San Marino schools report rising enrollment, strong AP results and active start to 2025–26 school year
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Summary
District principals reported increases in elementary and secondary enrollment, extra classrooms at several sites, a robust opening‑of‑school schedule and high AP pass rates at San Marino High School during the Aug. 26 board meeting.
San Marino — School leaders told the Board of Education on Aug. 26 that the 2025–26 school year opened with strong participation, new staff and rising student counts across the district.
District enrollment as of Aug. 22 was 3,242 students, an increase of 50 from the end of 2024–25, officials said. The high school reported a gain of 73 students (enrollment 962), Huntington Middle School had 756 students (up 14), while Ballantyne (Valentine) and Carver elementary schools showed small declines from last year’s close — Valentine reported 725 students. Superintendent Dr. Linda De La Torre and Director of Educational Services Dr. Dina Richter thanked registrars and the community for an organized opening.
Principals gave site reports: Valentine Elementary highlighted a new TK class, four TK classes total, six new teachers, expanded support staff and strong parent turnout at back‑to‑school night. Carver Elementary reported enrollment over 800, schoolwide PBIS work and schedule changes (split recess and adjusted lunch stagger) to maintain a “small school” feel. Huntington Middle School described record enrollment (756), robust extracurricular clubs, outdoor education trips for all grades and upcoming back‑to‑school events. San Marino High School reported 962 students (140 more than two years earlier), six new teachers, a successful senior breakfast and work on the WASC accreditation process; administrators said teachers will focus this year on increasing the quality and usefulness of student feedback.
Assistant Principal Sarah Penarora presented AP exam outcomes: the high school posted a 93% AP pass rate (scores 3–5) on the most recent exams, a slight dip of 0.5 percentage points from the previous year but with 38 more exams administered and 38 more test takers. The presentation listed multiple AP classes with 90–100% pass rates and five classes with 100% pass rates (including AP Drawing, Chemistry, Chinese, English Language and Composition, and Precalculus). Penarora said about 55% of AP test takers earned an AP Scholar designation or higher.
The principals thanked PTAs for fundraising that supports field trips, music, STEM lessons and other enrichment programs. Board members asked questions about capacity and staffing; administrators said they are monitoring enrollment and had added sections where needed. Dr. Dina Richter noted that enrollment may fluctuate during the year and credited the registrar team for processing registrations.
No board action was required on these informational updates.
Speakers quoted in this article are identified in the meeting transcript.
