April 2008Demand for Public Schools IncreasesBy Steven J. MossBecause of the increased demand – as well as the concentration of requests for roughly a dozen schools – fewer applicants were awarded a slot in the school of their choice this year. Almost one-fifth of parents didn’t get their child into any of the campuses they identified in their application, with those looking for a particular elementary school most likely to be disappointed. Clarendon and Rooftop remained among the most desired elementary schools, with almost half of all applicants including them on their list of up to seven choices. Alvarado and Buena Vista Spanish immersion programs also remaining top picks for parents looking for a language emphasis, while requests for Starr King’s Mandarin immersion program almost doubled, though slots set aside for Mandarin-speaking families are still available. Requests for Grattan and Miraloma, schools which not so long ago served as many parents “safety” selections, jumped by more than 40 percent. And demand for International Studies Academy (ISA), a high school located in Potrero Hill, rose by 20 percent. In other school news, the San Francisco Unified School District unexpectedly announced that it will be moving 238-student Excelsior Middle School to the same campus now occupied by 421-student ISA. Some parents are questioning both the lack of public process about the move, as well as the wisdom of combining junior and high school students at the 18th Street site.
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This Month's StoriesPotrero Hill Recreation Center a Big Draw for Locals Slowing Economy Puts Rehabilitation Nonprofit on the Brink Potrero Hill Doctor Resuscitates the Lost Art of House Calls Potrero Hill Baby Boomers Gather for Second Reunion Innovation Considered Critical for Regional Economy High Efficiency Toilet Program Saves Low Income Families and Small Businesses Water and Money Fighting Hunger One Tree at a Time in West Africa City Fees, Fines and Charges Rising Rapidly Water Conservation Trainee Works to Overcome Life’s Challenges On-going Features
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