Galileo Academy of Science and Technology
Encyclopedia
Galileo Academy of Science and Technology (formerly Galileo High School) is a public secondary school
located in San Francisco's Russian Hill and Marina District neighborhoods. The school is a part of the San Francisco Unified School District
.
support from the American Express Foundation to expose high school students to
the wide variety of opportunities and careers paths in one of the world’s largest
industries. Through the Academy, students develop the thinking and problemsolving
skills critical to their success in college, careers and beyond.
The excitement and diversity in the hospitality and tourism industry makes it
an attractive field for students who are fascinated by other cultures and economies.
This burgeoning industry offers a huge and growing variety of professional career
choices. The Academy of Hospitality and Tourism provides engaging courses and
real-life work experiences that inspire students about their future whether it is in this
industry or other professions.
Completion of the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism program of study helps
prepare students for post-secondary education not only in hospitality and tourism
related majors but also for any concentrated program requiring a strong foundation
in social studies, business, and language arts.
Courses:
11th Grade Year at Galileo
12th Grade Year at Galileo
Along with their required academic courses, students take one or two
specialized, industry-related courses each semester and a college-level course in
their senior year. Every AOHT student is encouraged to take at least three years of
mathematics, a semester of computer applications, and to study at least one foreign
language. Academies are organized to encourage teachers to work together in an
interdisciplinary project-based approach so students understand the relevance of
each subject and become engaged in learning.
Paid Internships
Each summer Academy of Hospitality and Tourism students work as paid
interns in hotels, museums, travel centers, tourism bureaus, sports facilities, and
other hospitality and/or tourism-related settings.
AOIT Mission
The mission of the Academy of Information Technology at Galileo is to prepare students for college and career success through a program of integrated curriculum emphasizing the role of information technology in academics and industry.
How It Works
Students in AOIT take a technology elective class, and also have their English and social science classes together. Internships at companies ranging from Bank of America to Pixar give students real industry experience. Teachers work to build projects and skills across the curriculum. Together we all form a small learning community.
AOIT Electives
10th—Computer Applications
11th—Introduction to Programming
12th—AP Computer Science
What is the Galileo Health Academy?
The GHA is a program designed to teach students science and to explore careers in the health field through hands-on education and cross-curricular assignments. GHA places students in an applied and engaging learning environment, which often improves academic performance and behaviors at school.
Who is involved?
The GHA is an ongoing collaboration between Science teachers and English teachers at Galileo Academy, The School to Career office of the SFUSD, City College of San Francisco, California Pacific Medical Center and Community Education Services.
Benefits for GHA students:
- Receive double high school science credit towards graduation.
- Receive 10.5 CCSF units by the end of the program.
- Receive child, infant, and adult CPR certification.
- Receive career/college counseling.
- Become eligible for paid internships at CPMC.
- Are part of a “small learning community”
- Cross-curricular assignments make learning relevant.
Back in the 1920s, the Galileo High School building was considered an outstanding example of modern architecture. Planned with the idea of housing one of the best educational institutions in the country, it was equipped to offer the highest type of academic curriculum in addition to training in commercial and technical branches.
During the 1970s, Galileo went through an extensive seismic retrofit where most, if not all, student facilities were moved across the street onto Fort Mason
. Before the seismic retrofit, there were rumors that the Galileo campus would permanently be moved onto the Fort Mason site. Though the student population, then, did not indicate whether the move and larger facilities would be justified, the land that Galileo sits on was quite valuable, which could have made the move plausible. It can not be said whether this rumor is true, but can only be verified with the staff and faculty who worked at the school during that time.
Since school year 1995-96, Galileo has transformed itself to the Galileo Academy of Science and Technology. The new program provides students with career pathways and academies. These include the Galileo Health Academy, the Academy of Information Technology (AoIT), Biotechnology Pathway, and the Environmental Science Pathway. In 2006-2007, the Publications Pathway was introduced and new for 2007-2008 are the addition of the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (AoHT) and Digital Photography Pathway. The Chinese Immersion Program is now discontinued.
On September 25, 2007, while some construction workers were digging the courtyard, they found a time capsule which was thought to be lost forever by the Class of 1982. It was uncovered that day, but was filled with water, as well as a yearbook, a frisbee, a Rubik's Cube
, and a Mighty Lion T-Shirt. It was buried shortly after the class of '82 graduated, then, 10 years ago, a search for the time capsule spanning every single square foot of the courtyard turned up nothing. The time capsule is currently stored in one of the closets in the building.
On October 31, 2007, the courtyard reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the ASB officers, followed by a celebration and a contest. The courtyard didn't fully open until sometime in November, as there was still more maintenance work that had to be done on the courtyard.
(Aerial View)
Galileo is located in the Marina district with nearby bus stops including the 19, 28, 30, 47, 49, and more. Less than half of the students reside near the school, but school buses and special 30-Stockton and the 47-Van Ness buses are provided by the district for transportation and the Municipal Railway
. The 19-Polk also serves nearby, but has no special runs.
, though the Cardinals of Lowell High School
have been a rising challenge.
The football field that dominates the second block of Galileo was formerly named in honor of O.J. Simpson. However, after Simpson's infamous trial in 1995, the football field was subsequently renamed to George White Field. The two twin apartment buildings that face the northern side of the football field are the Fontana buildings. The design of the twin buildings were actually built to echo and magnify the sounds of the football games.
Galileo's Football has gone undefeated three times in the school's history in 1988 the Lions defeated McAteer High School becoming the first football team in San Francisco History to go 12 - 0. The second time was in 1990 and the third was in 2002 when the Lions defeated the Washington Eagles.
During the 2009 season, the Galileo Lions snap an 18 game losing streak and end up playing in the San Francisco AAA Turkey Bowl against the Lincoln Mustangs. Lincoln had won 4 AAA championships in a row prior to the 2009 season. The Lions shut out the Mustangs and won 35 to 0.
Galileo is now known for its strong career academy programs, high volume of AP and Honors courses, warm community, and excellent academics. It is one of the only fully wireless schools in the district. It is known to have a committed faculty and administration. Students go to Galileo from all over the city, and most incoming 9th graders chose it as their first choice school.
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
located in San Francisco's Russian Hill and Marina District neighborhoods. The school is a part of the San Francisco Unified School District
San Francisco Unified School District
San Francisco Unified School District , established in 1851, is the only public school district within the City and County of San Francisco, and the first in the state of California...
.
About Galileo
- Galileo Academy of Science & Technology is located in the historic north end of San Francisco, and was originally built in 1921.
- Galileo currently has a staff of more than 120 and serves more than 2,400 students.
- The lion is the official mascot of Galileo. In Latin, Galileo means "Gallic Lion." Thus, in sports and other inter-school activities the team members are known as the Galileo Lions.
- The official school colors are Purple and Gold.
- The school is commonly known as just "Gal" or "G-House".
- Galileo also has its internal Television Network - G-House TV, which use to be broadcast by students of the Academy of Information Technology (AoIT). But now, since AoIT split into two, the Media Arts Pathway (MAP) solely works on all media related works while AoIT concentrates on computer science related works.
- It is one of two Bay AreaSan Francisco Bay AreaThe San Francisco Bay Area, commonly known as the Bay Area, is a populated region that surrounds the San Francisco and San Pablo estuaries in Northern California. The region encompasses metropolitan areas of San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, along with smaller urban and rural areas...
schools with an observatory. The observatory at Galileo is currently not in use nor under plans for renovation at the moment. The other school with an observatory is Prospect High School in San Jose, part of the Campbell Union High School DistrictCampbell Union High School DistrictThe Campbell Union High School District, referred to as the CUHSD, is a school district in the greater San Jose, California, USA area, including Campbell and Saratoga. Its five main campuses, Branham, Del Mar, Leigh, Prospect, and Westmont, serve more than 7800 students, and employ 550 teachers and...
.
- Galileo is "California's blogging high school."
- Galileo received the 2005 California Distinguished School Award along with the 2005 CTE Award - one of the very few schools that were awarded this.
- The school motto is "Eppure si muove." Italian for "And yet it moves." As the story goes, Galileo was told to deny his scientific findings that the earth moved, or be punished - so he did as he was ordered. But on his way out he mumbled to himself, "And yet it moves."
- Galileo is notable for its rollcall of alumni who achieved fame in their own right. Figures include basketball pioneer Hank LuisettiHank LuisettiAngelo "Hank" Luisetti was an American college men's basketball player and one of the great innovators of the game. In an era that featured the traditional two-handed set shot, Luisetti developed the running one-handed shot...
; baseball legend Joe DiMaggioJoe DiMaggioJoseph Paul "Joe" DiMaggio , nicknamed "Joltin' Joe" and "The Yankee Clipper," was an American Major League Baseball center fielder who played his entire 13-year career for the New York Yankees. He is perhaps best known for his 56-game hitting streak , a record that still stands...
; NFL wide receiver, Bobby ShawBobby ShawBobby T. Shaw is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League. Shaw has played for 4 NFL teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, and San Diego Chargers and 1 team in the ACFL . Shaw attended Galileo High School and played college football at...
; Chinese Playground author, Bill LeeBill Lee (author)Bill Lee is a Chinese American and a former member of the San Francisco Chinatown gang that was responsible for the 1977 Golden Dragon Massacre....
and movie starMovie starA movie star is a celebrity who is well-known, or famous, for his or her starring, or leading, roles in motion pictures. The term may also apply to an actor or actress who is recognized as a marketable commodity and whose name is used to promote a movie in trailers and posters...
, Barbara BouchetBarbara BouchetBarbara Bouchet, is a German-American actress and entrepreneur.She has acted in more than 80 films and television episodes and founded a production company that has produced fitness videos and books as well as owning a fitness studio...
.
- One Galileo alumni, however, achieved notoriety – O.J. Simpson
Special programs
- The Academy of Hospitality and Tourism was established in 1987 through
support from the American Express Foundation to expose high school students to
the wide variety of opportunities and careers paths in one of the world’s largest
industries. Through the Academy, students develop the thinking and problemsolving
skills critical to their success in college, careers and beyond.
The excitement and diversity in the hospitality and tourism industry makes it
an attractive field for students who are fascinated by other cultures and economies.
This burgeoning industry offers a huge and growing variety of professional career
choices. The Academy of Hospitality and Tourism provides engaging courses and
real-life work experiences that inspire students about their future whether it is in this
industry or other professions.
Completion of the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism program of study helps
prepare students for post-secondary education not only in hospitality and tourism
related majors but also for any concentrated program requiring a strong foundation
in social studies, business, and language arts.
Courses:
11th Grade Year at Galileo
- Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism
- US History Honors (for AoHT)
12th Grade Year at Galileo
- Hospitality and Tourism Systems
- American Democracy Honors (for AoHT)
Along with their required academic courses, students take one or two
specialized, industry-related courses each semester and a college-level course in
their senior year. Every AOHT student is encouraged to take at least three years of
mathematics, a semester of computer applications, and to study at least one foreign
language. Academies are organized to encourage teachers to work together in an
interdisciplinary project-based approach so students understand the relevance of
each subject and become engaged in learning.
Paid Internships
Each summer Academy of Hospitality and Tourism students work as paid
interns in hotels, museums, travel centers, tourism bureaus, sports facilities, and
other hospitality and/or tourism-related settings.
- Academy of Information Technology (AOIT)
AOIT Mission
The mission of the Academy of Information Technology at Galileo is to prepare students for college and career success through a program of integrated curriculum emphasizing the role of information technology in academics and industry.
How It Works
Students in AOIT take a technology elective class, and also have their English and social science classes together. Internships at companies ranging from Bank of America to Pixar give students real industry experience. Teachers work to build projects and skills across the curriculum. Together we all form a small learning community.
AOIT Electives
10th—Computer Applications
11th—Introduction to Programming
12th—AP Computer Science
- Galileo Health Academy
What is the Galileo Health Academy?
The GHA is a program designed to teach students science and to explore careers in the health field through hands-on education and cross-curricular assignments. GHA places students in an applied and engaging learning environment, which often improves academic performance and behaviors at school.
Who is involved?
The GHA is an ongoing collaboration between Science teachers and English teachers at Galileo Academy, The School to Career office of the SFUSD, City College of San Francisco, California Pacific Medical Center and Community Education Services.
Benefits for GHA students:
- Receive double high school science credit towards graduation.
- Receive 10.5 CCSF units by the end of the program.
- Receive child, infant, and adult CPR certification.
- Receive career/college counseling.
- Become eligible for paid internships at CPMC.
- Are part of a “small learning community”
- Cross-curricular assignments make learning relevant.
Schedule
Galileo has two regular hour schedules with 5-minute passing period (Monday, Tuesdays, and Fridays at 3:05PM), two early-leave days with 5-minute passing period (Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2:10PM, staff until 3:05PM), and two block period days with homeroom and 5-minute passing periods (Wednesdays with 1st, 3rd, and 5th periods; Thursday with 2nd, 4th, and 6th periods and dismiss at 2:10PM).History
On December 10, 1920, Major Joseph P. Nourse, who had been actively engaged in educational work in the city for many years, became the first principal of Galileo High School. Throughout the summer, carpenters were busy converting the Red Cross Building, located on Fulton Street near the Civic Center. On August 1, 1921, Galileo High School welcomed its student body into the remodeled facilities. The ceremony of "breaking ground" for the new building occurred on November 4, 1921 ' Dedication of the Van Ness Building took place on March 30, 1924. At the same time, plans were underway for a new wing which would double the capacity of the school.Back in the 1920s, the Galileo High School building was considered an outstanding example of modern architecture. Planned with the idea of housing one of the best educational institutions in the country, it was equipped to offer the highest type of academic curriculum in addition to training in commercial and technical branches.
During the 1970s, Galileo went through an extensive seismic retrofit where most, if not all, student facilities were moved across the street onto Fort Mason
Fort Mason
Fort Mason, once known as San Francisco Port of Embarkation, US Army, in San Francisco, California, is a former United States Army post located in the northern Marina District, alongside San Francisco Bay. Fort Mason served as an Army post for more than 100 years, initially as a coastal defense...
. Before the seismic retrofit, there were rumors that the Galileo campus would permanently be moved onto the Fort Mason site. Though the student population, then, did not indicate whether the move and larger facilities would be justified, the land that Galileo sits on was quite valuable, which could have made the move plausible. It can not be said whether this rumor is true, but can only be verified with the staff and faculty who worked at the school during that time.
Since school year 1995-96, Galileo has transformed itself to the Galileo Academy of Science and Technology. The new program provides students with career pathways and academies. These include the Galileo Health Academy, the Academy of Information Technology (AoIT), Biotechnology Pathway, and the Environmental Science Pathway. In 2006-2007, the Publications Pathway was introduced and new for 2007-2008 are the addition of the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (AoHT) and Digital Photography Pathway. The Chinese Immersion Program is now discontinued.
On September 25, 2007, while some construction workers were digging the courtyard, they found a time capsule which was thought to be lost forever by the Class of 1982. It was uncovered that day, but was filled with water, as well as a yearbook, a frisbee, a Rubik's Cube
Rubik's Cube
Rubik's Cube is a 3-D mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik.Originally called the "Magic Cube", the puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980 and won the German Game of the Year special award for Best Puzzle that...
, and a Mighty Lion T-Shirt. It was buried shortly after the class of '82 graduated, then, 10 years ago, a search for the time capsule spanning every single square foot of the courtyard turned up nothing. The time capsule is currently stored in one of the closets in the building.
On October 31, 2007, the courtyard reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the ASB officers, followed by a celebration and a contest. The courtyard didn't fully open until sometime in November, as there was still more maintenance work that had to be done on the courtyard.
Location
The school is located at 1150 Francisco Street, San Francisco, CA(Aerial View)
San Francisco Municipal Railway
The San Francisco Municipal Railway is the public transit system for the city and county of San Francisco, California. In 2006, it served with an operating budget of about $700 million...
. The 19-Polk also serves nearby, but has no special runs.
Internal features
- 4-story Western Wing
- 5-story Eastern Wing
- Observatory
- 5 Computer Labs
- Schoolwide surveillance
- 2 Gymnasiums
JROTC Program
The Junior ROTC Battalion at Galileo is an Honor Unit with Distinction, the highest designation a unit may have. It's afterschool teams associated with JROTC are known to be very competitive, often placing highly in the annual Fall and Spring Competitions. Fall teams consist of the Drum Corps, Guidon, Squad Drill, and Color Guard. Spring teams are the Drill Platoon, Silent Drill Team, and Girls Drill Team.Football
Largely due to the fame of former football player and actor O.J. Simpson, Galileo was well known for its football team. Galileo's arch enemy is reputed to be the Eagles of George Washington High SchoolGeorge Washington High School (San Francisco)
George Washington High School is a public high school in Richmond District, San Francisco, California. The school is a part of the San Francisco Unified School District...
, though the Cardinals of Lowell High School
Lowell High School (San Francisco)
Lowell High School is a public magnet school in San Francisco, California. The school opened in 1856 as the Union Grammar School and attained its current name in 1896. Lowell moved to its current location in the Merced Manor neighborhood in 1962....
have been a rising challenge.
The football field that dominates the second block of Galileo was formerly named in honor of O.J. Simpson. However, after Simpson's infamous trial in 1995, the football field was subsequently renamed to George White Field. The two twin apartment buildings that face the northern side of the football field are the Fontana buildings. The design of the twin buildings were actually built to echo and magnify the sounds of the football games.
Galileo's Football has gone undefeated three times in the school's history in 1988 the Lions defeated McAteer High School becoming the first football team in San Francisco History to go 12 - 0. The second time was in 1990 and the third was in 2002 when the Lions defeated the Washington Eagles.
During the 2009 season, the Galileo Lions snap an 18 game losing streak and end up playing in the San Francisco AAA Turkey Bowl against the Lincoln Mustangs. Lincoln had won 4 AAA championships in a row prior to the 2009 season. The Lions shut out the Mustangs and won 35 to 0.
Reputation
Galileo previously had a bad reputation for low test scores and criminal events occurring in school, but in more recent years it has become one of the most improved schools in San Francisco (see Academic Performance Index below). Since the installation of surveillance cameras in 2005, criminal acts at Galileo have declined as a serious issue. Math scores remain one of Galileo's best academic strengths.Galileo is now known for its strong career academy programs, high volume of AP and Honors courses, warm community, and excellent academics. It is one of the only fully wireless schools in the district. It is known to have a committed faculty and administration. Students go to Galileo from all over the city, and most incoming 9th graders chose it as their first choice school.
Notable alumni
- Joe DiMaggioJoe DiMaggioJoseph Paul "Joe" DiMaggio , nicknamed "Joltin' Joe" and "The Yankee Clipper," was an American Major League Baseball center fielder who played his entire 13-year career for the New York Yankees. He is perhaps best known for his 56-game hitting streak , a record that still stands...
, baseball player (dropped out in 1930) - Dario LodigianiDario LodigianiDario Antonio Lodigiani [Lodi] was an infielder in Major League Baseball who played for two different teams between 1938 and 1946. Listed at 5'8", 150 lb., he batted and threw right-handed...
baseball player, class of 1934 - Hank LuisettiHank LuisettiAngelo "Hank" Luisetti was an American college men's basketball player and one of the great innovators of the game. In an era that featured the traditional two-handed set shot, Luisetti developed the running one-handed shot...
, basketball player, class of 1934 - Milton MarksMilton MarksMilton Marks, Jr. was a California politician who served in the California State Assembly and California State Senate, as both a Republican and a Democrat, representing San Francisco for 38 years....
, state senator, class of 1937 - Richard GoldmanRichard GoldmanRichard N. Goldman was an American philanthropist who co-founded the Goldman Environmental Prize in 1990 with his wife, Rhoda Goldman...
, class of 1938 - Him Mark LaiHim Mark LaiHim Mark Lai was an American historian. He was known as the “Dean of Chinese American History” by his academic peers, despite the fact that he was professionally trained as a mechanical engineer with no advanced training in the academic field of History.-Life:Him Mark Lai co-taught the first...
, Chinese American historian, class of 1942 - Arthur SheehanArthur SheehanArther Edmond Sheehan Jr is an Air Core Veteran and Baseball Player. Born in 1924, his family later moved to San Francisco, California, where he played basketball, baseball, and was later drafted into World War II. With only two missions left before being sent home, his B-12 Aircraft blew up, while...
, baseball player, class of 1943 - Gino CimoliGino CimoliGino Nicholas Cimoli was an outfielder in Major League Baseball.A high school all-star at Galileo High School, Cimoli signed as an amateur free agent with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1949...
, baseball player, class of 1947 - Pat Sheehan, actress and Playboy Playmate of October 1958, class of 1949
- Barbara BouchetBarbara BouchetBarbara Bouchet, is a German-American actress and entrepreneur.She has acted in more than 80 films and television episodes and founded a production company that has produced fitness videos and books as well as owning a fitness studio...
, actress, class of 1962 - O. J. SimpsonO. J. SimpsonOrenthal James "O. J." Simpson , nicknamed "The Juice", is a retired American collegiate and professional football player, football broadcaster, and actor...
, football player, class of 1965 - Leland YeeLeland YeeLeland Yee is a California State Senator in District 8 which represents the western half of San Francisco and most of San Mateo County. Prior to becoming state senator, Yee was a California State Assemblyman, Supervisor of San Francisco's Sunset District, and was a member and President of the San...
, class of 1967 - Norman FongNorman FongThe Reverend Norman Fong is a Chinese-American activist living in San Francisco, California. Norman grew up in San Francisco's Chinatown and received a B.A. in Sociology from San Francisco State University and Masters of Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary...
, pastor, class of 1969 - Arthur DongArthur DongArthur Dong is an Academy Award-nominated American documentary filmmaker. His work combines the art of the visual medium with an investigation of social issues, examining topics such as Asian American history and identity, and gay oppression...
, Filmmaker, class of 1971 - Bill LeeBill Lee (author)Bill Lee is a Chinese American and a former member of the San Francisco Chinatown gang that was responsible for the 1977 Golden Dragon Massacre....
, author, class of 1972 - Andre NickatinaAndre NickatinaAndre L. Adams , better known by his stage name Andre Nickatina, is an American rapper from San Francisco, California. He previously performed under the stage name Dre Dog.-Musical career:...
, rapper, class of 1992 - Bobby ShawBobby ShawBobby T. Shaw is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League. Shaw has played for 4 NFL teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, and San Diego Chargers and 1 team in the ACFL . Shaw attended Galileo High School and played college football at...
, football player, class of 1993 - Danny Wright, radio personality, class of 1996
- Lenny WallsLenny WallsLenny Brad Walls is a professional American and Canadian football defensive back who is currently a free agent. He most recently played for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
, football player, class of 1997
Comparison by years (Galileo)
| Score type | 2004–2005 | 2005–2006 | 2006–2007 | 2007–2008 | 2008–2009 | 2009–2010 | 2010–2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schoolwide API | 744 | 763 | 753 | 742 | 757 | ? | 790 |
| API statewide rank | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | ? | ? |
| API similar schools rank | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 3 | ? | ? |
Comparison with other San Francisco high schools (2011)
| Score Type | Lowell | Wallenberg | Galileo | Washington | Lincoln | Burton |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schoolwide API | 951 | 791 | 790 | 772 | 751 | 690 |
| API Statewide Rank | 10 | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| API Similar Schools Rank | 10 | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
Ethnic profile
| Latino | White | African-American | Chinese | Japanese | Korean | American Indian | Filipino | Other Non-White | Declined to state |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.7% | 0.8% | 7.4% | 44.6% | 2.8% | 3.9% | 1.2% | 8.4% | 10.7% | 1.4% |
See also
- San Francisco County high schools