Jefferson Elementary School

We are extremely lucky to get into Jefferson. Our son is in 1st grade and the school is awesome - well coordinated, safe, responsive. Principal and staff are aligned, strong PTA though there could be more involvement. The kindergarden classes have a lot of field trips, perform an opera where they decide the theme, make the sets etc. The school is adjacent to the Sunset library and all classes go to the library often. There is an annual Track & Field day at Kezar stadium, Math Night, Science Night, buddy system between younger grades and older grades, good balance between academics (strong) and creative arts and sports (Jefferson has a kickball team).... overall it is fantastic. Yes the school is affected by state budget cuts just like all schools are but the PTA and staff are responsive and communicate to address and prioritize needs, like all public schools kids that are presumably above grade level find it less challenging but in most cases parents are the ones that think their kids are unusually gifted and do not focus on well rounded development. My one big complaint is that the school is not as diverse, especially low on African American and Latino families.
—Submitted by a parent

Their after school program fee increased to 520 per month. It is crazy. We have no money to support my kids there. I am thinking to move to others schools.
—Submitted by a parent

We ve been at Jefferson for 3 years. I am surprised to see that the school still maintains a high rating. Community at Jefferson is good. The PTA carries a heavy burden. We are leaving Jefferson because of gross misrepresentations about their offerings. Started K 09. At that time the school had all of the opportunities claimed, such as PE, Mandarin, poetry. However, many of these programs have disappeared. A majority of the programs that Jefferson claims to have are only offered as afterschool enrichment at a high cost. Afterschool is $460/month, add l for holidays even if you don t attend. You will pay for any add l enrichment classes. Chess, it is an add l $135/sem. If your don t enroll in the summer, you are not guaranteed a spot in afterschool the following year. The cost of the summer program is $995/month, even if you don t attend. If your child is above-grade level, the school does not do anything to provide a challenging experience. In 1st grade, one playground rull was "No Running." Seriously. In 2nd grade, the teacher told us that this is the time when the children must sit still that s what 2nd grade s all about. Common consequence is to be benched at recess.
—Submitted by a parent

When my child entered Jefferson in the 2011 school year I was nervous about the transition from preschool to kindergarten. It was not our first choice in the lottery but we decided to go to this school anyhow and I cannot be happier. This is an excellent school with fantastic teachers and families. Such a good community and the PTA is excellent. I feel like the teachers really know and care about the students and the students care about each other which is one of the most important things to me.
—Submitted by a parent

I am thankful every day that my family is a part of the Jefferson community. The principal (Mary Lou Cranna) and faculty are committed to educating the whole child, so while Jefferson's test scores are excellent and the classrooms focused, there is much more to my son's days at school. There is a concentration on social, physical, and artistic exploration. A focus on healthy eating habits and environmental responsibility. Two beautiful gardens/outdoor classrooms. A public library next to the campus, and Golden Gate Park is a block away. The PTA is active and enthusiastic - in 2010/11, we raised $150,000! I am constantly impressed with the level of parental support in the school - both financially and in the classrooms. It truly does feel as if we'd won the lottery with this school assignment!
—Submitted by a parent

Hello there, first, I would like to introduce myself. I am a former student and now an eighth grader, and this school has shaped how I am. It is a beautifully strong and excelling elementary school, and it was wonderful back when the principal was Ms.Rosen. She was a very strong and excellent principal, and it was sad to see her resign. For my fifth grade year I had Mr.Tam as a principal, and I was upset to see the quality of the school dropping a bit. The year after I left, a very good teacher was let off, and the principal changed once more. I was happy to hear some A+ quality teachers were still left. All teachers were very supporting, and it was a very homey school to me. Parents of students were very involved, and there was a lot of extra curricular activities. I loved it, I still love it,. Fabulous school.

i am a sixth grader and former student of jefferson elementary (class of '10)and i had a great time at jefferson. akk the teachers are supportive and did a very good job of teaching the students on all subjects and including art, poetry, and they have a lot of great plans on field trips. currently, they had a new principal, but im pretty shure that she does a great job at jefferson, although she changes a lot of the original things and activities at jefferson. well, since this school has an average rating of 9/10, they say this is an awesome school and so do i.

They have supportive teachers and an after school program.
—Submitted by a parent

We love the teachers, the staff, the extracurricular activities, the arts, music, poetry, library, science, fieldtrips, and all of the fun activities that bring our community together like potlucks, gardening days, junior olympics, science and math nights etc. etc. An excellent school all around!
—Submitted by a parent

I love the programs, and the community feeling that the parents, teachers, and staff give to the school. I feel that this community cares about it students, and works hard for the best education possible! I feel lucky to have my child in such a wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

great school with caring teachers, administrators and parents. we just went through renovations so we totally updated and sparkling!
—Submitted by a parent

Jefferson is a wonderful school! It has great teachers, kind families and terrific students. We love Jefferson!
—Submitted by a parent

jefferson is a creative and brave community - through all these hard budget times........our families and staff have come together in incredibly supportive ways in defense of the most important elements of educating the whole child....the arts! viewed with the utmost respect, as a way to reach all children in a variety of the most creative ways - to make them all feel successful in the most imaginative and inspiring ways... what an amazing place and parent body, promoting play at the center of the curriculum - the best tested, tried and true way to learn no matter what age, language, or academic ability........thank goodness for schools like jefferson.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am also a parent who has a child attending this school. This is a great school community. The parents and staff work together to ensure the best education for our students. We have a strong PTA who help and are involved in the school in a variety of ways. I am also a Jefferson School alumni.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the best Public Schools in San Francisco. I was a student of Jefferson in the early 60's and my two daughters go there now and it has only gotten better with age.Outstanding teachers and learning!!!
—Submitted by a parent

cuase there teaching school is well improve and my son got straight a
—Submitted by a parent

Jefferson is a compassionate and supportive second home for my children where they LOVE to learn and where I can be involved as a parent. Teachers give 100%. The breadth of curriculum is amazing, from our Science Paraprofessional, to our Arts programs, extensive fieldtrips, and new after school enrichment program. Jefferson teaches their students not just how to learn, but how to be caring individuals, and how to respect others of all ages and differences. It is one of the few schools I know that has a strategic balanced homework philosophy - emphasizing reading and enhancing learning but not busy work, allowing kids time to do extra-curricular activities and just be kids.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started Kindergarten this Fall and we couldn't be happier!! Jefferson is definitely a hidden gem in the community. The school principal is a warm and caring man who knows all the students by their names; all stuffs and teachers are dedicated and nurturing; however, most impressively are the engaged parents who volunteered their time and efforts as room parents and PTA members. My daughter loves the school and her teachers, and we are just thrilled to see the smile on her face!
—Submitted by a parent

It has engaged and encouraged my kindergartner. What we feared would be a difficult transition, has become a boon to our family!
—Submitted by a parent

Our son just stated Kindergarten at Jefferson. It already feels like home. Everyone knows him and calls him by name.
—Submitted by a parent