New Families - Welcome to Flynn!

A helpful guide for new families—whether you’ve already toured or are just getting started

We’re so excited to welcome you to Flynn Elementary! Whether you came on a tour, read the flyer, or this is your first peek into our school, this guide is for you. It’s a mix of helpful logistics, what to expect in the early days, and the little things we’ve learned as Flynn families ourselves.

Flynn is a vibrant, joyful TK–5 school located where the Mission meets Bernal Heights. We serve about 400 students across our English Plus, Spanish Dual Language Immersion, and SOAR programs. But what really makes Flynn special is the people—kids who know and care for one another, families who pitch in, and educators who see the potential in every child.

You’ll see that we do things with care and purpose. Whether it’s celebrating Rainbow Week with school-wide activities led by our Pride Club (the biggest one of any elementary school in SF!), singing at morning rallies, or tending our rain-fed school garden, we believe in growing kids who are curious, connected, and confident.

You may have already heard that we offer:

• Two pathways: Spanish Dual Language Immersion and English Plus
• No school uniforms—Flynn Flair Fridays instead! Students are encouraged to wear their Flynn gear on Fridays.
• Multiple afterschool options (on- and off-site)
• Free breakfast and lunch for all students
• Strong community through an active PTA, family events, and classroom connections
• A 50/50 Spanish immersion program from TK on
• A commitment to social justice and community partnership

This guide includes:
✅ Key school info (start times, what to bring, lunch/snack policies)
✅ How learning and language work at Flynn
✅ What a typical day looks like
✅ Aftercare options, enrichment programs, and more
✅ Helpful tips for new families

What time does school start and end?

• Gates open at 7:35 AM (Breakfast is available starting when the gates open until 9am)
• Class starts at 7:50 AM
• Dismissal is 2:05 PM (12:50 PM every Wednesday)

What should my child bring to school each day?

• A backpack big enough for a folder and water bottle
• A jacket (it can get chilly in the mornings!)
• Extra change of clothes in a labeled bag for TK-1st grade (optional for other grades)
• Optional: home-packed lunch (We recommend school lunch as it is free for all!)
• Label everything with your child’s full name and room number. 

What is TK? Is it different from Kindergarten?

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program. TK is for kids who are turning 4 before the cut off date, while kindergarten is for kids who are turning 5. It’s play-based, developmentally appropriate, and helps bridge preschool and elementary school.

What is the bathroom situation?

Each TK and Kindergarten classroom has its own child-sized bathroom and sink. Kids are expected to be toilet-independent and are encouraged to use the bathroom during breaks to avoid missing class time.

How does drop-off and pick-up work?

There’s a supervised rolling drop-off line beginning at 7:35 AM. Families can also walk in through the Harrison Street gate. Teachers come outside to meet the students in the school yard and line up to go to their classrooms. 

For TK–2nd grade, teachers dismiss students one-by-one to a known adult at pickup time. Afterschool program staff will also pick up from the classroom teachers. 

What does a typical day look like?

• Morning circle/calendar/weather
• Small-group and whole-class reading, writing, math
• Centers around the classroom: Art, science, music, and play-based learning
• Outdoor time: TK/K have 3 recesses daily! Older grades have recess in the morning and after lunch.
• Snack and lunch
• Enrichment programs! (art, science, PE, library, etc.)

How does the Spanish Immersion program work?

Our Spanish Dual Language Immersion program is 50/50 in Spanish and English starting in TK. Students receive academic instruction in both languages each day, in classes made up of Spanish speakers, English speakers, and bilingual students. The goal: fluency and literacy in both languages by 5th grade.

How are kids from different pathways integrated?

Students from both programs share lunch, recess, assemblies, and after-school programming. During a daily English Language Development block, the students are put into groups based on their English proficiency for dedicated time to ensure our English learners are getting the focus they need to learn the language, and those who speak English fluently are learning to read and building their skills.

What about school lunch and snacks?

• Free breakfast and lunch are available to all students
• TK and Kinder get a morning snack (organized by the classroom teachers and parents)
• Flynn is a nut-free school

Are uniforms required?

No school uniforms — Flynn Flair Fridays instead! – Students are encouraged to show their school spirit by wearing Flynn gear on Fridays, but they’re welcome to wear it any day of the week!

What enrichment opportunities are available?

Flynn offers:

• Visual Arts (TK–5)
• Dance, PE, and Library
• Instrumental Music (2nd, 4th, and 5th)
• Mission Science Workshop and SF Youth Theater (TK focus)
• SF Youth Soccer, Street Soccer USA
• School garden, greenhouse, and outdoor classroom

What after school options are available?

Flynn partners with several trusted programs to offer a range of after school options that reflect the needs and values of our school community. Whether your family is looking for on-site academic support, creative enrichment, or outdoor play and connection, there is a program that fits. All options include daily pickup from Flynn and offer flexible schedules, with scholarships or low-cost tuition available.  

Please go to the After-School Programs page for more information.