Archie Williams High School

1327 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard

School District

Tamalpais Union High
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Tamalpais Union High School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 06, 2023

Wonderful OT and speech therapist. They included me in all the goals and my son felt supported!!
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2023

There are aspects of this school that are really idyllic, including the beautiful campus, with stunning views of the surrounding hills, and nice athletic facilities. It also offers a warm community of engaged-families with a wide variety of activities for the students ranging from creative programs through athletic teams. The teaching is solid and the community is fairly involved with the school. I’ve found the academics to be a bit of a mixed bag. Many of the kids from AWHS graduate and attend excellent colleges, but there’s also been a trend with some of our daughters friends to underperform in testing. This was especially true in STEM classes, where the school continues to perform below other Ross valley schools in standardized testing.
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2022

Archie Williams is an inclusive friendly campus, with a huge range of advanced classes and specialized programs, like TEAM which is a leadership and wilderness skills program for juniors and seniors, or SEA DISC which is an environmental science honors program for upper classmen. AWHS has great enthusiastic school spirit and excellent sports teams. Every type of kid kind find a place at AWHS.
Submitted by parent on November 26, 2018

It's hard to put my finger on because all the reviews say Drake is so great! And I agree that the teachers are wonderful and very caring. And the place feels safe which is probably more important than anything else. But I question the academics, at least in the first 2 years. The English and World History curriculum is just way off in left field. Oh wait, they don't teach English or World History! And my kid is not learning how to become a better writer or critical thinker. So far they have not read a single book, and we're almost done with the first semester. The administrators deny there is anything amiss, so no point in voicing concerns. They claim the teachers run the show so they have little influence on curriculum. It's all a bit odd. I'm not thrilled but am hoping that will change.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2013

My son attended Reed District Schools (Tiburon) prior to our relocating to San Anselmo. All of our friends were preaching to put our boy in Marin Catholic, which I was ready to sign the check. Before doing so, we took a closer look at Sir Francis Drake (SFD), and can only say that I am thankful that we did. To summarize, SFD is the kind of High School which most parents search frantically for to place their children in, however never find. SFD methodically and effectively prepares their student body for accredited universities and the trials which lay ahead later in life. It is always amazing when I engage one of these young people from SFD, how well rounded and able they are to converse on a variety of topics/issues. My son is in his junior year, earning top marks and is emotionally healthy thanks to the safe, friendly learning environment he has the privilege of attending each day. He is an honors student, has a wonderful, responsible group of friends, and is actually interested in attending YALE when he graduates (my alma mater)! Thank you SFD!
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2012

This is the best High School in Marin. My daughter is thriving in this thought provocing environment, has a kind, go-getter group of friends, and the balance between academics, sports and extracurricular activities is well balanced. There always seems to be enough time to accomplish Drake's requirements. This is because the curriculum is so well planned and being delivered by expert teachers who do not capitulate on excellence. To put into perspective, because of where our residence lines up in Kentfield, I had a choice to send my daughter to either Redwood or Drake. Before making my decision, I visited both campuses, met with both Principals, studied their academiic and sport histories, even researched the percentage of students who directly atternded accredited Universities (i.e., Cal, Stanford, MIT, USF, etc.) - and after the dust settled, decided on Drake. That should sum it up. I am absolutely delighted with my choice.
Submitted by other on June 03, 2012

Son formerly attended Drake, then Redwood now Tam. Of the 3, Tam and Drake rate highest (forget Redwood s controlled API all window dressing). If the Tiberon/Belvedere kids were not allowed to skip down the road to Redwood, and made to attend their school of residency (Tam)as is everyone else in Marin, it would be TAM all the way. This would balance the Marin City influence which continues to drive Tam s API rating down. However, it I had to do it over, would have stayed in San Anselmo and kept my kid at Drake. Due to progressing demographic changes and school performance, within the next 5 years, there will be no question which is the premiere Marin High School DRAKE, all the way!!
Submitted by student on November 10, 2009

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