The San Mateo High School student body reflects the diversity of its enrollment district. A typical graduating class numbers about 350. In 1994 the WASC Committee granted a six year accreditation to San Mateo High School. In 1991 San Mateo High School was designated a National Distinguished Blue Ribbon school by the United States Department of Education. The academic calendar is two semesters, of 18 weeks each.
Classes meet three times a week.
Twice for 100 minute periods and on Fridays for 44 minutes periods. Each course has a value of five credits. A total of 210 credits is required for graduation. Grading is on a 4.0 point scale. All courses taken in 9th, 10th, and 11th and first semester of the 12th grade, including PE are used.