We Are The Havard Sharks!
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We are helpful!
We are awesome!
We are responsible!
We are kind!
We are sharks!
What We Offer
Outdoor play for learning, fun and fitness
Writing and reading to promote early literacy
Art to inspire joy and creativity
Outdoor education in garden classroom
Caring and experienced staff
“I want my students to have a great first experience at school, so they can go onto kindergarten confident and prepared.” - Ms. Jetoria, PreK Teacher
Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten Success
School Announcements
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Overview Link to this section
Our Philosophy Link to this section
Our school uses the HighScope Educational Approach, which emphasizes active participatory learning. Students have direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events and ideas. Students’ interests and choices are at the heart of how we teach and nurture. We validate and support what they already know, and gently encourage them to take their thinking to the next level.
Our Staff Link to this section
Our teaching team is committed to supporting our students’ academic journeys. We are mindful that each child develops, learns and adapts to learning in different ways. For that reason, we strive to strengthen school-home collaborations and teacher-parent relationships. Our teachers all have California teaching credentials and are certified in CPR and First Aid. Many of our staff are bilingual in English and Spanish.
Our Services Link to this section
Special Education Support, Out-of-School Time, Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational & Physical Therapy
Our Typical Day Link to this section
Morning: Outdoor Play, Circle Time, Art, Counting or Alphabet Learning
Mid-Day: Group Lunch
Afternoon: Nap or Quiet Time, Outdoor Play
Ages Served Link to this section
We serve children ages 2 years and 9 months to 5 years old. Children must turn 3 on or before December 1st of the year they wish to enroll.
Our Namesake Link to this section
Leola M. Havard Early Education School (formerly the Burnett Child Development Center) changed our name in 2011 to honor the first African American female school principal in SFUSD.
Leola Morgan Havard (1920 - 2018)
Leola, an educator in the San Francisco Public Schools, earned the distinction of having a public school, Leola M. Havard Early Education School, San Francisco, CA, named in her honor during her lifetime News Article.
Leola completed her undergraduate education at Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA and earned the M.A. at San Francisco State University. For thirty years, she was an elementary school teacher in the San Francisco Public Schools. Leola earned the distinction of becoming the first African-American woman administrator and principal during her tenure as a public school teacher. She was an active member of the Third Baptist Church, San Francisco. Leola also was a charter member of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority Beta Nu Chapter a professional educational organization in San Francisco, CA.
Cost Link to this section
Free or reduced cost for income-eligible families. To see if you qualify, contact the Early Education Enrollment Office. Learn more about Cost & Fees.
How to Apply Link to this section
Applications are accepted year-round and enrollment made on a rolling basis depending on openings. Learn about how to apply.
Contact Us Link to this section
Catherine Lewis, Principal
Rasheedah Grant and Luz Vilchez, Office Managers
1360 Oakdale Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124
415-695-5660