2019
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Award Winners

NBRS Badge for Lowell Alternative High School

Lowell Alternative High School - San Francisco, CA

Lowell students enjoying their off block

Lowell students enjoying their off block

Lowell Alternative High School is a magnet high school that draws from the population of students in San Francisco, California. Lowell is the oldest public high school west of the Mississippi and its academic rigor is one of its greatest strengths. A significant attribute of this school is that the 2,881 students are as socially, economically, ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse as the city of San Francisco and we consider this to be one of our greatest strengths. Lowell is widely recognized as a school that offers an extensive AP program with over 30 AP subjects distributed over 130 classes. Last year 1,672 of our students took 4,253 AP exams with 89% having scores of 3 and above.

Lowell is consistently ranked in the top 10 in the state of California, currently ranked 6th. Lowell has a graduation rate of 98%. In the last four years we have implemented multiple pathways of support for our traditionally under-served and under-represented students to ensure that they have access, opportunity, and success in our richly diversified curriculum.

In addition to the rigorous academic program, our students are involved in 34 sporting teams and over 90 clubs which engages them in developing their leadership skills, their involvement in a wider community through service and social awareness. Our school motto since 1857 "Fiat Scientia" guides us into the 21st century where learning and innovation continues to influence our school's mission of academic excellence.

2019 Awardee

Lowell Alternative High School

1101 Eucalyptus Dr
San Francisco, CA, 94132-1401

(415) 759-2730

Principal at time of Nomination:
Mr. Andrew Ishibashi

Ms. Dacotah Ann Swett, Current Principal

Magnet School

San Francisco Unified School District

Urban or large central city

School Website

Mission

To encourage individuals who attend to contribute their skills, creativity, and intellect benefitting both themselves and the wider community of which they are a part.

Student Demographics

  • Asian: 50%
  • Black/African American: 2%
  • Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 6%
  • Hispanic: 10%
  • Native American: 1%
  • White: 17%
  • Two or more races: 14%
  • Application