Vincent Matthews, Ed.D.

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community Members: 

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the San Jose Unified School District. We are committed to the success of every student 

through high quality schools and programs. I encourage you to visit schools and meet with conscientious and committed 

principals, teachers, and staff whose mission is to ensure success and excellence for every student. We are extremely proud 

that 84% of our parents gave our schools a grade of an A or B on our most recent climate survey. 

Purpose of this Catalog 

This catalog describes numerous educational programs and options at each school in our District which may be available to 

your child. We also offer special programs at three district-wide elementary magnet schools open to any child in the District 

through a lottery process. 

At the secondary level, we offer students an opportunity for choice of schools. Please take the time to visit our middle and 

high schools before selecting your three choices. Each school offers excellent programs designed to meet the needs of 

students from a wide variety of backgrounds and interests. I encourage you to participate in the selection process for your 

student’s education, looking closely at your attendance boundary school as a first choice. It is not always possible to place 

every student in his or her first choice school, though we make every effort to do so. Our staff will work diligently to ensure 

that all of our schools encourage, support and help students become the best they can be. 

How to Help Your Student 

By actively participating in your child’s education and school, you will be better equipped to access information and training 

on how to assist your child academically, work with your school effectively, advocate for your child, and find educational 

programs which match your child’s needs. Our top priority as a district is to ensure that every student will meet or exceed 

district and state academic learning standards. If you need assistance with any District educational program I encourage you 

to work with your school principal. We must all work in partnership to extend and broaden our goals for our children and 

provide success for all our students. 

OPPORTUNITY21: District Strategic Plan 2012-2017 

Last year, the District embarked on a process to define a five-year strategic plan called OPPORTUNITY21. This planning process 

was developed under the direction of our new vision and mission statements: 

Vision: All SJUSD students are inspired and prepared to succeed in a global society. 

Mission: To eliminate the opportunity gap and provide every student with the finest 21st century education. 

Approved by the Board in May 2012, the plan includes 5 objectives and 15 supporting strategies that will be used to dramatically 

increase the academic achievement of all students.

OPPORTUNITY21 Objectives: 

1. Provide a high quality and comprehensive instructional program. 

2. Ensure students, staff, parents, and community are both engaged and satisfied. 

3. Demonstrate effective, efficient and exemplary practices in all divisions, departments, and schools. 

4. Attract and recruit, support and retain a highly effective and diverse workforce. 

5. Align resources to the strategic plan and equity policy and demonstrate cost-effective budget management. 

How does this impact parents? 

OPPORTUNITY21 lays out a road map for improvement in various areas of the organization. These strategies directly impact 

our staff, classrooms, and the learning environment of students. For example, we will raise the quality of instruction, 

build an even broader base of teacher effectiveness, and use data to drive decision-making throughout the organization. 

We ask for your continued support and engagement as we move forward with implementation. 

Commitment to Meet Challenges 

The Board of Education and I, along with district and school staff 

are committed to: 

n Ensuring that each school be the best it can be; 

n Continuing to increase the rigor and instructional strategies 

in all classrooms; 

n Offering all students choices to ensure equity and access; 

n Providing continued support programs, tutorials, student 

interventions, and effective instructional strategies to foster 

success for all students; 

n Promoting understanding, trust, and interaction among all 

stakeholders in our community. 

I am looking forward to working with all of you this year. 

Vincent Matthews, Ed.D. 

Superintendent of Schools 

1

MISSION 

San Jose Unified School District’s mission is to eliminate 

the opportunity gap and provide every student with the finest 

21st century education. 

Last year, San Jose Unified School District embarked on a 

process to reset the organization’s strategic plan. Spanning 

approximately nine months, the process kicked off with 

a motivating speech from our Superintendent at an August 

12th, 2011 gathering of all employees at the San Jose Convention 

Center where he delivered a clear and bold message: This 

organization has a moral imperative to close the opportunity 

gap and provide a 21st century education to every student. 

Following a rigorous community and staff engagement 

process and Board approval, the District published OPPOR- 

TUNITY21, our 2012-17 Strategic Plan document that lays a 

blueprint for how we will accomplish the bold, new mission: 

To eliminate the opportunity gap and provide every student 

with the finest 21st century education. To achieve our mission, 

we will implement five powerful objectives that broadly 

address the areas that will be critical to our success. 

In all cases, SJUSD will: 

Provide a high quality and comprehensive 

I. instructional program 

San Jose Unified has always been proud of the strong instructional 

program that it has been able to provide to its students. 

However, in order to close the opportunity gap and teach 

all students 21st century skills it is necessary to dramatically 

change the delivery and quality of instruction in our classrooms. 

This objective includes strategies such as a redesign 

of the school day, integration of the Common Core Standards 

and 21st century skills into every classroom, and building a 

comprehensive assessment system that allows teachers to 

respond more quickly to the needs of individual students. 

For your child this means a richer curriculum and school day 

with opportunities that respond directly to their specific need. 

Ensure students, staff, parents, and 

II. 

community are both satisfied and 

and engaged 

We know as an organization that it is critical to focus on the 

needs of our customers – students, staff, parents, and community 

– to ensure we are able to deliver on our promise of providing 

a high quality, comprehensive education to all students. 

3 

VISION 

All San Jose Unified School District students are 

inspired and prepared to succeed in a global society. 

This objective includes strategies that will redesign the process 

of identifying resources necessary to get identified students 

back on track, a call for diversifying the learning experience for 

students through internships and community service requirements, 

investing resources to more actively engage parents 

throughout our system, and developing standards to hold 

each other accountable for expectations of how to serve you, 

our customers. This objective aims to provide students and 

parents a positive experience in their educational journey. 

n Continued on Page 17

SJUSD offers over 18,000 diverse and talented elementary students in grades Pre K-5 a rich 

and varied program tailored to meet their individual interests, backgrounds, and needs. 

Each school presents a standards-based curriculum in English Language Arts, Mathematics, 

History-Social Science, Science, Art, Music, and P.E. All elementary schools are outfitted with 

instructional technology. Parents may choose the local neighborhood school, one of the 

three District-wide magnet programs/schools, or another school where a transfer would 

aid the District’s Voluntary Integration Plan. Our three District-wide magnets deserve close 

attention: Two-Way Bilingual Immersion at River Glen, Environmental Science at Hacienda, 

and the Hammer Montessori School on the Galarza campus. Additional programs in grades 

K-5 for English learner students include Structured English Immersion (SEI) at all schools, the 

Academic Language Acquisition (ALA), which is a late-exit bilingual program at 12 schools, 

and the Two-Way Bilingual Immersion program at five sites. English speaking students may 

participate in Two-Way Bilingual Immersion programs if parents would like their children to 

learn Spanish as a second language. Students identified for Gifted and Talented Education 

(GATE) are served in the general education classrooms through differentiated instruction. 

Alignment with standards permits assessment to determine strengths and weaknesses. Since 

both State and District testing are required for all students, the results show areas of strength 

and areas needing more attention for each student and each program. 

For more information about the educational programs available to your child, please contact 

the school principal. 

In accordance with California Law SB 1381, San Jose Unified School District offers Transitional 

Kindergarten to all entering Kindergartners born September 1 through December 2. This 

program is offered in 13 of our elementary schools. Transitional Kindergarten is an early 

childhood education program that builds a bridge between preschool years and traditional 

kindergarten. Transitional Kindergarten classes offer developmentally appropriate curriculum 

that is aligned with kindergarten standards and is taught by credentialed teachers. 

The District is proud to have opportunities to showcase our schools’ achievements to the 

community at large. Individual elementary schools in the District have been designated as 

4

a California Blue Ribbon School, a California Distinguished School, and/or a California Association 

for Bilingual Education School of Excellence. We are proud of the students, staff and 

communities we serve. 

Please check out the San Jose Unified School District website at: 

www.sjusd.org

Allen at Steinbeck K-8 School is your neighborhood school 

of choice, where your child belongs to a caring community 

and students are afforded every opportunity to achieve 

academic excellence. Our commitment to a well rounded, 

standards-based curriculum includes differentiated instruction 

in mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, 

PE and English Language Development (ELD). Students expand 

their horizons through participation in our Art Vistas, 

Science Vistas, Cooking Vistas and music programs. Our 

teachers and staff are continuously improving their instruction 

through collaborative planning and ongoing analysis of 

student achievement. This ensures that the best instructional 

strategies are in place to meet all students’ learning styles. 

Technology is integrated into daily classroom instruction and 

students have access to a technology lab and our media center. 

Character development programs, such as ABC reading 

and Los Dichos de La Casa Reading allow us to build a positive 

school climate for our students in a fun, exciting way. Ask 

any Allen Gator and they will tell you our school wide goals: 

“Always Respectful, Always Responsible, Always Safe.” Our 

parents are an integral part of our school community, participating 

in a variety of leadership roles. We also offer a variety 

of extended day programs, such as Ballet Folklorico, band, 

choir, drama, sports/fitness, and Mad Science. 

Allen at Steinbeck K-8 School 

820 Steinbeck Drive, San Jose, CA 95123 

(408) 535-6205 

K-8 

Rigorous and meaningful instruction coupled with a genuine 

commitment to children makes Almaden Elementary 

School an exceptional environment for learning. Almaden 

teachers receive extensive professional development in the 

very best teaching strategies and assessment practices in 

elementary education today. A strong focus on reading and 

mathematics is the cornerstone of our sustained, substantive 

academic program that includes science, social studies and 

English language development. We also pay special attention 

to developing student communication and public speaking 

skills. Our partnership with the Sobrato Foundation is in 

its fourth year and we see great progress with our students. 

A hands-on Science Life Lab, before & after school Learning 

Centers, and a state of the art iMac computer lab and mobile 

Mac lab supplement our programs. Additionally, we offer 

the Children’s Discovery Museum BioSITE education program 

where students learn the skills of scientific research in the 

field, mentored by Pioneer High School biology students. Our 

active PTA provides supplemental academic opportunities 

for our school community, and ELAC (English Learners Advisory 

Council), helps to ensure the best education for English 

learning students. 

Almaden Elementary School, K-5 

1295 Dentwood Drive, San Jose, CA 95118 

(408) 535-6207 

6 

Bachrodt Charter Academy is the District’s first elementary 

Conversion Charter School. As such, it is open to both 

District and non-district students. It is also one of six District 

schools awarded a Federal three-year Magnet Schools 

Assistance grant to design and implement a Global Communications 

Magnet Through International Languages and 

Technology. With intensive planning and preparation, in the 

fall of 2008 Bachrodt offered students a newly designed, 

challenging and innovative magnet program that integrates 

technology, creative arts, and second language instruction. 

Bachrodt is providing students with an opportunity to become 

bilingual and biliterate in a second language with 

its Two-Way Bilingual Immersion magnet strand (Spanish 

and English), which is now implemented in Kindergarten 

through 4th grade. In order to meet the needs of our diverse 

population, experienced and dedicated staff will continue 

to implement a rigorous academic, standards-based curriculum 

while focusing on the positive development of the 

whole child. Parent involvement is a key component of the 

school’s enhanced magnet program. Bachrodt and District 

staff, parents and the business community are working together 

to provide an excellent educational learning environment 

for our students. 

Bachrodt Magnet and Conversion 

Charter Academy, K-5 

102 Sonora Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110 

(408) 535-6211

Booksin Elementary School, K-5 

1590 Dry Creek Road, San Jose, CA 95125 

(408) 535-6213 

Booksin is a high performing school committed to excellence, 

continuous improvement and community involvement. 

Our teachers are dedicated to providing a challenging 

and balanced standards-based curriculum. Building the 

future’s thriving citizens is supported by character education 

delivered through LifeSkills, Cornerstone Projects, PBIS, 

and service learning opportunities. The technology lab, 

Library Media Center, arts program and The Bulldog’s Backyard 

- our outdoor classroom - enrich the core curriculum. 

We believe in teaching children that they have the responsibility 

to actively make a difference. Parents are also actively 

involved in the educational process of the students by supporting 

the school with their time, talent, and resources. 

Whether they help out in the classroom, on BESCA or School 

Site Council, parents are welcome to volunteer to support 

education. Our annual Walkathon celebrates community 

talent, resources and ingenuity. This brings our community 

together and provides funding for essential programs. 

The level of family involvement is a tribute to the passion 

we share for community, for children, and for education. 

Believe - Achieve - Succeed! 

Canoas Elementary School, K-5 

880 Wren Drive, San Jose, CA 95125 

(408) 535-6391 

Welcome to Canoas Elementary School where students 

are encouraged to SOAR to great heights both 

academically and socially. SOAR: Safe, Organized, Achieving, 

Respectful. Under the wings of our Positive Behavioral 

Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, our staff is 

dedicated to providing equitable opportunities to ensure 

high quality educational experiences for all students. 

We are committed to closing the opportunity gap and 

preparing all students for their future education and life 

experiences in the 21st century. By providing direct 

instruction, highly focused small collaborative and guided 

groups, adaptive learning opportunities, and accelerated 

instruction for all students, we believe we all students can 

and will SOAR. 

7 

Carson Elementary School, K-5 

4245 Meg Drive, San Jose, CA 95136 

(408) 535-6287 

L ook Good. Think you Can. Work Hard. Get Smart. These 

are foundations at Rachel Carson School. In fact, we 

were named a California Distinguished School in 2002. 

Evident at Carson are high expectations and standards for 

all students, parents, and staff. The school’s community 

believes that a safe, supportive, and enjoyable learning 

environment which values diversity and honors varied 

learning styles is essential for student success. Both traditional 

and differentiated strategies are used to ensure 

that powerful learning opportunities are available. Some 

ways we differentiate instruction are through adaptive 

computer programs in Reading and Math, hands-on 

science lab, and classroom instruction that includes collaborative 

groupings. Constant monitoring of progress 

in core subjects guarantees expected results. You would 

be proud to be a part of the Carson School community. 

Think you can? Then the choice is easy!

A nne Darling’s Professional Learning Community is 

committed to the success of every student. Our 

school supports students’ academic skills in the classroom 

through differentiated small group work in 

language arts and math, using culturally responsive 

instructional strategies across all content 

areas, and helping students build connections to our school 

community. Instruction is standards-based, and ongoing 

assessment allows teachers to adjust their instruction to 

meet the needs of students throughout the school year. 

Teachers at Anne Darling work collaboratively to support 

high quality instruction for all students. English language 

learners are given focused support in all classrooms, and 

each grade level has at least one Academic Language 

Acquisition (ALA) classroom, where primary language is 

supported as students acquire language skills in English. 

The campus is newly renovated, and the site is currently 

implementing consistent behavior expectations through a 

system called PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support) 

to further support student learning and develop a sense 

of shared pride in each student’s progress and academic 

success. 

Anne Darling Elementary School, K-5 

333 North 33rd Street, San Jose, CA 95133 

(408) 535-6209 

We attain excellence at Empire Gardens by working as a 

professional learning community, ensuring that every 

student receives an education suited precisely to him or 

her. Classroom instruction is differentiated, fluid, versatile 

and guided by the principles of the SJUSD Direct Instruction 

Framework. Immediate and appropriate interventions 

are in place during and after school for students requiring 

extra time or specialized instruction. Upper grade students 

who have met grade level standards receive an “acceleration” 

period, which encourages students to further apply 

21st Century skills through specialized 6-week units aimed 

to engage students in critical thinking and problem solving, 

creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and global 

citizenship. Empire Gardens houses two complete computer 

labs and two mobile labs. As part of their daily curriculum, 

all primary students use adaptive literacy and mathematics 

computer programs, providing each student an individualized 

educational experience. Our faculty recognizes that 

growth in academics is impossible without a safe and nurturing 

environment, which we foster through a system of Positive 

Behavior and Support (PBIS). Other programs offered are 

CORAL, an after school program, the Academic Language 

Acquisition (ALA) program, and transitional kindergarten. 

Empire Gardens Elementary 

School, K-5 

1060 Empire Street, San Jose, CA 95112 

(408) 535-6221 

8 

rnesto Galarza Elementary School provides a safe, posi- 

E tive and nurturing environment. Our pre-K–5 curriculum 

is guided by State Academic Standards to ensure that 

all students achieve their greatest potential. As active participants 

in their education, students experience the joy of 

learning and the satisfaction of developing into responsible, 

contributing members of society. Teachers at Galarza work 

corroboratively using the Professional Learning Community 

(PLC) model to support a high quality instruction for all students. 

English language learners are given focused support 

in all classrooms, and each grade level has at least one Academic 

Language Acquisition (ALA) classroom, where primary 

language is supported as students acquire language skills in 

English. Galarza implements consistent behavior expectations 

through a system called PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention 

Support) to further support student learning and 

develop a sense of shared pride in each student’s progress 

and academic success. Our current site initiatives are aligned 

to the new Strategic Plan. Our Adaptive Learning programs 

are Lexia, Dream Box, and Imagine Learning. Additional programs 

include Music, Art Vistas, Project Cornerstone, ABC parents 

and Los Dichos. Our vision is “High Academic Achievement 

for All Students!” We are the Galarza Grey Wolves. 

Galarza Elementary School, K-5 

1610 Bird Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 

(408) 535-6671

Gardner Academy 

Professional Development School, K-5 

502 Illinois Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 

(408) 535-6225 

ardner Academy offers pre-K–5 instruction in English 

G and Spanish, through Structured English Immersion (SEI) 

and Two-Way Bilingual Immersion (TWBI). All students learn 

early academic literacy and 21st century skills. TWBI students 

also develop Spanish language proficiency and multicultural 

competence. Gardner received the 2010 CABE Seal of 

Excellence Award and 5th grade students who demonstrate 

biliteracy receive the Biliteracy Competence Award, which 

sets them on the pathway to qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy 

in high school. Well-trained teachers, a fully stocked library 

and a computer lab support implementation of OPPORTU- 

NITY21 and development of 21st century skills. Gardner is 

fortunate to be a Sobrato Early Academic Literacy pilot site 

(pre-K–3) and students participate in enrichment opportunities 

in Science, Music, Visual arts and Theater. 4th and 5th 

grade students receive visual/performing arts through funding 

from the California Arts Council. Other enrichment and 

after-school opportunities include Garden, All-Stars, Kids 

Club, and Mariachi. Families are encouraged to participate 

and volunteer in the many school and parent-led activities, 

meetings and classes offered through Gardner’s family 

coordinator and PTO, Hablemos. Other agency partners 

include Gardner Family Care and the Sacred Heart Community 

Service. 

Grant Academy, K-5 

470 East Jackson Street, San Jose, CA 95112 

(408) 535-6227 

Grant Academy is following the district’s lead in closing 

the opportunity gap. We follow the San Jose Unified 

School District’s adopted curriculum and provide students 

with appropriate support where needed. Our school offers 

Academic Language Acquisition (ALA) classes for bilingual 

students and English Language Development (ELD) 

classes for English learners. The school’s media center houses 

an extensive library and we have 2 thirty-one station 

computer labs. In addition to the District English Language 

Arts, Math and ELD programs, Grant’s goal is for all students 

to read at or above grade level by grade 3 and to maintain 

grade level reading ability from then on. To meet the goal, 

teachers are providing the students the instruction needed, 

while students are being assessed throughout the year 

using the SJUSD interim assessment. Grant uses the computer 

programs Lexia, Imagine Learning and Dreambox to 

improve reading, English language acquisition and math. 

9 

Graystone Elementary School, K-5 

6982 Shearwater Drive, San Jose, CA 95120 

(408) 535-6317 

raystone Elementary School is a K-5 school that is com- 

G mitted to helping students meet district, state and lifelong 

learning standards. Our goal is to meet the needs of all 

of our children and to help them to do their personal best. 

Graystone has been recognized as a California Distinguished 

School and a National Blue Ribbon School. Our powerful 

partnership with parents assists us in providing hands-on science 

experiences, state of the art computer labs, art lessons 

and music enrichment for our students. Parent volunteers 

are constantly present on our campus and help to enrich 

the curriculum. Based on state standards, our dedicated staff 

members use data to determine areas of focus and need. 

Ongoing professional development is aimed at encouraging 

powerful, research-based instructional strategies in every 

classroom. Together, we are working hard every day to provide 

the best possible educational experience for all of our 

Graystone students.

Hacienda Environmental Science Magnet, a California 

Distinguished School, is dedicated to teaching students 

to explore the natural world around them. We have 

a unique one-acre outdoor classroom site featuring California 

native plants and pond communities. All students 

study science with a resource teacher as well as with the 

classroom teachers. The staff emphasizes academic achievement 

in the classroom through specialized instruction in 

science, including scheduled indoor and outdoor laboratory 

lessons. An outstanding balanced music program is 

accommodated by an extended day. We are working to 

achieve our goal of having all students reading at grade 

level by the end of the third grade. Hacienda has a strong 

literacy program that encompasses the Accelerated Reading 

Program, from 1st through 5th grades. Students in 

grades K-2 spend time each week in the computer lab 

working on English Language Arts and math, while grades 

three through five use the laptop cart in their classrooms 

to support instruction. We incorporate Accelerated Math 

in grades three through five. A high level of parent and volunteer 

involvement is a critical and valued component to 

Hacienda students’ success. 

Hacienda Environmental 

Science Magnet, K-5 

1290 Kimberly Drive, San Jose, CA 95118 

(408) 535-6259 

10 

The mission of Hammer Montessori is to empower all 

students to develop strategies to gain the knowledge, 

skills and values needed to participate meaningfully in our 

diverse and global society. The Montessori classroom is divided 

into special learning areas that include practical life, 

sensorial, language arts, mathematics, geography, history, 

science, and the arts. Each classroom learning environment 

is prepared to meet the academic and social needs of each 

child. We specialize in individual and small group instruction. 

Uniquely designed and sequenced hands-on materials 

help isolate skills and lead the child through the curriculum. 

Montessori teachers help children choose challenging materials 

to discover underlying concepts, which leads to mastery 

of skills. Additional Hammer programs include Cornerstone, 

SPARK PE, Accelerated Reader, Accelerated Math, and 

Lexia Reading. Community support brings excellent learning 

programs to Hammer that include ABC Readers, Rhythm 

and Moves Music and Art Vistas. Our Montessori program is 

further enriched by supportive and active parent participation. 

Hammer Montessori is currently seeking accreditation 

with the International Montessori Council (IMC). 

Hammer Montessori 

Magnet at Galarza, K-5 

1610 Bird Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 

(408) 535-6672 

The Lions of Los Alamitos Elementary welcome you! 

As a 2001 National Blue Ribbon and a 2010 California 

Distinguished School, Los Alamitos Elementary has established 

a reputation for educational excellence. A highly 

skilled and dedicated faculty provide a challenging academic 

program with a commitment to providing the finest 21st 

Century Education for all students. Our academic program 

is aligned with the California State Content Standards and 

the National Common Core Standards in Transitional Kindergarten, 

Kindergarten and 1st Grade. We strive to make 

every child a proficient reader. Students are encouraged 

to collaborate, think critically, use their creativity, communicate 

effectively and be responsible members of a global 

society. We value positive behavior and encourage our 

students to have Lions’ P.R.I.D.E: Problem solve, Respect all, 

I make responsible decisions, Do your best, Everyone cares. 

At Los Alamitos, community support and volunteers bring 

exemplary learning programs to life, such as Kodaly Music, 

technology, science lab, and Art Vistas. Give us a closer look 

at www.sjusd.org/losalamitos 

Los Alamitos Elementary School, K-5 

6130 Silberman Drive, San Jose, CA 95120 

(408) 535-6297

Lowell Academy, K-5 

625 South 7th Street, San Jose, CA 95112 

(408) 535-6243 

Lowell Elementary School is more than just a neighborhood 

school. It is the elementary school of choice for San 

Jose families. We have dynamic and dedicated teachers and 

staff, a state of the art campus and the knowledge and motivation 

to do what it takes to make your child’s elementary 

school experience successful and memorable. We offer a wide 

variety of educational programs and stimulating, caring 

classroom environments. Lowell has computer labs, laptop 

carts, and computers in every classroom. Teachers utilize 

effective instruction using the best research-based practices. 

We offer bilingual classes, student support and recognition, 

a full-time counselor, and a variety of after-school programs. 

We are committed to the infusion of technology into the curriculum 

and support our students in enhancing their learning 

through 21st century skills. Lowell provides each student 

with a strong academic program and a safe and supportive 

learning environment. Lowell has been recognized by the 

California State Legislature for its “commitment to improve 

curriculum and meet the special needs of students.” Designated 

a California Distinguished School in April 2010 and 

awarded the Title I Academic Achievement Award February 

2010 and 2011, we invite our parents and families to join us 

in ensuring that each student achieves success. 

Horace Mann Elementary School, K-5 

Magnet: Global Communications Through 

International Baccalaureate, Languages and Technology 

55 North 7th Street, San Jose, CA 95112 

(408) 535-6237 

orace Mann School is an authorized International Bacca- 

H laureate school (IB) that provides the Primary Years Programme 

(PYP). The IB program focuses on the student and 

helps develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social 

skills to live, learn and work in a global society. We are committed 

to providing 21st century skills through structured inquiry 

as the leading vehicle for learning. Our mission is to educate 

and inspire a diverse student population to become life-long 

learners and global citizens. Our curriculum is based upon 

6 Transdisciplinary Themes: 1) Who we are; 2) Where we are 

in place and time; 3) How we express ourselves; 4) How the 

world works; 5) How we organize ourselves; and 6) Sharing 

the planet. These themes assist our teachers in collaborating 

and creating a curriculum that allows for in-depth investigation 

and fosters an environment of inquiry, research and reflection. 

Our exciting downtown location enables students to 

participate in numerous local field trips and enrichment opportunities 

that enhance the PYP principle subject areas: language 

A & B, mathematics, social studies, science & technology, 

the arts; personal, social and physical education. Wireless 

technology is integrated throughout the school with desktop 

and mobile computers. We offer after-school programs for academic 

support and enrichment in a safe, caring environment. 

We are one school, one community...connected! 

11 

Selma Olinder Elementary 

School, K-5 

890 East William Street, San Jose, CA 95116 

(408) 535-6245 

Olinder Elementary School is located in the historic Naglee 

park neighborhood, bordered by beautiful William 

Street Park and within walking distance of San Jose State 

University. Olinder teachers and staff are dedicated to a 

rigorous academic program that motivates and prepares 

a diverse community of students with 21st Century skills. 

Teachers employ a wide variety of instructional strategies 

that maximize learning opportunities for every student 

including Direct Instruction, Write Tools, a computer lab, 

and wireless mobile laptops accessible to students in every 

classroom. After-school tutoring utilizing supplemental 

services include an array of providers who offer customized 

individual and small group tutoring in Language Arts and 

Mathematics. CORAL engages Olinder students after school 

with a literacy focused environment that ensures students’ 

academic development. In addition, CORAL supports the 

Olinder Elementary Soccer Team. Olinder Elementary is 

thrilled to offer a rainbow of services and opportunities to 

students, families and staff this school year, as a designated 

pilot school for Coordinated School Health. The Bridge 

Bank, in partnership with Olinder, promotes sustainable 

conservation and recycling practices. Olinder Elementary is 

a dynamic, focused and safe school community that fosters 

excellent learning opportunities for every student.

eed Elementary School holds firm to our vision that a 

R positive environment develops Lifelong Learning Skills 

so students become productive, successful members of society. 

At Reed EVERY child matters! A California Distinguished 

School, Reed provides all children with a comprehensive 

education and a strong foundation in all academic and social 

areas. State Content Standards guide our curriculum, in 

English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, 

as well as Physical Education and the Arts. We are dedicated 

to all students reaching and exceeding academic proficiencies 

and preparing our students with the necessary 21st century 

skills. A caring, highly effective, and experienced staff holds 

high expectations for both academic and social development. 

Reed ROCKS, as we are Respectful, Organized, Caring, Kind and 

Safe. Students are explicitly taught behavior expectations and 

rewarded on a daily basis for being ROCKStars! Reed students 

become leaders, as leadership development is another area 

for which Reed is known. Technology in the computer lab and 

in classrooms provides access for students to research topics 

for projects, study on-line academic sources, and use adaptive 

learning programs for acceleration and interventions. Students 

also receive instruction in music, visual art lessons, and the performing 

arts. Reed’s parent community is highly engaged and 

provides support in events, funding and community spirit. 

Reed Elementary School, K-5 

1524 Jacob Avenue, San Jose, CA 95118 

(408) 535-6247 

12 

iver Glen’s Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Program offers 

R K-8 students the unique and exciting opportunity to 

acquire the knowledge and skills in all academic subjects 

and the arts, while developing proficiency in listening, speaking, 

reading, writing and thinking in two languages, Spanish 

and English. Our goal is to educate students to be bilingual 

and biliterate and enable them to meet the challenges of 

a global society. Every student, staff member, and parent 

is involved in the immersion program and its philosophy. 

The development of fluency and literacy in two languages 

requires a nine-year time frame of continuous participation 

in the immersion program. Enrollment occurs primarily at the 

kindergarten level. In order to make an informed decision, 

parents are required to attend an orientation meeting prior 

to choosing River Glen on the selection form. River Glen has 

received a national award of Academic Excellence, is a California 

Distinguished School, and was featured as a national 

exemplary program by the U.S. Department of Education in 

October 2008. 

River Glen Two-Way 

Bilingual Immersion Magnet, K-8 

1088 Broadway Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 

(408) 535-6240 

K-8 

At Schallenberger Elementary our highest priority is 

providing each child with the knowledge and skills to 

be a successful learner and productive member of society. 

Classroom instruction is aligned to State and District standards. 

A positive school climate is fostered by teaching 

WISE behavior—We are Respectful, I care, Safety Matters 

and Everyone is Responsible. Outstanding schoolwide music, 

art and technology programs are supported by our active 

Schallenberger Home and School Association. A state 

of the art computer lab engages students with 21st century 

technology to supplement the core math and language 

arts curricula, and provide individualized student support. 

Monthly recognition assemblies celebrate our students’ 

accomplishments. Our caring, dedicated teachers engage 

in ongoing professional development to ensure that powerful, 

research-based instructional strategies are in every 

classroom. Robust partnerships with community organizations, 

such as Project Cornerstone, Montalvo Arts Center, 

and Starting Arts provide enrichment for all students. Schallenberger 

is a California Distinguished School, in which parents, 

staff and community join together to provide the best 

possible educational experience for all of our students. 

Schallenberger Elementary 

School, K-5 

1280 Koch Lane, San Jose, CA 95125 

(408) 535-6253

Simonds Elementary School, K-5 

6515 Grapevine Way, San Jose, CA 95120 

(408) 535-6251 

The vision of Simonds School is “fostering high expectations, 

inspiring social responsibility, and embracing 

community connections.” Students demonstrate their understanding 

of the vision with Simonds’ ABCs: A= Always 

do your best! B= Be Safe! C= Care for Others! Students 

are surrounded by a thriving, caring community that believes 

success is measured by both academic and character 

growth. Faculty, staff and parents work hand-in-hand to 

offer a well-rounded education, enabling students to reach 

their fullest potential while giving them the opportunity 

to achieve rigorous District and State academic standards. 

Critical thinking skills, creativity, problem solving, hands-on 

activities, phonics, creative writing, the love of literature and 

the arts are stressed. Outstanding school-wide music and 

technology programs are taught by full-time specialists and 

supported by the Simonds Foundation. Parents volunteer 

and participate in all aspects of school life, logging more 

than 15,000 volunteer hours each year. Simonds was designated 

a California Distinguished School in 2000, 2008 and 

2012 and a National Blue Ribbon School in 2001. 

Terrell Elementary School, K-5 

3925 Pearl Avenue, San Jose, CA 95136 

(408) 535-6255 

errell Elementary, a California Distinguished School and 

T a PBIS School (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support), 

provides an educational program with a foundation 

in the basics using a framework of Direct Instruction to create 

a powerful concept-building learning experience for 

our students. Terrell offers a strong emphasis in technology 

including a fully networked computer lab, and the use of 

Accelerated Reading and Accelerated Math programs 

throughout the grade levels. Art instruction is provided 

throughout the school year by the non-profit organization 

Art Angels. Terrell has a tremendous partnership with South 

Valley YMCA, offering activities and skills through our daily 

coaches and PE program. Through the support of our local 

business community and the PTA, our students benefit from 

enrichment programs including study field trips, science 

camp for the fifth graders, curriculum-based assemblies and 

school-wide events that celebrate our students’ achievements. 

Our staff and students are committed to continuous 

improvement towards academic excellence resulting in 

annual student achievement gains on the California 

Standardized Testing Program (STAR). Our teachers and 

support staff are our greatest asset, and through their 

dedication and commitment, our students R.O.A.R. (Responsible, 

Organized, Always Respectful). 

13 

Trace Academic, Visual and 

Performing Arts Academy, K-5 

651 Dana Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126 

(408) 535-6257 

race Elementary offers a strong K-5 Academic, Visual, and 

T Performing Arts program that provides students unique 

opportunities to integrate academics through art, drama, 

vocal music, orchestra, and band. Trace provides a challenging 

and rigorous curriculum using research-based strategies 

for students while addressing their social and emotional development, 

as well as their safety. This is the fourth year we 

are implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Support 

(PBIS). All students are expected to follow the Three Bs: 

Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe. In addition, Trace 

is implementing a school-wide parent involvement program, 

Volunteers In Action (VIA). VIA provides pathways for 

parents to support students in their education at home, in 

the classroom, and at school-wide events. In 2010, Trace 

added Two-Way Bilingual Immersion classes as a choice for 

English and Spanish speaking students. It provides intense 

instruction allowing participating students to become bilingual, 

bi-literate, and bi-cultural over the course of six 

years. Our school vision, “Artistic! United! Academically 

Excited!” guides all decisions and programs at Merritt Trace 

Elementary School.

Elementary School 

Middle School 

High School 

District Office 

Trustee Area 1 — Teresa Castellanos 

Trustee Area 2 — Richard Garcia 

Trustee Area 3 — Pamela Foley 

Trustee Area 4 — Veronica Grijalva-Lewis 

Trustee Area 5 — Sandra Engel 

Elementary Schools 

1. Allen at Steinbeck (K-8) ...............................535-6205 

820 Steinbeck Drive, SJ 95123 

2. Almaden ..............................................................535-6207 

1295 Dentwood Drive, SJ 95118 

3. Bachrodt .............................................................535-6211 

102 Sonora Avenue, SJ 95110 

4. Booksin ................................................................535-6213 

1590 Dry Creek Road, SJ 95125 

5. Canoas ..................................................................535-6391 

880 Wren Drive, SJ 95125 

6. Carson ..................................................................535-6287 

4245 Meg Drive, SJ 95136 

7. Anne Darling .....................................................535-6209 

333 North 33rd Street, SJ 95133 

8. Empire Gardens ...............................................535-6221 

1060 East Empire Street, SJ 95112 

9. Galarza .................................................................535-6671 

1610 Bird Avenue, SJ 95125 

10. Gardner ...............................................................535-6225 

502 Illinois Avenue, SJ 95125 

11. Grant .....................................................................535-6227 

470 East Jackson Street, SJ 95112 

12. Graystone ...........................................................535-6317 

6982 Shearwater Drive, SJ 95120 

13. Hacienda .............................................................535-6259 

1290 Kimberly Drive, SJ 95118 

14. Hammer Montessori at Galarza .......................535-6672 

1610 Bird Avenue, SJ 95125 

15. Los Alamitos......................................................535-6297 

6130 Silberman Drive, SJ 95120 

16. Lowell ...................................................................535-6243 

625 South 7th Street, SJ 95112 

17. Horace Mann .....................................................535-6237 

55 North 7th Street, SJ 95112 

18. Olinder .................................................................535-6245 

890 East William Street, SJ 95116 

19. Reed ......................................................................535-6247 

1524 Jacob Avenue, SJ 95118 

20. River Glen (K-8) ...............................................535-6240 

1088 Broadway Avenue, SJ 95125 

21. Schallenberger ................................................535-6253 

1280 Koch Lane, SJ 95125 

22. Simonds ..............................................................535-6251 

6515 Grapevine Way, SJ 95120 

23. Terrell ...................................................................535-6255 

3925 Pearl Avenue, SJ 95136 

24. Trace .....................................................................535-6257 

651 Dana Avenue, SJ 95126 

25. Washington .......................................................535-6261 

100 Oak Street, SJ 95110 

26. Williams ...............................................................535-6196 

1150 Rajkovich Way, SJ 95120 

27. Willow Glen Elementary .............................535-6265 

1425 Lincoln Avenue, SJ 95125 

Middle Schools 

28. Burnett Middle School .................................535-6267 

850 North 2nd Street, SJ 95112 

29. Andres Castillero ............................................535-6385 

6384 Leyland Park Drive, SJ 95120 

30. Bret Harte ...........................................................535-6270 

7050 Bret Harte Drive, SJ 95120 

31. Herbert Hoover ...............................................535-6274 

1635 Park Avenue, SJ 9512 6 

32. John Muir ...........................................................535-6281 

1260 Branham Lane, SJ 95118 

33. Willow Glen Middle School ........................535-6277 

2105 Cottle Avenue, SJ 95125 

High Schools 

34. Gunderson .........................................................535-6340 

622 Gaundabert Lane, SJ 95136 

35. Leland ..................................................................535-6290 

6677 Camden Avenue, SJ 95120 

36. Lincoln .................................................................535-6300 

555 Dana Avenue, SJ 95126 

37. Pioneer ................................................................535-6310 

1290 Blossom Hill Road, SJ 95118 

San Jose Unified 

School District 

School Locations and Directory 

www.sjusd.org 

38. San Jose High School ....................................535-6320 

275 North 24th Street, SJ 95116 

39. Willow Glen High School .............................535-6330 

2001 Cottle Avenue, SJ 95125 

40. Broadway ...........................................................535-6285 

4825 Speak Lane, SJ 95118 

San Jose Unified School 

District Office 

855 Lenzen Avenue, San Jose 95126 ............................535-6000 

Superintendent of Schools 

Vincent Matthews, Ed.D. ...................................................535-6090 

Assistant Superintendent, Community 

Engagement and Accountability 

Jason D. Willis .......................................................................535-6264 

Assistant Superintendent, Division of 

Instruction 

Nancy Albarrán ....................................................................535-6190 

Directory for Parents 

Curriculum, Instruction and 

English Learner Services (Pre K-5) .................................535-6008 

Curriculum, Instruction and 

English Learner Services (6-12) ......................................535-6085 

Early Education Programs ................................................535-6083 

Educational Equity ..............................................................535-6602 

Enrollment & Information Centers ............................... 535-6412 

535-6436 

Family Engagement ...........................................................535-6404 

Health Services .....................................................................535-6377 

Homeless Assistance ..........................................................535-6464 

Public Information Office .................................................535-6650 

Special Education Department ......................................535-6030 

Student Enrollment/Assignment ...................................535-6232 

Student Nutrition Services ...............................................535-6021 

Student Services ..................................................................535-6080 

Transportation ......................................................................535-6185 

Edition 12/7/12

Washington Elementary provides students with a wide 

range of instructional programs and enrichment opportunities, 

including bilingual classes (ALA), an after-school program 

for struggling students (CORAL), and school library hours 

that extend from 7:15 AM to 4:00 PM and Friday evenings and 

Saturday mornings. Washington’s well trained teachers integrate 

instructional practices designed to accelerate student 

achievement: GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design), 

Direct Instruction, Board Math, Thinking Maps, and other critical 

thinking strategies. All classrooms are equipped with Promethean 

Boards, Slates, Acti-Votes, iPods, and infrared audio 

systems. Student leadership is developed through weekly club 

meetings such as ADELANTE, Las Mujeres Mas Interesantes, Girl 

Scouts, BAWSI, Glasses Club, Ms. Theresa’s Reading Club, Junior 

Giants, the Principal’s Blue Tie Association, and the China Club. 

Parent volunteerism is encouraged with parent led groups such 

as Madre-a-Madre, Padre-a-Padre, Washington Camino Con 

Tigo (recognized with City and County awards), Salud Por Vida, 

Parent Project Jr., and technology classes. Community support 

enhances our school, thanks to friends of Washington: San Jose 

and Los Gatos Rotary Clubs, Apple, Target, River Church, First 

Presbyterian Church on Fourth Street, State Farm, Sims Metal 

Management, and San Jose State University. Washington’s success 

is due to a three-prong approach to education: Teacher 

Collaboration, Student Motivation, and Parent/Community 

Partnerships. This is the Washington Way! 

Washington Elementary School, K-5 

100 Oak Street, San Jose, CA 95110 

(408) 535-6261 

16 

Williams Elementary school is a safe, clean environment 

where the parents and the extended community 

support and respect the collegial efforts of staff in using 

data and sound research to implement best practices which 

will develop students who are academically, socially, and 

emotionally prepared to thrive in a changing society. 

Williams Elementary School provides opportunities for 

all parents to participate within the school community, 

and incorporate the principles of LIFESKILLS and Cornerstone’s 

developmental assets to provide an environment of 

positive social and emotional growth for all students. These 

principles provide a safe environment where students 

can continue to develop academic excellence and mutual 

respect. Our teachers collaboratively analyze student 

achievement data in reading, writing, and math to drive 

instruction, creating strategic lessons to meet the diverse 

needs of all students, preparing them to be strong readers, 

critical thinkers, proficient writers, and analytical problem 

solvers. Williams Elementary school provides an excellent 

learning environment with high, 21st Century academic 

expectations for all. 

Williams Elementary School, K-5 

1150 Rajkovich Way, San Jose, CA 95120 

(408) 535-6196 

illow Glen Elementary School (WGE) is located in a desir- 

Wable, family-friendly neighborhood. Our highly trained 

and dedicated staff uses data and research-based teaching 

strategies to guide instruction and provide every child with a 

rigorous education with 21st Century skills. Our school has a 

high retention rate of fully credentialed teachers who participate 

in developing their skills through on-going professional 

development. One of our many strengths is our strong and 

highly involved parent community who collaborate with staff 

towards the academic and social success of our students. Parents 

are involved in classroom and school activities in a variety 

of docent programs: art, science, ABC Parents, and Los Dichos. 

Understanding the importance of social and emotional development, 

the school community embraces character education 

through I Care, Cornerstone and PeaceBuilders. In 2008, WGE 

added Two-Way Bilingual Immersion (TWBI). Parents may select 

the TWBI program that provides intense instruction allowing 

students to become bilingual and biliterate over the course 

of seven years or the traditional English-only curriculum with 

the same rigor and differentiated instruction. Our updated 

computer lab and portable computer laptop carts provide 

every student access to computer instruction and adaptive 

enhanced learning of core academic subjects. As a result, WGE 

offers an exceptional educational experience for every child. 

Willow Glen Elementary School, K-5 

1425 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 

(408) 535-6265

Demonstrate effective, efficient, and 

III. exemplary practices in all divisions, 

departments, and schools 

San Jose Unified has always been a trailblazer when it comes 

to adopting new and exemplary practices. This objective aims 

to continue that trend and implement a series of strategies 

that will focus on accelerating the integration of technology 

into our work and using data to drive decision-making at all 

levels of the organization – from the classroom to the board 

room. Together, these strategies will help to appropriately allocate 

resources to meet the needs of a diverse student population 

across the organization. 

Attract and recruit, support, and retain a 

IV. highly effective and diverse workforce 

In an organization where human capital is our biggest asset 

and largest investment, it is crucial that we are laser-focused 

on developing a pipeline of talent across teachers, support 

staff, and administrators that aims and is able to accomplish 

the ambitious mission set forth by the Board of Education. 

This objective includes strategies that will increase the overall 

rigor of criteria for new employees, aim to create a greater 

mix of diversity among employees, and establish minimum 

expectations for staff to not only possess 21st century skills 

but also teach and impart those skills to our students. 

Align resources to the strategic plan and 

V. 

equity policy and demonstrate cost 

effective budget management 

San Jose Unified continues to maintain a stellar reputation 

as a fiscally conservative and prudent organization. Building 

on this foundation, this objective will create systems that 

better align the intended strategies outlined in the strategic 

plan and equity policy with the available resources in the 

organization. 

17 

n Continued from Page 3

A 

t eight middle schools, the District 

offers a varied and complex educational 

program tailored to meet the individual 

needs and interests of students 

in grades 6-8. Parents and students may 

choose a school and program through the 

Student Assignment Process explained on 

pages 26-29 of this guide. 

Five middle schools offer magnet programs 

for specialized instruction, which is 

continued through the high school level. 

Castillero and Hoover are part of the District’s 

K-12 Academic, Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program. In 2007, Hoover began participating 

in a 3-year Federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) award, sponsored by the 

United States Office of Education, to infuse Advanced Design Technology use into all instructional 

areas. Burnett offers a carefully developed Middle Years Program of the International Baccalaureate 

Organization (IB-MYP). With MSAP 3-year funding, Burnett added Pre-Engineering and Multilingual 

Communications Clusters to its magnet program. 

John Muir continues its highly successful magnet theme, Integrated Technology in the Arts and 

Sciences, which prepares students for further study at Gunderson and Pioneer High Schools. The 

River Glen Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Magnet Program for students in grades K-8 gives students 

unique and rich opportunities to communicate naturally in both Spanish and English and become 

fully bilingual and biliterate. Bret Harte and Willow Glen Middle Schools provide a strong foundation 

of basic and advanced skills to prepare students for high school, college and careers, as well 

as community leadership. Allen at Steinbeck, in its fifth year as a K-8 school, is a community that 

fosters service learning and leadership skills. Their students enjoy academic self-contained classrooms 

and PE daily and have the opportunity to participate in enrichment courses throughout the 

school year including band, choir, technology, and art. 

Each middle school provides an English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) program for students of limited 

English proficiency. Every middle school uses computer labs and/or classroom mini-labs to 

incorporate the latest technology in all areas of learning. Every school provides a wide array of 

18 

A llen at Steinbeck K-8 School is your neighborhood school 

of choice, where your child belongs to a caring commu- 

nity and students are afforded every opportunity to achieve 

academic excellence. Our commitment to a well rounded, 

standards-based curriculum includes differentiated instruc- 

tion in mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, 

PE and English Language Development (ELD). Students ex- 

pand their horizons through participation in our Art Vistas, 

Science Vistas, Cooking Vistas and music programs. Our 

teachers and staff are continuously improving their instruction 

through collaborative planning and ongoing analysis of 

student achievement. This ensures that the best instructional 

strategies are in place to meet all students’ learning styles. 

Technology is integrated into daily classroom instruction and 

students have access to a technology lab and our media cen- 

ter. Character development programs, such as ABC reading 

and Los Dichos de La Casa Reading allow us to build a positive 

school climate for our students in a fun, exciting way. Ask 

any Allen Gator and they will tell you our school wide goals: 

“Always Respectful, Always Responsible, Always Safe.” Our 

parents are an integral part of our school community, partici- 

pating in a variety of leadership roles. We also offer a variety 

of extended day programs, such as Ballet Folklorico, band, 

choir, drama, sports/fitness, and Mad Science. 

Allen at Steinbeck K-8 School 

820 Steinbeck Drive, San Jose, CA 95123 

(408) 535-6205 

K-8

oth enrichment and support services to help students succeed and excel in all academic subjects. 

Middle schools offer basketball, along with other sports programs for boys and girls, and a wide 

variety of co-curricular activities, including clubs, special classes, and events. Please refer to each 

school’s program narrative to learn more about special offerings. To ensure success of every student, 

the District is committed to provide a supportive, integrated environment at every school. 

Please check out the San Jose Unified School 

District website at: 

www.sjusd.org 

19 

Burnett Middle School 

Magnet: International Baccalaureate, 

Pre-Engineering and Multilingual Communications 

850 North Second Street, San Jose, CA 95112 

(408) 535-6267 

Burnett Middle School’s smaller campus will enable your 

child to transition smoothly from an elementary school 

environment into a middle school community. Our mission 

is to develop students who help to create a better and more 

peaceful world. This is accomplished through the rigorous 

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. The 

curriculum actively encourages students to learn by linking 

subject areas together, making connections to real world applications 

and their own learning. All Burnett students take 

mathematics, language arts, humanities, science, physical 

education, and up to two electives. For electives, students can 

choose from Spanish, Studio Art, Digital Art, Pre-Engineering, 

Speech, Creative Writing, Video Production, Leadership, World 

Music, Band or Orchestra. Our students strengthen their communication 

skills through our award winning speech and 

debate program run through Language Arts classes and our 

Speech and Debate classes. We host the only Northern California 

Middle School Speech and Debate Tournament, preparing 

students for high school competition. Adobe Youth Voices, another 

prestigious program, teaches students how to create and 

film short informational films. Other outstanding highlights at 

Burnett include our many clubs, MESA program, mariachi, and 

school musical. Through all of our academics, programs, and 

activities, we strive to ensure that all our students can reach 

their potential and truly make a positive impact on our world.

Castillero Middle School’s staff, students, and parents are 

proud of their comprehensive Academic, Visual and 

Performing Arts program. Castillero has a reputation for 

academic excellence based on a well-defined curriculum of 

academic and elective classes, a strong faculty and support 

staff, a committed and supportive community, and eager, 

active and involved students. Dynamic elective courses offer 

beginning, intermediate, advanced, and performance 

opportunities to challenge students as they explore and increase 

their skills in vocal music, instrumental music, dance, 

visual arts, and theatre arts. The technology curriculum 

includes classes in digital photography and digital media. 

Expanding technology opportunities include a media center 

research lab, math lab, and laptop computers for classrooms. 

Self-esteem, responsibility, tolerance, and teamwork 

serve as the cornerstone of our school-wide programs. 

Andres Castillero Middle School 

Magnet: Academic, Visual and Performing Arts 

6384 Leyland Park Drive, San Jose, CA 95120 

(408) 535-6385 

20 

A 

National Blue Ribbon School, Bret Harte is a learning 

community that motivates and supports all students 

to achieve at the highest levels. With a strong foundation of 

skills, students learn to formulate and express ideas through 

writing, speaking, and various media. Our goal is to produce 

creative and critical thinkers who make a positive contribution 

to our community. All teachers participate in staff development 

training to analyze assessment data and develop 

effective instructional strategies. Bret Harte is a place where 

kids are loved and where kids love to learn. In partnership 

with our parent community, a staff of caring and competent 

professionals provides a structured and sequential program 

rich in basic and advanced math, literature, science, history, 

geography, technology, and the arts. Bret Harte Community 

Club helps to fund our Video Production studio, Project Lead 

the Way robotics and our engineering lab. Booster Club also 

provides funding and leadership for our clubs and sports 

programs which provide a real life venue to develop life skills. 

Maintaining a balance between academic success and social 

emotional well-being is important to our staff and community. 

Learning the importance of cooperation, honesty, selfconfidence, 

respect and responsibility is part of learning how 

to have a “Bronco Attitude”. We work together to provide life 

long learning for all members of our community. 

Bret Harte Middle School 

7050 Bret Harte Drive, San Jose, CA 95120 

(408) 535-6270 

oover Middle School, offers a well-rounded curriculum 

H and choice of electives, which include visual and performing 

arts, technology, and Spanish. Students have the 

opportunity to take advanced classes for high school credit 

such as Geometry and Spanish. In addition, students who 

have participated in Spanish immersion or bilingual programs 

in elementary school are offered a two-way bilingual 

program to become orally fluent in both Spanish and English 

and have the ability to read and write in both languages. 

The staff engages in collaborative planning and monitors 

student achievement through common assessments, 

homework, checks for understanding throughout lessons 

and formal assessments. A strength at Hoover is the dedication 

and commitment of the entire staff to the success of all 

students. Because of this, as well as the work through the 

Advisory class, Project Cornerstone, the Positive Behavior 

Intervention and Support program, and the many ways that 

parents are involved in the school, the climate is one of professional 

learning, respect and responsibility for self, school 

and society. The After-School All-Stars program, Leadership 

class, Student Council, clubs, intramural sports and reward 

activities round out a stellar middle school. 

Herbert Hoover Middle School 

Magnet: Advanced Design Technology in the 

Academic, Visual and Performing Arts 

1635 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126 

(408) 535-6274

John Muir Middle School 

Magnet: Integrated Technology in the 

Arts & Sciences 

1260 Branham Lane, San Jose, CA 95118 

(408) 535-6281 

ohn Muir offers an exciting and unique middle school ex- 

J perience, which includes quality academic curriculum 

with an emphasis on integrated technology and a multitude 

of activities that engage the entire community. John 

Muir enjoys a positive school culture where the focus is the 

“whole child”. Sixth grade students learn in a language arts/ 

social studies core program. Those who have met reading 

requirements take an elective, which includes a choice of 

computers, digital music, art, Spanish, and leadership. All 

sixth graders are assessed at the beginning of the school 

year in math for placement in a pre-algebra class. Seventh 

graders take the language arts and social studies core with 

electives in computers, drafting, art, drama, dance, digital 

music, and Spanish. In addition to the language arts and 

social studies core, eighth graders enjoy junior engineering, 

algebra, geometry, college outreach, community building, 

leadership, and social growth in preparation for high school. 

After-school clubs are available for all students in art, music, 

computers, hiking, and drama. Every student participates 

in our College and Career program. We host a Career Day 

in May to expose all students to an array of professions and 

careers. PTSA and ASB support our college going culture by 

sponsoring our field trips. 

River Glen School, K-8 

Magnet: Two-Way Bilingual Immersion 

1088 Broadway Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 

(408) 535-6240 

T 

he middle school program at River Glen offers students in 

grades 6–8 the unique and exciting opportunity to 

continue their Two-Way Bilingual Immersion studies and 

further their academic success in Spanish and English. Our 

goal is to educate students to be bilingual and biliterate 

and enable them to meet the challenges of a global society. 

Every student, staff member and parent is very involved in the 

immersion program and its philosophy. New entering middle 

school students to River Glen must already be bilingual (have 

participated in Spanish Immersion or a bilingual program 

in elementary school), be orally fluent in both Spanish and 

English, and have the experience and ability to read and 

write in both languages. Parents must call the school prior to 

selection to schedule an orientation if they are interested in 

this program for their child. River Glen has received a national 

award of Academic Excellence, is a California Distinguished 

School, and was featured as a national exemplary program by 

the U.S. Department of Education in October 2008. 

21 

K-8 

Willow Glen Middle School 

2105 Cottle Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 

(408) 535-6277 

Willow Glen Middle School is a unique learning community 

focused on engaging students in intellectually challenging 

courses and activities. We offer yearlong courses in English Language 

Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and PE. Students are empowered 

to discover and develop new talents in wide array of electives 

courses that include Spanish, French, Computers, Art, Speech 

& Debate, Drama, Yearbook, Leadership, Robotics and a full music 

program. We also offer students the opportunity to accelerate their 

skills in Math and Foreign Language by partnering with Willow Glen 

High School. Through this accelerated program, students are able to 

take advanced math, French, Spanish and Spanish for Native Speakers 

classes at the High School, earning high school credit and getting 

a head start on completing A-G college requirements. Students 

may participate in a wide variety of activities from sports to clubs. 

We are part of 3 athletic leagues, and participate in soccer, softball, 

wrestling, volleyball, basketball, track, cross-country, flag football 

and cheerleading. Our clubs include: Campus Life, CJSF, Garden 

Club, Math Club, STRUT, ASB (student council), and After-School 

All-Stars. Our dynamic staff provides a range of experiences for our 

students including annual trips to France, Washington, D.C., Southern 

California as well as competition/conference opportunities. Our 

school enjoys strong parent participation and support from our 

PTSA, the Willow Glen Foundation, Performing Arts Boosters and 

individual/community organizations that provide opportunities for 

our students to reach their full potential. Be a part of the RAM WAY!!!

W 

elcome to our San Jose Unified School District high schools! Our schools are rich 

with a blend of academics, career building opportunities, and co-curricular activities, all 

of which create a lasting and positive experience for students while preparing them to successfully 

live and compete in a global economy. 

Academic Requirements: 

San Jose Unified School District requires the rigor of 240 credits for a high school diploma. We 

align these credits with those required to meet the A-G course requirements for entrance into 

UC/CSU colleges and universities, as well as universities in the private sector. State of the art textbooks, 

materials, labs and technology are used in our classrooms. Our schools are staffed with 

highly qualified, fully credentialed teachers. We believe this is the formula for academic success. 

We recognize and value the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of our many families. Our students 

come to us with a history from many different backgrounds, opportunities, experiences and resources. 

As a district we continue to build on those assets. We are all-inclusive and must provide 

for the needs of all of our students. Students may challenge themselves by choosing courses 

of high rigor including honors, advanced placement and International Baccalaureate classes as 

well as capstone classes in many of the visual, performing and technical arts. Every high school 

supports at least one Career Technical Education strand that results in concurrent credit with a 

local community college. Programs designed to accelerate students who are not functioning at 

grade level exist at every high school with the goal to accelerate learning and return students to the 

mainstream courses. Special education support is available to students who require IEP. Students 

for whom English is not their first language may take advantage of Specialized English Language 

Development classes and support services at each site. SJUSD offers a wide variety of Alternative 

Education programs for students who prefer small diverse settings that focus on individual learning 

needs. 

Extra-curricular Programs: 

It has been said that “extra-curricular activities” are the mortar that holds together the bricks of a 

school. SJUSD believes in this concept and supports the idea of the total high school experience. 

To this end, our school board and community have provided for upgrades to our athletic facilities that 

are second to none. Turf fields, all weather tracks and lighted stadiums at six of our high schools demonstrate 

our commitment. Clubs, theater performances, and student leadership classes provide opportunities 

for our young women and men to create life-long memories of their high school experience. 

22

A Shared Responsibility: 

Public education is a joint effort. Our schools need sustained support from you and the community. 

Students benefit from the collaboration practiced between SJUSD and its families, enabling 

them to achieve maximum success. The District is a diverse community of learners who thrive 

and are nourished by your interest, creativity and resourcefulness. There are many ways you 

can be involved, such as in Parent-Teacher-Student organizations, school site councils, booster 

clubs, and foundations. These support organizations with their myriads of activities are established 

at each of our high schools. Additionally, many parents serve as tutors, classroom supporters, 

and part-time coaches. Families rightfully have a stake hold in their children’s education. 

Exercise your rights by getting involved. 

Please study the expanded descriptions of each high school’s program, as offered on the following 

pages. If you want to visit one or more schools, you may obtain from the office of any school a tours 

calendar for January and February 2013, listing events for parents and prospective students. 

Please check out the San Jose Unified School District website at: 

www.sjusd.org 

23 

Broadway High School 

4825 Speak Lane, San Jose, CA 95118 

(408) 535-6285 

Broadway High School, a model continuation school, is 

designed to meet the needs of students who are behind 

in credit and prefer a smaller learning community. Broadway 

provides students with a challenging, supportive, and flexible 

learning environment. Our focus is on academic, employment, 

and life skills to enable our students in taking an 

active role in creating their futures. Broadway is fully WASC 

accredited (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) 

and students participate in all graduation requirements as 

established by San Jose Unified School District. Our standards 

based curriculum ranges from remedial to advanced 

coursework and prepares students for post-secondary education 

and/or employment. Broadway also has a young families 

program on campus, allowing pregnant or parenting 

students to attend school. Students enrolled in our young 

families program access the full academic program, as well 

as outside support services including health and social programs. 

Attending Broadway High School is a choice students 

make when they are ready to make the commitment to do 

the work that is required to obtain their high school diploma. 

Continuation high schools work with students who are 16 

or older.

underson High School, nestled in the Blossom Valley of 

G San Jose, is a technological, collaborative, college-prepatory 

community that continually strives for academic 

excellence. The school culture revolves around the elements 

of Gunderson P.R.I.D.E. (Personal Responsibility; Respect; 

Integrity; Diversity; Excellence). These elements form the 

backbone of the Gunderson Community’s celebration of 

individuality and the respect for diversity in our world. Along 

with a caring and respectful school culture, Gunderson 

offers a challenging and evolving curriculum that integrates 

the latest technology into our classrooms. Gunderson currently 

has 12 mobile computing carts available for all 

courses to enhance our student’s educational experience. 

Gunderson also actively uses a modern television studio 

with numerous scheduled broadcasts fed to each classroom 

via closed circuit television. Along with technology infused 

classrooms, Gunderson offers traditional Advanced Placement 

courses that include English Literature, English Language, 

Spanish, Biology, Chemistry, US History, European 

History, American Government, Calculus (AB & BC) and Art. 

The infusion of current technology into the core curriculum 

imparts upon each student the necessary skills to succeed in 

the 21st century. 

Gunderson High School 

Magnet: Advanced Design Technology 

in the Arts and Sciences 

622 Gaundabert Lane, San Jose, CA 95136 

(408) 535-6340 

24 

With an outstanding record of student achievement, 

Leland is a National Blue Ribbon School with an API 

score that annually ranks high in the state and an Advanced 

Placement program with a school-wide pass rate of 90%. 

The strength of Leland comes from rigorous academic standards, 

a highly trained staff, motivated students, supportive 

parents and an involved community. A diverse student body 

that speaks over 30 different languages adds to the school’s 

richness. Unique opportunities in communication prepare 

students for 21st century skills. Leland’s Speech and Debate 

program is ranked number one in the nation. The Journalism 

program won the Gold Medal from both the Columbia Scholastic 

Press Association and the American Scholastic Press 

Association. Real world engineering experience in Robotics 

and STEM courses prepare Leland students with tangible 

Silicon Valley skills. A yearlong business internship program 

connects Leland students with major companies. Leland’s 

athletic program holds a record 52 CCS championships. The 

school mission is focused on academic equity for all students 

and on preparing students with 21st century skills. 

Leland High School 

6677 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95120 

(408) 535-6290 

As the culminating level of the District’s K-12 Academic, 

Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA) Magnet Program, Lincoln’s 

courses facilitate the integration of academics with the 

visual and performing arts. In-depth programs are offered in 

choral and instrumental music, art, drama, dance, and theater 

arts, which provide numerous opportunities for creative 

expression and cultural appreciation. Lincoln has expanded 

the art program to include photography, multimedia and 

media arts which will award students with concurrent community 

college credit for the capstone courses. Lincoln’s 

challenging academic courses include Advanced Placement 

classes in U.S. History, English, American Government, European 

History, chemistry, biology, Spanish, French, studio art 

drawing, general studio art, music theory, statistics and calculus. 

Lincoln has earned the National Blue Ribbon Award; 

four California Distinguished School Awards; and the Hispanic 

Magazine and Ryder System, Inc. Top Five Schools of 

Excellence Award. In 2004, Lincoln received the 21st Century 

Schools of Distinction Award for Community Partnerships. 

Lincoln High School 

Magnet: Academic, Visual and Performing Arts 

555 Dana Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126 

(408) 535-6300

Pioneer High School 

1290 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, CA 95118 

(408) 535-6310 

Pioneer, a California Distinguished School, offers all students 

a comprehensive education and access to programs 

that have won national recognition. As one of only 

100 National Service Learning Leader schools, our sciencefocused, 

rigorous core curriculum is supplemented by the 

BioSite elective. Our students have multiple opportunities to 

be involved in volunteer and research programs outside of 

the classroom and to present on their programs and work 

at local and national conferences. All students participate 

in the cross-curricular sophomore project which engages 

them in meaningful community service. Our student artists 

participate in productions, exhibitions and concerts. Our 

athletic, dance, spirit, and robotics teams are area leaders, 

proudly winning league titles and participating in regional 

and national championship tournaments. Pioneer offers radio 

broadcasting training and experience with the District’s 

only radio station (KMTG 89.3 FM). The success of the school 

is reflected by the generous support of parents, boosters, 

business partners and committed alumni. 

San Jose High School 

Magnet: International Baccalaureate, 

Pre-Engineering and Multilingual Communications 

275 North 24th Street, San Jose, CA 95116 

(408) 535-6320 

San Jose High School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) 

World School. We offer the prestigious IB Diploma Program, 

a rigorous pre-university certification curriculum for academically 

talented students in grades 11-12, as well as the Middle 

years Program for grades 9-10. A new IB offering is the Career 

Certificate Program that specifically addresses the needs of students 

who wish to engage in career-related education. The IB 

program provides students a framework of academic challenge, 

enrichment, and life skills and has been successful in providing 

these challenging academic programs to a truly diverse student 

body. We are proud to be the first school in Silicon Valley to offer 

the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program to high school 

students. This 4 year STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering 

and Math) prepares students for college majors and 

careers though an advanced, college prep program using the 

same concepts, equipment and software employed by industry 

professionals. Students graduate from this program better 

prepared for high-level career opportunities of the 21st century. 

The International Academy, our newest and one of the most 

exciting programs that we offer, serves English Language Learners 

who have been in US schools no longer than four years and 

have very limited language skills. The goal is to offer a nurturing, 

yet challenging environment that fosters risk-taking on the part 

of the students in order to accelerate language learning. 

25 

Willow Glen High School 

2001 Cottle Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 

(408) 535- 6330 

Willow Glen High School (WGHS) provides outstanding 

academic, co-curricular, and extra-curricular programs, 

as well as sustained college entrance advising and personal 

guidance support to all students. Our comprehensive instructional 

program supports every student to meet all state academic 

standards and four-year university requirements. WGHS 

also offers college prep Science, Technology, Engineering and 

Math, STEM courses, Biomedical Innovations and Computer 

Programing. All students have access to our college preparatory, 

Honors and Advanced Placement core courses as well as 

theater, band, dance and visual arts electives. WGHS boasts a 

comprehensive sports program serving nearly 700 students 

yearly, playing and winning league championships regularly. 

Our school enjoys tremendous support from a variety of parent 

organizations. The Willow Glen Foundation and Parent 

Club support teachers and the classroom, Athletic Boosters 

work with our sport programs, Performing Arts Boosters support 

the bands, choirs, and drama departments. Goodwill 

ASSETS grants provide after-school homework centers providing 

support to both Advanced Placement and general education 

students. The mission of our school is to provide every 

student a powerful high school education and a pathway to 

success. Our greatest asset is our students who continue our 

tradition of success. It is a great day to be a RAM!

Student Assignment Process 

To assist you with school enrollment and school selection for your student, the District has established two Enrollment 

and Information Centers. English, Spanish and Vietnamese bilingual personnel are available to help you with this process. 

Center locations are as follows: 

BURNETT ENROLLMENT 

and INFORMATION CENTER 

110 East Hedding Street 

San Jose, CA 95112 

Information Phone: 1 (408) 535-6412 

Appointment Online: www.sjusd.org 

Note: The Burnett Enrollment Center is open 

year round. 

SJUSD ENROLLMENT 

and INFORMATION CENTER 

820 Steinbeck Drive 

San Jose, CA 95123 

Information Phone: 1 (408) 535-6436 

Appointment Online: www.sjusd.org 

Note: The SJUSD Enrollment Center is open intermittently. 

Please call 1 (408) 535-6412 or 1 (408) 535-6436 

for exact dates. 

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS 

When enrolling your student, you must submit the 

following information: 

n Identity of birth parent/guardian. 

n Three current verifications of address under parent/ 

guardian name within the San Jose Unified School 

District or an approved interdistrict agreement. 

n Up-to-date immunization record of student. 

n Birth verification, such as birth certificate, 

baptismal certificate, passport, etc. 

n Additional documents may be requested. 

Please call 1 408-535-6412/6436 or consult the SJUSD 

web page at www.sjusd.org for complete information. 

26 

Initial wait lists are established by a computerized random 

process. Students who participate in the District-wide magnet 

school lottery will be enrolled in their neighborhood boundary 

school while the lottery is in progress. 

DISTRICT-WIDE MAGNET WAIT LIST: Students are placed 

from a wait list as space becomes available. Parents will be 

informed regarding their student’s placement on the wait list 

when they are notified of the school assignment. 

Note: District-wide magnet school wait lists will be 

eliminated at the end of each year. Parents must 

reapply if they wish their student to be reconsidered 

for enrollment. 

III. ELEMENTARY TRANSFERS 

A. DURING PRE-REGISTRATION 

Your elementary student will be permitted to apply for a 

transfer from one school to another, provided the transfer 

meets one of the following requirements: 

n Transfer is to the student’s attendance boundary school. 

n Transfer is to a District-wide magnet school. 

n Transfer will aid the Voluntary Integration Plan. 

The effective date of the approved transfer will be the first day 

of school in August. Elementary students will be wait-listed 

for attendance boundary and District-wide magnet schools 

that are at capacity. 

B. DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR 

Transfers during the school year will be processed only if 

they are due to a change of residency. Students will be 

transferred to the new attendance boundary school if space 

is available. If space is not available, the student will be placed 

on the wait list for his/her attendance boundary school. 

Transportation services for intradistrict transfer students will 

not be provided by the District. Intradistrict transfer agree- 

ments must be renewed annually. Intradistrict students may 

be subject to displacement due to increased neighborhood 

enrollment. For further information, please call 1 408-535-6230. 

NO TRANSFERS WILL BE MADE DURING THE SCHOOL 

YEAR EXCEPT FOR WAIT LIST MOVEMENT 

AND ALA PROGRAM TRANSFERS.

ELEMENTERY ENROLLMENT 

PROCESS (GRADES K-5) 

I. IMMEDIATE/PRE-REGISTRATION 

Upon enrollment of students for immediate attendance, 

they will be assigned to the attendance boundary elementary 

school. Students also have the option of applying for a Districtwide 

magnet school, or, if appropriate, request a transfer 

that will aid the Voluntary Integration Plan. Assignment will 

depend upon space availability. At certain times during the 

school year, K-5 students may not be able to attend their 

attendance boundary school because classroom space is 

not available. These students will be assigned to the nearest 

school with space available for the current school year only. 

WAIT LIST PROCESS: When space is not available at the 

attendance boundary school, the student is placed on the 

wait list for that school. Parents will be notified once space 

becomes available for the student to be transferred to the 

attendance boundary school. 

II. DISTRICT-WIDE MAGNET SCHOOLS 

n Hacienda Environmental Science Magnet 

n Hammer Montessori Magnet at Galarza 

n River Glen Two-way Bilingual Immersion Magnet 

Note: Students who are requesting Hammer and 

River Glen need to attend an orientation prior to 

starting the application process at the Enrollment 

and Information Centers. Call the school for more 

information. 

The District-wide magnet school initial enrollment period 

is during the months of February and March. Please visit our 

website at www.sjusd.org or call the enrollment center to get 

the exact dates. Parents may call the enrollment center or go to 

www.sjusd.org to schedule an appointment. If more students 

apply to a district-wide magnet school than the school is able 

to serve, the District will assign students to the school on 

a random basis, taking into consideration the instructional 

capacity of the school, Voluntary Integration Plan criteria, and 

students who have a sibling attending the school and who will 

continue to attend the following year. Students who are not 

enrolled in their first-choice District-wide magnet school will 

be placed on a wait list for that school. 

C. ELEMENTARY TRANSFERS FOR THE 

ACADEMIC LANGUAGE ACQUISITION 

(ALA) BILINGUAL PROGRAM 

At your school of assignment, as a parent of an English 

learner, you will be given a description of the educational 

program choices for English learners at your student’s school 

and within the District. Also, you will be given the process 

for applying for a Parental Exception Waiver. You may request 

of your school principal through the Parental Exception 

Waiver process a transfer from your school of assignment 

to an ALA school with classroom space. At schools with an 

ALA program, the principal accepts the waiver and places the 

student in an ALA classroom. If there is no room in the ALA 

program, the principal denies the waiver, and the student 

is assigned to a Structured English Immersion classroom. 

The student may either wait for placement in ALA at that 

school, or parents can appeal the waiver denial and request 

another school with an ALA program. At schools without an 

ALA program, the principal denies the waiver. Parents may 

appeal the waiver denial and request a school with an ALA 

program. Upon approval by the Bilingual Office, the Student 

Assignment Office will transfer your student to a school with 

space available in an ALA Program. 

D. INTRADISTRICT TRANSFERS 

A student residing in the San Jose Unified School District 

and enrolled in a SJUSD school may request, for the following 

reasons, an annual intradistrict transfer to attend another 

SJUSD school when space is available: 

n The student receives childcare within the boundaries of 

the requested school. Documentation will be required. 

n A change of residency within the District’s attendance 

boundaries and the student wishes to continue at the 

school of assignment. 

n Any student who through the student assignment process 

was assigned a school due to the lack of space available at 

the attendance boundary school and wishes to continue 

at the school of assignment. 

n A student whose parent/guardian is a District employee at 

the requested school. 

n A student whose parent/guardian is employed within the 

attendance boundaries of the requested school. 

27 

SECONDARY ENROLLMENT 

PROCESS (GRADES 6-12) 

I. REGISTRATION 

Upon enrollment of students for immediate attendance, 

they will be assigned to their attendance boundary school. 

Students requesting a school other than their attendance 

boundary school will be placed there on a space-available, 

first-come first-served basis, taking into consideration the 

instructional capacity of the school and/or grade level, 

and existing wait lists. At certain times during the school 

year, 6-12th grade students may not be able to attend 

their attendance boundary school because space is not 

available. They will be assigned to the nearest school with 

space available while being wait-listed to their attendance 

boundary school. 

WAIT LIST PROCESS: If a student’s first-choice school is not 

available, the student will be placed on that school’s wait list. 

Priority is given to attendance boundary students. Wait list 

movement occurs at the end of each semester. 

II. PRE-REGISTRATION FOR AUGUST 

Current 5th and 8th grade students who are changing grade 

levels (Elementary to Middle School; Middle to High School) 

must complete and return their School Choice Application 

by mid-February if they wish to participate in this selection 

process. This is called Phase I of the Choice process. 

These students, as well as pre-registered students who live 

in, but are not attending a school in the San Jose Unified 

School District, will be assigned to a school, taking into 

consideration the instructional capacity of the school. In the 

event the number of students selecting a particular middle or 

high school exceeds that school’s programmatic or physical 

capacity, the District will redirect students to their second or 

third choice according to the following four priorities: 

First Priority: Students who reside in the school 

attendance boundary. 

Second Priority: Students who are requesting a Voluntary 

Integrative Transfer. 

Third Priority: Students with a sibling who is currently 

attending the school and who will continue 

to be enrolled the following year.

Fourth Priority: Students whose choice of schools does 

not satisfy one of the above priorities. 

EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO PLACE STUDENTS 

IN ONE OF THEIR THREE CHOICES. IF THIS IS NOT 

POSSIBLE, STUDENTS WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THEIR 

ATTENDANCE BOUNDARY SCHOOL. 

If your student is not assigned to the first-choice school, he/she 

will be placed in the second-choice school if space is available. 

The same process will be used for the third-choice school. 

Students will be redirected to their other-than-first-choice 

school on a random basis by a computer. Students who are 

redirected will be placed on a wait list for their first-choice 

school only. This wait list will also be produced by a computer 

random process. After the initial enrollment process, students 

will be enrolled or wait-listed on a space-available, first-come 

first-served basis. 

PRE-REGISTRATION WAIT LIST: If your student is not 

assigned to the first-choice school, he/she will be placed on a 

wait list for that school. Students are placed into these schools 

from the wait list in priority order, taking into consideration all 

of the following: 

n Grade Level Openings at the School 

n Capacity of the School 

n Special Education Program Requirements 

You will be informed regarding your student’s place on the 

wait list when you are notified of his/her school assignment. 

Attendance boundary students will always have priority on 

the wait list. Whenever possible, the students on the wait list 

will be moved during the first two weeks of school and at the 

end of each semester. If you are offered a wait list placement 

and decline it, your student’s name will be removed from that 

school’s wait list. No student may be placed on more than one 

wait list. 

Note: 6-12th grade wait lists will be eliminated at the 

end of each year. Parents must reapply if they wish 

their student to be reconsidered for enrollment. 

28 

III. SECONDARY TRANSFERS WITHIN SJUSD 

During the transfer period, your secondary student will be 

permitted to apply for a transfer from one school to another. 

Students must meet certain criteria for acceptance. In 

order for a transfer to be approved, the student must have 

a satisfactory academic, behavior and attendance record. 

Secondary students who are granted a transfer will be waitlisted 

for schools that are at capacity. Please call the enrollment 

center for specific information. 

Transfer Request forms will be available at the Information and 

Enrollment Centers during the spring and summer months 

for the following school year. All transfers are based on space 

availability. The transfer period ends the first day of school. 

INFORMATION FOR 

GRADES K-12 

I. VOLUNTARY INTEGRATIVE TRANSFERS 

Students who qualify under socio-economic criteria have 

specific additional school choice options and will be enrolled 

at a selected school based upon instructional capacity and 

space availability of that school. 

A. Students may transfer out of their attendance boundary 

school when their residence address is designated as low 

socio-economic status. These students may transfer into 

a school that is designated high socio-economic status. 

(Based upon geo-codes) 

B. Students may transfer out of their attendance boundary 

school when their residence address is designated high 

socio-economic status. These students may transfer into 

a school that is designated as low socio-economic status. 

(Based upon geo-codes) 

C. Students who qualify for the Free and Reduced-Price 

Meals Program and reside in a neutral or high geo-code, 

may request an exception. 

1. The Exception process requires that the family 

meet the financial qualification as delineated in 

the Application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals. 

2. The Request for an Exception may be completed 

during the enrollment process. 

II. INTERDISTRICT TRANSFERS 

An annual Interdistrict Permit is required for students who do 

not live within the SJUSD boundary. Transportation services 

for Interdistrict Transfer students will not be provided by the 

District. Interdistrict students may be subject to displacement 

due to increased neighborhood enrollment. For further 

information, please call 1 408-535-6230. 

III. FAMILY ENGAGEMENT 

The mission of the office of Family Engagement is to empower 

parents by providing opportunities for the development of 

parent leadership, advocacy, and organizing skills. Family 

Engagement provides parents with two district wide 

conferences. One focuses on preparing parent leaders to 

take leadership roles in school-based committees. The 

other offers parents a variety of workshops that center on 

supporting the academic success of all students. A series 

of classes on Computer Literacy, Parenting Skills, English as 

a Second Language, College Readiness, and Transitioning 

to Middle and High School are also offered throughout 

the year. The office of Family Engagement is staffed with 

bilingual personnel that are focused on helping all parents 

by answering questions and disseminating information 

on a variety of family-oriented topics. We may be reached 

at 1 408-535-6404. Our staff looks forward to welcoming 

you to SJUSD and being of assistance to you. Visit us at: 

www.sjusd.org 

IV. TRANSPORTATION 

San Jose Unified School District offers eligible students 

transportation to and from designated school bus stops 

established by ridership the previous year. The District will 

provide VTA passes for middle and high school students 

eligible for transportation, living in some designated areas. 

Refer to District policy for details about transportation. 

The week before school starts, the Transportation Department 

will mail to the homes of eligible students information 

regarding routes, schedules, and locations of bus stops. 

Transportation applications are available and may be 

completed at one of the enrollment centers. For additional 

information, contact the Transportation Department 

at 1 408-535-6185.

PROGRAM STRAND ASSIGNMENT: 

The District’s Voluntary Integration Plan (VIP) enrollment process 

provides District students, who have participated in 

a K-12 or 6-12 grade level program strand, the opportunity 

to continue at the program strand school sites regardless of 

their school attendance boundary residency. 

Eligibility for the program strand assignment priority: 

1. District students who have participated in an identified 

District program strand, who do not live within the attendance 

boundary of the next school (grade level) providing 

the curriculum for the program and who did not receive 

their first choice school through the Secondary Choices 

Assignment Process. 

2. District students who have for each year of enrollment in 

the District, enrolled in at least one course per semester 

identified as part of the program strand or who have documentation 

to prove participation in an outside of school 

program meeting the requirements of the program strand. 

Note: Non-District students are not eligible for the 

program strand assignment priority. 

The program strand assignment priority will only be considered 

after the following priority students have been assigned to 

their 1st choice school: First Priority Students, those who reside 

in the school attendance boundary; Second Priority Students, 

those who are requesting a Voluntary Integrative Transfer; Third 

Priority Students, those with a sibling currently attending the 

school and who will continue to be enrolled the following year. 

The Director of Student Assignment will assign those students 

who have met requirements for the program strand assignment 

priority. This will be done before assigning the Fourth 

Priority Students, those whose choice of schools does not satisfy 

one of the above priorities. Be advised transportation services 

will not be provided by San Jose Unified School District 

based on this program strand assignment. 

Applications will be available at the student’s current school 

after student receives their assignment for the upcoming 

school year. Applications must be submitted to the current 

school for review and verification of courses taken by the student. 

A copy of the student’s transcript needs to be attached 

to the application. 

D. All transfers are based on space availability. 

E. For further information call 1-408-535-6232. 

STUDENT APPEAL PROCESS 

Parents/guardians have the right to review and appeal school assignments through the appeal process during 

Phase One of the School Choice process for Secondary students and the Elementary District-wide magnet 

school lottery. An appeal for school placement may be approved if the student is being treated by a physician 

or psychologist for an extreme/severe physical or emotional condition. An appeal will not be considered if it is 

based on any of the following examples: severe health conditions of another family member, transportation 

issues, school location or program, school/job-related issues, or childcare/day care difficulties. An appeal of 

secondary school assignment may only be requested by a San Jose Unified School District resident. 

In order to proceed with an appeal, all requested documents, phone and fax numbers are required before the 

appeal will be considered for review. 

Parent/Guardian Schedules 

Conference with the Enrollment and 

Information Center Administrator 

To begin the appeal process, the parent/guardian is 

required to schedule an appointment with the Enrollment 

Center Administrator. An appointment may be 

scheduled at the Burnett Enrollment and Information 

Center at 1 (408) 535-6412. During the appointment, 

the administrator will listen and respond to the parent/ 

guardian concerns in an attempt to resolve the issue. 

If the problem is not resolved, the parent/guardian will 

be provided the following appeal forms for completion: 

A. Appeal Process Information Sheet 

B. Appeal Application and 

C. Physician Exchange of Information. 

Once the parent submits the completed documents 

listed above and other support documentation, 

including each physician’s phone and fax numbers, the 

appeal will be placed for review in the order received. 

Parent/Guardian Receives Acceptance 

or Denial of Appeal by Written Response 

The Enrollment Center Administrator carefully reviews the 

appeal information provided, along with documentation. 

29 

29 

After review of all documentation and conferences with 

physicians and other experts, the administrator will 

determine if the appeal meets the District’s criteria for 

an approved appeal. The parent/guardian will receive a 

letter indicating the decision. 

Parent/Guardian May Contact 

The Director of Student Assignment 

In the event the parent/guardian is not satisfied with the 

initial decision from the Student Assignment Department 

and wishes to continue the appeal, he/she may contact 

Mr. Robert Gonzales, Director of Student Assignment by 

phone at 1 (408) 535-6000 x 14627 or by mail to 855 

Lenzen Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126. 

Parent/Guardian May Contact 

the Assistant Superintendent 

In the event that the appeal cannot be resolved at the 

Student Assignment Department level, the parent/ 

guardian may contact Mrs. Nancy Albarrán, Assistant 

Superintendent, at 1 (408) 535-6190 or write to her at 

855 Lenzen Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126.

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