Benicia High School

Benicia High School is a public school serving roughly 1,800 students, grades nine through twelve. It is located in the North Bay subregion of the San Francisco Bay Area, in Benicia, California. Like most California high schools, it is an open-air facility. The campus is adjacent to Mary Farmar Elementary School.

Academics

Test Scores

Benicia High School scored a 10 on the Academic Performance Index, with 10 being the best. This means the high school is in the top 10% of high schools in a comparable grade range. The previous year the school scored a 9.

California Standards Test

California uses the California Standards Test (CST) to test students' skills in English language arts and math in grades 2 through 11; science in grade 5; and social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. High school students either took a grade level test or a subject-specific test in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CST is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

9th Grade

* In General Mathematics, 28% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 14%.
* In English language arts, 71% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 43%.
* In Algebra 1, 42% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 16%.
* In Geometry, 85% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 47%.

10th Grade

* In Algebra 2, 62% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 36%.
* In English language arts, 63% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 36%.
* In Algebra 1, 24% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 7%.
* In Geometry, 58% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 54%.

11th Grade

* In Algebra 2, 22% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 12%.
* In English language arts, 61% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 36%.
* In Algebra 1, 11% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 4%.
* In Geometry, 40% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 7%.

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CAT/6

The CAT/6 test measures skills in reading, language, spelling and math. It measures how students in California rank against students in other states. The goal is for all students to score at or above the national average.

9th Grade

Benicia High School is in the 70th percentile in reading. This is up from the 65th percentile is was in the previous year. The school is in the 65th percentile in math. This is down from the 73rd percentile is was in the year before.

10th Grade

Benicia High School is in the 70th percentile in reading. This is up from the 62nd percentile is was in the previous year. The school is in the 73rd percentile in math. This is up from the 72nd percentile is was in the year before.

11th Grade

Benicia High School is in the 66th percentile in reading. This is up from the 47th percentile is was in the previous year. The school is in the 76th percentile in math. This is up from the 70th percentile it was in the year before.

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CAHSEE

The California High School Exit Exam is used to test students in English and Math. All students must pass this test in order to graduate from a California high school.

* In Math, 89% of students passed. The state average is 63%.
* In English, 93% of students passed. The state average is 65%.

Faculty statistics

* 93% of teachers have full credentials. This is in line with the state average.
* Teachers, on average in this school, have been teaching for 14 years. This is above the state average of 13 years.
* The average number of years teaching in this district is 10. This is in line with the state average.
* 6% of teachers are in their first year. This is below the state average of 7%.

* The average 9th grade class size is 30 students. The state average is 28.
* The average 10th grade class size is 29 students. The state average is 30.
* The average 11th grade class size is 28 students. The state average is 28.
* The average 12th grade class size is 27 students. The state average is 26.

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Extra Curricular Activities

Athletics

Benicia High School competes in the Solano County Athletic Conference (SCAC) in Division II of the Sac-Joaquin Section.

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Performing Arts

Throughout the year, the department puts on two dance shows and two plays, one of which is a musical. In some years the students put on their own production. The department also funds an improvisational comedy team.

Previous productions include:

Bye Bye Birdie (2005-2006)-Directed by Christine Mani
The Mouse that Roared (2006-2007)-Directed by John Baker and nominee for Best Set Design in local "Tony-esque" award ceremony [ [http://theartys.com/2006_winners_list.php 2006-2007 Arty Award Nominees and Winners] ]
Seussical (2006-2007)-Directed by Christine Mani and winner of several local awards, including Best High School Production
On the Razzle (2007-2008)-Directed by John Baker
On the Town (2007-2008)-Directed by Kim Thompson and winner of all nine awards in the "High School" category in the Artys

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Benicia High School Panther Band

The band consists of five main groups: the marching band, the concert bands, the color guard, the jazz band, and the drum line. The bands and the colorguard perform and compete regularly in the fall and spring, as well as a winter colorguard and winter drumline during the winter. The band, formerly under the direction of Roxanna Macheel, is now directed by Patrick Martin.

Marching Band

In 2005, the marching band was selected to perform in the 2005 Tournament of Roses Parade. The band had also performed previously in the 2001 parade.

The marching band receives high scores at several competitions every year. The band competes in the Northern California Band Association.

Concert Bands

Benicia High School has two concert bands, a symphonic band and an audition-only wind ensemble. In 2003 the wind ensemble performed at the California Band Directors' Association state conference. In 2005 the wind ensemble was selected to perform at the California Music Educators' Association state convention in Pasadena, CA.

Color Guard

The Benicia High School Color Guard competes along with the marching band during marching season and by itself during the winter season. The color guard has been undefeated this 2006 marching season, receiving sweepstakes awards through the year. They have performed at a consistently high standard, running one of the best programs in the state. Their 2007 winter guard season has ended spectacularly, and although they will not attend Championships, their consistently high scores would place them at the top of the Open caption.

Jazz Band

The jazz band plays in competition and performs several concerts throughout the year including venues such as senior centers, school concerts, and back-to-school night.

Drum Line

The Benicia High School Drumline competes in the NCBA open class(the highest class). In the 2007/08 winter season they almost went undefeated. There 08 winter show was entitled clockwork. The organization is looking forward to building upon last years success and becoming a powerhouse for years to come.

References

[http://theartys.com/2006_winners_list.php] The Benicia High School Winter Drumline recently moved up into open class(the highest class). They won almost every competition they were in during the 2007/08 season.There 08 show was entitled clockwork and had a very intricate show design, which awed many spectators.