Best High Schools in Zip Code 94124

This analysis examines two high schools serving grades 8-12 and 9-12 in San Francisco's 94124 zip code: Marshall (Thurgood) High in the San Francisco Unified district and KIPP San Francisco College Preparatory in its own KIPP San Francisco College Preparatory District.

When comparing the two schools, KIPP San Francisco College Preparatory stands out with significantly stronger academic outcomes. It has a much higher state ranking, a graduation rate over 90%, and proficiency rates in English and Science that meet or exceed the state average. In contrast, Marshall (Thurgood) High faces considerable challenges, with very low proficiency rates across all subjects, a graduation rate near 60%, and a dropout rate above 30%. Both schools serve predominantly low-income student populations.

Key factors in the performance difference may include resources and attendance. KIPP has a significantly lower student-teacher ratio and higher per-student spending. Furthermore, chronic absenteeism is a severe issue at both schools but is markedly worse at Marshall, where it affects more than half the students. For parents, this comparison highlights starkly different educational environments and results within the same community, with one school demonstrating strong college-preparatory outcomes and the other struggling with fundamental metrics of student success and engagement.