San Fernando High School is a high school of the Los Angeles Unified School District. It is located in the Pacoima neighborhood of Los Angeles, in the northeastern San Fernando Valley, California. It is near and also serves the City of San Fernando.
Serving 1,608 students in grades 9-12, San Fernando Senior High School 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 15% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 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)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,608 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
San Fernando Senior High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
San Fernando Senior High School's student population of 1,608 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 86 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,608 students
Total Classroom Teachers
86 teachers
Year Founded
1896
Last Day of School
Thu. Jun 11, 2026
School Motto
Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger
School Rankings
San Fernando Senior High School 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 San Fernando Senior High School is 0.08, 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
#7033 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
12%
Hispanic
96%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
2%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
89%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
89%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Tiger
- San Fernando High School, located in San Fernando, California, is a secondary school that is a part of the Los Angeles Unified School District. The school colors are black and gold. All girl teams are referred to as Lady Tigers, all boy teams simply as Tigers.It is the only high school in California with Project G.R.A.D.(Graduation Really Achieves Dreams). San Fernando High School also has the Puente Project, a national-award winning program which has assisted thousands of students reach their dreams of college success.
- History: San Fernando High School, the second oldest school in the San Fernando Valley, was established in 1896. The first campus was located on Fifth Street and Hager Street. In 1906 the school was moved to a site on North Brand Boulevard. In 1952 the school moved to its present location at 11133 O'Melveny Avenue. The North Brand Boulevard location now houses San Fernando Middle School.
- San Fernando High School's attendance boundary changed numerous times as new high schools opened in the area. In the fall of 2006, 9th and 10th graders in a portion of San Fernando High School's 2005-2006 school year zone will attend Arleta High School instead of San Fernando; Arleta will phase in grades 11 through 12.
- The school will be relieved when Valley Region High School 5 opens in 2011.
- Football: Operating the wishbone offense (a rarity in California) with future USC stars Charles White and Kevin Willimas, San Fernando High won the L.A. City Football title in 1974 and 1975. Prior to the 1975 season, they were ranked #1 in the country. In 1976 they lost their first game of the season to Gardena High by a score of 41-0. The team rebounded, losing only one more game (and defeating John Elway's Granada Hills High team along the way) to earn a spot in the city playoffs. They went on to defeat Gardena High School to win the city title.
- Wrestling: The San Fernando High School wrestling team currently holds the largest number of city championships in Los Angeles. In the spring season of 2006, the Tiger wrestling team had a perfect undefeated season of 21-0. The 2006 wrestling team took first place at the C.I.F. championship, with five of their wrestlers qualifying for the State championship.
- Notable Alumni: George Lopez.
- Anthony Davis, USC running back from 1972-74.
- Charles White, NFL and USC running back, Heisman trophy winner in 1979.
- Richie Valens, Late 1950's Pop Icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is San Fernando Senior High School's ranking?
San Fernando Senior High School is ranked #7033 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are San Fernando Senior High School often compared to?
San Fernando Senior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Arleta High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 35% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of San Fernando Senior High School?
The graduation rate of San Fernando Senior High School is 89%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend San Fernando Senior High School?
1,608 students attend San Fernando Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
96% of San Fernando Senior High School students are Hispanic, 2% of students are White, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of San Fernando Senior High School?
San Fernando Senior High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does San Fernando Senior High School offer ?
San Fernando Senior High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is San Fernando Senior High School part of?
San Fernando Senior High School is part of Los Angeles Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is San Fernando Senior High School located?
San Fernando Senior High School is located in the Pacoima neighborhood of San Fernando, CA. There are 2 other public schools located in Pacoima.
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