Leadership High School is a public charter high school located in San Francisco. Founded in 1997, Leadership or "LHS" was California's first start-up charter high school. The school provides a college-preparatory curriculum and focuses on leadership development and social justice.
Serving 397 students in grades 9-12, City Arts & Leadership Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 6-9% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 397 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 20% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
City Arts & Leadership Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
City Arts & Leadership Academy's student population of 397 students has grown by 58% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has grown by 64% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
397 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
School Rankings
City Arts & Leadership Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of City Arts & Leadership Academy is 0.31, which is less 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
#5275 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
12%
Hispanic
83%
56%
Black
6%
5%
White
2%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
50%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is City Arts & Leadership Academy's ranking?
City Arts & Leadership Academy is ranked #5275 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are City Arts & Leadership Academy often compared to?
City Arts & Leadership Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Harte (Bret) Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of City Arts & Leadership Academy?
The graduation rate of City Arts & Leadership Academy is 95%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend City Arts & Leadership Academy?
397 students attend City Arts & Leadership Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of City Arts & Leadership Academy students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of City Arts & Leadership Academy?
City Arts & Leadership Academy has a student ration of 17:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does City Arts & Leadership Academy offer ?
City Arts & Leadership Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is City Arts & Leadership Academy part of?
City Arts & Leadership Academy is part of City Arts & Leadership Academy School District.
In what neighborhood is City Arts & Leadership Academy located?
City Arts & Leadership Academy is located in the Excelsior neighborhood of San Francisco, CA. There are 4 other public schools located in Excelsior.
School Reviews
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