About

Mission Statement

All John O'Connell High School students are innovators and critical thinkers, prepared to succeed in both college and a career. Our students collaborate with peers and professionals to design solutions to complex, real-world problems. In our equity-centered community, students develop the academic mastery and interpersonal skills to thrive in a competitive, ever-changing world.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of their four years, each student at John O'Connell High School will have developed the following skills.

Literacy and Communication

• We demonstrate mastery of academic and career technical content through oral and written language and technology.

• We utilize and adapt communication tools and strategies for various audiences, contexts, and purposes.

Collaboration

• We demonstrate willingness and ability to work with and learn from diverse peers, experts, and others.

• We take collective responsibility for meeting high standards, taking on different roles, and fulfilling individual responsibilities.

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

• We engage in cycles of inquiry where we ask significant questions, analyze root causes, consider multiple perspectives, and use evidence to back up arguments and justify possible solutions.

• We analyze real world challenges and develop well-informed solutions.

Reflection and Growth Mindset

• We monitor the quality of our work and reflect on progress toward academic, career, and personal goals.

• We consciously pursue our own passions, build our skills, and strive for mastery.

Commitment to Self and Community

• We recognize mental, emotional, and physical risk factors and respond to them in ways that promote personal wellness and positive relationships.

• We analyze social, environmental, and other factors that impact our community and respond in a way that helps address community needs.

Our School History

John A. O’Connell was born June 7, 1873 in San Francisco. O’Connell, whose father was a state legislator, started working as a plumber’s assistant. He later sailed three times around Cape Horn, at the southern tip of Chile. Upon returning to San Francisco, he enrolled at St. Ignatius College (now known as the University of San Francisco).

O’Connell quit college and started driving a team of workers, transporting goods locally. After enduring 16-hour workdays, O’Connell and others organized a national workers’ union, which later became the Teamsters Union. In 1913, O’Connell became Secretary of the San Francisco Labor Council.

 O’Connell died May 14, 1948. Because of O’Connell’s efforts on the San Francisco Labor Council, this school was dedicated to him on Sept. 21, 1951.

O'Connell Highlights

• Personalized, supportive classrooms

• Strong community connections

• College and real-world readiness

• Strong student activities

• AP classes

• City College dual enrollment

• Work based learning internships (senior year)

• That's why OC is the place to be!