Lowell Alternative High School (SFUSD 9-12)
San Francisco, CA 94132-1499
Phone: (415) 759-2730
02/07/2007 Posted by baychick
Lowell is prided on its outstanding academic reputation, and indeed the students are mostly very smart, highly driven, and disciplined. There is a great selection of classes, especially APs, and kids get to choose their class times and teachers and build their own schedule. The modular system (instead of periods, the day is divided into 20 20-minute mods) can be a bit confusing, but students understand it well. The teaching staff is mediocre: there are some amazing and inspirational teachers, but just as many (if not more) horrible teachers who are either uncredentialed or tenured, and literally make life a living hell. The school's facilities are unacceptable: it is dirty, roofs leak, lockers are dented and broken-down, bathroom stall doors are missing, and many classes take place in "temporary" trailers. Also, the school is built for 1600 but currently has over 2400 enrolled. They seem to be making progress, however, for recently a new science wing was built that is very nice. Lowell is definitely not the most fun or social school, but it does prepare kids well for college - and makes them appreciate any school they might attend afterwards.
Pros: rigorous academics, free
Cons: facilities, many teachers, class size, atmosphere
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