Didn’t it all begin in 1856? Here we are at Lowell High School in San Francisco. It is more than just a school. It is a landmark. It is an institution with a rich past.
Lowell High School started as the Union Grammar School. Colonel Thomas J. Nevins wanted a free high school for boys and a seminary for girls. It took him three years to convince the Board of Education.
The Union Grammar School first opened in a rented church. It was on Powell Street. Later the school was called San Francisco High School. People knew it was a secondary school.
In 1894, the school was renamed Lowell High School. This honored the poet James Russell Lowell. Pelham W. Ames of the school board led this effort.
Lowell moved to Hayes Street in 1913. It stayed there for 50 years. In 1962, it moved to its current location near Lake Merced. This is where we are now.
Lowell High School has a long-standing reputation. People often call it one of the best schools in California. All high schools in the San Francisco Unified School District require admissions. But Lowell is the only one that uses merit-based admissions.
Lowell’s campus is quite extensive. It includes a main academic building. There is also a science building. You will also find a visual and performing arts building. The Carol Channing auditorium seats 1000 people. Carol Channing is a famous alumna.
The campus offers many facilities. There is a library and several computer labs. You can also find a gymnasium and a dance studio here. Outside, there are sports fields and courts. These include tennis, basketball, and volleyball. A quarter-mile running track surrounds the fields.
Lowell has always been known for its academics. It often ranks among the top public schools in California. The school has been a California Distinguished School seven times. It has also been a National Blue Ribbon School four times.
Lowell High School has a graduation rate of nearly 100%. It sends many students to the University of California system. Berkeley and Davis are popular choices.
Lowell once used an arena scheduling system. Students chose their classes online. This system ended during the pandemic.
Lowell’s admissions process has changed over time. Race-based policies were once in place. These policies led to legal challenges. In 2020, a lottery system was used temporarily. Now, merit-based admissions are back.
Lowell offers many student activities. There are over 84 clubs and organizations. The Lowell Forensic Society is one of the oldest debate teams in the nation. The student newspaper, The Lowell, has won many awards.
CardinalBotics is Lowell’s robotics team. They have won the FIRST Impact Award twice. This award recognizes their work in promoting STEM education.
Lowell also has a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. It offers leadership and teamwork opportunities.
Lowell’s athletic teams are very competitive. They compete in many sports. These include football, basketball, and volleyball.
Lowell has produced many notable alumni. These include Nobel Prize winners. Also, you find politicians, judges, and artists. Carol Channing is one of them. Edmund G. “Pat” Brown and William Hewlett also went to Lowell.
Lowell High School continues to be a leading public school. It provides students with opportunities. It encourages them to contribute to society. Lowell’s mission is to benefit both themselves and the wider community.