San Mateo High School

My son is finishing his freshman year and loves it. We are blown away by all the AP class options and SMHS is a pathway to any college and their track record proves it. The environment inviting and feels like a family. School spirit is amazing. We have had other kids go to expensive private schools and literally can not find any additional value that we are not getting at SMHS. We are just so happy.

San Mateo High has returned to its glory days as the school that produces exceptional students. Academics are varied and challenging, with many choices for students of all abilities. Facilities are up-to-date, thanks to the recent state-of-the-art renovation and ongoing Foundation funding. Sports programs show promise for future notoriety, and the performing arts are the best in the county, bar none. The recently reopened and renovated Performing Arts Center is on the campus of SMHS. Diversity is a celebrated positive at San Mateo High. All students can find a place and achieve to the best of their abilities; the tools and motivation are there. The administration is attuned and informed.

I always thought I was going to attend Burlingame or SI, never considering this "performing arts school." After my mom made me visit, I knew this was home. SM has the best staff, the best students, the best spirit (duh) and the best heart. Not only do we have the most AP classes, but we also have the highest AP&SAT scores in the district. Teachers make learning fun. We have the most fun at lunch and we have the most school events. The teachers care so much. The students defy so many stereotypes. And these wonderful people have made SM a home to so many who need it. There are so many success stories--Stanford, Harvard, MIT. But for others, they still get the tools they need to succeed at SJSU, Cal Poly, or wherever. People negatively make assumptions about this school, and we just go on disproving them. I love how we're not that typical football and cheer-dominated school: our homecoming court has people from Math Team, JSA, Student Government, reflecting our values and our diversity. Even though we have great performing arts, we also have good sports teams too--most teams are in the top division, playing with teams like Burlingame. SM was the best decision I ever made.

I agree completely with the last reviewer. My son is a Sophomore at San Mateo High School and loves it there. He loves the welcoming atmosphere at the school, as well as the amazing school spirit. The teachers he has had the last 2 years have been great, and have challenged him academically. The Biotech Dept is one of the gems of the school, with amazing, dedicated teachers. There's really no need to look at private schools -- San Mateo HS has it all, plus your child will have an amazing high school experience there. The parents I've met at the school have all been super nice and have as much Bearcat spirit as their kids!