San Rafael Elementary School

My daughter entered the Dual Language Immersion program last September. We transferred her from a private school as this is our neighborhood school and we were excited about the program. This school has been equal to and in some ways even better than the private school she was previously attending. The parental involvement is far greater at San Rafael. The teachers and administration all care so much. They go the extra mile for the children in so many ways. My daughter is well nurtured, well educated and, oh yes....SPEAKING SPANISH!!!! We can't believe how much progress she has made since September. She didn't speak a single word going in and now she is speaking in full sentences and singing whole songs - and she LOVES it. I am also very impressed with the LEARNS after school program. It is very structured and she gets homework help. She is learning Spanish dancing and how to sew. At the private school, the after school program was pretty much a free for all. LEARNS is much more organized and we like it so much better.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a kindergarten student in San Rafael's Dual Immersion Program. My younger daughter is scheduled to enter kindergarten next year as well. I couldn't be more impressed with the quality of the teachers and the parent involvement. It is clear that we made the right choice for our daughter. Although it is not our home school, it really feels like home to us. Not perfect (but what is?), but a caring community (staff and parents) makes up for the limitations.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in the dual language program and I couldn't be more pleased about the decision we made. I had felt that public school wasn't an option for our children with all the cuts to education. But I have no doubt she is getting the best possible education offered in Pasadena. She is in Kindergarten and reading and writing in both Spanish and English already. She runs to her classroom each morning and is so enthusiastic about her work. She is singing in the school musical and participating in a Daisies troop on campus. The biggest and best surprise was the community of parents involved in the DLP. They are intelligent, committed, warm and just terrific! I am so pleased this will be our community through the school years and hopefully beyond!
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in the Dual immersion Spanish program and we love it. Both the school and class sizes for kindergarten are small. My son spoke no spanish when we started, and within months he is speaking and reading in 2 languages. The teachers are attentive, communicative and available. The level of parent involvement is high. San Rafael is a lovely school.
--Submitted by a parent

We took a leap of faith when we decided to send our son to San Rafael. He was the first Kindergarten class in the Dual Immersion program and the results are undeniably amazing. I never realized how important it is to be biliterate as well as bilingual. Truly when I observe the class and hear the children talk in a language that is not their first (for half of them) it blows me away! The teachers are incredibly dedicated to the success of the children. In his two years at the school, his teachers have gone above and beyond their required duty! They are teaching a language, while teaching the curriculum that is required by the state. So basically my son is learning everything in 2 languages. He is not getting half of an education. He is getting twice the education. The campus is in a beautiful neighborhood. And more improvements will be coming once funds are released from measure tt. Overall had I to make the decision over again I would send my son here! In fact I will be sending my daughter in the fall. San Rafael has a diverse, caring, and nurturing community that is growing every day.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in the Spanish immersion program and loves it! Not only is the school site charming, the spanish program has attracted a really committed, diverse, and dynamic group of parents. I did not think my child would learn s0 quickly. Half way through kindergarten, he is reading and writing in spanish. He has also made some amazing friends. Thank you, PUSD, for starting this program!
--Submitted by a parent

As the parent of twins here at San Rafael, I am pleased with the school and the character of the staff and leaders. This little gem of a school is moving toward greatness and we all need to continue to help it succeed.
--Submitted by a parent

As a kindergarten family, we are thrilled to be in Pasadena s first dual immersion (Spanish) program at San Rafael Elementary. The principal is thoughtful & dedicated (it was under her leadership that both the district s inclusion and dual immersion programs came to San Rafael) and the teachers and support staff are all working together to turn San Rafael into a high performing school. Although the API is fair (748), it is clearly on the rise and with the growing support of everyone involved at SR, SR will easily be a high performing school within the next five years. In terms of the dual immersion program, the teachers are giving 300% of their time and talent to make the DLP a life changing experience for my daughter and her classmates. SR also has a pre-school and PasadenaLEARNs after school program for all kids, K-6th grade.
--Submitted by a parent

My twins are in kindergarten at San Rafael Elementary. The teachers in their Dual Language class are AMAZING! I chose San Rafael because of this unique program, but I am equally happy with the school overall. It is a wonderful community to be in.
--Submitted by a parent

I am new at San Rafael Elementary, and my daughter is in the new Dual Language Spanish Immersion Program. The teachers are truly remarkable, and go above and beyond what is expected. This school has had its trials, but I sincerely believe San Rafael is headed for greatness with the recent, incredible surge of community/parental support and caring, giving nature of the staff and teachers. It may not have all the bells and whistles of other programs, but it is a small, wonderful group of people who care about each and every child in that school. This school is going to thrive, and I am proud to be a part of choosing to rebuild and ignite our neighborhood public school.
--Submitted by a parent