Bret Harte Elementary School
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Welcome Back! First Day of School!
We are SO excited to welcome back our Bret Harte scholars and families! The first day of school is Monday, August 17th, 2026. As a reminder, our school schedule is 8:40am - 2:55pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays with an 8:40am - 1:55pm instructional day each Wednesday. Our daily morning assembly begins at 8:30am on the soccer field and all families are encouraged to stick around and watch us recognize and honor our scholars each day.
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Bret Harte...A Thriving Community School
Check out our Community School Implementation Plan! Bret Harte is beginning our third year as a California Community Schools Grant participant, led by our extraordinary Community School Coordinator, Karla Zambrano-Armijos. So...come by and participate in one of our countless workshops and family-led organizations!
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Striving for Excellent Attendance
Bret Harte Elementary School is laser focused on all students having excellent attendance. Thank you, families, for ensuring that your scholars come to school every single day on time! Remember that Morning Assembly begins at 8:30am daily, on the soccer field, and the instructional day begins at 8:40am.
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School Uniforms & Nutrition Updates
As a reminder, Bret Harte no longer requires uniforms or specific uniform colors. While we promote individual expression and are eager to be moving away from the uniform concept, please be sure that all clothing worn at school is elementary school appropriate. Thank you so much, families, for supporting our Bret Harte community. Remember, Bret Harte is a "Healthy Schools" community as well. The SFUSD Healthy Schools Guidelines are available, in hard copy, in the Main Office and online at www.sfusd.edu.
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Beacon After School Program
The Bret Harte Beacon After School Program is accepting applications for students in grades TK-5 for before and after school programming for the 2026-27 school-year. Applications are available in Room 114. Please see Ms. Afu, Beacon Director, with questions or for support with applications.
School Announcements
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Welcome
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Overview Link to this section
At Bret Harte, our mission is to provide high-quality instructional programs within a safe learning environment that maximizes individual talents and strengths, celebrates diversity, and prepares students to be productive citizens. As part of our commitment to access and equity, all students have access to instructional programs, materials, and resources that are aligned with California content standards. Every grade, from kindergarten through 5th, includes projects, cross-curricular activities, arts education, field trips, and interaction across grade levels. At Bret Harte School, children are surrounded by caring adults who provide academic and enrichment programs suited to fit their needs.
The Bret Harte community inspires, supports and nurtures learners on a journey toward excellence. We believe in the incredible potential of all children and are committed to providing academically challenging, culturally relevant learning options which fully develop the unique talents and gifts of each child in our program. High academic standards guide the curriculum across all grades. The school community is proud of its increased parent involvement, community support, and balanced instructional and enrichment programs. Teachers and staff share ownership of all students' academic and social learning and hold ourselves accountable for professional behavior and student success.
Community Partnerships Link to this section
- Adventures in Music (AIM) - sends students to SF Symphony performances
- America SCORES Bay Area - teaches students soccer and poetry
- Bay Area Community Resources (BEACON program)
- SF Teacher Residency
- SFUSD Pathways Program
- Teach for America Corps
- Playworks - energizes recess and lunch recess
- 826 Valencia
- Mindfulness with author Andrew Jordan Nance
- Drumming Club
- Bay Area Discovery Museum
- Common Sense Certified 2019-2021
- Museum of Craft and Design
- San Francisco Public Library