San Rafael High School

This school is a well oiled machine, thanks to Judith Colton--subsequent principals just put her work on automatic pilot because she's done the hard part. The halls are clean, empty and quiet during class time (unlike certain neighboring high school) the campus is secure thanks to Ben of security. The students behave beautifully because they are held accountable for their actions. and the administration backs up their teachers. Sure, they are strict, but the students are better off because of it. You will never find a better high school English department in the Northbay, The English teachers are scary smart and hold high standards for all of their students. If you ever happen to visit the classroom of say, Mr. Bond, Mr Simenstead or Ms Thurston, you will feel like you walked into a college English class. The teachers are exciting to watch and the students in turn, are excited to be there. This is just an outstanding school.

Provides an excellent education for a diverse, multicultural community
--Submitted by a parent

Good school with a diverse student body.
--Submitted by a parent

I love how the diversity of students in the school population translates into an inspiring and uniquely feisty school spirit. The academic standards are excellent as are the sports and music programs even on a super tight Cali budget. I especially love the media academy because it employs an open classroom type environment for juniors and seniors giving them the experience of working together for a common purpose. And those cheerleaders are the future flygirls of America for sure. Go Dawgs!
--Submitted by a parent

i love my school, the teachers are fun and amazing as well as helpful and educational, the after school activities are endless, and the kids are warm and welcoming. Yu can trust a review this student who has a 4.3 GPA.
--Submitted by a student

My daughter is thriving in this school. However, I am not impressed with the way this high school is run. The principal seems disconnected. Though the yearbook is done by a class, she should have hired someone who would oversee well. The 2007 yearbook is appalling! I have been to many HS graduations and have never seen such crowd control in place. There are some excellent teachers as well as terrible ones.
--Submitted by a parent

San Rafael high school is one of the best schools in Marin. It has a challenging english department with many great teachers. The Math department is also very good with graduates from prestigious colleges teaching the courses. There are buildings dedicated to programs such as Music and science.The football team made it to semifinals. It also doesn't hurt that it has the 2nd best looking campus in all the Marin county Schools.
--Submitted by a parent

San Rafael High School seems to have gotten off track. I am an alumnus, not a parent, but many of my friends are still involved there, either as students or as teachers. The teachers range anywhere from adequate to excellent. Some programs, such as the music department, are outstanding. However, school leadership is sorely lacking. Judith Colton, principal of SRHS, seemed disconnected when I attended, and apparently very little has changed. New policies are implemented without regard to how it will affect student life and the work of the faculty. Some disciplinary policies are strange; for example, detentions are routinely assigned for tardiness, but punishments for unexcused absences (cutting class) seem nonexistant. The block schedule is holding several departments back and is extremely erratic. The administration needs to examine what it's doing to help and hurt the students and teachers, and perhaps SRHS will become a great school again.
--Submitted by a former student

Other than academics, everything depends on parent involvement. The drama and music departments are excellent and strongly supported by parents. Some sports teams are strongly supported by the parents, but not all. Academics are good to excellent. Our son graduated and was accepted at his first choice university. The school is rated among the top in the country.
--Submitted by a parent

This was once a very good school - just a few years ago. Changing demographics have led to declining test scores. The canal area of San Rafael is a hispanic community of urban density. Students from this area make up more than half of the school population. The second largest group is upper middle class whites. As a result of the new demographic, the school's focus has changed to meet the needs of the new majority. Mainstream classes are now intended for an audience of hispanic students who are often English learners. Honors classes can still offer a good education. The music program is very good and well supported by parents.
--Submitted by a parent