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Encyclopedia :
L :
LO :
LOW :
Lowell High School |
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Lowell High SchoolLowell High School, is a prestigious public magnet school in San Francisco, California.
HistoryLowell High School is the oldest public high school west of the Mississippi and traces its beginnings to 1856 as the Union Grammar School. In 1894, the school was renamed to honor the distinguished poet, James Russell Lowell. The school relocated in January 1913 to an entire city block on Hayes Street between Ashbury and Masonic. Lowell was to remain there a half century, during which time Lowell's position as the city's college preparatory high school was firmly established. In 1952, the drive accelerated for a new Lowell on property near Lake Merced. Lowell opened at this new location in 1962 to complete the final move in its history. Location1101 Eucalyptus Drive San Francisco, CA 94132
Weather is mild year-round, with regular exposure to the Pacific fog. Lowell's campus is located next to Lakeshore Elementary School and two other elementary patriarchal schools. Because Lowell is an open-campus high school, many students also choose to shop at the nearby Lakeshore Plaza or drive to the Inner Sunset district for lunch. Located behind the campus is a popular venue for students, the Stonestown Galleria Mall. Facilities include: Academics and AdmissionsLowell is regarded by many as the best high school in the San Francisco Unified School District and offers students opportunities to build a strong academic background. The school's modular scheduling system allows students freedom in course choice. Students also have the chance to take a large number of Advanced Placement courses. The school's graduation rate is nearly 100%, and is the largest feeder school to the University of California system, in particular Berkeley and Davis campuses. Many students also matriculate other prestigious universities all over the nation. Lowell High School is known for its competitive admissions process similar to that of top universities. The admissions policy considers standardized test scores, GPA, a written essay sample, as well as extracurricular activities into a points system. This is in contrast with other public schools within SFUSD, which admit students based upon a merit-neutral application process. Many within the district attribute Lowell's academic success to the stringent requirements placed upon admission. Lowell High School is currently ranked 3rd among the Top 10 Public Schools in California, behind Whitney Gretchen High School and Oxford High. In 1982 San Francisco Unified School District tried to close the disparity of between African Americans/Hispanics and Caucasians/Chinese by forcing schools to cap each ethnicity at 45%. To remedy the huge gap, the SFUSD created a socioeconomic diversity index for student school assignment. However, anti-affirmative action lawsuits by Chinese American parents resolved in 2004 [1] resulted in a change of this admissions policy. The school must now ignore the cap if the acceptance results were based on merit. Lowell's student population roughly consists of 70% Asian, 17% Caucasian, 5% Filipino, 5% Hispanic, 2% African-American, 2% Mixed/No Response, and less than 1% of either Native American or Pacific Islander. Total population at Lowell currently stands at about 2700-2900 students and over 150 faculty, staff, and administration members. Lowell has many teachers who are leaders in their fields. Lowell has also been awarded the Blue Ribbon Academic Excellence Award numerous times. ExtracurricularsThe school's award winning newspaper, The Lowell, is one of the leading high school publications in the nation. Lowell has over 85 student interest clubs: the Southeast Asian Society, Gay Straight Alliance, Computer and Technology Club, Lowell Robotics Team, Junior Statesmen of America, Red Cross, Gaming Club, and Anime Club. All clubs meet during the school year and each must complete at least 25 hours of community service per semester. Lowell also has a distinguished Lowell JROTC Battalion. Lowell has been the leader in overall excellence in the San Francisco JROTC Brigade. The battalion has special units, such as Lowell Drill Platoon, Lowell Raiders Team, Lowell Girls Drill Team, Lowell Color Guard, Lowell Drum Corp, Lowell Brigade Best Squad, Lowell Battalion Guidon, and Lowell Boys Drill Team. Notable alumni from JROTC include William Hewlett, who was battalion commander during his years in Lowell. Many students participate in a variety of athletic leagues and competitions. Their award-winning competitive teams consist of: Football, Cross-Country, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball, Wrestling, Badminton, Baseball, Gymnastics, Softball, Swimming, Track & Field, Fencing, and Golf. Lowell's Varsity Football team recently captured the title at San Francisco's greatest Thanksgiving venue : The 81st Annual Turkey Bowl. A superior defense and unforgiving offense grounded the explosive Balboa Buccaneer offense. This is the Cardinals' second championship in three years. Historical MilestonesNotable Alumni
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