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San Marcos Senior High School

Public | 8-12 | 1828 students

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5 stars

Based on 18 ratings

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13 reviews of this school

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Posted May 2, 2013

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SMHS is a school that keeps improving. The AAPLE academy is awesome and allows kids to challenge themselves at the top level. The creation of the Entrepreneurship Academy is such a brilliant idea! Teachers there are wonderful and care for their students. World History teacher Mr Burrows is incredible but so are Ms Mandarino, Mr Bausbach, Mr Roth and Mr Holdren! San Marcos deserves to be more recognized. And the students there are much more friendly and humble than in Dos Pueblos or in Santa Barbara High. It is simply a nice community! I am very happy my child is part of the Royals. Submitted by a parent
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted November 15, 2012

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I graduated from San Marcos High School and I have to say my experience was amazing. Great campus, teachers, and classes. San Marcos was a great medium. It didn't have the pompous feel of DP and the less than adequate curriculum of SB.

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Posted January 23, 2012

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Awesome school. Fantastic staff. The block schedule really prepares students for college. Their test scores are improving every year.

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Posted November 25, 2009

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The block schedule is completely unique in that it really helps prepare you for college, and in my opinion really gives you more time to focus on your class. Instead of having to focus on up to 8 different classes, you can just focus on maybe 3 academics, which really helps in understanding the material. It's also nice, because you can get your homework done in class most of the time, meaning if you have any questions you can get them directly answered by teachers. The school also has a nationally recognized Band program, which went on to play at the Orange bowl last year. Last but not least, we are a CA distinguished school, and we have award winning teachers. We also have the highest test scores out of the three Santa barbara Public high schools.
—Submitted by a student

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Posted October 19, 2009

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It's not cliquey, it is very open and relaxed. The education is great, and very specific and the teachers are qualified.
—Submitted by a student

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Posted October 18, 2009

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My daughter who is currently attending San Marcos often comes home in tears because the girls there are so mean. The block schedule doesn't help either. She never has homework which seems so unproductive to me. At semester she is transfering to Dos Pueblos which I've heard is the best public high school in Santa Barbara county

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Posted August 7, 2008

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I'm a past student and I absolutely loved San Marcos. I took advantage of almost every program they offered- Mock Trial, Varsity Sports, clubs, music, theatre, AP classes- and it was wonderful preparation for college and grad school. I went to UCLA, graduated with honors, and felt very prepared for everything that I encountered. I love the block schedule- it is much more like real life- and the teachers and counselors were incredibly supportive from the moment I stepped on the campus. They have award winning teachers as well. They have a nationally recognized music and theatre arts program, and I was lucky enough to be able to travel both nationally and internationally as a result. School spirit is high, and the vast majority of the students go on to either 2 or 4 year colleges. Most students in the honors track attend prestigious top 50 schools across the nation.
—Submitted by a student

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Posted March 27, 2007

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The academic programs at this school are well rounded. Music, arts and sports excel with good quality. The pre-nursing program is highly recommended. Sports programs are working into very good GPAs. 20 out of 22 Varsity sports this year had above a 3.0 GPA. Donations and fundraisers are big supporters for a lot of programs because of state cut-backs but the parents and local businesses work together to make it happen. I have been a parent and a volunteer at this school for 8 years and am proud to say I would recommend this school for students and parents who want to learn and grow and feel proud of their school and the education they received at it.
—Submitted by mary, a parent

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Posted May 15, 2006

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The block schedule is not as bad as it seems.
—Submitted by a student

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Posted April 26, 2006

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San Marcos is on a modified block schedule, which works very well for performing arts and high level classes, however for lower level students, 90 minutes can be a very long time. Good quality teachers and caring administration, with great extracurriculars.
—Submitted by a teacher

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Posted August 22, 2005

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I am actually a graduated student. I must say the block system worked wonders on preparing for college. It is a great campus, and there are many exceptional teachers. I mean many. The administration, especially craig morgan the principal, were helpful and nice. Each school in santa barbara has its advantages. This is a safe school, a good focused school. When I was there we won a 6 year accredidation and became a ca distinguished school. Those are not flops.
—Submitted by Steven, a student

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Posted April 25, 2005

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California Distiguished High School 2004-2005. Highest Possible 6-year WASC accreditation. 3 x 4 Block Schedule (90 minute periods).
—Submitted by a teacher

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Posted August 31, 2003

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I am a former student,grad 1963.I learned a great deal while enrolled.I didn't go on to achieve fame or fortune,but I did recieve a good solid background. I was a surfer when the school was well Known for many up& coming local surfers. I was the president of local El Capitan Surf Club.We never became as well noted as Santa Barbara Surf Club,but I believe we all served the community very well. In closing I would like to thank the school & teachers for my education and a chance to grow-up in a great community.
—Submitted by a former student

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Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

	Ethnicity	This school	State average
	Hispanic or Latino	48%	49%
White	45%	28%
Asian	3%	8%
African American	1%	7%
American Indian or Alaska Native	1%	1%
Filipino	1%	3%
Multiple or No Response	0%	3%
Pacific Islander	0%	1%

	This school	District average	State average
English language learners ¹	20%	N/A	24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program ²	30%	N/A	52%

	Language	This school	State average
	Spanish	95%	85%
Arabic	1%	1%
Mandarin (Putonghua)	1%	1%
Punjabi	1%	1%
Russian	1%	0%
Ukrainian	1%	0%
Farsi (Persian)	0%	0%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog)	0%	1%
Japanese	0%	0%
Korean	0%	1%
Portuguese	0%	0%
Thai	0%	0%

	This school	District average	State average
Average years teaching in district	10	N/A	11
Average years teaching	15	N/A	13

	This school	District average	State average
Full credential	100%	N/A	96%
Emergency credential or waiver	0%	N/A	2%

Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

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4750 Hollister Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Website: Click here
Phone: (805) 967-4581

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All Students	n/a
Females	n/a
Males	n/a
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	n/a
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
Pacific Islander	n/a
Samoan	n/a
Other Pacific Islander	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Non-economically disadvantaged	n/a
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	n/a
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	n/a
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	n/a
Parent education - college graduate	n/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	n/a
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	n/a
Females	n/a
Males	n/a
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	n/a
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
Pacific Islander	n/a
Samoan	n/a
Other Pacific Islander	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Non-economically disadvantaged	n/a
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	n/a
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	n/a
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	n/a
Parent education - college graduate	n/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	n/a
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	n/a
Females	n/a
Males	n/a
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	n/a
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
Pacific Islander	n/a
Other Pacific Islander	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Non-economically disadvantaged	n/a
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	n/a
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	n/a
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	n/a
Parent education - college graduate	n/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	n/a
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	n/a
Females	n/a
Males	n/a
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Non-economically disadvantaged	n/a
Students with no reported disability	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	n/a
Parent education - college graduate	n/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	n/a
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	n/a
Females	n/a
Males	n/a
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	n/a
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
Pacific Islander	n/a
Samoan	n/a
Other Pacific Islander	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Non-economically disadvantaged	n/a
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	n/a
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	n/a
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	n/a
Parent education - college graduate	n/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	n/a
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	88%
Females	95%
Males	80%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	64%
White (not Hispanic)	94%
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Non-economically disadvantaged	95%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	87%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	89%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	97%
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	n/a
Parent education - college graduate	93%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	96%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	7%
Females	10%
Males	5%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	2%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
Native Hawaiian	n/a
Pacific Islander	n/a
Samoan	n/a
Other Pacific Islander	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	2%
Non-economically disadvantaged	33%
Students with disability	14%
Students with no reported disability	6%
English learner	0%
Fluent-English proficient and English only	19%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	3%
Parent education - high school graduate	0%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	n/a
Parent education - college graduate	n/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	n/a
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	68%
Females	67%
Males	68%
African American	n/a
Asian	92%
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	50%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
Native Hawaiian	n/a
Pacific Islander	n/a
Samoan	n/a
Other Pacific Islander	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	90%
Economically disadvantaged	49%
Non-economically disadvantaged	87%
Students with disability	23%
Students with no reported disability	71%
English learner	20%
Fluent-English proficient and English only	83%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	100%
Parent education - not a high school graduate	42%
Parent education - high school graduate	58%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	75%
Parent education - college graduate	86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	93%
Parent education - declined to state	64%

All Students	37%
Females	35%
Males	39%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	15%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
Pacific Islander	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	56%
Economically disadvantaged	16%
Non-economically disadvantaged	52%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	38%
English learner	10%
Fluent-English proficient and English only	40%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	83%
Parent education - not a high school graduate	11%
Parent education - high school graduate	17%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	43%
Parent education - college graduate	47%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	62%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	25%
Females	21%
Males	30%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	17%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
Pacific Islander	n/a
Samoan	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	31%
Economically disadvantaged	11%
Non-economically disadvantaged	31%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	25%
English learner	7%
Fluent-English proficient and English only	27%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	51%
Parent education - not a high school graduate	11%
Parent education - high school graduate	17%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	16%
Parent education - college graduate	27%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	40%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	60%
Females	60%
Males	60%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	37%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
Pacific Islander	n/a
Other Pacific Islander	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	74%
Economically disadvantaged	27%
Non-economically disadvantaged	71%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	61%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	62%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	90%
Parent education - not a high school graduate	35%
Parent education - high school graduate	32%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	43%
Parent education - college graduate	74%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	74%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	85%
Females	78%
Males	95%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	86%
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Non-economically disadvantaged	86%
Students with no reported disability	85%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	87%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	94%
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	n/a
Parent education - college graduate	79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	91%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	41%
Females	38%
Males	44%
African American	n/a
Asian	75%
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	21%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
Pacific Islander	n/a
Samoan	n/a
Other Pacific Islander	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	66%
Economically disadvantaged	16%
Non-economically disadvantaged	60%
Students with disability	12%
Students with no reported disability	44%
English learner	2%
Fluent-English proficient and English only	52%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	92%
Parent education - not a high school graduate	13%
Parent education - high school graduate	21%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	33%
Parent education - college graduate	59%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	76%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	53%
Females	44%
Males	63%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	34%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
Pacific Islander	n/a
Samoan	n/a
Other Pacific Islander	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	74%
Economically disadvantaged	27%
Non-economically disadvantaged	73%
Students with disability	25%
Students with no reported disability	55%
English learner	14%
Fluent-English proficient and English only	63%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	93%
Parent education - not a high school graduate	27%
Parent education - high school graduate	34%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	54%
Parent education - college graduate	65%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	83%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	81%
Females	75%
Males	87%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	70%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
Pacific Islander	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	92%
Economically disadvantaged	64%
Non-economically disadvantaged	89%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	80%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	81%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	96%
Parent education - not a high school graduate	58%
Parent education - high school graduate	75%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	89%
Parent education - college graduate	81%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	92%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	18%
Females	n/a
Males	17%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	20%
White (not Hispanic)	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	18%
Non-economically disadvantaged	n/a
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	21%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	18%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	n/a
Parent education - college graduate	n/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	n/a
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	48%
Females	46%
Males	49%
African American	n/a
Asian	65%
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	34%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
Pacific Islander	n/a
Samoan	n/a
Other Pacific Islander	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	73%
Economically disadvantaged	29%
Non-economically disadvantaged	63%
Students with disability	21%
Students with no reported disability	52%
English learner	6%
Fluent-English proficient and English only	55%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	85%
Parent education - not a high school graduate	27%
Parent education - high school graduate	31%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	47%
Parent education - college graduate	59%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	80%
Parent education - declined to state	47%

All Students	82%
Females	86%
Males	77%
African American	n/a
Asian	92%
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	72%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
Pacific Islander	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	95%
Declined to state	92%
Economically disadvantaged	70%
Non-economically disadvantaged	91%
Economic Status Unknown	n/a
Students with disability	40%
Tested with modifications	n/a
English learner	47%
Language Fluency Unknown	n/a
Migrant education	n/a

School Leader's name	Norm Clevenger
Special schedule	Year-round
Fax number	(805) 967-8358

San Marcos Senior High School

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5 stars

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13 reviews of this school

765

-10

7 / 10

6 / 10

API Growth scores over time

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API Growth scores by subgroup

Did this school meet all the API goals for student subgroups this year?

765

What is the API?

-10

Change from 2011 to 2012

7 / 10

API Statewide Rank (2011)

6 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

Algebra I

English Language Arts

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

Geometry

History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

Science

About the tests

Algebra I

Algebra II

Biology/Life Sciences

Earth Science

English Language Arts

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

Geometry

Integrated/Coordinated Science 1

World History

About the tests

Algebra I

Algebra II

Biology/Life Sciences

Chemistry

Earth Science

English Language Arts

Geometry

High School (Summative) Mathematics (Grade 9-11)

Science

World History

About the tests

Algebra I

Algebra II

Biology/Life Sciences

Chemistry

Earth Science

English Language Arts

Geometry

High School (Summative) Mathematics (Grade 9-11)

Physics

U.S. History

World History

About the tests

Algebra I

English Language Arts

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

Geometry

History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

Science

About the tests

Algebra I

Algebra II

Biology/Life Sciences

Earth Science

English Language Arts

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

Are you
the principal?

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Help other families find
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