Lawton Alternative Elementary School

Lawton is a great school. Having transfered both of my children from private school - we found the faculty as strong and engaged as any. The size and K-8 connections are exactly what we wanted and help keep the middle school kids focused and committed. The principle is a good leader and communicator. True that the diversity could be a little more mixed, but, all in all, the kids seem color blind. With a grant to green the school yard, the school just keeps getting better....
--Submitted by a parent

We've felt very fortunate that our son has spent eight years at Lawton. His teachers have mostly ranged from the good to the very good; they and the principle have shaped a school community where academic achievement is valued. The K-8 set-up has worked well for us--it was nice not to have the stress of finding a good middle school a couple of years before having to find a good high school.
--Submitted by a parent

This is really a great school. You get to know everyone and are really close to everyone for 9 years. The teachers really prepare you and care about you. Currently I am attending Wallenberg and Lawton really prepared me to do well at that school.
--Submitted by a student

My child goes to this school. The principal has very high standards and makes sure that all students achieve. All-around excellent school.
--Submitted by a parent

Lawton is a great school. I graduated from this school in 2007. The teachers are really helpful and friendly, and prepare you well for high school. Although there isn't much diversity (the school has mostly Asian students), everyone finds close friends and knows everyone else. The environment is very safe. No one ever really stresses out from homework. About getting into high school, of the students in my graduating class, around 26 students (out of 66, which is nearly half) were accepted into and are currently attending Lowell, and not one person is attending Mission High. A few people even got accepted into private schools. Please consider this school for your child.

My daughter recently transferred to Lawton. It has surpassed my expectations. She is thriving socially and being challenged academically. Teachers are dedicated - your child will not get lost here. Learning disabilities are accomodated. Lack of racial diversity is an issue, but that is a problem throughout the west-side SFUSD schools.
--Submitted by a parent

As both alumni & parent pf a current Lawton student, as well as a graduate (he's now a junior at Washington), I can substantiate that the school on the K-5 level is outstanding; the level of education received here far exceeds the standard of the majority of elementary schools in San Francisco. As far as I'm concerned, the middle school staff could use a complete overhaul; no one wants to hear about their Lowell students and their home life...your job is to prepare my child to get into Lowell. The teachers we had in the 80's were much better than what's there currently. Also, as an African-American/Hispanic parent I am astounded by how few children of either race attend Lawton; and no, it's not because we don't know about the school. Ethnic diversity is definitely an issue.
--Submitted by a parent

I graduated from this school just recently. This school has taught me so many things and the teachers are just great! Our honor classes teach you more than regular schools. Go Lawton!
--Submitted by a student

Great schools. Teachers make sure that the children know the materials and teach them really well. They try to prepare them for the future, and help them be aware of important things, like environmental issues. Great and wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent

Very involved parent community!
--Submitted by a parent