San Marcos high vs Mission Hills high (low income, high schools)

[Stayhomemom77]

San Marcos High Vs Mission Hills high- Academically, is one better than the other? Also, how do the generally compare with each other? TIA!

[RosieSD]

I'd suggest you compare each of the schools' School Profiles (this is a report that high schools prepare to send to colleges when students apply).

Here are both schools' School Profiles (the most recent I can find online; call the school's counseling office to ask for the most current one):

Mission Hills High School School Profile

San Marcos High School School Profile

In reading the profiles, and making comparisons between them, pay attention specifically to the following:

- Percentage of students meeting University of California A-G requirements
- Number of Advanced Placement (AP) classes offered, percentage of students enrolling in AP classes, and average AP exam scores (3 is a "passing" grade on AP tests). If your child has special academic interests (i.e., sciences), look closely at the depth of the AP classes offered relating to those interests, as well as other academic opportunities at the school.
- Special academic opportunities - i.e. options for dual enrollment in community college courses, honors courses, special academic programs or focuses, unique curriculum aspects, enrichment opportunities, career exploration opportunities
- College entrance exam scores
- Percentage of students attending 4-year colleges after graduation
- Percentage of students attending any college (including 2 year) after graduation
- What types of colleges do students attend (i.e. Cal States, Privates, UCs)
- H.S. Graduation rate
- Student demographics, especially the percentage of students from low income families
- Extracurriculars (this won't tell you much about academics, but again if your child has special interests, the types of extracurriculars available may be worth considering when deciding between schools)
- Any other information that pertains specifically to your child's academic interests, needs, and goals

Opinions from people whose children attend schools is helpful, but *most* parents think their kids' school is pretty decent and they usually don't have anything to compare their kids' school to. The school profiles give you more factual data.

Obviously, however, the "best" school for one student may be different than the "best" school for a different student. So, after you get opinions and compare factual information, the deciding factor needs to be which school will be the best match for your child, their academic skills and interests, and your academic goals for them.

Good luck with your research!

[Stayhomemom77]

Thank you so much for your detailed reply Rosie! Really appreciate it!