Skip to main content

Very Good

#1544 of 9,533 schools in CA

Top 16% in state

San Marin High

High School · Novato Unified

15 San Marin Dr., Novato, CA 94945

Enrollment

1,186

Student-Teacher

21.2:1

Score

7.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Novato

#4 of 15

public schools

California high schools

#263 of 1,892

In district

#4 of 14

Novato Unified

Academic growth

8.4 / 10

Very strong

About San Marin High

San Marin High serves 1,186 students in grades 9-12 in Novato, a well-established community in Marin County. With 56 full-time teachers maintaining a 21.2:1 student-teacher ratio, the school provides a solid educational foundation that has earned it recognition as one of California's stronger performing high schools. The school ranks in the 75th percentile statewide, placing #2,380 among California's 9,566 schools with a MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 out of 10.

Students demonstrate particularly strong performance in English Language Arts, with 66% achieving proficiency or above across grade levels. Math performance shows room for growth, with 40% of students meeting proficiency standards, presenting opportunities for continued academic development in STEM areas. San Marin High draws from a community where 53% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, reflecting the area's emphasis on education.

The surrounding neighborhood maintains a median household income of $115,000 and a low poverty rate of 6.7%, indicating a stable, resource-rich environment that supports student learning. Located on San Marin Drive in Novato's large suburban setting, the school serves families in an affluent Marin County community known for its commitment to education and family-oriented atmosphere.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at San Marin High is 21.2:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.4Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+0.16 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics6.9Above Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency40%
Reading/ELA Proficiency65.6%
Math vs. State Avg+12 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+9.7 pts
Overall Proficiency53%
Expected (poverty-adj.)62%
vs. Expected-9.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile55th
College Readiness9.3Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation36.7%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.4Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,142

San Marin High — Students at San Marin High score 53% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 62%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

23.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 41.3%
School
State
31.8%
ELA Proficiency 63.5%
School
State
51.5%

Based on 8 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
44%
ELA
60%
2021*
Math
41%
ELA
63%
2024
Math
40%
ELA
65.6%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.4/10.

How San Marin High Compares

See how San Marin High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.9/10
84th percentile in CA
Academic
6.9/10
6.9/10
Growth
8.4/10
Above average
Environment
6.4/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
24%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
56 teachers

Location

15 San Marin Dr., Novato, CA 94945

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering San Marin High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Novato High (rated 6.3/10, 2.9 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Marin Oaks High (rated 5.4/10, 2.3 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Novato, see our Novato schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 7.1 mi
School Distance Rating
San Ramon Elementary Novato 0.2 mi 8.2
Pleasant Valley Elementary Novato 0.8 mi 6.3
Sinaloa Middle Novato 1.2 mi 6.0
Lu Sutton Elementary Novato 1.6 mi 6.4
Marin Oaks High Novato 2.3 mi 5.4
Nova Education Center Novato 2.3 mi 7.3
Rancho Elementary Novato 2.7 mi 8.1
Novato High Novato 2.9 mi 6.3
NORTH BAY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Novato 3.0 mi
Marin Christian Academy North Campus Novato 3.0 mi
Olive Elementary Novato 3.0 mi 6.0
Marin Christian Academy Main Campus Novato 3.3 mi
Lynwood Elementary Novato 3.4 mi 7.8
San Jose Middle Novato 3.7 mi 5.2
GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN SCHOOL Novato 3.9 mi 5.7
Loma Verde Elementary Novato 5.1 mi 8.0
Lucas Valley Elementary San Rafael 6.5 mi 5.5
Marin County Juvenile Court San Rafael 6.7 mi
Grant Elementary Petaluma 7.1 mi 6.7
SAN DOMENICO SCHOOL San Anselmo 7.1 mi 6.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 94945 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$109,750

Median Home Value

$1,094,300

Median Rent

$2,168/mo

Population

17,280

College Educated

51.7%

Homeownership

71.5%

Avg Commute

29.5 min

Poverty Rate

7.4%

Median Age

51.1

Community Profile

The community surrounding San Marin High has a median household income of $109,750. It is a well-educated community where 52% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $1,094,300, with a median rent of $2,168/month. The local poverty rate of 7.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 30 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Anderson W. Clark Magnet High La Crescenta, CA 7.9
Corcoran High Corcoran, CA 7.9
Foothill High Palo Cedro, CA 7.9
Hercules High Hercules, CA 7.9
Mills High Millbrae, CA 7.9
Oak Park High Oak Park, CA 7.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about San Marin High

What grades does San Marin High serve?

San Marin High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend San Marin High?

San Marin High has an enrollment of approximately 1,186 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at San Marin High?

The student-teacher ratio at San Marin High is 21.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does San Marin High rank in CA?

San Marin High is ranked #1544 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is San Marin High's MySchoolScout rating?

San Marin High has a composite rating of 7.9 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at San Marin High?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, San Marin High has 41.3% math proficiency and 63.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is San Marin High a charter school?

No, San Marin High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is San Marin High a Title I school?

No, San Marin High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for San Marin High?

23.6% of students at San Marin High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
42 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
24 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
57 Bikeable
City Safety
High (1,645/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Novato). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,186
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
56
Free/Reduced Lunch
23.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Marin County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Novato Unified
District Enrollment
7,209
Schools in District
15
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,083
District Rank
#4 of 14

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.