How large is the school?
At the start of the 2007-2008 school year, McKinley Elementary has approximately 280 students. There are 3 kindergarten classes, 2 first grade classes, 3 second grade classes, 2 third grade classes, 1 fourth grade class, 1 fourth/fifth grade split class, and two special education classes.

Is there after school care onsite?
Yes. The program is called After School Enrichment Program, or ASEP. It is a privately run non-profit. It provides after school enrichment programs from the end of the school day at 1:50 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the school year.

Is the school supported by school bus routes?
Yes. There are currently two routes. One goes through the Mission District and the other comes from the Haight Street area. You can find the schedule on the SFUSD site.

What is the focus of McKinley? Academic? Art?
The parents, principal, and teaching staff determine the direction of the school through the School Site Council's annual community meetings. Together we have developed a strong foundation promoting a student body focused on learning. We incorporate art, music, dance along with Spanish language enrichment and an Environmental Science program into the curriculum at McKinley Elementary.

Is McKinley an immersion or bilingual school?
No, but McKinley students participate in a Spanish enrichment program. Kindergarten, first, second and third grade attend 30 minute Spanish classes twice per week, while fourth grade students attend 45 minute Spanish classes twice per week.

When can I take a tour McKinley?
You can arrange a tour by emailing tours@mckinleyschool.org or calling the McKinley office at (415) 241-6300. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30am - 3:30pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00am - 1:00pm. Tours typically begin in October for students enrolling the following year.

Is it possible to contact an existing parent at McKinley?
The organization Parents for Public Schools (PPS) has a program called “Parent Ambassadors.” Most of the ninety public schools in San Francisco have parent ambassadors, and McKinley has more than six. Contact PPS to be connected with McKinley's Parent Ambassadors at (415)468-7077 or by email at info@ppssf.org .

San Francisco is a diverse city. How diverse is the student population of McKinley?
We are a very diverse school that truly reflects the diversity of the city. We have approximately 30 percent are Hispanic/Latino, approximately 30 percent African-American, and the rest composed of the whole range of diversity of San Francisco. Our diversity extends beyond ethnic identification to include gay and lesbian households. We extend our welcome to all who desire a strong educational program.

What about the school lunch and breakfast?
McKinley offers breakfast and lunch for students and staff. The student breakfast is $1.00 and the student lunch is $2.00 for the 2007/8 school year. (It may be easier to pre-pay for meals--contact Rick Buenaventura in the cafeteria.) Please fill out the Free/Reduced lunch application even if you're not applying for it--McKinley receives federal funds for every application turned in. School lunch menus are on the SFUSD site, but the vegetarian option must be ordered at least one day ahead. Breakfast is juice, milk, a choice of cereals and crackers. Breakfast is not served to students late to school.

What are school hours?
School starts at McKinley at 7:50am, and dismissal is at 1:50pm. Yard and cafe supervision begins at 7:35am. Please do not drop off children before 7:35am; there is no supervision. Principal Coffey-Smith takes attendance seriously--students need to be at school, on time, in order to learn.