Stevenson (Robert Louis) Elementary School

I have two daughters at Stevenson. This is a great school. The staff for its most part is super, supportive and provide a great quality of education. It is very academic driven and like any other school, will only continue to thrive as long as we have parent involvement. There are a few things that could be improved in the school, such as the cafeteria and the kids play areas. However, this will only be possible with the community support. This is a call to every parent with kids are RLS. Let's support our school and get involved in community activities that will elad to the improvement of the campus. Go Dolphins!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student that has graduated from Robert Louis Stevenson. I have started from Kindergarten all the way to fifth grade. In the last five years, I have enjoyed school very much and often looked forward to going to school. The lessons are very engaging, and I have learned many interesting and useful facts. However, I personally think they need to do a better job on the yearbooks. One of my teachers was very rude to me and did not care for me at all, and I was especially young at the time(first grade), but he/she has retired a year ago. My fourth grade teacher made the biggest difference in my life and I especially want to thank him/her. The music teacher was quite snappy and would get annoyed when you made a mistake. However, I have made friends since Kindergarten, so there is no need to worry about that. MANY of my personal things were stolen, and they were hidden in the back of my desk(rulers, pencil cases, etc.).

We have been at the school for over five years. We disagree with the critical comments noted below. RLS has an active PTA that is involved in many efforts. For example, the PTA will be holding a raffle event in the next few weeks. Also, the school works very hard at encouraging diversity. Although we are of a different background than the majority of kids at the school, our kids have always been welcomed and do quite well socially. The best thing about the school is truly the teachers -- they are simply the best. And it shows in the good test scores at the school. If you want teachers who will push your child to do the best she can do, RLS is the place to be!
—Submitted by a parent

We are not pleased with this school at all. Yes perhaps the scores are high, but that's not the only indicator of a healthy environment for kids. This school is lacking in communications with parents, parents involvement and diverse activities.
—Submitted by a parent

In my opinion the school needs a lot of work in school spirit, diversity, helping to close the achievement gap, and helping students to get along socially. If your child is passive and of any ethnicity like African American, your kid may not do well here. But one great teacher that I can rave about is Mr. Yohe!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended RLS grades 1-5 and now that he is in middle school I truly appreciate what a great school this was. It is very supportive, positive, and most of all safe. It was challenging enough since they have break-out sessions for GATE students, which was great. His middle school does not do this, which has been tremendously disappointing. I also really love the ladies that run the KEEP after-school program. They watched my son grow up and they are the nicest, sweetest group of women. RLS is very fortunate that have them.
—Submitted by a parent

R.L.S. is a wonderful public school with the small class sizes like a private school. The teachers are caring and involved with their students and the parents. It is a place where everyone get to know you personally.
—Submitted by a parent

Both our children have attended RLS since kindergarden. It was not our first choice but we ended up being very happy with it. We have been very happy with the teachers. PRos
—Submitted by a parent

The principal at this school does not support the Special Education program. Paras are the first to be cut. She does not attend IEP meetings. Beautifican of the school is her first priority.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a good school with wonderful teachers, although more could be done in terms of principal leadership. We do not have too many newsletters from her, and would like to keep informed.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic! It's the best school my son has ever attended. All the teachers care about academics and the child's personality developement.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has started Kindergarten at Stevenson this year and we could not be more pleased. The atmosphere is both supportive and focused on learning. Test scores are very high. Children appear happy and well-behaved. School grounds and surrounding area are feel very safe and secure and are kept spotlessly clean. The campus covers a full block and has plenty of outdoor space. I have only attended the first PTA meeting so far, but I was impressed with the level of parent involvement. Stevenson raises money to support PE classes for all students. After-school care is available along with music and Cantonese classes. The principal is very connected with students and teachers alike. I would say that Stevenson is definitely a 'hidden gem' of a school in San Francisco - and well worth visiting.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is an undiscovered gem.
—Submitted by a parent

Very good school with safe after-school program. Unknown hidden gem. Once you can get past the seven schools that everyone else is going to put down as first choices, you'll find RL Stevenson is just as good and much easier to get into.
—Submitted by a parent

Stevenson is an excellent school. The staff is dedicated and helpful, and the academic emphasis is very strong. My daughter liked the quiz, the praises, and slightly heavier homework load than the other schools. Her teacher is great. The school environment is very safe, and it is quite convenient to get there (not much traffic around the school). The afterschool care is somewhat less exciting, not much organized activities; still, being on site, it is very convenient.
—Submitted by a parent

R L Stevenson is a more traditional, neighborhood elementary school. Families at Stevenson are all very committed to high academic acheivement and work hard to support the excellent teachers with many classroom volunteers. The teachers are outstanding, exprienced professionals with a wide range of teaching styles and additional talents to add to the academic experience. Unlike some of the better-known schools, the PTA has very modest, very specific fundraising ambitions and is very fiscally conservative. Although very few teachers leave R L Stevenson, there will be a new principal in 2005-2006.
—Submitted by Kari Gray, a parent

Robert Louis Stevenson is a wonderful school. It has caring, dedicated teachers who have the ability to address each childs needs and to keep this school at a high performing level. The principal is the kind of leader every school could use. There is a lot of parent particapation. The PTA is hard working, and helps our school with our Artist in residence programs, PE program (by the way has to be the best program I have ever seen and the kids love it)after school science club and other programs during the year. I feel lucky my children attend Stevenson.
—Submitted by a parent