Galileo Academy of Science and Technology
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About Galileo
Galileo Academy of Science & Technology is an academic high school in San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). Located in the historic north end of The City, Galileo was originally built in 1921.
Galileo currently has a staff of more than 100 and serves more than 1800 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 school colors are Purple and Gold, though gold was replaced by orange for a period of time.
The school is commonly known as just "Gal" or "G-House.
The only bay area school with its own observatory.
The school motto is "Eppure si muove," Latin 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."
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 1920's, 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.
Since school year 1995-96, Galileo has transformed itself to the Galileo Academy of Science and Technology. The new program provides students with five career pathways in biological science, environmental science, space science/aeronautics, computer science/engineering technology, and creative media technology.
Football
Largely due to the fame of former football player and actor O.J. Simpson, Galileo Academy is known well for its football team. While Galileo has not been the best football team within the school district, it is still a powerful force. Galileo's arch enemy is reputed to be the Eagles of George Washington High School, though the Cardinals of academic powerhouse Lowell High School (San Francisco) have been a rising challenge.
The football field that dominates the second block of Galileo was formely named in honor of O.J. Simpson. After the infamous trial, the football field was subsequently renamed. 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.
Reputation
Despite Galileo being a California Distinguished School, the school has had a marred reputation. Most of the school's reputation is dead wrong, but to every lie there is some truth. Crimes occur in Galileo's hallways unchecked ranging from arson, theft, assault and battery, vandalism, robbery, and most recently rape. Most students of Galileo would consider their school to be "ghetto", though many are proud of it and see potential in it. The diversity of Galileo ultimately leads to the classic image of an intercity school, but diversity is considered to be one of Galileo's good traits. Math scores remain one of Galileo's best academic strengths, whilst English is one of its low points. Despite the reputation Galileo has, it remains one of the better schools in the San Francisco Unified School District.
Miscellaneous
Common places where students eat: Cafe Le, First Cup, Hot and Tasty.
Related Links
- Galileo Academy Website (http://www.galileosf.net)
- Galileo Library Website (http://www.galileoweb.org)