Serving 1,578 students in grades 9-12, San Mateo High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45% (which is higher than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 68% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 1,578 students
Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Minority Enrollment: 84%
Graduation Rate
: 90% (Top 50% in CA)
Overall Testing Rank
: Top 20%
Math Proficiency
: 45% (Top 30%)
Reading Proficiency
: 68% (Top 20%)
Science Proficiency
: 44% (Top 30%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
San Mateo High School ranks within the top 20% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of San Mateo High School is 0.67, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
San Mateo High School is an American public high school in San
Mateo, California serving grades 9-12 as part of the San Mateo
Union High School District.
History: San Mateo High School has been recognized
throughout its history for its academic achievement and the role it
plays in the local community. In 1991, it was honored as a National
Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education. In
2005, the California Business for Education Excellence (CBEE)
organization bestowed a "Gold Standard Award for Academic
Excellence" upon San Mateo High School.
Legend has it that the bearcat mascot was the result of a
disagreement about whether architectural adornments at the front
entrance of the original building were bears or cats. During a
50-year celebration in 1977, the architect was asked to offer a
definitive answer. His response: "They're owls."
The school's traditional arch-rival is Burlingame High School.
Campus: San Mateo High School opened in 1902 at a cottage on
Ellsworth Street in San Mateo. The school moved twice in 1903 and
to Baldwin Avenue in 1911 before moving to its present location in
1927. The original brick-dominated complex was sometimes referred
to as "the high school that looks like a university."
In 2001, the school undertook to demolish and entirely replace the
original building in an effort to meet modern earthquake safety
requirements. The new building was modeled after Hampton Court
Palace in England. Dedicated in August 2005, the new building
strongly echoes the design and materials of the original in part
due to strong public outcry about the decision to demolish the
structure. On February 10, 2006 the campus Quad was dedicated to
alumnus Merv Griffin, who donated $250,000 to the school ($100,000
of which went to the performing arts department).
Clubs and organizations 2006-2007:
A: Awareness of Cancer for Teens (ACTS), AniManga, Asian, Art Club.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 68% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of San Mateo High School?
The graduation rate of San Mateo High School is 90%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend San Mateo High School?
1,578 students attend San Mateo High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of San Mateo High School students are Hispanic, 25% of students are Asian, 16% of students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of San Mateo High School?
San Mateo High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does San Mateo High School offer ?
San Mateo High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is San Mateo High School part of?
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Quick Stats (2025)
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 1,578 students
Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Minority Enrollment: 84%
Graduation Rate
: 90% (Top 50%)
Overall Testing Rank
: Top 20%
Math Proficiency
: 45% (Top 30%)
Reading Proficiency
: 68% (Top 20%)
Science Proficiency
: 44% (Top 30%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
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