I got the privilege to run the track here once for the PDQ. This is a nice campus. They also host church here, I think its Episcopalian or something. Not one of the new age Christian denominations is all I remember, not Methodist or what have you. I didnt attend but its there. Lucky students who end up in this school district. I thought my private high school was nice but not compared to this at all. read more

Fire experience, crazy flics, multiple stories, rooms, buildings, great food for school food, cool ppl. read more

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school is awesome great program, sports and art/drama programs. however the lady who answer the phone and gives information to parents is so so so so incredibly rude. It is unfortunate because it paints the school in a bad light, that's how rude and dismissive she is. I find it odd to get upset with anyone calling for information when that is your LITERAL job description to man the phones! Perhaps they should hire a more suitable person. read more

Words fail as to how bad this schools has become. This was once the most beautiful campus in California. They sold off most of it to developers, ripped out everything of value and turned the rest into a nightmare of confusion and garbage. The bathrooms are foul and they have destroyed the olympic-sized pool. No more girls gym, no more boys gym, no literacy, nothing but a wasteland. I think the worst blow to me was that they replaced the WWII plaque in the Greek Theater (for all the Alumni who died) and got my uncle's name wrong (his name was Tony, not Gary guys). But what the heck, they are just a school, they can't be held to get things like history right (right?). I'm an alumni from the 80's and I loved my Samohi. They made me so sour that I paid through the nose to send all four of my kids to St. Monica's and it was worth it. Go St. Monica's! read more

Location: 601 Pico Blvd. 9th and Michigan. Just hearin' those streets just takes me back to another life time. It's cleverly located right next to the freeway (Lincoln Blvd) Also, it's so close to the beach/promenade/Santa Monica Pier. you can actually see the beach from the steps of the History Building Lunch time: 1. Science Quad: It's where all the whites/ Asians and everyone else. 2. Main Quad (Ghetto Quad): It's where all the Blacks/Latinos hung out. However, I would find myself frequently in that area. I just couldn't resist the pizza up in that area. 3. The Greek: The weirdos...... The individuals who were socially awkward and would often instead of eatin' their lunch durin' lunch time would run up and down the sprinklers. 4. Clubs/Social Activities: Anything you can think of from Band, Soccer, yearbook, Asian club, Key Club, or randomly make-up your own club just so you can get in the yearbook with you and your friends.. Whatever the case maybe..... There is something for everyone. These activities are what made high school fun! Racial Harmony was one of the best times I had in high school. Alongside ASIAN CLUB.......... 5. Safety: It's a relatively safe campus. In recent years I did hear about racial/gang tension amongst people though that happens in a lot of places. I don't think it has an affect on whether or not I think the school is safe. 6. Teachers: A lot of good teachers here........ A lot of former Bruins (My Alma Mater) and Mr. Okla. You know......... The guy who sports SC shit everywhere. HAHa. He and I used to get into a lot of battles in his math class. 7. Lunch time: If my memory still serves me correctly, everyone except for Freshman are able to eat off campus. You have your wide selection of nearby establishments such as Taco Bell, Arbys, dominos, tommys, Dominos. If you have a car you can wander a little farther and get some In-n-out like what I used to do. 8. Sports: Samohi is a powerhouse. My senior year we took CIF in football. Also, our Soccer, Waterpolo, and tennis teams are super legit. 9. Band/Orchestra: Mr. Terry Sakow. I was never in band. Well, I was in band for 2 weeks and then I was asked to leave by Peter Park. If you've been in band I think you know who he is........ Nuff' Said. Anyway, Samohi is known for winnin' sweepstakes and going on orchestra trips to different countries. Our 9. Academics: Yeah, we got that. A wide variety of AP classes from Bio, chem, Psych, Physics, US History...... Blah blah blah. you get the point.......Languages offered: Japanese, Latin, French, Spanish, German...... 10. College: Everywhere from Pico Tech (SMC) to Harvard. You name it. We have some bright kids who go to our school and some dumb ones but your education is not downgraded at this school. Movies that have been shot here: -Rebel without a Cause (It was known as Malibu Park High school back then) -Surf ninjas - 17 Again *It's a good school and I would definitely send my kids here......... Class of 2002 BABY. Voted MOST SPIRITED. PALENDROMEEEEEEEEEEEEE..... WHAAAAAAAT????? read more

The review is mainly for the athletics department. The way they announced the tryouts vs the actual tryouts are two separate issues. I went here years ago so I don't know if it changed that much or not. I went to the same sport tryouts for 3 straight years with no luck. Half to most of the kids just act like clowns and don't try and make the team, while others who at least put in the energy and try get rejected (not saying everyone on each sport is a clown and can't play for the life of them). The team(s) should be based on potential, how the kid does, and work ethic. One of those 3 years the requirement was everyone on the team needed to tryout again to at the same time as everyone else but only 3 or so players showed up along with a limited amount of participants to tryout. Guess what? The teams stayed the same. Also attempted to tryout for the Football team. Guess what? No one showed up to the tryouts even the coaches. Nothing about canceling, nothing about postponing it, absolutely nothing. Myself and one other kid was there a little early and waited for 10-15 minutes after it was supposed to start and was still nothing. Looked around on the website and at school that day and the following weeks and there was nothing posted on it. Am I upset? No. Instead of firing the coach just get kids who are willing to work, play, win, and have a great mindset and good grades. read more

I really enjoyed all four years attending this school. When I first started as a freshman, I was a little overwhelmed; I mean the campus at my middle school was nothing compared to this one. It was huge! The buildings are interesting and old, with the exception of the new Barnum Hall. The main quad is a great place to hang out with friends and have lunch, and it's just a fun experience. Having graduated back in 2005, I'm sure that things have changed and that buildings may have as well, but for the most part I'm sure the experience will be the same. As for the teachers, some were jerks and some were awesome! If you plan on joining the high school orchestra, you will not regret it! I played the violin and was in the Symphony Orchestra of the high school, and I've got to tell you that I had a blast! At the same time, remember that this is still school and there are things that suck. As a result of an ambush by Venice High School, the school required you to show your I.D. cards whenever you entered the school. They have probably changed this rule by now, but I doubt it. read more

Hands down, the best high school! Born and raised in Santa Monica, I have true loyalty and pride for SAMOHI. My husband and I agreed from day one that our kids will go through the Santa Monica-Malibu school system. We can't imagine it any other way. As for "xTeaMonsturx C.'s" review, sounds like you're a little bitter. And grammatically, sounds like you didn't attend classes often enough. I'm just sayin........... GO VIKINGS!!! read more

This school failed my son miserably! He was bounced around from S house to another house and had 3 different councilors in 2 years. They watched episodes of House weekly for honor biology! The administration was a mess!!! He graduated in 2018. read more

I am only reviewing the track at this time. The facility is located on Pico and 4th street. There is parking on the streets close by at metered spots and is free after 6 pm. The LA Tri Club meets at the track every Wednesday night for coached group runs at 6:30 pm. I don't know if the general public is encouraged to use the track during this time or not but I did see some Frisbee players today and a few other people wandering about the track area. Last week, there was a soccer team practicing on the field as well. The track is a well-maintained 400 meter track with lighting at night. The lights did come on this evening as the group was finishing up. There are restrooms which are open during this time as well just outside of the track area. Very convenient! The bathrooms and the track area are clean when I have been there. I have felt very safe at the track with my group and in the surrounding area during the times that I am there and I am grateful to the high school for allowing the public use of the track area for workouts. Thanks to the city of Santa Monica for this really great perk! read more

Great school with lots of caring teachers! Really strong music program and sports! even though this is a big school - there are many ways to find your people and feel you get personal attention. Many new buildings planned the next 10 years- read more

Are you a middle class white kid at SAMO? Then you're gonna be fine!! If not? Woah, might rethink going to SAMO then. Lots of racist teachers who won't hold back from their racist commentary and thoughts (I got plenty of "jokes" about deportation and coming here on a boat...real appropriate I know!). The teachers DO NOT care about your education, save for a couple here and there who're real gems (Ms. Bouse being one, she will actually go above and beyond to help you further your skills in art, I loved having her). The bathrooms....I don't know if they've fixed those yet, but when I went there two years ago, the mirrors were so scratched up you'd have to SEARCH to find a clean section to see yourself in. Bathrooms are also filthhyyy.... Teachers change all the time and sometimes the subs can seriously mess up your grades with the way they teach. If you're thinking about going to SAMO and your child is of color, I'd suggest looking elsewhere. Opportunities are scarce here and they don't care about the students at all. read more

Good High School. I went here and my brother went here years ago. Class size is about 4k per year which is pretty big. A good mix of all races which provides something most schools in the area doesn't...CULTURE. They have honors classes and ESL stuff, a good range of everything. All the sports teams suck but who cares its high school. When I have kids, if I still live in the area they will go to SAMOHI (slang for SAnta MOnica HIgh) as you learn more than just lessons there. Famous alumni include the brat pack, the old lady in Titanic, Tony Tarasco (bad baseball player), myself, and my brother. read more

Great place to see the summer outdoor movie series. There are clean bathrooms on site and there is a great view of the screen at any angle in the amphitheater read more

I am a 1966 graduate of SAMOHI...it was the best years of my life. Dr. Drake and the staff were the best of the best. The Main Quad was everyone's quad...it was not dedicated to a race/or group. Everyone should be so lucky to have a high school experience like a SAMOHI experience. If I could only turn back the hands of time! read more

I am a parent of a former SAMOHI student and have been utterly disappointed with this school. They tell you that they provide high quality education and in reality the educational experience is pitiful. My son spent two years with uninterested, detached teachers whose only goal is to numb the students with VIDEOS and FILMS on TV while they usually surf internet. This high school is also a dangerous place. In two years my son was there there were two shootings, numerous drug arrests and one suicide. Unless you have no other options don't go there. read more

As an engaged, current parent of under-represented students, I love Samohi. Like anything in our national public educational system, it could be better. However, the educational, extracurricular and even mental health options, make this school a gem. I have 3 students at the school who engage in a wide array of activities, from song, to debate, lacrosse and choir, restorative justice, Spanish immersion, BSU, on-site therapy, metal straw club, Christian club and ASB. The school accommodates high achievers, strugglers & those in-between, while the teachers & advisors work hard to help the students succeed: academically and emotionally. It is a microcosm of our society and will reflect the isms and schisms that our society is dealing with as well. Overall, it is a GREAT school with a tremendous amount of options and opportunities and anyone who'd like to work to make it better, is encouraged to join the active PTSA. read more