These Frequently Asked Questions are meant to answer questions typically posed by parents during the enrollment process.
What are school hours? School starts at 9:30am, and dismissal is at 3:30pm. Yard and cafe supervision begins at 9:15am.
How large is the school? There are approximately 575 students in grades K-5. There are 4 kindergarten classes.
Is there before/after school care onsite? Yes. There are several options for before and after school care on site. Programs begin as early as 7:30 and end at 6:00.
Is the school supported by school bus routes? Yes. Please refer to the bus schedule.
What does it mean that Lakeshore is an alternative school? Historically “Alternative school” meant that there was no geographic assignment area associated with the school. However, the student assignment process will change starting with the 2011 incoming class and it is not clear whether this label will retain any meaning. Please check with SFUSD for the most current information.
How are Lakeshore’s test scores? Lakeshore consistently posts scores in the top one-fifth of San Francisco elementary schools. You can find the scores for all schools in the district on the website of the California Department of Education.
What makes Lakeshore special? Lakeshore emphasizes the documented connection between parent involvement and school success. Adding to Lakeshore’s unique character are the many special events that are traditions here, from the annual picnic, the Multicultural Potluck, the Spring Fling, and Silent Auction. Lakeshore also stands out for its enrichment programs; its association with Lowell High School and San Francisco State University; its excellent private on-site child care before and after school, Everyday Magic; and its Chinese Language Programs.
What enrichment programs does Lakeshore offer? Even during budget crises, we have managed to continue offering a wonderful art program, provided by the Lakeshore PTA. We also provide popular PTA-sponsored enrichment programs for our students including motor skills, poetry, dance, theater, music, yoga and gardening, all during the school day. The school district provides weekly instrumental music for 4th and 5th graders.
Is the kindergarten day shorter than the older grades’ school day? The start and end times are the same, but there is less instructional time for kindergartners. They get added playground time during the school day.
Do the Kindergarteners eat lunch with the older students? No. All Kindergarten classes eat together in the cafeteria.
Do the Kindergarteners share rest rooms with the rest of the grades? No. The kindergarten classrooms have separate restrooms associated with them.
Does Lakeshore offer foreign language as part of the school day? No, however, several well-established Chinese-language programs are offered at Lakeshore before and after school hours.
Does Lakeshore accept students with special needs? Lakeshore is a designated Inclusion school and has 2 special day classes. The school staff includes several resource specialists. Please refer to the information on the SFUSD web site regarding special needs enrollment.
Does Lakeshore have a program for Gifted students? The SFUSD identifies students for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) status beginning in third grade. Many SFUSD middle schools have separate classes for gifted students, so GATE identification helps schools to make appropriate placements at that point.
When can I take a tour Lakeshore? Tours for fall 2010 enrollment will begin on the first Wednesday in October. A tour will be run every Wednesday at 10:00 AM beginning in October. Please call and make a reservation if you plan to tour the school; the office phone number is 415-759-2825. All visitors, must sign in to the visitor log which is inside the office.
Is it possible to contact an existing parent at Lakeshore? The organization Parents for Public Schools (PPS) has a program called “Parent Ambassadors.” Contact PPS to be connected with Lakeshore Parent Ambassadors at (415)468-7077 or by email at info@ppssf.org .