WELLS (IDA B.) HIGH SCHOOL

Wells (Ida B.) High is a Title I public high school that is part of the San Francisco Unified school district, located in San Francisco, CA with about 181 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 11 teachers, Wells (Ida B.) High has a student/teacher ratio of about 16:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Ida B. Wells High School, located in the Western Addition neighborhood of San Francisco, is an alternative educational institution within the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). Designed to serve students who may benefit from a more personalized, non-traditional learning environment, the school focuses on credit recovery, academic intervention, and fostering a supportive community. Its smaller campus size allows for closer relationships between students and staff, helping those who may have struggled in traditional comprehensive high schools get back on track toward graduation.

Beyond its academic mission, the school is deeply rooted in the history of the Western Addition and is named in honor of Ida B. Wells, the pioneering investigative journalist and civil rights activist. The curriculum emphasizes social justice, critical thinking, and civic engagement, reflecting the values of its namesake. By offering flexible scheduling and individualized attention, Ida B. Wells High plays a vital role in the district’s efforts to ensure that all students, regardless of the challenges they face, have a viable pathway to earning their high school diploma and preparing for post-secondary opportunities.

For more information, contact Wells (Ida B.) High at (415) 241-6315 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.