quiz Kids.
- R: Raza Unida, Robotics.
- S: Star Bridge, Scrabble, Socially Active Youth.
- T: Th(ink).
- U: Ultimate Frisbee.
- Fall Sports: Cross Country, Football, Golf, Spirit Squad, Tennis, Volleyball, Water Polo.
- Winter Sports: Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling.
- Spring Sports: Badminton, Baseball, Golf, Gymnastics, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field.
- Notable alumni: Walter Afanasieff. Grammy winning music composer and producer.
- Barry Bostwick. Actor and singer, notably in Spin City.
- Merv Griffin, 1942. Entertainment producer and former talk show host.
- Dennis Haysbert, 1972. Actor of film and television best known for 24.
- Kris Kristofferson. Country and Western singer, actor.
- Lee Mendelson. Five-time Emmy winning producer of Peanuts.
- Arron Oberholser. Professional Golfer.
- Alicia Silverstone. Actress in films such as Clueless.
- Peter Thiel, 1985. Co-founder PayPal.
- Debi Thomas. Bronze medalist in figure skating at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
- Cal Tjader, 1943. Latin Jazz musician.
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is San Mateo High School's ranking?
San Mateo High School is ranked #1887 out of 9,602 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in California.
What schools are San Mateo High School often compared to?
San Mateo High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Aragon High School, Hillsdale High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 68% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of San Mateo High School?
The graduation rate of San Mateo High School is 90%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend San Mateo High School?
1,578 students attend San Mateo High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of San Mateo High School students are Hispanic, 25% of students are Asian, 16% of students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of San Mateo High School?
San Mateo High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does San Mateo High School offer ?
San Mateo High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is San Mateo High School part of?
San Mateo High School is part of San Mateo Union High School District.
In what neighborhood is San Mateo High School located?
San Mateo High School is located in the North Central neighborhood of San Mateo, CA. There are 1 other public schools located in North Central.
School Calendar
View the San Mateo High School yearly calendar below.
School Reviews
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