Cabrillo School is unique in the Pacifica School District because of its enriched arts program, begun in 1992. As…More part of the program, students receive project-based lessons in the arts, and parent-teacher partnerships enhance the school's specialized arts curriculum. All curriculum in other areas is standards-based, and Cabrillo staff works with the community to offer students off-campus learning opportunities and support. The school was recognized by the California Department of Education with a California Distinguished School Award in 2008, marking it as one of the best 343 public schools out of the 9,500 in California that year.</p> <p> </p>

Pacifica's wing of the oldest and largest fraternity in world, the Masons of the Coastside Masonic Lodge are engaged…More in the community whether it's through philanthropic, volunteer, education or administrative conduits. </p> <p>They play an active role in Pacifica's annual Fog Fest, sponsor charities and events around the community, and of course hold many members-only meetings, picnics and dinners throughout the year. The Masons of California, of which the Coastside center is one arm, provide need-based college scholarships to high school students who demonstrate a high academic propensity. </p>

Oceana High School is a 2009 California Distinguished School in the Jefferson Union High School District, which…More covers Pacifica, Daly City, Brisbane and Colma. A segment of schools are selected by the California Department of Education (CDE) for the award based on a written application showcasing a school's curriculum and programming, followed by a visit from a CDE evaluation team. </p> <p>Block scheduling--meaning students on average have just three classes a day--at Oceana High aids teachers and students alike in projects-based and hands on learning rather than just fact memorization or the use of textbooks and worksheets.</p> <p>Oceana High offers its students an array of extracurricular activities and sports teams in which to participate. The revamped Oceana Pool, now called the Jean E. Brink Swimming Pool, had its grand re-opening on August 28. The pool is open to use by the public through the Pacifica Parks Beaches & Recreation Department. </p> <p>According to the state, Oceana High is one of the 25 most diverse schools in California. A survey taken during the 2008-2009 school year showed that 7% of students were African American, 35% were Caucasian, 0.62% were Native American, 11.47% were Asian, 2% were Filipino, 21% were Hispanic, Other 0.25%, 1.74%were Arabic, 0.8% were Pacific Islander, and 0.12% were Indian. One quarter of one percent of students listed themselves as "other."</p> <p>In 2007, 58% of graduating seniors at Oceana attended a junior college, 28% higher than the state average. 11% attended the University of California, 3% higher than the state average and 18% of Juniors and Seniors passed their AP exams, 9% lower than the state average. </p> <p>In the subjects of English/Language Arts, Biology, Geometry, Algebra, U.S. History and 10th grade Life Science, Oceana High School had less advanced students, according to state standardized tests, in all subjects but English/Language Arts and Life Sciences compared with a statewide average.</p> <p>Oceana did not meet its API schoolwide growth target for the 2008-2009 school year, and in fact fell 12 points from the previous school year. </p> <p>Teachers at Oceana High School have an average of 8 years experience, four years less than the county average and five years less than the state average. </p>