San Rafael Elementary School
Encyclopedia
Established in 1918, San Rafael Elementary School is located in the San Rafael Hills of Pasadena, California
and is one of the oldest public schools in Pasadena. Today, it is the only public school in West Pasadena. Like most Pasadena Unified School District
schools, San Rafael has in the past experienced low attendance of the neighborhood, with a significant number of parents opting for private education. A number of times the school was slated for closure due to the low turnout and low test scores. However, in 2009, PUSD established a Dual Language Immersion Program in Spanish and English at the school, and the result has been increased enrollment from across the District and a return to the school by neighborhood families. With the advent of the Dual Language Immersion Program and increased support from parents and the local community, the school is currently experiencing a renaissance. There was a 20 percent increase in enrollment from 2010 to 2011.
Pasadena, California
Pasadena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Although famous for hosting the annual Rose Bowl football game and Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena is the home to many scientific and cultural institutions, including the California Institute of Technology , the Jet...
and is one of the oldest public schools in Pasadena. Today, it is the only public school in West Pasadena. Like most Pasadena Unified School District
Pasadena Unified School District
The Pasadena Unified School District is a unified school district that is responsible for the schools of Pasadena, California. , it has 4 high schools, 3 middle schools, 2 K-8 schools and 16 elementary schools...
schools, San Rafael has in the past experienced low attendance of the neighborhood, with a significant number of parents opting for private education. A number of times the school was slated for closure due to the low turnout and low test scores. However, in 2009, PUSD established a Dual Language Immersion Program in Spanish and English at the school, and the result has been increased enrollment from across the District and a return to the school by neighborhood families. With the advent of the Dual Language Immersion Program and increased support from parents and the local community, the school is currently experiencing a renaissance. There was a 20 percent increase in enrollment from 2010 to 2011.
Trivia
- The school displays a Victorian design that has been the pictured in several movies including Liar, Liar and Bruce AlmightyBruce AlmightyBruce Almighty is a 2003 American comedy film directed by Tom Shadyac and written by Steve Koren, Mark O'Keefe and Steve Oedekerk. It stars Jim Carrey as Bruce Nolan, a down-on-his-luck TV reporter who complains to God that He isn't doing His job correctly, and is then offered the chance to try...
. - The school mascot is the pandaGiant PandaThe giant panda, or panda is a bear native to central-western and south western China. It is easily recognized by its large, distinctive black patches around the eyes, over the ears, and across its round body. Though it belongs to the order Carnivora, the panda's diet is 99% bamboo...
.