Like any other young student, the teachers here really propelled me to new heights, and pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. When I started school here. I hated it. Crowded hallways, Chinese spoken at every turn of the corner, Asian teachers and administers; even though I was Asian american I didn't feel like I fit in. When I stood on the stairs, all I saw was a sea of black hair and glasses. Stereotypical maybe- but Mark Keppel High School was that kind of school. Keppel is not a very diverse school, at all whatsoever. Nonetheless, the students were high achievers. I remember in my freshman year my orchestra concert master went to Yale. Subsequent classmates attended Princeton and Brown University. The girls basketball team and the sports team were extremely hardworking, and they came home with many accolades. Orchestra, Guitar, Band and World Drumming instructor, Dr. Carla Bartlett is one of the finest teachers I have ever had, and ever will have in my opinion. Strict at times, she was passionate about her craft and really loved and cared for her students. The art teacher, Bonnie Bostwick is charismatic, lovable, and overall just a wonderful person. There are many opportunities for high achievement at Keppel, I was involved in CSF the California Scholarship Federation and NHS the National Honors Society, both clubs had a large pool of students who were active in community service on campus. In addition, we have a strong Academic Decathalon Team and Math Club, which often compete in regional competitions. There are many AP classes offer at Keppel as well: Environmental Science, World History, US History, Physics B and C, Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, English, English Literature, Spanish, French and more. Being able to take AP classes in high school really helped a lot now that I am in college. There is a social club scene on campus as well: Akasa Arai, Talondi , etc. Keppel has prepared me well for college, and for the real world. The teachers here can be tough at times, but they are true to themselves and their passions, they love their students. Of course every school has it's pros and cons; certainty there are certain professors, students and staff that were not so great, but overall the academic rigor and wide variety of ways to get involved really made Mark Keppel my second home. I used to hate this school but I've really grown to appreciate it. I would recommend Keppel to any students or parents hoping to give their children access to many opportunities. read more