How many kids go to Lowell High
Lowell High School—that big, historic, hyper-competitive public school in San Francisco—has a student body that shifts a little every year. Based on the latest numbers from the 2023-2024 school year, you're looking at roughly 2,700 to 2,800 kids roaming the halls. That makes it one of the biggest in SFUSD, no question. The exact count might jump by a few dozen here and there because of transfers or new enrollees mid-year, but it pretty much stays parked in that range.
What is the exact student enrollment number for Lowell High School?
The California Department of Education's official data for 2023-2024 puts it at 2,718 students. That's everyone from 9th grade through 12th. Keep in mind, this is the number they capture during the annual census, which usually happens in October. The school's built to handle around 2,700 kids, so yeah—it's basically full to the brim.
How does Lowell High's student population compare to other San Francisco high schools?
Lowell is a beast compared to most other SF high schools. Here's a quick look at how it stacks up against some of the big names in the district, using the most recent data:
| School Name | Approximate Enrollment (2023-2024) |
|---|---|
| Lowell High School | 2,718 |
| Abraham Lincoln High School | 1,900 |
| Washington High School | 1,800 |
| Balboa High School | 1,200 |
| Mission High School | 1,000 |
That table says it all—Lowell dwarfs the others. It's a citywide magnet school, pulling kids from every corner of San Francisco, which explains the massive numbers.
What is the breakdown of students by grade level at Lowell High?
The four grade levels are surprisingly balanced. Here's the rough split based on the latest data:
- 9th Grade: Approximately 680 students
- 10th Grade: Approximately 685 students
- 11th Grade: Approximately 675 students
- 12th Grade: Approximately 678 students
Pretty consistent, right? Not much attrition between grades. The tiny differences come from families moving in or out of the district, or maybe changes in academic placement. But honestly, it's stable.
Has the student population at Lowell High changed in recent years?
Yeah, there've been some shifts. Before COVID hit, enrollment was actually a bit higher—often creeping past 2,800. Then the pandemic threw everything into chaos, and the school saw a dip during 2020-2021. Some families bailed for other options. But it's bounced back and settled into the 2,700 zone. Oh, and the admissions policy got overhauled too—switched from a merit-based lottery to this mix of grades, test scores, and zip codes to boost diversity. It didn't really change the total headcount, but the demographic makeup? That's a different story.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio at Lowell High School?
With 2,718 kids and about 120 full-time teachers, the ratio shakes out to roughly 23:1. That's a smidge higher than the state average of 22:1 for high schools. But class sizes are all over the place depending on the subject. AP and honors classes? Smaller groups. Core stuff like English or history? Packed houses. Plus, there's extra staff—counselors, aides—to help wrangle the crowds.
How many students are in each classroom at Lowell High?
Class sizes aren't one-size-fits-all. The official ratio says 23:1, but real numbers swing from 20 to 35 kids per class. Here's a quick rundown by subject:
- Core Classes (English, Math, History, Science): 30-35 students per class.
- Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) Classes: 20-28 students per class.
- Electives (Art, Music, Drama): 15-25 students per class.
- Physical Education: 35-40 students per class.
- Special Education and Support Classes: 10-15 students per class.
Makes sense—tougher subjects get smaller classes, while the basics cram more kids in. It's all about finding that balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lowell High School the largest high school in San Francisco?
Yep, based on the latest numbers, Lowell's the biggest in SFUSD with about 2,718 students. The next closest? Abraham Lincoln and Washington High Schools, each hovering around 1,800 to 1,900.
How many students are in the freshman class at Lowell High?
The freshman class usually lands around 680 kids. It wobbles a bit year to year depending on how many apply and get accepted. But the school tries to keep all four grades roughly the same size.
Does Lowell High School have a waiting list?
Oh yeah, there's definitely a waitlist. Way more kids apply than spots available—hundreds every year, but only about 680 get into the freshman class. If you don't get in initially, you might get on the waitlist, and sometimes spots open up when kids decline their offers.
What is the gender breakdown at Lowell High School?
It's pretty balanced—about 52% male and 48% female, according to recent data. That roughly mirrors the applicant pool and the admission process.
Short Summary
- Total Enrollment: Approximately 2,718 students as of the 2023-2024 school year.
- Grade Distribution: Roughly 680 students per grade level, from 9th to 12th grade.
- School Size: It is the largest high school in the San Francisco Unified School District.
- Class Sizes: Vary from 20 to 35 students, with an overall student-to-teacher ratio of 23:1.
