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Parking Information

Parking Information

At San Marcos High School, on-campus student parking is limited. Due to the high demand, senior students are given priority for parking permits before the start of the school year.

Important for the 2026–2027 School Year: Seniors must submit their completed parking application by 8:00 a.m. on June 30, 2026. The parking application link was emailed to Class of 2027 students and parents on June 6, 2026.

Any parking spaces remaining after the senior registration period will be allocated through a lottery system for juniors and seniors who missed the initial deadline. Details regarding the lottery process will be emailed during the first week of August.

These parking spaces are highly sought after, and parking on campus is considered a privilege. Students who receive a parking permit are expected to comply with all SMHS parking regulations at all times. Failure to follow these regulations may result in the suspension or revocation of parking privileges.

All parking on campus is permit-only, with the exception of designated visitor parking spaces. Students with parking permits are authorized to park only in the student parking lot. Parking in staff, visitor, reserved, or other unauthorized parking areas may result in disciplinary action, citation, towing, and/or loss of parking privileges.

To be eligible for a parking permit, students must complete all of the following requirements:

  • Attend a Start Smart class with a parent or guardian
  • Possess a valid driver's license
  • Provide current vehicle registration
  • Provide proof of valid insurance
  • Submit a signed parking agreement

Parking spaces cannot be reserved for senior students who have not completed all parking requirements by July 30, 2026.

For questions, please reach out to the Assistant Principal's office.

  • Start Smart Program – Required for On-Campus Parking

    Planning to park on campus during your senior year? Make sure you complete the Start Smart Program! The next Start Smart class will be in September or early October for 2026. Completion of the Start Smart Program is mandatory for students who wish to park on campus during their senior year (and possibly junior year).

    Open to students in any grade, the program only needs to be taken one time. Both the student and a parent or guardian must attend. The session lasts approximately two hours, no RSVP is required. 

    Next date Start Smart date is TBD for fall of 2026.

    For questions, please reach out to the Assistant Principal's office.

  • SMHS Parking Regulations:

    1. All student vehicles parked on campus must display a current SMHS parking permit affixed on the inside lower left corner of the front windshield.
    2. Students must attend a Start Smart class before applying for a  parking permit. No exceptions.
    3. All students must provide a copy of their driver's license, current proof of insurance, and current DMV registration. 
    4. Priority will be given to Seniors, then Juniors based on availability. 
    5. Parking privileges may be revoked at any time due to unsafe driving, poor attendance, excessive tardies, and/or disciplinary infractions.
      1. 1st offense - warning is given to the student and documented
      2. 2nd offense - loss of permit for the remainder of school year
      3. Reckless driving will result in immediate loss of parking permit 
    6. Students are prohibited from sharing or loaning their permit to other students. Violations will result in disciplinary action and/or loss of permit.
    7. Lost permits will NOT be replaced. Temporary permits for other vehicles are available through the AP Office. Valid Insurance and registration is required.
    8. Student parking is allowed ONLY in the designated student parking lot. Parking in the front staff lot is prohibited.
    9. SMHS is NOT responsible for theft, damage, or accidents involving vehicles on campus or off campus.
    10. The campus speed limit is 5mph and is strictly enforced. Running stop signs or any form of reckless driving may result in disciplinary action and loss of parking privileges. 
    11. Students may NOT loiter in the parking lot during school hours, including before and after school. (Parents/guardians who need to access the parked car, must check in at the front office before going to the student lot)
    12. Students may NOT access their vehicle during school hours. Vehicles may NOT be used as lockers.
    13. Vehicles parked on campus are subject to search by school administration and law enforcement at any time.
    14. Illegally parked vehicles are subject to ticketing or towing at the owner's expense.