At Hoover Middle School: Fostering Community, Leadership and Academic Growth

At Hoover Middle School, community and connection are at the heart of everything. With Principal Adrienne Sullivan Smith in her third year leading the school as principal and Assistant Principal Julia Coffa—a proud Hoover parent and former teacher—celebrating her ninth year at the school, Hoover has built a strong foundation rooted in student relationships, student leadership, and opportunity for learning.

With just over 1,000 students, Hoover Middle School continues to be a place where students feel valued, supported and inspired to succeed. It’s a school where learning is joyful, support is apparent, and every student is encouraged to grow into their best self.

A Community that Reflects San Francisco

Hoover is one of the most diverse schools in the district—socioeconomically, linguistically, and culturally. The school welcomes more bussed-in students than any other middle school, drawing families from across San Francisco. Many students come from single-language immersion elementary programs, and Hoover takes pride in helping students build friendships across differences and find their place in a welcoming community.

“This is the moment—middle school is when it’s easiest to change a child’s trajectory,” says Assistant Principal Coffa. “We want students to explore, make mistakes, and grow from those mistakes, so that by the time they reach high school, they know who they are.”

Growing Their Own

At Hoover, “We grow our own” is more than a motto—it’s a philosophy. The school has a strong culture of developing educators and leaders from within. Teachers have stepped into administrative roles, paraeducators have become classroom teachers, and a security guard is now on the path to teaching. Retired teachers stay connected by mentoring the next generation, helping sustain Hoover’s collaborative and caring environment.

Centering Wellness and Humanity

Hoover’s staff believe that wellness comes before productivity. Every student’s humanity is honored, and social-emotional support is integrated into daily learning. Counselors, teachers, and families work together to ensure each student finds the right fit for their learning and growth.

This whole-child approach has transformed the school’s culture. By focusing on teaching sixth graders how to “reset” and embrace the values of middle school—responsibility, freedom, and structure—Hoover has significantly reduced suspensions and strengthened its community of belonging and respect.

Academic Strengths and Enrichment

Hoover is also known for its academic excellence and enrichment opportunities. The school offers AVID, Spanish and Cantonese Immersion programs, and a robust special education department with no teacher vacancies—a rare achievement.

Students benefit from a six-period schedule where classes meet four times a week, giving them 240 minutes of ELA and math instruction weekly, more than the district standard. Additionally, nearly half of all students participate in music classes, reflecting Hoover’s deep commitment to arts education.

From cultural fairs and talent shows to field days and dances, Hoover celebrates student life and community year-round. Through its student government association and a strong Beacon partnership with the Bay Area Resource Center, students take the lead in organizing events and giving back to their community.