Santa Cruz High School

415 Walnut Avenue

School District

Santa Cruz City High
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
Type

public

School Map for Santa Cruz City 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 April 25, 2024

My son has thrived at SCHS. He is a high achieving kid and loves Math Academy and advanced science classes. The teachers have been really engaged and communicated their passion for their subject matter effectively as well as offering terrific instruction. He also likes the relative diversity of the school and how it's a community with all different kinds of people. The more vocational classes (auto, bike, ceramics, etc...) also seem excellent. Lots of different sports, theater and band, something for everyone. The principal is also amazing. I think that she goes above and beyond as a leader to foster an environment where everyone feels like they have a place and are welcomed. No school is going to be perfect for everyone all of the time, but I feel like SCHS is a great model of what a thriving public high school can be. I also really like that while my son has enough work to learn and stay engaged, he isn't drowning in homework and doesn't seem stressed the way that I know some kids are in other parts of Silicon Valley. Couldn't be happier.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2022

My children were new to the area when they started 9th grade and took to the school very quickly -- making friends, studying hard and growing up. The administration, teachers and other parents are friendly and helpful. The school is big enough to give children many opportunities - from sports to band to clubs and many electives. And because of the excel schedule, students can take 32 courses in four years instead of just 24 like most other high schools. I strongly recommend Santa Cruz High.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2022

Both my husband and I attended Santa Cruz High in the 90s, my son just graduated, and my daughter currently attends SCHS. I have nothing but good things to say about SCHS. The administration is kind and welcoming, the teachers and staff are caring and provide rigorous, fun, and a balanced experience for the kids. SCHIS is rich in arts, athletics and academics. Graduates of SCHS are ready for college and career. We've seen kids over the years go on to prestigious schools, become pro athletes, become entrepreneurs, community leaders and even come back to work at SCHS. The school student population is diverse and that is celebrated through clubs and events. I would 100% recommend SCHS for any of my neighbors and friends looking for and place for your kids to grow and learn.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2021

My daughter was attending SCHS. She was failing classes and having a terrible time trying to get one minute of the overwhelmed teachers time to no avail. Everyone was too busy to help this doomed case called my daughter. All teachers told her to get tutoring (at $100 a pop and the time commitment.) They were not caring or helpful at all. They were angry and obviously unhappy teachers. My daughter withdrew from SCHS and went to another school. She graduated with straight A's. She is now attending Cabrillo and is getting straight A's. The problem was not my daughter. The problem was SCHS. SCHS is a complete waste of my tax dollars. You should be ashamed of yourselves.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2019

I wanted to like SCHS, I really did. And I had high hopes for Math Academy. The founder of MA is a stellar teacher, and he is the reason I gave 3 stars and my kid is excelling in college Calc and Physics. But there are simply too many broken, uninspired and disconnected teachers at SCHS. Poor teaching skills + large class sizes = really bad problems and your kid not learning. On the positive side: my kid learned how to better self-advocate and be prepared for large classes and disconnected profs in college. Sad, but true.
Submitted by teacher on June 13, 2013

As a staff member at Santa Cruz High, gotta say I am darn proud to work at such a terrific school. One of the outstanding features of SCHS is the diversity of its student body: tall-short, fat-skinny, rich-poor, AP students-special ed students, black, Hispanic, Asian, white, gay, straight, athletic, studious, foreign exchange or home grown. Every single one of the students is appreciated and honored by all the dedicated staff. Check out the personal planning workshops, college rep visits, career panel presentations, ROP classes, 17 AP classes, sports program, Math Academy, Excel schedule, Barrios Unidos, homework club, the choir, the band, the theater, ceramics, yoga, Link Crew, the counseling office, the clubs, and the strawberry/banana smoothies in the cafeteria! Great school, great staff, outstanding students.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2012

As a parent and active community member I continue to be amazed at the level of creativity offer by staff in spite of an economically challenged state of CA education. That said the diversity of the student body, quality of teachers, and a college town vibe set this campus off from Harbor High. Walkable campus off of the downtown historic district enables my children a little more freedom