Lowell High School

District Website Information on Admissions
and the Application Process (link)

Unique Qualities


 •        Oldest public high school west of the Mississippi (founded in 1856)

•         3-time National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

•         6-time California Distinguished School

•         Fully accredited through 2006 (currently in the process of renewing accreditation)

•         Many distinguished alumni

•         Selective and competitive admissions process; students are drawn from throughout the city

•         82 AP classes and 41 Honors classes

•         Largest feeder school to the University of California: 56.8% of the 2005 graduates attend a UC campus

•         Very active parent involvement through the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), Lowell Alumni Association, and Academic Affairs Committee, Book-to-Book Center, Volunteers In College Career Information (VICCI), Lowell Sports Foundation

What students like most about the school


•         There is more freedom compared to other schools: e.g., self-scheduling of classes, choice of time schedules (starting as early as 7:30 am, ending as late as 3:30), and when to have lunch and study time while on campus.

•         There is a culture of trust and respect.  Students have their own unique schedules and time off during school hours; students found on campus and not in classrooms, will not be questioned.  Students will not hear bells (except for registry) to signal the beginning and end of classes. All students need to wear a watch so they will know when to go to class.


•         College-like atmosphere

•         CSF/Peer Tutoring

•         Competitive and challenging

•         Diverse

•         Prepares you for college

•         Lots of clubs, sports, and school activities; many opportunities to meet new people, to pursue personal interests, and to have fun

•         Go to the Lowell Online website to get information about the school, teachers and courses

•         Feel safe (security, many support systems, Peer Resource, Wellness Center, Nurse, Counselors)
What You Should Know as a Prospective Freshman


•         Each freshman is required to take six (6) courses. Four of them are pre-identified and mandatory. They are English, Social Science, Mathematics and Physical Education.

•         Along with the four required classes, freshmen can chose two (2) elective courses. The curriculum areas are:

     - World Language with 9 different choices

     - Visual and Performing Arts with 8 different choices

     - Biology

      - Choice of two other classes (such as Journalism and Public Speaking)

•         All freshmen will receive their class schedules on the first day of school in August 2006. They will experience self-scheduling in the 2007 spring semester.


Tips for How to Adapt to Lowell

•         Wear a reliable watch to ensure your timely arrival to class

•         Get a Student Handbook to help you understand your graduation requirements

•         Involve your parents in what happens at Lowell: Student-for-a-Day, PTSA events, many volunteer opportunities at the VICCI (College/Career) Center and Book-to-Book Center

•         Get involved in various schoolwide activities (e.g., Winterfaire, Kermesse), clubs, teams, the choir, band, or orchestra

•        Attend games, join student government, or become a Shield and Scroll member and/or a Teacher's Assistant (TA)

•         Join study groups and make use of the resource centers, computer labs, and the library

•        Get to know your counselor and classmates in your Registry; they will be with you for the four years you are at Lowell

Admissions Process
For more details see the district webpages here: SFUSD Lowell High School Admissions Information
  • Final grades for the first semester of the 7th grade in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science

  • Final grades for the second semester of the 7th grade in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science

  • Final grades for the first semester of the 8th grade in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science

  • CST (STAR) test scores from either spring 7th grade or January 2007 testing at Lowell

  • Information submitted on the Lowell Application (extracurricular activities demonstrating leadership skills, extenuating circumstances, demonstrated ability to overcome hardship, and family information)

  • An essay written at the applicant’s current school on a specified date in January (All schools with Lowell applicants will be given instructions for administering the essay requirement.)