Saratoga High School

Attending high school at Saratoga was extremely hard for me. The classes are tough, and the teachers aren't quite as helpful as I wish they could have been. The counselors are great though, and they help you with everything. Although Saratoga was nothing for me, who wanted more of an exciting high school experience with sports and friends rather than just study every day, but I can definitely say that it is something for an ambitious student who know what he/she wants. Bottom line, I didn't have a great time, and unless you really try hard to get good grades (which most people do, but have no social life) Saratoga is not your school.
—Submitted by a student

Saratoga High has an incredible academic program, with fierce competition. Taking 5 AP classes and having at least a 4.0 GPA is definitely the norm at this school. The music program is outstanding! With one of the best marching bands in the state,and award winning choir, orchestra and symphonic bands. The music department travels internationally every 3 years also, past trips include Europe and Australia. The new media arts program is also excellent. This school has lots of spirit, its definitely an awesome place to go to high school!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school; everybody is very welcoming and spirited.
—Submitted by a student

Excellent teachers and very supportive parents. Students are always well behave with good manner, groom neatly and dress appropriately.
—Submitted by a parent

I love my school teachers, they have a wonderful amount of compatibility. I also love the art classes there, I get to meet new friends and fans!
—Submitted by a student

The academic bar is high, and there exists a fierce competitive spirit here at Saratoga High. This scholastic driven environment fosters learning and creativity to new heights and yet the students do not falter, but continue to climb onwards and upwards to expand their horizons and reach their dreams with the support of their peers and teachers.
—Submitted by a student

Saratoga has a great academic program, a great music program, and a great sports program. It also has a new media arts program that rocks socks.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former SHS student, I can confirm the overall academic quality of the school. It was fun, very competitive, and geared us toward the best in higher education. However, if your child tend to struggle academically or socially, this school can be stressful, since nearly all the kids are very wealthy and entitled. Balance is the key-strong academics while still being young and open-minded.
—Submitted by a former student

Saratoga has wonderful staff and students. The students are well prepared before going into college. Although there is a bit of competativeness, students never seek to do their best.
—Submitted by a parent

Saratoga High School is an ideal environment for academically oriented, highly motivated students. Courses and teachers are demanding. However, for those students who have not yet begun to blossom or who are struggling academically and need support or encouragement, the school can be lacking. One recent addition to the curriculum that is commendable is 'Strategic Learning' a course that teaches and promotes study strategies, test taking skills, etc. Principal this year is new.
—Submitted by a parent

The teaching level at saratoga high is overall top-notch. Teacher and administrator retention is also very high, always a good sign. The school has an excellent range of school run extra programs and student run school clubs. The music department is especially top rated. Saratoga high also benefits from a very active, involved and committed parent community. The setting of the school is attractive and the campus well maintained. Several areas that are at acceptable levels but that could use some improvement: the school lunch program - not nearly enough fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy snack alternatives. This is of real concern due to the current epidemic of child diabetes nationwide. Lastly, some aspects of the science/technology programs are not what you would think, considering it is silicon valley after all! example: not much administration level support of the saratoga high robotics club or science club.
—Submitted by sofia Poullada, a parent

This school can be incredibly stressful for the students. The teachers do not always give as much help as they should, and in some cases increase the stress level more than is necessary. There are many bright and talented students which helps the school's atmosphere. There is a great lack of school spirit, however, and very few students attend many of the extra curricular activities offered. There has also been problems with cheating and the lack of ability to keep an administration for longer than a year.
—Submitted by a parent

A lot of parent support for everything. Seems to have too much pressure on students sometimes. Very good math and science departments, but other departments are good as well.
—Submitted by a student

As a coach at this high school I got a direct view into the after school activities. Seems that there is a lot of opportunity for such activities. The school seems very supportive of their students who are very well behaved and respectful. Then again, it is one of the most affluent areas in the valley.
—Submitted by a staff

To summarize in one word: Excellent. Saratoga High is among the top 5 public school in Santa Clara county. School has a very competetive environment. My two sons attended Saratoga High.
—Submitted by a parent

The school provides excellent environment for academic and extracurricular activities. Parents are very supportive. Teachers and adminstrative are very dedidated to provide a safe and healthy campus for teenagers.
—Submitted by David Wu, a parent

The teachers prepare the students for college and there are many courses and activities. The campus is generally safe and most of the student body comes from well-off families.
—Submitted by a parent

Saratoga is an excellent school and my son loved it. He made wonderful friendships and really enjoyed being part of the football team. I think it has prepared him for college very well.
—Submitted by a parent

Saratoga is an excellent school and my son loved it. He made wonderful friendships and really enjoyed being part of the football team. I think it has prepared him for college very well.
—Submitted by a parent

I am concerned with the 82 point gap in the API scores between the Asian and the Causcasian students. I would also like to know how many of the students who are attending Stanford, Berkley, and the 7 Ivy League schools from the graduating class of 2003, are Asian and how many are Caucasian. It seems without the Asian influence, Saratoga High would not be rated as high on the API index and have a reputation as an exceptional school. One must ask then, is it the culture or the school responsible for the high marks. Or is the school catering to the Asian population and leaving the other students behind? I also find the recent discovery of so many students cheating quite disturbing. Is there too much pressure to perform? Does it come from the school or from home?
—Submitted by a parent