CONTACT

Terry Edeli, Head of School 415.239.5065 tedeli@sfschool.org

May 2008

Dear Friend,

One question that I get asked quite often is, "What is special or unique about The San Francisco School?"  There are some fundamentals common to all highly respected schools, including SFS:  A strong academic program based on a talented faculty, the personalized attention afforded by the generous teacher-student ratio; the emphasis on multicultural curricula, and an inclusive and diverse community.  Clearly SFS is exemplary in all these measures.  But we believe there are three elements that distinguish SFS among excellent schools.

First, our educational approach teaches students to think and work like the professionals they will become.  In science, students observe and reason with evidence like true scientists.  In art, students face technical problems much like a working artist.  The daily program for preschoolers through middle school includes challenges that encourage thinking practices professionals use in everyday situations.

Second, we focus student attention on big questions that are central to a subject, such as “How can I be a friend in a community?” for preschoolers, or “How can we learn the truth about the past?” for middle school students.  Teachers create opportunities for students to connect their daily learning to these important considerations, and in so doing, help them make sense of both their daily work and of the world around them.

And finally, the SFS program is structured to help students find and nurture their passions in an environment where each child feels safe bringing his/ her whole self to school.  Teachers create a community where children can comfortably express their full culture and family dynamics, and classrooms where students can take risks, articulate opinions and learn from thoughtful dialog.

Of course, there are other areas where SFS stands out among its peers, such as our comprehensive visual and performing arts program that is highly integrated with other disciplines; the depth of multiculturalism embedded in the curriculum; the strong collaborative community among students, teachers and families; a commitment to equity, justice, and social action; and even the playgrounds where children can still climb trees and explore.

Thank you for interest in The San Francisco School. It is a very special place! If you have any questions or would like to visit, please do not hesitate to give me a call at (415) 239-5065 or email me at tedeli@sfschool.org

All the best,

Terry Edeli
Head of School
Biography