Leadership High School

We are a good school doing our best to teach inner-city students who come from diverse, and most often poor socioeconomic backgrounds. We strive for diversity to be understood and to connect as a family when teaching across such differences.
—Submitted by a teacher

I believe people who rate this school 4 maybe because of the strict teachers. My daughter say that is hard, every subjects in her junior year was complicated. This is what makes you to become a leader and take responsibility.
—Submitted by a student

If I compare what I've learned to that of what my friends learned in a public school, you can clearly see that when it comes to respecting the community and preparing for a positive change in the world, I had a head start. Leadership has taught me qualities that public schools wouldn't have time to. The bonds between my Advisor and I will be one I will take to the grave.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter was a shy closed off student before she came to this school. She opened up to every this school had to offered.I believe this school rating of 4 is not fair...
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former student of this Legendary school. I feel that this school has really taught me how to be a better person in life with people and especially in my community. This school as shown me love and expects all of us as students and former students to show the world love and make it a better place. This school got many of our students into UC's including myself. Just about everybody in my class of 2007 went on to graduate minus 5 or less people. The graduates and alumni of this school become the new young and inspiring emerging leaders the world has been waiting to see from our young people. I will make change in the world to make it better. I thank God for Leadership high school.

I love Leadership school, it was the most satisfying experience for my daughter, the attention by the teacher and the whole staff made it a safe and caring enviorment. she exceled in all her classes due to the care and involment of the teachers, they would let me know if she needed attention to any of her classes, no time to fool around, the staff is always ready to help and keep the kids safe, this way, they can concentrate in their curriculum and be prepared for what is outside waiting for them to make a very successful future. thanks to all the staff at the school, I am glad we had the sense to changed school where I knew she was going to be okay and do well.
—Submitted by vilma celis, a parent

Being a small school, Leadership really has been able to positively impact these students. The students really get the attention they need to succeed, the faculty is able to personalize each student s education plan and we are given the opportunity to build a really strong community. I truly appreciate the lessons of the School Wide Outcomes (SWOs) because it exposes the students to skills that are essential for success. Though very different in every way, my kids are taught the responsibility and critical thinking skills necessary for whatever path they choose after high school. I already have one LHS graduate and I am confident is saying that he was more focused and prepared for college than some of his peers that attended private high schools. This is a result of the personalization, SWO s, and community support that LHS is able to offer. See for yourself: www.leadershiphigh.org
—Submitted by a parent

LHS provides all students with a program that meets UC and CSU requirements by the time they graduate. LHS turns out conscientious students who care about their community, who are critical thinkers, and who are extremely comfortable speaking in front of groups. My daughter from class of 07' is now a SFSU fresmen, who is doing well because of the preparation she received at LHS. My son is a senior at LHS now, and both I and my husband are very happy with the education they received at LHS.
—Submitted by a parent

It is true that Leadership has an atypical curriculum. I do not feel that the math or English classes were weak in comparision with other high school classes. I would like to address the leadership classes that the other poster felt was useless. My stepdaughter is infinitely more comfortable speaking in front of groups than I have seen from most other teenagers. This is a direct result of the leadership classes and is no small skill.
—Submitted by Terrence O'Brien, a parent

As with any school, parents involvement, relevant curriculm, teacher/student ratio, as well as students willing to learn are key to ultimate success: creating good citizens for this planet! And Leadership H.S.makes a difference in our city, no doubt about it! Access to extracurricular activities is also a plus. But, we need to stop moving around! Having our own building will help ease the stress for all concerned. My 2 cents: Parent involvement should be a requirement even if the the school is public!
—Submitted by a parent

Not a very good school at all. I rate this school at a 2. Trust me and just ask around. Gateway is a better choice as far as a charter school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in his second year at Leadership. I was a bit concerned his State testing in math was low, however, I understand the cirriculum for math is different and by the end of the 4 years it all evens out. I hope so. Overall my son enjoys his classes, some more than others. He is pretty active although I wish there were more non-academic classes for him to participate in.
—Submitted by a parent

Going to this school made me appreciate the value of an education because I felt that I was not getting one. Leadership does not teach the regular California standards. The math department is EXTREMELY weak. My star test scores were below basic for my freshman year, and far below basic for my sophomore year. The English department is better than the math, but is still inadequate. There are very few extracurricular activities. Although leadership strives to admit students of all ethnic backgrounds, there is still very little diversity in different kind of people. If you have an intelligent child, he/she will feel out of place. Any regular public school is a much better choice. If you send your child to a school like Galileo, Balboa, Washington or Lincoln, your student will actually get an education, and have a chance for success in life.
—Submitted by a former student

I wasted two years of my life at this so called high school. They don't teach you anything, and they don't have any extracurricular activities. In fact that barely have a building. It looks like a second rate elementary school with bad lighting. The teachers are horrible and so is the principal. The advisory program and leadership classes are useless, and will not get you anywhere in life. Save yourself and don't apply for this school. You will regret it if you do.
—Submitted by a former student

This is a great school. It is a samll high school. The teachers are definetly into the students. Parents are required to do service hours.
—Submitted by a parent