Rooftop Elementary School

443 Burnett Avenue

School District

San Francisco Unified
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for San Francisco Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 04, 2024

Rooftop is a diverse and inclusive community and I love all the opportunities the students get to explore their creativity through art and movement, and the garden is amazing. We appreciate that our child can stay for middle school and have more continuity. The principal who started in 2022 has is providing stability and great leadership after a few years of changes during the pandemic, and seems really committed to the school (he is a former Rooftop parent and teacher). I think the issues Rooftop has are present at any elementary school in SF such as more supports needed for special ed.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2023

Rooftop is an amazing school with an amazing community. Many of the teachers have been there for years, and the principal sent his own kids there and was formerly a teacher at Rooftop. We love the garden, the views of the city, the diversity of the school, and the arts focus. CASA, the afterschool program, is also wonderful. The only downside to the school is that the facilities are a bit dated, but that’s pretty common in California, and my kids don’t seem to notice. I'm happy knowing my kids can go there from TK through 8th grade.
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2023

This school has gone straight downhill in the last 4 years. Especially at the middle school level. Constant turnover of principals. Huge discipline issues. No accountability. teachers walking out in the middle of the semesters . Unqualified substitutes. My child had serious learning gaps when entering high school after attending there. Sadly has lost its way.
Submitted by parent on October 01, 2017

Rooftop is a unique school in the district because it is a city wide school. Rooftop gets students and families from all over the city. With 10 grades and 2 campuses, the feeling I get on campus is although we have a lot going on, there is individual care for my child. The new principal is fantastic! She said to us that it was her mission to know every kid's name, and if you watch her interact with the kids she knows their names, what they like/don't like, facts about them, and their family. Never see a principal this engaged ever. She's not like the ones before her who you can tell hated kids. It's very obvious that she loves kids. She's positive, and even with the little time she's been at the school, I'm seeing a big improvement in morale and overall happiness for everyone. I'm excited to see what she does next.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2017

I think this school gets more hype than it should. It might have been great ten years ago, but not so much anymore. My son attended PreK here last year and that program is excellent. I highly recommend it to any parent who can get in. That program is separate from the actual school, but I thought that the PreK program would be a great indicator of the school. I was hesitant, and still am, about my selection of Rooftop. The turnover in leadership is worrisome, which leads to a lack of consistency in policies and discipline styles. My son is currently in kindergarten and there is a no homework policy for kindergarteners. I'm not sure if this a good or a bad thing. The scores reflect that the students at the school may not be doing as well as many other schools in the district such as Sunset or Lafayette, etc. who have scores above the 80s. The diversity in this school is rich, but I think that it is fair to say that there is a lack of support for those who are not doing so well at school, as the scores reflect that. I'm surprised that the school is rated an 8/10 on some websites with scores so low. I think some people want a K-8 school, but the middle school curriculum is not as developed as the elective courses are incredibly limited. Last year, when I asked the previous principal about bullying policies, he stated that bullying happens everywhere and there's no way to stop it. That was a huge disappointment, but I decided to stay because my son was used to the environment. I question my decision to stay every day and it may be that next year we are at a different school. The PTA and parents are a great group of people, some of the teachers are better at talking to students than parents, and the technology is severely lacking in the actual school and with the administration. I know that some schools use apps like ClassDojo or other ways to keep their parents informed of class events. I haven't received a single email or update from the our kindergarten teacher about what is going on in the classroom. Instead, my son comes home with lots of worksheets. To say I'm a bit disappointed is an understatement.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2017

With two children going to Rooftop for several years now, I can say that I'm proud that they are part of this community. We've had some excellent teachers that have made a real difference for my kids. The parents are amazing at raising money and volunteering. The garden, integrated arts program, sensory motor, and outdoor ed in the upper grades add a lot to their education. And I love that the diversity in this school represents San Francisco -- I believe it adds a richness to their experience that they wouldn't get anywhere else. The not so good stuff at Rooftop? The turnover in administration has been frustrating, but I wouldn't be so grim as to call it on the decline. Great teachers and families are the backbone of the culture, and that's what I value the most.
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2017

Leadership is constantly turning over. This is a huge problem. Test scores are going down. I'm very frustrated at the direction this school is headed. Five stars rating? Maybe 5-10 years ago... This is billed as one of the top public K-8 schools in the City. Maybe the best, but my experience is it's on a decline. I love the community and parents, and still a lot of great teachers, so I hate to expose the cracks.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2016

Rooftop is an amazing community of students, teachers, parents and administrators. Our daughter is wrapping up 1st grade and we could not be happier with the school. She loves learning (and is already reading at a 3rd grade level), has wonderful friends, and the the on-site after-school program (CASA) is a true San Francisco gem. Parent community is engaged, involved, and successfully raises money for programs such as garden, art, playworks, sensory motor, and other integral parts of our children's rich experience. This school has been an amazing fit for our family.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2014

Rooftop is such an amazing school. Our son is now entering 1st grade and we feel so lucky and grateful to be a part of this wonderful community.
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2014

It is a diverse school and I wouldn't have it any other way. This is the only school which is rated as one of the top schools in SF with this type of diversity. Rooftop students are rich in experience. This school has incredible parent involvement, art, garden, sensory motor, etc.
Submitted by parent on December 20, 2013

Graduated from this school and had some of the best years of my life here. The school is small enough that kids form deep friendships that last beyond graduation. Teachers were nice and willing to help out. Lacks class options for the middle school section but provides a lot of support. The community is very involved and overall a good experience.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

I love, Love, LOVE this school!!! My Grandaughter Kindergarten teacher is the BEST on this side of the West! My grandaughter is learning to become responsible and productive! ( I am so proud of her) I am so very pleased with the environment, The Principal and the staff here are Sssoooo awesome!!!
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2013

It has only been one week and I already love Rooftop! My daughter is a Kindergartener and has adjusted quickly while having fun and meeting new friends. She talks about her day and has developed a sense of routine in a short amount of time. The parents I have met are very welcoming and always have something fun to discuss! The principal has been to EVERY event I have attended including First Friday Coffees, Play Dates, and was VERY active the first day of school carefully tending to our little ones! I feel very fortunate to have a new family...THE ROOFTOP FAMILY!!!!
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2012

Great school with strong parent community. The teachers really care about tthe kids. The new principal is great, and makes it a priority to know all the kids by name.