San Mateo High School

San Mateo is a school looked down upon by many in the district but truly is an amazing place. Mostly parents look at the test scores and don't want their kids going to a school that isn't as good as others. What they don't realize is that SM has the highest AP scores in the district, the scores are just weighed down by the students that do not speak english as a first language. That shows another great point about San Mateo. We are the MOST diverse student body in the district. Students come from all social, financial, and ethnic backgrounds. This is extremely beneficial to the kids. It teaches that their are other people outside of your own group and to be more open to different races. Unlike the predominantly white and asian backgrounds of Burlingame or Aragon, SM actually prepares the kids for who they will meet outside of high school. But what San Mateo should be recognized for is their extracurriculars. The drama program is award winning and professional level. We have the only biotechnology program in the district with new facilities. And the leadership class is amazing! SM is top notch for student life such as a week entirely devoted to health, peace and spirit!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is terrible. The majority of students there receive free lunch, and the poor kids there are like the end all and the be all. The free lunch kids always cut in lines and bully those who pay for food with cash. they act all upper class and everything. the school doesn't do anything to help the good students. instead, they spend their time trying to help those kids who don't even try. the school environment is terrible also. there are gangs and kids who do drugs all around the school campus. the bus drivers of this school do not follow traffic rules and constantly endanger the kids who ride the bus. they run yellow lights and they squish way too many kids on the buses. stay at san mateo high for one day and you will know what it feels like if you do not make it to heaven. serious students wanting to attend college should definitely avoid this school.
--Submitted by a student

SMHS is a great school for teens. My children went to wealthy elementary and middle schools and now they are meeting a very socio-economically and ethnically diverse group of teens. It's great for them to encounter new situations while still living at home. The academics here are excellent, especially the advanced placement and bio-tech classes. Like all schools, not all teachers are superior, but that's an introduction to life. Not all bosses are good, not all teachers are good, not all people are good. School spirit and extra-curriculars are outstanding. It often feels like a Disney movie. Every type of club imaginable is here. Also, the school was totally rebuilt a few years ago. It's beautiful. The school gets a bad rap because there are minority students who come from non-English speaking homes. Well, these students will soon be the majority ethnic group in California. Some are good students, some are not. Hopefully my child will not pick-up bad habits from poor students. Finally, the principal is very dedicated and caring. She knows the names of students and parents and really wants SMHS to be a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

People can say whatever they want, but SMHS is the best school ever! Its spirit is contagious! It welcomes everyone without looking at their race or color. It makes you feel like it is your second home. All its programs are great! Let's go bearcats!!
--Submitted by a student

SMHS was a fantastic place to go to school- with an amazing faculty and student body. Go bearcats!

I have had 1 child graduate from SM and one child still enrolled. The education is top notch. I think it is the best in the district with the diversity of the student body and the active clubs, drama, music and parent groups. It offers a slice of real life in our very diverse bay area.
--Submitted by a parent

Without being redundant, San Mateo High is hands down the most diverse High School in the district. As with any organization there are weak spots sure, but I think there is a lot of heart in the teaching staff. I still think fondly about my Senior english teacher Mrs. Iraheta who reignited my love for reading and writing, or my Journalism advisor Mr. Nate Johnson.The best thing about SMHS,is the simple fact you can be anyone who you want to be here. All walks of life are represented in the student population , and I'd say pretty early on there is no division of these many facets. I only wish I had appreciated all this more when I went there :)
--Submitted by a former student

San mateo high school has a lot of spirit! The kids are in a brand new state of the art building, which is beautiful. My daughter is thriving academically, but is struggling socially, it is a tough school for her. They have an excellent drama department and wonderful, caring teachers! She needed extra help in math and language arts and sm high did not hesitate to put her in the appropriate classes and now she's doing much better. Overall, I think the school is very good and it is very diversed.
--Submitted by a parent

San Mateo High School is one of the most culturally diverse school in the county of San Mateo. San Mateo High School has a great tradition in education.
--Submitted by a former student

The quality of education can be very high, depending on student ability. Test scores are misleading, because the student body is extremely diverse in terms of education, ethnic, and socio-economic differences. Thus, despite the test scores, you will find students at SMHS performing at exceptionally high levels. The teaching staff is more than able to meet those levels.
--Submitted by a former student