Welcome to Potrero School! We are a community of students, educators, and families all dedicated engaging and empowering young people to become confident, innovative, and resilient citizen-leaders.
In addition to a rigorous Common Core curriculum designed to provide a strong academic foundation, Potrero offers rich opportunities for students to explore a range of talents and interests and to build meaningful connections to the wider community.
The Arts
As of the 2018-19 school year, Potrero was thrilled to launch the Mariachi Music Academy. As part of the program, fourth -fifth-, sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students carry on the vibrant mariachi tradition while gaining confidence as musicians and performers. After-school classes—complete with new musical instruments—are offered twice each week.
Technology
Instruction at Potrero is enriched by leading-edge technology. In addition to two fully equipped classroom computer labs, students have access to Chromebooks, which help them become capable and confident in accessing information and using the tools that power modern life.
Leadership
Our 7 Habits of Effective Students philosophy—woven into all aspects of the campus experience—promotes motivation, involvement, communication, perseverance, and other behaviors that empower students to take a leading role in their own achievement. Students interested in deepening their leadership skills can join our student Lighthouse Team where they have the opportunity to plan and execute school activities as peer role models and decisionmakers.
Literacy
Fostering a love of reading is a top priority across the Potrero campus. We encourage students to visit their school library, which is open daily, and we take pride in ensuring that our collection reflects the best in high-quality children’s literature. For kindergarten families, meanwhile, we are pleased to offer Raising a Reader. Each week, as part of this evidence-based program, kindergartners take home a bright red bag full of beautiful and engaging children’s books to share at home with a parent or guardian. It is a joy to see their excitement and enthusiasm build with each new batch of books.
Family Engagement and Support
Parents are respected and valued partners in a child’s education. We welcome and encourage Potrero parents to contribute their time and ideas to the school community. Gatherings, such as the monthly “Coffee with the Principal,” provide an opportunity for me to get to know parents and to hear their questions, concerns, and suggestions in a relaxed and friendly setting. More formal opportunities to contribute are available through committees, such as the English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC) or School Site Council (SSC). Through these groups, parents actively participate in school governance, building and revising school plans and making recommendations as we strive for continuous improvement.
I couldn’t be prouder to work alongside the teachers, staff, students and families of Potrero School. Together, we are preparing students to reach their fullest potential as bright and civic-minded individuals, committed to their own success, and to the success of their community.
Lorraine Torres
Principal, Potrero School
