Alvarado Elementary School

We are so happy with Alvarado and feel lucky to be there. The PTA is extraordinary and provides so many extra programs: science, art, field trip and the parent body is very involved. There's a fantastic after-school program. The principal is a thoughtful, very present leader.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Alvarado for 6 years, K-5th grade. I am currently finishing my 8th grade year at Aptos Midde School, and will be attending Lowell next year. Alvarado really helped shape my path to good grades and success through middle school; they had a strong parent to teacher to student program, helping young children in every aspect of life, including learning a second language, spanish. My years at Alvarado were truly spectacular, and any child attending there will be nourished by loving teachers, amazing arts programs, and a positive vibe.

Our daughter is enrolled in Kindergarten at Alvarado and we feel very lucky. Alvarado is a diverse and vibrant community with teachers that are dedicated to teaching your children in engaging ways. In just a short year our daughter has grown so much. She learned to read and prospered under the guidance of her extraordinary teacher. We highly recommend anyone to Alvarado.
—Submitted by a parent

My child started Alvarado in the middle of 1st gr. (he's now starting 3rd) when we moved to the city, and we have had a fantastic experience so far. The principal is caring, thoughtful and always striving to make the school experience the best it can be for the kids. He is available to parents, and displays a great attitude with the kids. The teachers are very good, and deal exceptionally well with a diverse school population. What really sets Alvarado apart in my view is the parent involvement and the super-active PTA. Parents are encouraged to volunteer, whether it's in the classroom (the science teacher may ask for parent volunteers to help out in the classroom 1x week) or at one of the many social events and fundraisers. Overall, Alvarado is a strong school in both the English pathway and Spanish Immersion program.
—Submitted by a parent

It's hit-or-miss whether or not you get a decent teacher. In some grade levels, it's a definite miss. The school is not well trained on how to engage students with high energy levels, especially for boys who don't need academic help, because they're left at their desks by themselves while the teachers focus on students who have trouble academically. Feedback is sometimes met with defensiveness, and occasionally even anger. We put Alvarado at the top of our list because we heard great things about it; unfortunately we were disappointed time and time again.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter was promoted from the 5th grade this past spring and I have no complaints for the 6 years she spent at Alvarado. The school has a VERY strong PTA which raised over $250k last year for great programs at Alvarado. I enjoyed not only the diversity of the school, but the celebration of diversity in everyday school life. The school grounds are very nice and in a traditional San Francisco school house style, except for the two bungalows out back. This school embraces progressive ideas about education and the environment. It has an awesome arts program with an in-house art teacher and afterschool clubs that add to the regular curriculum. The school has solar panels and a garden in its yards. And regular community events. I feel that my daughter was well prepared for middle school and is currently enrolled in the honors courses at her new school.
—Submitted by a parent

despite its position in a relatively upscale neghborhood, Alvarado is one of the most genuinely diverse schools in the city. And more crucially, its very active PTA believes that it is most important to provide help for those students at the bottom of the achievement curve, particularly english learners.
—Submitted by a parent

Lovely, sunny setting. Open, accepting environment. Very involved parents. Bilingual education that puts my child in a position to succeed in the world.
—Submitted by a parent

Alvarado has a marvelous group of talented, committed, and caring teachers who work well together.
—Submitted by a parent

A wonderful teachers, community, principal - overall great education!
—Submitted by a parent

Love the teachers, principal and parents; they are a very dedicated community!

Great Spanish Immersion Program and overall fantastic teachers. Very dedicated parent involvement with a diverse student body. Principle is progressive and sets a great tone for the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Parents, teachers are working together for our alvarado elementary school
—Submitted by a parent

The parents and teachers make it work with the extra effort we all put in.
—Submitted by a parent

The best public school in the city I know of. Would not trade it in for a 'fancy' private school.
—Submitted by a parent

Alvarado emphasizes so many great things -- the arts, healthy kids, diversity and understanding, science and being as green as can be.Parents are integrally involved and it is an amazing community.
—Submitted by a parent

The dedication of the staff and the very involved parents help make this a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

Active PTA. Engaged Teachers. Caring Principal.
—Submitted by a parent

Alvarado Elementary School is a vibrant, exceptional K-5 elementary school that boasts award-winning General Education and Dual Immersion programs.
—Submitted by a parent

Alvarado is a great inclusive place - excellent staff and community. great art programs and afterschool programs (GLO and Excel).
—Submitted by a parent