Business Details
Welcome to Sherman School
Founded in 1892, Sherman School has been a cornerstone of education in San Francisco's Cow Hollow-Marina district for over a century. Our dedicated teaching staff and vibrant community foster academic excellence and social-emotional growth in students from transitional kindergarten through fifth grade. With a curriculum emphasizing literacy, mathematics, and experiential learning, we prepare students for lifelong success while maintaining a 94% proficiency rate in state standardized testing. Our campus features a state-of-the-art library, a thriving garden classroom, and award-winning enrichment programs in arts and STEM. We offer comprehensive after-school care through our Sharks Until Dark program, which provides structured activities until 6:00 p.m. daily.Our inclusive learning environment accommodates diverse needs through specialized support programs and differentiated instruction. The school community actively engages through monthly Family Garden Days, seasonal festivals, and parent-led initiatives. As part of the San Francisco Unified School District, we maintain rigorous academic standards while nurturing individual student development. Our historic Spanish-style building, constructed in 1928, houses modern learning spaces that blend tradition with contemporary educational practices. With over 130 years of service, we continue to evolve while preserving our commitment to educational excellence.
Services
After-School Programs
Library Services
Garden Education
STEM Activities
Visual Arts
Music Programs
Physical Education
Social Work Support
Reading Recovery
Computer Classes
Highlights and features
- We have 133 years of experience providing quality education in San Francisco
- Our students rank in the top 10% of California schools on state tests
- We offer a comprehensive after-school program until 6:00 p.m. daily
- Our teachers use differentiated instruction to meet individual learning needs
- We maintain a 21:1 student-teacher ratio for personalized attention
Services
After-School Programs
Our Sharks Until Dark program provides structured enrichment activities until 6:00 p.m. daily, including STEM projects, arts education, and outdoor learning. The curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development and academic support through hands-on activities. This on-site program serves TK-5 students with flexible scheduling options.
Garden Education
The campus garden serves as a living classroom for science-based education, offering hands-on experiences in agriculture, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. Students participate in planting, harvesting, and cooking with fresh produce while learning ecological principles. The program aligns with state science standards for grades TK-5.
Reading Recovery
This specialized intervention program provides one-on-one literacy instruction for students needing additional reading support. Certified teachers deliver daily 30-minute sessions using evidence-based methodologies to improve reading comprehension and fluency. The program targets early elementary students requiring personalized instruction.
Visual Arts
The visual arts curriculum develops creative expression through painting, drawing, and mixed media projects. Students explore artistic techniques while connecting to classroom learning themes. The program includes gallery exhibitions and artist-in-residence collaborations to enhance cultural appreciation.
Computer Classes
Structured technology instruction teaches digital literacy skills aligned with modern educational standards. Students learn coding fundamentals, digital citizenship, and software applications through age-appropriate projects. The curriculum integrates technology with core academic subjects for practical application.
People
Parker Leigh
Principal
Principal Leigh leads instructional excellence and school culture development with 18 years of educational leadership experience. She oversees curriculum implementation and community engagement initiatives while maintaining partnerships with local organizations to enhance student learning opportunities.
Marta Walsh
Program Coordinator
Marta coordinates the Sharks Until Dark after-school program, managing daily operations and enrichment activities. With 12 years in youth development programs, she ensures safe, engaging experiences that extend learning beyond regular school hours while maintaining compliance with licensing standards.
Questions
What grade levels does Sherman Elementary serve?
We serve students from Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 5th grade in our SFUSD-accredited program.
How do I schedule a school tour?
Prospective families can join our scheduled in-person tours from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on designated Fridays. Virtual tour options are also available through our website.
What after-school care options exist?
Our Sharks Until Dark program offers on-site care until 6:00 p.m. daily with enrichment activities. Additional options include Tel Hi Academy and Salesian Boys & Girls Club with transportation provided.
How does the school support academic achievement?
We use differentiated instruction, Reading Recovery support, and evidence-based curricula in literacy and math to maintain our top 10% statewide performance on standardized tests.
What community engagement opportunities exist?
Families participate in monthly Garden Days, seasonal festivals, and PTA-led initiatives. Our 100% volunteer-run PTA organizes over 25 annual events connecting students and families.
