Sir Francis Drake High School

My son attended Reed District Schools (Tiburon) prior to our relocating to San Anselmo. All of our friends were preaching to put our boy in Marin Catholic, which I was ready to sign the check. Before doing so, we took a closer look at Sir Francis Drake (SFD), and can only say that I am thankful that we did. To summarize, SFD is the kind of High School which most parents search frantically for to place their children in, however never find. SFD methodically and effectively prepares their student body for accredited universities and the trials which lay ahead later in life. It is always amazing when I engage one of these young people from SFD, how well rounded and able they are to converse on a variety of topics/issues. My son is in his junior year, earning top marks and is emotionally healthy thanks to the safe, friendly learning environment he has the privilege of attending each day. He is an honors student, has a wonderful, responsible group of friends, and is actually interested in attending YALE when he graduates (my alma mater)! Thank you SFD!
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best High School in Marin. My daughter is thriving in this thought provocing environment, has a kind, go-getter group of friends, and the balance between academics, sports and extracurricular activities is well balanced. There always seems to be enough time to accomplish Drake's requirements. This is because the curriculum is so well planned and being delivered by expert teachers who do not capitulate on excellence. To put into perspective, because of where our residence lines up in Kentfield, I had a choice to send my daughter to either Redwood or Drake. Before making my decision, I visited both campuses, met with both Principals, studied their academiic and sport histories, even researched the percentage of students who directly atternded accredited Universities (i.e., Cal, Stanford, MIT, USF, etc.) - and after the dust settled, decided on Drake. That should sum it up. I am absolutely delighted with my choice.
—Submitted by a parent

Son formerly attended Drake, then Redwood now Tam. Of the 3, Tam and Drake rate highest (forget Redwood s controlled API all window dressing). If the Tiberon/Belvedere kids were not allowed to skip down the road to Redwood, and made to attend their school of residency (Tam)as is everyone else in Marin, it would be TAM all the way. This would balance the Marin City influence which continues to drive Tam s API rating down. However, it I had to do it over, would have stayed in San Anselmo and kept my kid at Drake. Due to progressing demographic changes and school performance, within the next 5 years, there will be no question which is the premiere Marin High School DRAKE, all the way!!

Drake is the greatest because the staff and students sing and laugh and enjoy being there. We work hard and have fun. All students are respected; no one is bullied and it is definitely not cool to use slurs.
—Submitted by a teacher

Everyone I have met here at Drake, both staff and students, is kind, respectful, and cares about learning. Students in our community are taught the values of tolerance and community service. Most people here seem genuinely happy to be here learning, and that is a wonderful thing.
—Submitted by a teacher

The teachers care about the students. The community cares about the school. The students are open-minded and take risks. I think the students that come from this school will make a difference in the world.
—Submitted by a teacher

I love the innovative culture, the genuine care, concern and support for our students, and the lovely campus. Most of all, I love the students who are accepting of one another and concerned about the world around them.
—Submitted by a teacher

Sir Francis Drake does a fantastic job educating the whole child and bridging the gap from childhood to young adulthood by teaching respect, responsibility, environmental awareness and community involvement. Amazing range of courses, dedicated and innovative instructors and involved families. Fortunate to have this gem in our area.
—Submitted by a parent

As a graduate of Drake, I have to say that it is truly a very special place -- an excellent learning environment, well-rounded ciriculum, and great teachers. Very friendly and social atmosphere, with great school spirit and a wide variety of activities. A strong athletic program which has been tradititionally very well supported by parents and the student body. Go Pirates!

Drake High School was a great experience for me because of the great teachers in all subjects. They give their students time, attention and the opportunity to succeed. Their classes prepared me to get 'A's in college. The only thing that needs work at Drake is the unhelpful counseling dept. (Responding to another comment, I do not think Drake teachers 'hate' America at all; they are merely honest about our not always positive history. Attending college now, I hear a lot more 'negative' things said in classrooms about American history, worse I ever heard at Drake, so get ready for that! Also, at Drake I found that the negative aspects of our history were well-balanced with learning about the positive aspects. Again, in college, expect that sometimes there will be many more negatives than positives discussed. At least in this part of the West Coast.)
—Submitted by a student

I love this school as it has teachers who honestly care about teaching. There are only two big issues with this school. The first is that a lot of the teachers seem to dislike or hate America and classes from English to History are overly liberal-influenced giving very negative impressions of America. The second is that they don't prepare you enough for college in terms of what specific classes you should take. I'm a junior and because I did not start taking a lab science this year, I can not get into certain UCs. Nobody seems to tell me these little details.
—Submitted by a student

Small class sizes, passionate and caring teachers. This is a school where sports and the arts have not been sacrificed. Excellent drama and music program in addition to intrmural sports.
—Submitted by a parent

Quality of academic programs: good to excellent. A child attending this school has many potential opportunities if motivated. The school has evolved in the last 20 years from a not-so-great-school to a good to excellent school through the development of project based learning. Students have the potential to attend classes geared to their interests and advanced levels. Through investment from local corporations, the school has developed partnerships that provide both monetary support and intern opportunities for students. the availability of extracurricular activities is usually good to excellent. Parent involvement: Drake has a history of excellent parental involvement. Opportunities for parents to make a significant, positive impact on the school exist in most departments.
—Submitted by a parent