Is it difficult to get my child into Lakeshore?
Lakeshore is in demand, but getting in is not impossible. For example, when last school year began, there were 19 names on the kindergarten waiting list. Six students assigned to Lakeshore didn't show up. Six were then selected from the waiting list by blind computer run. Two had started school elsewhere and declined the spots, leaving two more openings. That gives you an idea. However, families are urged to choose seven acceptable schools for the enrollment application. For more information on the enrollment process, call Parents for Public Schools, 414/468-7077.

What does it mean that Lakeshore is an alternative school?

There are a lot of misconceptions about this. In SFUSD, "alternative school" means only that there's no designated assignment area and no children are automatically assigned to the school. Every student is there by specific request, with assignments made by blind lottery. Applicants are not screened or tested. Each of the district's alternative schools had a specific focus many years ago, but the specialties faded away at most of them due to funding cuts after Proposition 13. The fact that every child is there by specific request may tend to allow a school to develop its own unique character.

Do applicants who live near Lakeshore get enrollment preference?

No, there's no neighborhood preference for alternative schools. For other (non-alternative) schools, applicants living in the designated assignment area get extra weight during the enrollment process, though they are not guaranteed their neighborhood schools.

What makes Lakeshore special?

We have a strong commitment to parent volunteerism and encourage families to be involved at the school. Parents are involved in the classroom, on the yard, organizing events, on the PTA board and on the School Site Council (a governing body that exists at every school). Lakeshore emphasizes the documented connection between parent involvement and school success. Adding to Lakeshore's unique character are the many beloved events that are traditions here, from the annual picnic, the Multicultural Potluck, the Spring Fling, and Silent Auction. Lakeshore boasts a very diverse student population. 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.

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.

Lakeshore is bigger than many other schools. Do children have trouble finding their way around?

Lakeshore is not a small school, but it has a personal feel and children don't get lost in the crowd. Teachers and staff are encouraged to take a personal interest in the children. The many parents who are on site volunteering probably contribute to the spirit of a small community as well. Kindergartners and first-graders have their own playgrounds. The twenty children in a kindergarten classroom stay together for much of the school day, and the kindergarten restrooms are just outside the door of each classroom. Kindergartners eat lunch with their teacher.

Are parents required to donate money to Lakeshore?

Parents are encouraged to donate to the PTA, which supports many programs for our children and our school. For example, along with the enrichment programs and events for our children, our PTA provides a much-needed, heavy-duty copier for the office to supplement the copier provided by the school district, and pays for water in the bungalow classrooms. Public schools can't require parents to donate money, and we never pressure or embarrass anyone. The PTA is a 501©)(3) nonprofit and donations are fully tax-deductible. We are also part of the California and national PTA, the nation's oldest, largest and most powerful advocacy voice for children and schools.

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 in motor skills, poetry, dance, science, theater, cooking, architecture and gardening, all during the school day. The school district provides weekly instrumental music for 4th and 5th graders. Look inside the enrichment program brochure for a more detailed description of the programs.

Is there a bullying problem at Lakeshore? Will my child be safe?

No school can claim 100% harmony on the playground at all times, but Lakeshore is a very safe school. The term "zero tolerance" sounds too harsh, but we are proud of a climate in which violence is not acceptable. Our teachers have been through a training called TRIBES, which teaches them to guide students in these principles: Mutual respect, no putdowns, attentive listening. Upper grade children can volunteer to be recess "conflict managers", helping younger children to work through disputes or guiding them to the office. Being a conflict manager also gives children the tools to use in working on their own conflicts.

How are Lakeshore's test scores?

Lakeshore consistently posts scores in the top one-fifth of San Francisco elementary schools. We urge parents to look beyond test scores, however. Test scores tend to reflect students' backgrounds - for example, children of highly educated parents are most likely to score well; while schools with many English-language learners tend to have lower scores. An individual child may score high on standardized tests even at a school with low overall achievement.

Does Lakeshore offer foreign language as part of the school day?

No. Several SFUSD elementary schools provide two-way language immersion programs, designed to teach native English speakers fluency in another language and simultaneously teach language-learners English throughout the everyday curriculum, or daylong education in one language/culture (the Japanese Bilingual-Bicultural Programs). Other than that, there are no district-provided foreign language classes in San Francisco elementary schools. Private programs are offered at Lakeshore outside school hours, for a fee, including two separate daily Chinese-language programs and a weekly Spanish program. Other schools may provide different languages as extracurricular or private programs.

Is there any chance that Lakeshore will expand from K-5 to K-8?

That has been discussed and worked on over the years. But it's an expensive proposition at a time of drastic budget cuts. Right now, it's hard to justify putting that much money into one school when there are many needs throughout the school district. Also, parents of younger children are frequently passionate about wanting a K-8, but by 4th and 5th grade, kids are big enough that it's no longer impossible to picture them in a middle school. Meanwhile, parents of older kids begin to see the appeal of a dedicated middle school that can offer such resources as band and orchestra, a full intramural sports program, clubs before and after school, and separate honors classes. It's not impossible that Lakeshore would one day become K-8, but it's not on the table right now.

My child has special needs. Can Lakeshore provide the appropriate accommodations?

Different schools offer different resources for special-education students. Parents are urged to discuss their child's needs with specialists at the district level but also to take a pro-active position advocating for their children and seeking out the most effective setting. At Lakeshore, the principal works closely with parents and with the special-education staff, which includes an SFUSD psychologist and program consultant. The team works to help parents understand the process and the available programs. Lakeshore is known for its excellent special-education staff. If you have difficulty navigating the special-education maze, the school district has an ombudsperson who is there to help. Call Brenda Ow-Wong 415/355-7727 for more information.

My child is gifted. Can Lakeshore provide a challenging curriculum?

Lakeshore does not offer separate classes for gifted and talented students, but many gifted students have had successful learning experiences here. 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.

Researched and written by Caroline Grannan, October 2004
Updated by Rebecca Kennedy, September 2006

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