What are McKinley's test scores?
McKinley's STAR test results rocketed up 24 points, from 786 to 810, in 2008/9. This means McKinley now exceeds the state's proficiency level of 800. There's more standardized information, including the school's SARC profile, on McKinley's SFUSD page.

How large is the school?
At the start of the 2009/10 school year, McKinley has approximately 320 students. There are 3 kindergarten classes, 3 first grade classes, 3 second grade classes, 2 third grade classes, 2 fourth grade classes, 1 fifth grade class, and one special education class.

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. They also run day camps during holidays.

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 and fifth grade students attend 45 minute Spanish classes twice per week. The After School Program also offers Spanish and Mandarin immersion four days a week for two hours.

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 2009/10 school year. 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 Rosa Fong takes attendance seriously--students need to be at school, on time, in order to learn.

Is there parking?
As of 11/3/2009, there is no longer parking in the lower yard for morning dropoff. Instead, there is a new "Stop, Drop and Roll" program. Between 7:35 AM and 7:55 AM, students can be dropped off at the front entrance of the school (14th street side) where they will be greeted and escorted to the yard by Principal Fong along with parent and student volunteers.
The lower yard is where PE classes are held and grades 3 - 5 have recess, and cars cannot be on the yard when students are present. The lower yard is available for parking for school events, such as PTA meetings and student performances.

How do I join the online mailing list?
McKinley parents have created a Yahoo! group to communicate via email. If you're McKinley Elementary parents, teachers, or staff, please join us!

Click to join mckinley-sf