Parks (Rosa) Elementary School

We enrolled out child for the Japanese language program but discovered that there is so much more. I don't need to repeat all that others have already said about the stellar teachers staff and principal. I completely agree. The garden program is fantastic. When we were out grocery shopping my child wanted to buy celery and cucumbers--and actually bypassed the donuts. It is great that the school does not neglect teaching kids about nutrition. Parent involvement is probably the best in the district. Just stop by the school's popcorn stand during Cherry Blossom Festival and you will see.

This is our 4th year at Rosa Parks and both our kids are totally thriving. I can't say enough about the teaching staff Principal and parent community -- all work together so well to support the vibrant and diverse environment in which our kids learn. My kids love going to school. They are reading voraciously love math and love speaking and writing Japanese (both of us parents were inspired to take Japanese language instruction by our kids' enthusiasm). They come home talking about what they learned in P.E. in dance in the garden & nutrition program (we grow vegetables and have chickens!) and at Computer Lab. And they have great friends whose parents have become our friends. Great people great urban experience great school.

My daughter reported "I love my teacher." after her first day of school. And there really hasn't been any let-down since then. I have dealt mostly with the K and 1st grade teachers; all are good with the kids and effective teaching them. Other parents assure me the teachers are just as good in the upper grades. The principal has been a strong proponent of Restorative Practices for handling conflict and we have seen the benefits of improved discipline as a result. He also oversaw a well executed merger of the Japanese program and the General Education program into a single Rosa Parks program. In many respects it's the parent involvement that guarantees the accelerating success at the school. We noticed it when we toured the school before attending. We continue to see it with parents in the classroom chaperoning field trips and interacting with each other in active Facebook groups. We couldn't be more pleased.

I have a 1st grader in the JBBP program. This is her second year attending this school. As a parent we have had a great experience with the school. The teachers are dedicated and caring. The principal does a great job administering the school and integrating the staff parents and students. A lot of the parents are involved and dedicate time and resources into the school. I am very appreciative of all of the work that the PTA volunteers do for the school. The best thing of all is that the children are happy that definitely says a lot of the school. As parents we feel very fortunate to have found this hidden gem of a school and to be part of the school community.

I have a first grader and definitely plan to have my 2nd child attend too. I speak Japanese but my husband doesn't so having my daughter get the strongest Japanese instruction possible is key to me. For Japanese it's not just the everyday Japanese language hour she gets. Rosa Parks is nicely linked with Japantown as well as her wonderful after-school program NLF where she continues to get Japanese as well as additional options for conversation classes. I love that she is growing up with so many kids in the Rosa Parks - NLF circle. This is a special community indeed. All this has significantly helped my daughter accept my persistance to speak Japanese to her. Before Rosa Parks I had heard "speak in English" from her but now she has better context that her classmates are learning too. This is very important to me. I wasn't sure initially but for general academic learning I am very pleased too. Clearly the teachers here are very committed to solid teaching. In my opinion this is a total hidden gem that people don't notice unless they have a JP interest. The garden program too is amazing. 2 large blooming salad gardens with chickens to boot. I am committed!

We are finishing up our 3rd year at Rosa Parks & we couldn' t be happier. Here's why Our teachers are brilliant creative loving dedicated. Our principal is kind engaged committed to student lifelong achievement. The staff are enthusiastic & act like they love being at our school. The parent community is involved inclusive positive minded & ever-present. Everyone above know the kids & their names. So much diversity! All are represented. The many school & community events parades performances field trips. The enrichment curriculum. So much art music dance performance & creative activities. The neighborhood. We are part of Japantown and Fillmore district & the kids know it. They have a sense of place & history of San Francisco. It makes them proud of their school. Our school itself so many trees & gardens so many playgrounds meeting places big cheerful classrooms. Our nutrition science geography reading programs library & computer lab. But most of all I love my son's experience he is thriving & LOVES school. He is motivated engaged reading above grade level. Best of all Rosa Parks makes him want to be 'his best self'. And those are his words )

This school is amazing! The teachers and the principal are committed to the students and they have a very nurturing approach. My son is in the 3rd grade and also in JBBP program and he loves it! Not only is this a great school but they also have great after school programs for the students. This school is definitely worth any parents consideration.

I love our school and so does my daughter. The principal is great the teachers are excellent and the community of parents is involved and on it. We have a great language program a garden and even chickens on site. I toured many school when preparing for kindergarten and this school is as good as the best. I would advise all prospective kindergarten parents to check it out for themselves. Test scores have been improving year after year; this is a school worthy of your attention and consideration.

Our family moved to San Francisco from New York last year. Enrolled in Rosa Parks JBBP and the program/school has exceeded our expectations -- amazing caring principal/teachers active family community and spacious school facility which includes garden and chicken coop. We have participated in after school programs like Chess Club and PTA/PTCC events. Overall we couldn't be happier as a family to have found RP/JBBP.

I couldn't be happier with Rosa Parks and the Japanese Bilingual Program. My child is in kdg this year and his teachers are amazing. He is happy. He learns an hour of Japanese every day and can speak read and write. He is supported by a great staff principal and the other parents in his class. If you are looking for a great school with language support and diversity come join our RP community.

My child is in the 1st grade and we could not think of a better fit for her. The techers are committed well-trained and always approachable. The prinicipal is passionate about the school and the kids evidenced by his daily exercise routine with students in the yard every morning. The Japanese Bilingual-Bi-Cultural Program has been excellent for my daughter and she is excelling in all areas. The only thing I would change is more parent participation but then again that's probably something that every public school could use more of.

Our family's second year at Rosa Parks and we have an incoming kinder next fall. We could not be happier. Paul Jacobsen is an excellent principal. He is very welcoming to parent involvment and really does care about the safety and growth of our children. Teachers are happy supported by both administration and families. Run don't walk to the EPC office and request Rosa Parks for your child! When I leave the playground for work each morning I feel very sure that we are in a truly great place.

My granddaughters love their school. Their grandmother loves it too! I look forward visiting and to being constantly in awe of the level of teaching and nurturing at Rosa Parks. Kids get a chance to be themselves and to develop to the fullest academically and humanly.

We couldn't be happier with Rosa Parks. The principal is great! It appears he works welll with the staff and is very motivating. He cares about the students and knows that the school plays a big role in raising the children. Test scores are improving. It's a great community. (Parent involvement is great for the Japanese Bicultural Bilingal Program. I'm not sure how it is for the General program.)

As a parent of a kindergarten student at Rosa Parks I have to say that this hidden gem of a school tucked away in Western Addition fosters a nice bright and vibrant learning environment for my child. We wanted to take advantage of the districts bilingual language program and am so happy that we have. The parent base involved in Rosa Parks Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program (JBBP) is extremely active and engaged in all aspects of the school. In the Summer of 2010 a large section of the playground was transformed into a lush urban garden that flourishes and nourishes our children. (science and nutrition) A grant was secured to bring Grammy nominated jazz musician Anthony Brown into the classrooms to help expose curious minds to a world of music they normally don't have access to. The SF Symphony and the SF Ballet are heavily involved with special programming for the students. JBBP program has attracted students from all over the city and this diversity makes Rosa Parks Elem. a must see school for many incoming families. But above all else the faculty students and families that make up this community are committed to fostering a strong community school environment.

Improving through great strong leadership . School principal are very devoted to his work true leader cares about his staff members students parent s friends. The safety of the students are very appreciated. All the efforts dedication are very priceless. JBBP cultural activities are awesome. Rosa Parks/ JBBP are TRULY the C>H>A>M>P>S <3

Native Japanese speaking Senseis providing Japanese language instruction Active involvement in local community Active parent involvement Proximity to J-Town Diversity of student population Bussing to Japanese Afterschool Programs.

I love the cultural events and the diversity.

The children are so enthused about learning. Teachers teach many different languages as well!

They really care about their students.