Ida B. Wells Continuation High School is a public high school in San Francisco, California, located on Alamo Square near the Hayes Valley neighborhood. The school belongs to the San Francisco Unified School District, where it is one of two continuation high schools.
Serving 198 students in grades 9-12, Wells (Ida B.) High School ranks in the top 30% 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 <50% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 198 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 40-44% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: <50% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: IDA B. WELLS HIGH's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in San Francisco, CA, covering approximately 47.1 square miles. The typical drive to the school takes about 10-12 minutes, with an average distance of 4.1 miles to the zone's edge, and the furthest point reaching up to 5.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Wells (Ida B.) High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Wells (Ida B.) High School's student population of 198 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 12 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
198 students
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Year Founded
1911
School Calendar
School Rankings
Wells (Ida B.) High School ranks within the top 30% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Wells (Ida B.) High School is 0.59, which is less 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
#2597 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
9%
12%
Hispanic
61%
56%
Black
17%
5%
White
7%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
40-44%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)100%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wells (Ida B.) High School's ranking?
Wells (Ida B.) High School is ranked #2597 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What schools are Wells (Ida B.) High School often compared to?
Wells (Ida B.) High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mission High School, Wallenberg (Raoul) Traditional High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Wells (Ida B.) High School?
The graduation rate of Wells (Ida B.) High School is 40-44%, which is lower than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Wells (Ida B.) High School?
198 students attend Wells (Ida B.) High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Wells (Ida B.) High School students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Black, 9% of students are Asian, 7% of students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wells (Ida B.) High School?
Wells (Ida B.) High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Wells (Ida B.) High School offer ?
Wells (Ida B.) High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Wells (Ida B.) High School part of?
Wells (Ida B.) High School is part of San Francisco Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Wells (Ida B.) High School located?
Wells (Ida B.) High School is located in the Alamo Square neighborhood of San Francisco, CA.
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