Sutro Elementary School

235 12th Avenue

School District

San Francisco Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
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 October 15, 2024

My 2 children have so much fun at this school. Not only they have bilingual teacher and staff to support all students who English is not their first language. They have very accommodating after school program for all students to join which help the parents a lot.
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2024

My two children had their incredible elementary school experience at Sutro. My little one graduated this year and I have to say, all of the aspects this school provided have met my full expectations. I love the size of this school, small and cozy. Teachers are supportive, they go above and beyond their standard curriculum to help our kids to succeed, to shine. The field trips our teachers organized provided exceptional experience they gained through outdoor education. My kids went to their biliteracy pathway, and I could never imagined they could have such a strong Chinese linguistic background built throughout the past 6 years at Sutro. It is not just the curriculum SFUSD provided but the supports their teachers gave. While I was involved with the PTA, I was able to affirm that their administration also strengthen the backbone of this school, both principal (Ms. Bonfiglio) and secretary (Ms. Lisa) implement a strong school community. The school is also taking close attention to promote social emotional support, unity, diversity, and most of all, academic excellence.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2024

Sutro Elementary is a hidden gem of an elementary school with a wonderful, involved community who care about their children and the wider neighborhood. We have been impressed by the accessibility for families to connect with the teachers, principal, and staff, and by how much staff are doing to ensure it is an inspiring, safe, and inclusive environment.
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2023

Sutro Elementary School is a hidden gem in the Inner Richmond. It was recently named a California Distinguished School - a huge testament to the hard-working teachers, staff, and principal Beth Bonfiglio. I have two children at Sutro and they always feel like an integral part of the community, are always excited to go to school, and learn so much by way of this diverse, supportive learning environment! If you live in the area, this school is a wonderful way to remain a part of your community and build life-long friendships.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2017

Overall the Sutro community is divided which harms the students by not balancing their in classroom curriculum with extra curriculum. Most of the teachers are dedicated to the students but the teaching is inconsistent year over year and a few of the children who need the attention the most get left behind and there is not improvement in test scores. All around this is a school going through growing pains and has much to be desired but there is hope.
Submitted by other on February 27, 2017

This school is horrible. The principal Ms Quatros is rude and disrespects parents. The teachers are good but some of them are completely ignorant about the kids feelings. The school food is not properly cooked. All in all a bad school and its like hell there.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2016

My child made a lot of good friends here. It is a small school with some very good teachers. Unfortunately, Principal Poon left Sutro as my child started school there. The replacing principal (Ms. Quatros) I found to be very rude and inappropriate for younger children, harsh language, name calling, threatening, and "labeling" children is not "kind". I am happy to be leaving the school and not have to deal with her :) but will miss the lovely children and parent community.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2013

This little school tucked in the Richmond District is a hidden gem!!! The teachers are passionate in teaching and instilling good values into our children. Mr. Poon the principal is involve in the "trenches" in educating the students. It seems Mr. Poon knows all the students!! He welcomes parent input without getting defensive like some other principals. I am HAPPY that my son attends Sutro b/c I feel that his teachers are looking out for his best interests besides educational but to be a better human being. Also my job too!!! Originally Sutro wasn't my first choice for my son but it turned out for the best b/c I LOVE SUTRO!!!
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2013

i love that the school is small and all of the teachers and staff are interested in seein each individual child become successful.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

Sutro is a wonderful school. My son has had great teachers for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade, and currently really likes his 3rd grade teacher. The staff is very dedicated and Mr. Poon, the principal, is wonderful. Mr. Poon is very hands-on (will grab a broom to help clean -up a mess) and almost always makes time for parents, even in the middle of the day (no need to make appointments, which I experienced at another school). There have been improvements to the school over the years to: wifi to all the classrooms, new exterior paint, new floors and lighting in the classrooms, a water bottle filling station and a new amphitheater in the Upper Yard. The PTA and parent community work hard to create events that include all the diverse family cultures at the school. And, I think that over the past couple years that communications has improved. And, I think that Sutro test scores are among the top in San Francisco. It is a great school for parents who want kids to have a very personable elementary school experience.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2012

Sutro is a great little school. Teachers are very caring and devoted to help the kids. Principal involves in a lot of activities and he always makes himself available to talk to the parents. The only drawback is the PTA, the PTA does not show any leadership, makes no effort to bridge the English and non-English speaking groups. Even some parents offer help, they are just being ignored. At least I know some parents pull their kids out because of the zero support and help from the PTA. It's kind of disappointing - school is good and I have seen many parents willing to support and help out but nobody in PTA is making effort to make the community a family.