Additionally, the school was ranked No. 1,637 in math and reading performance, which evaluates state testing results against the publication’s expectations based on the proportion of minority and low-income students who are in the school. It also ranked No. 5,493 in graduation rate.
Around 72% of SMHS’ seniors took at least one AP exam, with 84% passing. The student body yielded an 86% proficiency in math, 84% proficiency in reading and 95% graduation rate.
SMHS has approximately 8% of its students classified as economically disadvantaged, according to U.S. News, with 8% of the population qualifying for free lunch and 1% qualifying for reduced-price lunch. Approximately 76% of the student body is a minority, with Asian students making up the largest plurality at 60% — around 7% of the students are Hispanic, while 8% identify as being two or more races and 1% are Black.
Kurtenbach credited the unique nature of San Marino for its success.
“Our ability to whether these unprecedented times is due to our ability to pull together as a community with students, staff and parents all challenging and supporting each other throughout the past year-and-a-half in the same way they have for decades in San Marino,” said the principal, who is concluding his second year in the position. “We don’t just say we are stronger together; we live it.”
By comparison, neighboring South Pasadena High School ranked No. 434 nationwide, No. 58 in California and No. 25 in the Los Angeles metro area. La Cañada High School was rated No. 225 nationally, No. 27 in California and No. 10 in the L.A. metro. Meanwhile, Arcadia High School was ranked No. 810 nationally (No. 112 in California and No. 47 in the L.A. metro); Gabrielino High School in San Gabriel was ranked No. 879 nationally (No. 125 in California and No. 56 in the L.A. metro); and Temple City High School was No. 1,004 nationally (No. 147 in California and No. 66 in the L.A. metro).
For additional information, visit
usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/California.
Survey Says: SMHS Ranks Among Nation’s Best
