I graduated from Saratoga in 2003. I had a great experience and felt that the Academics were exceptional. Yes we had rallies and dances and I enjoyed attending them. I feel that you need a work/life balance and this would greatly help those who may not be suited for AP classes. I am very much for challenging yourself but only if you can handle the challenges. I would hate to see a student get so stressed that their emotional state is compromised. High school should lead you to a good University or Community College. If you attend a Community College or Ivy League remember the choice you make is the right one. Please don't feel pressured to fit in with a certain group. I highly recommend talking with your Counselor to follow the path that is right for you, I felt that the Teachers and Staff were very supportive. I have good memories of attending Saratoga High School and I wish you all the best in your future Academic endeavors! read more

We came here for my son basketball games...wow what a beautiful school. Huge parking lot, clean campus, clean bathroom. Looks like a community college campus. read more

Saratoga High School - Sign by the gym, "Home Of The Falcons" - Elementary Schools Near Me - Saratoga, California

I'm not quite sure why it's rated so low. Yes, it is strong for academics and people study a lot, but isn't that the point? Although I agree that it's upsetting that events are getting cancelled, but students still have pride. I don't understand what is so wrong about studying- and almost being guaranteed into a UC. I think kids are the same no matter what school people go to, but I highly recommend this school. People here tend to know what they want to do with their lives and carry through with it. Guidance counselors are helpful, as are the teachers. Great school! read more

I am Asian. I like to stray from the formula however. Not only was I fat (which is a big faux paux when your Asian) but I think I am the only Asian (or student) who failed Algebra 1 once and then went on to suceeed at failing at Geometry once. The only things I really remember about my high school years at "Toga" is losing my virginity, being an absolute failure at math and science and totally abusing that one period "Exploring Childhood" read more

High quality education with multiple AP class offerings, a wonderful orchestra program, dedicated drama teacher and athletics that challenge kids at all levels. I moved here so my son can attend this school. This is a public high school that rivals any private institution. read more

Such a beautiful as well as nice person was Audrey Potts. Its too bad other girls cannot appreciate these qualities and have the presence of character at that age to help someone such as Audrey by simply being her friend. Yo, rah. Have fun Saratoga High School. read more

The good: most teachers are fairly competent and the band is amazing. New science facilities, library, and football field (w/ lights!). Wide variety of classes including photography, woodshop, poetry, and ceramics. Drama department is very good. Newspaper is well written. Block schedule is great. Good national standings (72nd in the U.S!). The bad: Some teachers are extremely, hard, or unfair, or both. On average, one gets about one bad teacher per year. All of the teachers tend to give a lot of homework and expect a lot from the students. The buildings are all identical cinderblock which adds to the feeling of being in a prison. Pressure from teachers, parents, and peers to make the grade to get into college. Mediocre football team. The Aries system, which lets students check their grades online, enhances the academic pressure because of the ease to see one's grade. Bottom line: If you are plan on working you butt off, and only seeing some reward from it this is a good place. If you learn how to use the system, you will succeed, otherwise you will fail quite fast. Because of the workload, there is time for only a few extracurricular activities. But, if you want to be in a GREAT marching band or go to a very academic state supported school, then this is the place for you. read more

Coaching

Hilarious. People complaining about a school because the academics are challenging. With all due respect, from Webster's: Definition of school 1 :an organization that provides instruction: such as a :an institution for the teaching of children Those of us who have experienced or have knowledge of school systems in other parts of the world such as Asia and Western Europe can attest to the fact that schools there are much harder. Grading is much more strict, and the teachers are in near complete control. The students have very little say about anything, and school isn't seen as needing to include an entertainment platform, In the globalized marketplace that today's high school students will face in the future, they had better get used to rigor and hard work, and lamenting about extra curricular activities and their social lives, will, unfortunately, not prepare them adequately. read more

I had attended this school in the mid 90's and hated my experience here overall. Way too acadamically intense and stressful. This place made college feel easy in comparison. And the kids here were horribly snobby....the 90210 of northern California. If you didn't look pretty, have the right clothes etc....you wouldn't feel welcome. I highly enjoyed college after this....not just because it seemed easier....but because I was around more normal (and friendly) people and could make friends and have a social life. The only thing this school did was make college seem easier but in retrospect it wasn't worth the agony I had gone through. I remember where it became so stressful that i wasn't able to get all my studying done on time....had a presentation that I wasn't prepared for as a result and had my first panic attack during my speech. I froze and remember the popular kids laughing. It was so horrible and traumatic that i almost couldn't bring myself to continue at this school. Didn't have much of a choice in the matter at time and had to stay. I did get a 4.0 gpa senior year, however perfect grades don't bring happiness. Anyway just some things to consider for those of you who want to send your kids to this school. read more

I graduated from Saratoga High in 2012 and I would say I had a great experience. The classes are pretty difficult and it can be a competitive atmosphere. That being said, for the most part the teachers really caring, dedicated, and smart. I have moved onto college at USC and have found that shs has prepared me very well for the workload. I also met a lot of nice classmates and made some great friends. For me, Saratoga was a great combination of academics and social life, but it definitely leans towards academics. read more

Amazing school! School has generally supportive teachers, APs, extra curriculars(clubs & sports), great admins! Graduated in 2012 from SHS with National Merit and matriculates at CAL! Noticed that valedictorians from southern California are struggling to get a "C"; students from Saratoga are breezing by with an "A". About 10% of the graduating class enroll at CAL, 5% at the Ivies,& 15% at other UCs. Los Gatos HS on the other hand sends students to Cal Poly SLO. On the most recent API score Saratoga scored 938 while Los Gatos received an 883 which 55 point diff. read more

Because everything you needed to know, you didn't learn in kindergarten. Unless you're f*ing Little Man Tate. It's about the tools that help you keep learning. It's about taking off your Senior year, and taking off your clothes, and running through your school naked and underage. And getting on Howard Stern for it. read more

Teachers in Saratoga High are really average. The reason the SAT, and API scores high are over tutoring, jumping ahead learning at home or after school learning for most of the students. Students are from wealth family and got money to burn hiring tutors. School are not focus on prepare students for real life. I am sorry to say Saratoga high is not as good as it seems, it is over-rated. Do not buy expensive house there just for SHS, it is not worth it. read more

I am an alumi and parent of a current Sophmore at SHS. This school is in trouble. The students are angry, deafeated and troubled. The staff and administration lack leadership, compassion and humanity. I am NOT a lone voice. before you consider allowing your child to attend this school, visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/SHS-SOS-save-our-students/276199612429961 See why parents have decided enough is enough! read more

Although Saratoga High is known for it's academics, most of the kids are negative towards others. The classes are almost 100% academic except for visual arts classes. They have great counsellors to help people in need for college guidance and whatever. If your thinking about going to this school instead of Los Gatos, Prospect, or whatever other high schools there are in the areas, be prepared to study a LOT (or be critisized if you don't). read more

Definitely better than the alternatives in the area when it comes to academics and facilities but many of the students can be out-of-touch and snobbish at times. As with many other things, it really depends on what you are looking for. If you want a solid education in advanced facilities, then you would probably enjoy SHS but if you are looking for a lively environment then you would be better off at LG or another area school. read more

My friends from MLS Sound spun for their formal on Dec. 13th this year and by the look at the gym, its pretty nice! The staff who was at the dance was really nice about everything, even letting them know about how loud the music is supposed to be so that the neighbors don't complain. I give this school 5 stars, I haven't gone and looked around campus nor have I went here... but by the look of how the dance turn out, it was great. read more

Want to make another rating to bring this school to the fucking ground where it belongs. Again, fuck this school. Make a better decision than going to this privileged school for jackasses. read more

Almost every student that attends SHS is guaranteed to get into the UC system. It is a school where UCs are the safety's and Ivy's are not even reaches. They keep trying to take pressure off the students by implementing Block Scheduling or open access to AP and Honors classes, but this has only caused the school to decline over the years. Test scores and rankings have been steadily declining since about 2004. The pressure seemed to make SHS one of the top schools in the state but now it's just about band kids and generic asians. Everyone has a 4.0, and anything below is considered a failure. The tradition the school once had has been lost. There is no more senior prank, streaking, good rallies, and Lip Sync (which used to attract the entire town as if it was a football game) has been repeatedly cancelled because of lack of interest. The school completely lacks spirit, homecoming week used to be the biggest week of the year and the entire school would show up to decorate, now people stay home to study for SATs or just don't care at all. Even all the good teachers that have been there for about 30+ years are all retiring this year. Saratoga High has completely lost it's charm, tradition, and academics. read more

Two suicides in the past 10 ten years... I think it speaks for itself. Send your kid to private school if you value their quality of life.

My kids have attended - two are now in college and one is a freshman. I could not say enough good things about this school. We moved to the area because we wanted good public schools and these schools have not disappointed us. Both daughters have friends in high school that they still keep in touch with and will definitely be life long friendships. The principal is understanding/outstanding as is the vice principals and the guidance counselors. The teachers are outstanding! If a parent has a child who is special ed that might be an issue and I don't have a comment on that. All the kids have respect for each other and in the the many years we have been a part of this school system - we have not ever encountered a problem. We highly recommend the high school as well as Redwood Middle School and Argonaut Elementary School. We cannot thank these schools enough for a great education and experience. read more