Girls High School (San Francisco)

Girls High School was a public secondary school for girls located in San Francisco, California. Established in 1864, it was one of the first public high schools for girls in the United States. Its initial purpose was to provide advanced education to young women, equipping them for teaching or further academic pursuits at the Normal School (teacher's college).

The school's curriculum emphasized classical subjects, literature, history, mathematics, and science, alongside vocational skills deemed appropriate for women at the time. Over the years, the curriculum evolved to reflect changing societal needs and educational philosophies.

Throughout its history, Girls High School was known for its rigorous academic standards and its commitment to empowering young women through education. Many of its graduates went on to distinguished careers in education, the arts, sciences, and various other professions.

In 1952, Girls High School was merged with Lowell High School, San Francisco's academically selective public high school. This merger effectively ended the independent existence of Girls High School. The merger was motivated by a desire to provide equal educational opportunities for both boys and girls and to eliminate perceived duplication of resources. While the school no longer exists as a separate entity, its legacy continues through the accomplishments of its alumnae and its contribution to the history of women's education in San Francisco and beyond. The former Girls High School building was subsequently used for other educational purposes within the San Francisco Unified School District.