Thurgood Marshall Academic High School is one of the best kept secrets in San Francisco.  Bridging the Excelsior and Bay View / Hunter’s Point neighborhoods, Thurgood Marshall is nestled on the Silver Terrace hillside.  Its beautiful campus, dynamic faculty and bright students make Thurgood Marshall one of San Francisco’s most attractive schools.

Founded in 1994, Thurgood Marshall Academic High School is a four-year college preparatory high school with one of the most diverse student body and faculty in San Francisco.  The highly dedicated administration, faculty, staff and active Parent, Teacher, Student Association  are committed to sending all Marshall students to four-year colleges and universities with the essential skills, knowledge and values needed to be successful college students.  Marshall offers all students an enriched college-prep curriculum and learning opportunities.  The 7-period day schedule allows students to sign up for seven courses that challenge them as well as meet UC and CSU admissions requirements as well as prepare them for entrance to other colleges and universities of their choice. Students take core and elective courses, including Honors and Advanced Placement courses.  Student life at Marshall is enhanced by a wide array of extracurricular, community service, and athletic activities during and after school. The facilities include newly renovated main building, auditorium, gymnasium, weight room, College Center, and cafeteria and the addition of an all-purpose, state-of-the-art athletic field.  The College Center provides a variety of resources to assist with college preparedness and entrance. 

I believe Thurgood Marshall’s college-prep curriculum and enhanced college preparedness programs lead to balanced academic achievement for all students and later college entrance competitiveness.  When I talk to colleges and the numerous pre-college programs that regularly accept students from Thurgood Marshall, they tell me I am right.

To arrange a campus visit or learn more about Thurgood Marshall Academic High School please call (415) 695-5612. 

Founded in 1994 and located in the southeastern part of San Francisco, Thurgood Marshall Academic High School, is a four-year college preparatory high school with a diverse student body. Its highly dedicated faculty/staff and active PTSA believe that every Marshall student should be equipped with the essential skills, knowledge, and values needed to make wise college, career, and vocational decisions. In fall 2006, Marshall began offering all students an enriched college-prep curriculum and learning opportunities restructured and supported by a new administration. A redesigned 7-period day bell schedule allows students to sign up for seven courses that challenge them as well as meet their special needs. Students take core and elective courses, including Honors/Advanced Placement courses, which meet the UC and CSU admission requirements, as well as prepare them for entrance to other colleges and universities of their choice. Students have access to a refurbished and expanded College & Career Center in a completely renovated building. Student life at Marshall is enhanced by a wide array of extracurricular, community service, and athletic activities during and after school. Marshall is committed to achieving school wide learning results for all students that reinforce the importance of responsibility, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration in all fields of human endeavor. Marshall is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), 2006-2012.

   Thurgood Marshall, the man in whose honor our school is named, devoted his entire life to improving equality and justice for all Americans. He was a giant among civil rights champions of the 20^th century. His struggles and accomplishments are perfect representations of "The Thurgood Marshall Way."

   Born in Baltimore, Maryland on July 2, 1908, Marshall began his involvement with human rights issues at an early age.  As a youth growing up in Baltimore, he participated with his family and community in protesting the widespread lynching of African Americans.

   He graduated from Lincoln University in 1930 and after receiving his law degree in 1933, practiced law in Baltimore, specializing in civil rights trials.  In 1940, he became the chief of the legal defense department of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  He argued 32 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and won 29 of them.  In his legal arguments, he took strong positions against various forms of racial inequality during the celebrated Civil Rights Movement.

   Among his outstanding achievements was the pivotal role he played in the landmark case of Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas (1954).  This case overturned the doctrine of "separate but equal," by which the court had justified legalized segregation since the 1890s.  In July 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Marshall Solicitor General of the United States.  In June 1967, Johnson nominated him for the U.S. Supreme Court.  While on the court, Marshall consistently rendered judgments that affirmed freedom and equity for all Americans.  He retired from the court in 1991, citing poor health.  He died of heart failure on January 24, 1993.  Thurgood Marshall's lifelong commitment to education, justice, and equality was exemplary and he is an excellent role model for all of us in the school community.