Santa Monica High School in Santa Monica, California

“My daughters have so much available to them at SAMOHI. There are 7 orchestras, many sports teams to go out for and other alternative PE choices, honors and AP classes as well as regular levels. Though it is a huge school it seems small due to the 6 houses with counselors that the school is broken up into-about 500-800 per house. I was scared to send my kids to SAMOHI-all my fears were for nought. My kids are flourishing and made the honor roll first semester. Classes are challenging and inspiring.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“SM is a comprehensive public high school dealing well with all that they have to these days... budget cuts, an extremely diverse population, beurocratic demands and everything else that takes teachers away from where their focus needs to be: on educating every student!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Amazing Music and Drama Programs in spite of sever budget cuts!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Despite its size, a community exists in the smaller house system. Fantastic public school with great music/performing arts and ok sports program, despite limited income and state wide budget cuts.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Although it has a very large number of students and an ever decreasing budget, it works hard to give students a broad education across the board.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Its so awesome because there are so many great teachers and programs that make school fun!!!”
This review was posted by a student.

“I love this school. After trying a few other high schools, i realize that this one is the one for me. Challenging courses, yet the teachers make them fun and interesting. Highly recommended!”
This review was posted by a student.

“what do i need to say, this school is perfect! great music program and alot of fun clubs for those who want to help the needy”
This review was posted by a student.

“I graduated from Samohi in 2002. I would say the school is a well rounded school that prepared me far better for college than some of my private school friends. There are a wide variety of student run and class based clubs, advanced placement classes, sports, and an excellent music program. If you asked me, I would say Samohi is the reason Real Estate values are so high in Santa Monica.”
This review was posted by a student.

“this is a great school. it has something for everyone. no matter what your intrests are there is a club for it. if there isnt you can easily start one. thanx to Dr. Ford we have a great theater program. The same goes for the music and sports departments. all that is really needed is for the houses to start working together more often and it will be a better school. im graduating this year and will miss it. i dont think there is a better school than this one in the artea let alone the state.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I graduated from Santa Monica in 2004, it was a great school, I was involved in sports, music, clubs, and had high marks. The teachers are wonderful, however there administration and the principle was horrid.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“Very creative fun cirrcular activities but feel like sometimes the learning was hard on me.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“My child received a great education at aewright middle school. They have an excellent and suppotive staff.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Although this school is huge, it is important to note that students can be successful at this school with work and dedication and complete parent support and involvement. With a school this large, it is also crucial that a student be involed in either a club or extra curricular activity in order to thrive socially. Even with the houses in place, it is hard otherwise to have a solid friend base. Extracurricular activities are plenty and suit a wide varity of interests. Most teachers are available for extra help and encourage students to ask for support when needed -- the student needs to really put themselves out there though. Tutoring is also available after school in most subjects. Complete online evaluations and grades are available daily, including homework assignments, to both parents and students (pinnacle)so that everybody is aware of what is goung on. A fantastic tool!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is too large for special attention, so parental involvement is a must if you want your child to succeed. The school focuses on test scores so they do value their curriculum. They do not however evaluate each student's abilities prior to placing them in a class. They encourage all students to take classes above and beyond their graduation requirements with the illusion of getting into a good college, but neglect the need to also have a decent GPA as well.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“SAMOHI is a fine school. However, it is enormous at over 3000 students. The recent change to assign each student to a house is a great attempt at carving the school up into manageable bits. The overall impression is a giant factory - even if it is well managed, with a smart principal and a very good Superintendant. A student who knows what he/she wants and takes advantage of the many programs will do well. The floundering or shy will get lost in the enormity of it all. Some very good teachers but my student has yet to be inspired, but that may be moe about him than the school. As good as they can do, given the circumstances.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“There is lack of consistency throughtout the school, starting with policies such as tardies, absences and small schools. The administration is not responsive to student needs and does not work with teachers to attempt to improve problems arising in the classroom.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“Academic program is adequate for about 1/3 of the student body. Music, sports and extracurricular activities are available. Parent involvement is low.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The school as an excellent staff but a poor administrator. The school needs consistency, especially when it comes to policies. There seems to be a problem with the Houses they have implemented and students and staff do not benefit from this drastic change.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think that over all the school is pretty good, the need to get more people informed about what programs they have for their children. I think that this school is open to ideas but also need back off the kids and let them have more social events such as pep rally's thats also important we you go to high school if you can work hard then you are also allowed to have a little time to have some fun.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Great school, amazing teachers and a good support staff. Many opportunities for AP students, great sports programs and an amazing music program.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Santa Monica High is like two schools. If your child is motivated in academics and is involved in the 'crown jewels' of the school--sports, music or theater programs--this is the good school. Then you are getting the best of SAMO. Your academically motivated child will also find other academic and club activities. If your child is not a fairly reliable academic student, is not a motivated kid, and is not involved in strong extra-curricular activities--sports, music, or theater--then your child is going to be lost in the 'other' SAMO--the bad one. The teachers and administration are overwhelmed and cannot pay attention to your child like you would want them to. Violence and neglect are realities for those kids. It is a shame. I think there are good teachers and good administrators, but just too many kids and too much to do.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“SAMO has a lot to offer if your child is already a good student. Our son was not and he easily silpped through the cracks. The administration is overwhelmed. It is extremely easy to cut classes. Violence was also a major problem for our boy. Overall, the best thing about SAMO is the music and theatre programs. Unfortunately, our son was not involved with either one. His academics suffered because of his own bad attitude and probably would have any where, but SAMO is too large for the unmotivated kid.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two boys who graduated from SAMO, one this last June and one the June before. The SMMUSD offers an excellent education in a public-school setting and we were more than pleased. Any problems were addressed quickly and praise was also quick to be received, which is a refreshing change. Class size was not too terrible and the extracurricular activities were first rate. Parents were very involved in the various music groups and the music instructors really gave their all. If I had to do it all over again, I would send my boys back to SAMO.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I graduated from this School in '88' and was part of the School Marching Band. This school gave me a edge on life outside of school to make it in this world. I highly recommend sending your children to this school. Also, my brother and sister graduated from here and are doing above average in there lives as well.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“With smaller class size and over all a smaller school size this school would be amazing and very difficult to beat. i think some students need phsycological care that we should provide at the school.”
This review was posted by a .