George Washington High School

Advanced Placement Courses:  English Literature, US History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics (Micro and Macro), Calculus (AB and BC), Statistics, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, Japanese, Art History

Honors Courses:  Algebra, Geometry, Adv. Algebra,  Pre-Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, English 1-6, Chinese 3-6, Spanish 3-6, French 3-6, Japanese 3-6, American Democracy

Independent and Off-Campus Study:  Able juniors and seniors can elect to take classes at City College of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, or the University of California at Berkeley

Significant College Related Instructional Characteristics:

Marking System:  Grades are A, B, C, D, F.

Graduation Requirements:  Aligned with UC a-g Requirements

4 yrs. English; 5 yrs. combination Mathematics & Science; 2 yrs. Physical Education, 2 yrs. World Language; 1 year each Visual/Performing Arts, World Civilization, U.S. History, American Democracy/Economics; 1 semester Health Education and 1 semester College/Career Education.

Other Requirements:  Earn 230 credits, pass the California High School Exit Exam (ELA and Math)

Method of Computing GPA:  A=4 points, B=3 points, C=2 points. D=1 point, F=0. 

All grades except PE are given numerical value, added up and divided by the number of courses attempted.  Grades in the Honors and AP classes are weighted 1 additional point.

Class Rank:  Grades for all courses taken in 10th and 11^th (except PE) determine class rank. Grades in Honors and AP classes are weighted.

SAT Scores:  Class of 2010          SAT Verbal Average:  455,   SAT Math Average:  528,   SAT Writing Average:  458

Graduates  (Class of 2010):        530             College Acceptances:  96%

Four Year Colleges:      57%

Universityof California: 23%     State University:  27%     Independent Colleges:  7%          Community Colleges/Vocational Schools:   39%                   

Philosophy

George Washington is a four-year comprehensive high school. The school, from its inception, has been dedicated to the philosophy that every student entering its halls has the right to an education to maximize his/her potential.

Campus

Located in the outer Richmond district with breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands, the campus includes the main classroom building, a practical arts complex, a library, five fully-equipped computer centers, an auditorium, a gymnasium, an athletic field, a football stadium, and six tennis courts.

Curriculum

GeorgeWashington High School's comprehensive curriculum educates students for the twenty-first century. A distinguished faculty, including Fulbright Scholars and National Board Certified Teachers, is dedicated to academic excellence. More than 100 different courses are offered to students each year from ten departments.

Special Programs

The school's gifted program is the largest of the city's comprehensive high schools. Presently 62 honors and Advanced Placement class sections are being taught daily. Non-native English-speaking students' instructional needs are provided through ESL classes. A Special Education program is available to students who meet admission criteria.

Scholastic Excellence

The college acceptance rate for the June 2010 graduating class was 96%.  Each year GWHS grads successfully compete on the UC campuses, in private schools across the nation, in California State Universities, community college programs, the military, or directly in business.  The senior class of June 2010 has 100 students honored by the national College Board as Advanced Placement Scholars. Of 14,000 high school participating in the Advanced Placement program, the GWHS AP program is ranked 55^th,  the top 1% in the nation.  Washington’s AP program has also been honored by the California Department of Education as a California Exemplary School, one of only four schools in the state receiving such an honor.  In May, 2003, the Challenge Index Published in Newsweek and by MSNBC news rated Washington as “one of the best schools in America” based on the number of AP tests taken by all students divided by the number of graduating seniors.  Since then, Washington continues to be honored each year by Newsweek for it AP program.

Extra-Curricular Activities

The extra-curricular program at GWHS provides something for everyone. Broad-ranged student interests, from skiing to equestrian, from forensics to computers are met through student clubs.  School dances and athletic events are held regularly. Students participating in school sports, ROTC, or in visual and performing art groups regularly earn distinction.

Visitations

Visitors are welcome to George Washington High School. Individual tours are limited during the months of October and November. Please call for an appointment. (415) 750-8400.