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Lowell High

Summary:

Lowell High is a public high school in San Francisco, California, serving 2,632 students in grades 9-12 and part of the San Francisco Unified School District. This exceptional school consistently ranks among the top high schools in California, with a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger and exceptional performance across various metrics.

Lowell High's academic excellence is evident in its consistently high test scores, with students significantly outperforming their peers in the district and state on standardized assessments. The school also boasts impressive graduation rates, ranging from 95.9% to 98.7% over the past five years, far exceeding the state and district averages. Notably, Lowell High's success extends across diverse student subgroups, including female, male, Asian, Hispanic, White, multi-racial, English Language Learners, Special Education, and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, all of whom perform at exceptional levels.

Compared to nearby schools in the San Francisco Unified School District, such as Asawa (Ruth) SF School of the Arts, Academy (The)- SF @McAteer, Balboa High, and Lincoln (Abraham) High, Lowell High's academic performance is significantly higher, with higher statewide rankings, graduation rates, and test scores. This consistent excellence over an extended period highlights Lowell High's commitment to providing a high-quality, equitable education for all students.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 1101 Eucalyptus Dr.
       San Francisco, CA  94132-1401

(415) 759-2730

District: San Francisco Unified

SchoolDigger Rank:
59th of 2,323 California High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $6,103 Help


Feeder schools for Lowell High:

Elementary:    Alamo Elementary
    Alvarado Elementary
    Argonne Elementary
    Bryant Elementary
    More...
Middle:    Aptos Middle
    Brown Junior (Willie L) Middle
    Denman (James) Middle
    Everett Middle
    More...

Student/teacher ratio:  19.7 Help
Number of students:  2,540

Racial breakdown:

Asian:
52.4%
Hispanic:
17.6%
White:
16.1%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  38.7% Help


 See top rated California high schools

 Compare Lowell High to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Lowell High ranks better than 97.5% of high schools in California. It also ranks first among 16 ranked high schools in the San Francisco Unified School District! (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 96.32. (See more...)
Help
The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Lowell High who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Lowell High has the largest high school student body size in the San Francisco Unified School District. Student population at Lowell High is diverse. Racial makeup is: Asian (52.4%), Hispanic (17.6%), White (16.1%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 38.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Lowell High is 19.7. 11 high schools in the San Francisco Unified School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Lowell High employs 128.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Lowell High is $6,103, which is the highest among 17 high schools in the San Francisco Unified School District!
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Lowell High:

SchoolDigger ranks Lowell High 59th of 2323 California public high schools. (See Lowell High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


San Francisco Unified:

SchoolDigger ranks San Francisco Unified 651st of 1568 California school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Rating:

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Rank History for Lowell High

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Lowell High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 91.33 14th 1653 99.2%
2005 91.18 19th 1901 99.0%
2006 97.14 3rd 1968 99.8%
2007 97.72 4th 2063 99.8%
2008 95.70 5th 2117 99.8%
2009 85.76 41st 2238 98.2%
2010 95.08 7th 2281 99.7%
2011 93.49 10th 2367 99.6%
2012 94.95 6th 2354 99.7%
2013 94.02 6th 2426 99.8%
2015 98.06 17th 1994 99.1%
2016 98.17 14th 2039 99.3%
2017 97.87 14th 2021 99.3%
2018 98.35 13th 2017 99.4%
2019 95.32 94th 2133 95.6%
2022 99.51 4th 2123 99.8%
2023 99.19 12th 2348 99.5%
2024 96.32 59th 2323 97.5%
See the entire list of California High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Lowell High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 93.81 9th 366 97.5%
2019 95.53 4th 422 99.1%
2022 97.58 1st 515 99.8%
2023 95.78 11th 786 98.6%
2024 87.50 46th 804 94.3%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Lowell High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 100.00 1st 941 99.9%
2023 95.58 8th 1323 99.4%
2024 82.03 37th 1350 97.3%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Lowell High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 100.00 1st 1547 99.9%
2024 87.49 61st 1534 96.0%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Lowell High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.21 13th 1862 99.3%
2019 99.46 12th 1937 99.4%
2022 99.83 5th 1943 99.7%
2023 99.67 13th 2247 99.4%
2024 98.52 23rd 2235 99.0%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Homeless students at Lowell High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 99.20 2nd 417 99.5%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for Female students at Lowell High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 97.35 15th 1760 99.1%
2019 97.58 34th 1833 98.1%
2022 99.11 4th 1858 99.8%
2023 98.68 15th 2118 99.3%
2024 96.55 41st 2098 98.0%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Lowell High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 100.00 1st 1161 99.9%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Lowell High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 98.75 17th 1834 99.1%
2019 99.07 17th 1880 99.1%
2022 99.67 10th 1916 99.5%
2023 99.41 11th 2207 99.5%
2024 94.89 83rd 2172 96.2%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Lowell High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 88.64 33rd 581 94.3%
2019 88.67 36th 582 93.8%
2022 93.92 7th 581 98.8%
2023 90.44 23rd 731 96.9%
2024 79.89 111th 712 84.4%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Lowell High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 96.35 11th 592 98.1%
2023 91.58 47th 720 93.5%
2024 76.68 112th 721 84.5%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Lowell High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 97.81 35th 1742 98.0%
2019 97.19 41st 1814 97.7%
2022 98.84 26th 1861 98.6%
2023 98.62 22nd 2142 99.0%
2024 85.57 158th 2125 92.6%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Lowell High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 96.59 14th 1173 98.8%
2019 95.65 26th 1222 97.9%
2022 98.42 10th 1204 99.2%
2023 98.13 10th 1434 99.3%
2024 88.63 71st 1406 95.0%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: California Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Lowell High Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
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Data source: California Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a student
Friday, May 15, 2020

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Enrollment information for Lowell High

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 643 117 1820 214 11 n/a n/a 0 2805
1989 561 91 1797 199 13 n/a n/a 0 2661
1990 534 94 1817 197 11 n/a n/a 0 2653
1991 508 99 1907 193 7 n/a n/a 0 2714
1992 478 112 2011 212 8 n/a n/a 0 2821
1993 481 121 1918 212 13 n/a n/a 0 2745
1994 449 120 1927 223 12 n/a n/a 0 2731
1995 459 120 1790 255 6 n/a n/a 0 2630
1996 459 120 1790 255 6 n/a n/a 0 2630
1997 451 128 1842 288 4 n/a n/a 0 2713
1998 451 109 1727 275 9 n/a n/a 0 2571
1999 441 104 1696 275 11 n/a n/a 0 2527
2000 456 101 1738 231 9 n/a n/a 0 2535
2001 465 67 1786 175 8 n/a n/a 5 2506
2002 448 56 1920 107 6 n/a n/a 39 2576
2003 448 56 1920 107 6 n/a n/a 39 2576
2004 429 61 1901 116 10 n/a n/a 53 2570
2005 402 68 1889 143 7 n/a n/a 83 2592
2006 404 75 1903 154 6 n/a n/a 81 2623
2007 394 73 1876 170 6 n/a n/a 152 2671
2008 387 76 1911 186 3 n/a n/a 0 2563
2009 384 76 1909 185 5 7 72 0 2638
2010 378 57 1831 188 3 9 131 0 2597
2011 372 57 1799 203 2 10 137 0 2580
2012 389 58 1769 231 4 10 171 0 2632
2013 372 57 1714 245 4 16 240 0 2648
2014 391 69 1742 261 8 20 205 0 2696
2015 386 61 1762 284 8 17 200 0 2718
2016 408 50 1736 266 8 24 193 0 2685
2017 450 53 1704 291 6 17 199 0 2720
2018 481 49 1672 288 3 15 223 0 2731
2019 499 49 1638 288 4 11 285 0 2774
2020 520 52 1639 331 7 12 310 0 2871
2021 510 46 1582 320 6 11 310 1 2786
2022 469 50 1459 373 6 10 285 0 2652
2023 442 72 1380 467 6 11 254 0 2632
2024 409 66 1330 448 3 4 278 2 2540

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Lowell High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 2805 111.8 25.0 n/a
1989 2661 117.8 22.5 n/a
1990 2653 116.0 22.8 n/a
1991 2714 121.4 22.3 n/a
1992 2821 123.4 22.8 13.1
1993 2745 117.6 23.3 12.5
1994 2731 116.9 23.4 14.1
1995 2630 120.6 21.8 22.4
1996 2630 120.6 21.8 22.4
1997 2713 128.9 21.0 21.8
1998 2571 133.6 19.2 21.7
1999 2527 106.5 23.7 21.6
2000 2535 107.2 23.6 21.9
2001 2506 116.3 21.5 20.1
2002 2576 126.8 20.3 27.9
2003 2576 126.8 20.3 27.9
2004 2570 121.1 21.2 31.9
2005 2592 127.0 20.4 28.8
2006 2623 135.3 19.4 0
2007 2671 136.9 19.5 37
2008 2563 142.0 18.0 31.4
2009 2638 132.2 18.3 32.5
2010 2597 128.6 20.1 35.6
2011 2580 n/a n/a 40.1
2012 2632 123.0 21.3 39.7
2013 2648 118.7 22.3 38.3
2014 2696 118.6 22.7 43.1
2015 2718 122.0 22.2 47.5
2016 2685 130.0 20.6 39.7
2017 2720 123.0 22.1 38.5
2018 2731 125.5 21.7 35.3
2019 2774 111.1 24.9 35.4
2020 2871 n/a n/a 32.8
2021 2786 113.2 24.5 33.6
2022 2652 121.3 21.8 33.6
2023 2632 110.9 23.7 37.2
2024 2540 128.5 19.7 38.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Lowell High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 2805 111.8 25.0 n/a
1989 2661 117.8 22.5 n/a
1990 2653 116.0 22.8 n/a
1991 2714 121.4 22.3 n/a
1992 2821 123.4 22.8 13.1
1993 2745 117.6 23.3 12.5
1994 2731 116.9 23.4 14.1
1995 2630 120.6 21.8 22.4
1996 2630 120.6 21.8 22.4
1997 2713 128.9 21.0 21.8
1998 2571 133.6 19.2 21.7
1999 2527 106.5 23.7 21.6
2000 2535 107.2 23.6 21.9
2001 2506 116.3 21.5 20.1
2002 2576 126.8 20.3 27.9
2003 2576 126.8 20.3 27.9
2004 2570 121.1 21.2 31.9
2005 2592 127.0 20.4 28.8
2006 2623 135.3 19.4 0
2007 2671 136.9 19.5 37
2008 2563 142.0 18.0 31.4
2009 2638 132.2 18.3 32.5
2010 2597 128.6 20.1 35.6
2011 2580 n/a n/a 40.1
2012 2632 123.0 21.3 39.7
2013 2648 118.7 22.3 38.3
2014 2696 118.6 22.7 43.1
2015 2718 122.0 22.2 47.5
2016 2685 130.0 20.6 39.7
2017 2720 123.0 22.1 38.5
2018 2731 125.5 21.7 35.3
2019 2774 111.1 24.9 35.4
2020 2871 n/a n/a 32.8
2021 2786 113.2 24.5 33.6
2022 2652 121.3 21.8 33.6
2023 2632 110.9 23.7 37.2
2024 2540 128.5 19.7 38.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Lowell High

Help

YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2018 $6,103

Data source: California Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Lowell High

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Ranks 94th of 2133 High schoolsRanks 12th of 2348 High schools
 3.9%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Lowell High)92.993.4
 0.6%
   11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (San Francisco Unified)63.164.5
 1.4%
   11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (California)57.355.4
 1.9%
11th Grade Mathematics (Lowell High)83.983.2
 0.8%
   11th Grade Mathematics (San Francisco Unified)48.645
 3.6%
   11th Grade Mathematics (California)32.227.4
 4.9%
11th Grade Science (Lowell High)73.283.4
 10.2%
   11th Grade Science (San Francisco Unified)39.247
 7.8%
   11th Grade Science (California)30.431.7
 1.3%
12th Grade Science (Lowell High)36.479.6
 43.2%
   12th Grade Science (San Francisco Unified)13.440.3
 26.9%
   12th Grade Science (California)25.626.8
 1.2%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students27742632
 5.1%
African American4972
 46.9%
American Indian46
 50%
Asian16381380
 15.8%
Hispanic288467
 62.2%
Pacific Islander1111
White499442
 11.4%
Two or More Races285254
 10.9%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients35.4%37.2%
 1.8%

Schools Near Lowell High








Frequently Asked Questions about Lowell High

Students at Lowell High are 52% Asian, 18% Hispanic, 16% White, 11% Two or more races, 3% African American.

Lowell High is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Alamo Elementary
Elementary : Alvarado Elementary
Elementary : Argonne Elementary
Elementary : Bryant Elementary
Elementary : Carver (George Washington) Elementary
Elementary : Chavez (Cesar) Elementary
Elementary : Chin (John Yehall) Elementary
Elementary : Clarendon Alternative Elementary
Elementary : Cleveland Elementary
Elementary : Cobb (William L.) Elementary
Elementary : Drew (Charles) College Preparatory Academy
Elementary : El Dorado Elementary
Elementary : Feinstein (Dianne) Elementary
Elementary : Flynn (Leonard R.) Elementary
Elementary : Garfield Elementary
Elementary : Glen Park Elementary
Elementary : Grattan Elementary
Elementary : Guadalupe Elementary
Elementary : Harte (Bret) Elementary
Elementary : Hillcrest Elementary
Elementary : Jefferson Elementary
Elementary : Key (Francis Scott) Elementary
Elementary : King (Thomas Starr) Elementary
Elementary : Lafayette Elementary
Elementary : Lakeshore Alternative Elementary
Elementary : Lau (Gordon J.) Elementary
Elementary : Longfellow Elementary
Elementary : Malcolm X Academy
Elementary : McCoppin (Frank) Elementary
Elementary : McKinley Elementary
Elementary : Milk (Harvey) Civil Rights Elementary
Elementary : Miraloma Elementary
Elementary : Monroe Elementary
Elementary : Moscone (George R.) Elementary
Elementary : Muir (John) Elementary
Elementary : New Traditions Elementary
Elementary : Ortega (Jose) Elementary
Elementary : Parker (Jean) Elementary
Elementary : Parks (Rosa) Elementary
Elementary : Peabody (George) Elementary
Elementary : Redding Elementary
Elementary : Sanchez Elementary
Elementary : Serra (Junipero) Elementary
Elementary : Sheridan Elementary
Elementary : Sherman Elementary
Elementary : Sloat (Commodore) Elementary
Elementary : Spring Valley Elementary
Elementary : Stevenson (Robert Louis) Elementary
Elementary : Sunnyside Elementary
Elementary : Sunset Elementary
Elementary : Sutro Elementary
Elementary : Taylor (Edward R.) Elementary
Elementary : Tenderloin Community
Elementary : Ulloa Elementary
Elementary : Visitacion Valley Elementary
Elementary : Webster (Daniel) Elementary
Elementary : West Portal Elementary
Elementary : Yick Wo Elementary
Middle : Aptos Middle
Middle : Brown Junior (Willie L) Middle
Middle : Denman (James) Middle
Middle : Everett Middle
Middle : Francisco Middle
Middle : Giannini (A.P.) Middle
Middle : Hoover (Herbert) Middle
Middle : King Junior (Martin Luther) Academic Middle
Middle : Lick (James) Middle
Middle : Marina Middle
Middle : Presidio Middle
Middle : Roosevelt Middle
Middle : Visitacion Valley Middle

Yes! Lowell High is one of the best high schools in the state. It ranks 59th of 2323 California high schools.

In the 2023-24 school year, 2,540 students attended Lowell High.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the California Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.




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