Wells (Ida B.) High

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.