Type Public High School Principal Ed Behrens BA MEd Enrollment 2000 Phone +1 805-967-4581 Color Scarlett Royal Blue | Established 1958 Faculty c.90 Athletics conference Channel League Number of students 2,000 | |
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Address 4750 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, USA District Santa Barbara High School District Profiles | ||
San Marcos High School is an American public high school located in a suburban area two miles from the city of Santa Barbara, California. Accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the school was named a California Distinguished School in 1994 and 2005, and a Gold Ribbon School in 2015. The school caters for a significant number of students from first generation and non-English speaking families.
Contents
History
San Marcos High School was established in 1958.
Organization and administration
The school principal is Ed Behrens. The school employs c.90 teachers, 6 counselors, and 5 administrators.
The Student body
The school caters for around 2,100 ninth through twelfth grade students of differing economic and ethnic backgrounds
49.9% of the student body is classified as socioeconomically disadvantaged, 22.1% as English Learners and 12.6% as Students with Disabilities. Exit survey results from the Class of 2014 indicated that 93% of graduates will continue their education, with approximately 39% of those graduates attending a 4-year institution, and 54% attending a 2-year institution.
Curriculum
San Marcos operates on a 4 X 4 Block Schedule, with four terms per year. Each class period is approximately 90 minutes in length. A full schedule is considered three classes per term. Final grades and credits are given each term, which equates to a semester under other systems. In order to graduate, students are required to complete a minimum of 220 units/credits and to pass the California High School Exit Examination. In addition to these academic requirements, all students are required to complete 60 hours of community service for graduation.
Weighted grades are given in Honors, AP and Dual Enrollment courses, the most rigorous classes offered at the school. Honors classes are offered in core courses in grades 9-11. AP courses are taken primarily by juniors and seniors. AP course offerings include American Government, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, European History, French, Latin, Psychology, Physics, Studio Art, U.S. History and World History. English, Calculus, Statistics, Spanish Language, Environmental Horticulture, Latin, Professional Development, Marketing (Entrepreneurship) and Auto classes are also offered on campus as Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) dual enrollment courses. College credit and a weighted grade are given to students who successfully complete these courses. Students may also complete required coursework through Dual Enrollment courses on the SBCC campus.
San Marcos also offers several well-respected Academy programs. Students enrolled in the Health Careers Academy take a core health class followed by a curriculum of related Santa Barbara City College classes taught on campus. The Accelerated Academic Program for Leadership and Enrichment (AAPLE) is a program designed to offer the most rigorous 4 year academic pathway while simultaneously providing hands-on, enrichment opportunities for a group of the highest achieving students. The Entrepreneurship Academy is a three-year program that provides students who wish to start their own business with the necessary knowledge and skills in a course that includes experience in local business community partnerships and student run business ventures. 2014 saw the start of a Culinary Program. A staffed Career Center offers guidance programs including The Majors Program, job shadowing and internships. All San Marcos students are encouraged to attend college and are counseled to follow a college preparatory track that will fulfill the course requirements for admission to the University of California system. Students are required to complete a 10-year Plan, focusing on college and career goals.
Extra-curricular and co-curricular activities
San Marcos has numerous student-led clubs and organizations, including 56 male and female interscholastic sports teams. The school is a CIF Division II school and a member of the Channel League. Over the years, the school has won many league and CIF championships. Programs at San Marcos include the nationally recognized Performing Arts Program that includes theater, instrumental and vocal music groups. The school fields two successful Mock Trial teams that have been successful at county and state level. A school newspaper is published ten times a year by students in the journalism class and the yearbook, the "Crown and Sceptre" is published annually. The video production class produces daily features and an award-winning weekly 10-minute news and entertainment program. All students are required to participate in two years of directed school activity such as athletics, drama, band, choir, or physical education. Honor societies include the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) and National Honor Society (NHS).
Alma mater
Written by Alan Lee Brackett, winner of contest for writing new alma mater in 1961.
Oh, San Marcos, Alma Mater, we shall sing our praise to you,
We shall honor your fair colors, Scarlet red and Royal blue,
We shall cherish all our memories and ever faithful be
As we honor thee San Marcos, Alma Mater, hail to thee.
Distinctions
San Marcos was named a California Distinguished School in 2005. The school has received awards and distinctions in many fields, including:
Charity work
Students in the AP Economics classes have put on the annual "Kids Helping Kids event," which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for various charities. Celebrities, bands, artists, etc. contribute and donate to this event, held at the Granada Theater.
Mascot/Colors
The mascot is the Royal - a lion wearing a cape and crown The colors are royal blue and scarlet red