The school system in San Francisco is complex, fraught with political controversy.   The system is somewhat like a semi-open lottery but there are a variety of factors that are taken into account. Living in the same neighborhood as the school location is a factor, but its importance varies from year to year as electoral whims change. Other factors include socio-economic metrics that constantly change, the presence of siblings in the school, employment in the school system, etc. Some schools are city-wide where neighborhood doesn’t matter.   Some schools in San Francisco are considered top-notch; others, not so much. So if one moves into a neighborhood with a top-notch elementary school, it is quite possible that so many people apply to that school that the chances of your child attending are very small.

Helpful Links:

California Links

• School Ratings: http://school-ratings.com/
• Academic Performance Index: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ap/
• California Department of Education http://www.cde.ca.gov/
• Great Schools: http://www.greatschools.org/california/
• San Mateo School District: http://www.smfc.k12.ca.us/
• Marin School District: http://www.martinschools.org/

San Francisco Links

• sMaps:www.sfusd.edu/en/enroll-in-sfusd-schools/enrollment-resources/overview.html
• Parents for public schools: www.ppssf.org
• SF Unified District: www.sfusd.edu/en/enroll-in-sfusd-schools/enroll-for-next-year/overview/discover-your-school-options.html
• K-Files Blog: www.thesfkfiles.blogspot.com/