Balboa High School, colloquially known as Bal, is an American public high school located near the Excelsior District in the Mission Terrace neighborhood of San Francisco, California, United States. Balboa serves grades nine through twelve as part of the San Francisco Unified School District.
Serving 1,238 students in grades 9-12, Balboa High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 43% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 68% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,238 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 95% (Top 30% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 68% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 32% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Balboa High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Balboa High School's student population of 1,238 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 62 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,238 students
Total Classroom Teachers
62 teachers
Year Founded
1928
School Motto
Sustaining a culture of continuous improvement
Average Class Size
21 students
School Rankings
Balboa High School ranks within the top 30% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Balboa High School is 0.64, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1994 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
68%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
49%
12%
Hispanic
35%
56%
Black
6%
5%
White
4%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
95%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
57%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Buccaneers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Balboa High School's ranking?
Balboa High School is ranked #1994 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What schools are Balboa High School often compared to?
Balboa High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lincoln (Abraham) High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 68% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Balboa High School?
The graduation rate of Balboa High School is 95%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Balboa High School?
1,238 students attend Balboa High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Balboa High School students are Asian, 35% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are White, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Balboa High School?
Balboa High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Balboa High School offer ?
Balboa High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Balboa High School part of?
Balboa High School is part of San Francisco Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Balboa High School located?
Balboa High School is located in the Cayuga Terrace neighborhood of San Francisco, CA. There are 3 other public schools located in Cayuga Terrace.
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