Established on August 27 1940 Abraham Lincoln High School opened its doors to nearly 950 students. Principal Clyde W White oversaw the school’s beginning. Its dedication ceremony followed on September 22 1940. Abraham Lincoln High School stands proudly in San Francisco’s Sunset District. This impressive three-story building initially housed 50 classrooms a cafeteria a football field and a library. It cost over $750000 in 1940 a sum exceeding $10 million when adjusted for 2005 dollars. The school’s location is significant. It occupies four city blocks bordered by Quintara Street Santiago Street 22nd Avenue and 24th Avenue. Nearby are the Sunset Reservoir McCoppin Square and the Parkside branch of the San Francisco Public Library.
Abraham Lincoln High School is more than just a school. It’s a community hub. It’s a place where students have access to diverse programs. These programs include honors and college prep courses. There are also specialized pathways in business digital media design teaching and environmental science. The school provides extensive support services. These include special education programs a Mandarin Dual Language Pathway and instruction in Spanish Mandarin and Japanese. There’s even a GATE program for gifted and talented students a Wellness Center and a Peer Resource Program. This commitment to a diverse student population led to a heated debate in 2020. The San Francisco School Renaming Panel suggested changing the school’s name. They cited Abraham Lincoln’s treatment of Native Americans. However the plan was ultimately dropped.
Beyond academics Abraham Lincoln High School boasts a vibrant extracurricular scene. There are over 40 clubs and organizations. These include Mock Trial Drama and Tech Improv UNICEF and JROTC just to name a few. The school also has a strong athletic tradition. Its varsity teams compete in various sports. The school’s dragon boat team even achieved world championship status in 2018. The school’s football team achieved back-to-back California State Championships in 2018 and 2019. This success is part of the school’s rich history and strong sense of community. The school spirit is palpable especially during the annual Bell Game against rival George Washington High School. The winning school claims the prized bell a 70-year-old tradition. The school’s red and gold colors and Mustang mascot further represent this spirit. The school hymn “High on a Hilltop” composed by a Lincoln graduate in 1943 embodies the enduring spirit of Abraham Lincoln High School. Its legacy continues to inspire students and the wider San Francisco community. The school continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing times while preserving its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.