San Marcos High School

I struggled initially with letting my kids attend SMHS. My perception was one of a lesser quality of education and on campus concerns. I now have a senior and freshman at SMHS and couldn't be more pleased with what they have and are experiencing at the HS. My senior now has the opportunity to attend a number of top level colleges due to his HS achievements. If you take advantage of what is offered at SMHS and choose to get involved, there is no better HS in the county, but that is a matter of choice. I glad we didn't spend the equivalent of college tuition to send our kids to a private school or get lured in to the need to attend LCC or TP, even despite the inconvenience of the construction.
--Submitted by a parent

This is in reply to the last review posted........So many parents objected to having their children moved off campus during construction. This is the reason your children are being subjected to construction woes. Originally, an off campus site by CSU was offered, but way too many parents complained about this. We have to deal with the mess until our new beautiful, high tech school is finished. Sorry!!!
--Submitted by a parent

What a really disorganized mess this school has become. Student parking lot is half a mile away from campus. My daughter also has to deal with the demolition dust from asbestos-laced buildings from 50 years ago. So what are they going to replace those old portables with? NEW PORTABLES! Where are the classes for their interim campus going to be held? Portables again! I am not sure she will be attending here next year.
--Submitted by a parent

Look at the district website and the school accountability report card (SARC). SMHS has had student profieciency BELOW state averages in math for the past three years. In other areas, they are barely treading water with the state averages. For the district, they are under state averages. How the API is at 829 is mystery to me.
--Submitted by a parent

My time at SMHS is unforgettable. After discussing my high school experience with college peers, I have come to appreciate the education I received at SM. I was surprised to hear about poor quality of teachers at other CA high schools, and it has made me realize that SMHS is one of a kind. I'm also completely appreciative of the emphasis on writing & the collaboration between History & English teachers because it has helped me easily transition to college level papers. I'm skeptical of "5 faculty transferring their kids" because I didn't know a single faculty member that lives in SMUSD that sends their kids to another school. In fact, many faculty that don't live in SM transfer their kids to the school- some from as far as Santee. There are a ton of students that transfer from outside the district, especially Vista and Escondido, due to its great reputation in recent years. I would completely disregard any reviews in which the individual merely vents about the passage of Prop K. Just because you are mad about the tax increases doesn't mean SMHS isn't a great school. SM offers a real-world (diversity) and memorable experience, and no parent should hesitate to send their kids there.

Oh my. I was scarred to say anything about what I experiances were. Great schools, thx for this site! I know of five teachers and staff of SMUSD that send their kids elsewhere to school. I didnt know it was this bad....I have two daughters who went to this school and my family will now be moving elsewhere.
--Submitted by a parent

Seems to me the last reviewer does not have enough information in order to review this school based on the first sentence. The second sentnece is not true at all. Seems that this person might be just a disgruntled person unhappy with the passage of prorp K. To rank a school with one star when one is completely not informed is disgraceful. Campus programs that improve the community and create global awareness among students have helped earn San Marcos High School an inaugural United Nations award that recognizes positive actions. This school does not have a culture of mediocrity. It meets the needs of a diverse population, just check out the api scores on this website and be sure to look at sub catagories and compare them to every top high school in san Diego. You will find they are higher than all!
--Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with the education provided by SMHS. My son graduated last year and is now attending UCSD earning mostly A's, which indicates that SMHS grads are ready for college. He was able to pass 8 AP tests while enrolled at the high school due to the excellent instruction; this will allow him to graduate from college in 3 years saving us alot of money. This school is very diverse and offers many opportunites for students to succeed. Since the school isn't as large as other local high schools, students have many opportunities for participation in sports and clubs.
--Submitted by a parent

My two daughters have received a great education and the since of community is extraordinary.
--Submitted by a parent

Wow what a fantastic school! I am so pleased with the interest my daughter now shows in school. The teachers are wonderful!! Every interaction I have had with the staff has been pleasant and professional.
--Submitted by a parent