01
Overview
Principal
| School type | Neighborhood |
| Community School | Yes |
| Address | 3600 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025 |
| Phone | (650) 482-2405 |
| School website | garfield.rcsdk8.net |
| GreatSchools | 6/10 ↗ |
02
Academic Performance
Student Growth
English growth
60.5%
2025-26 mid-year · District-wide: 60.7%
Math growth
70.4%
2025-26 mid-year · District-wide: 56.4%
CA State Testing (2023-24)
Growth measures how much students are learning each year, regardless of their starting point. A school with low proficiency but high growth is accelerating learning. Proficiency measures how many students are at or above grade level right now.
Growth = % of students meeting their annual i-Ready Expected Growth target on the mid-year diagnostic. i-Ready is the district’s local K–8 literacy and math assessment; the LCAP goal is to raise this by 4 percentage points each year. Proficiency = % meeting or exceeding grade-level standards on the CAASPP (the California state test, given in spring of grades 3–8).
Sources: 2024-25 SARCs, 2025-26 SPSAs, 2025-26 LCAP, each school’s 2025-26 Board of Trustees data presentation. Proficiency from 2023-24 CAASPP. Growth from each school’s 2025-26 mid-year i-Ready diagnostic as reported to the Board.
03
Student Demographics
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged
95% SARC 2024-25
Mostly students who qualify for free or low-cost school lunch
Chronic Absenteeism A student is chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of school days — about 18 days a year.
28.8% CA Dashboard
District avg: 18.3%
Chronic Absenteeism by Subgroup
| Subgroup | Rate | Absent | Enrolled |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Students | 18.6% | 56 | 301 |
| Hispanic/Latino | 18.8% | 55 | 292 |
| English Learners | 17.2% | 39 | 227 |
| Students with Disabilities | 45.2% | 28 | 62 |
| Socioeconomically Disadvantaged | 17.1% | 49 | 286 |
| Homeless | 17.2% | 11 | 64 |
Chronic absenteeism rate by student subgroup. A student is chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of school days — about 18 days a year. Groups too small to report (fewer than 10 students) are not shown, to protect privacy. Source: California Dept. of Education, 2024-25.
English Learners: A Closer Look
In 2024-25, 211 of this school's 280 students (75%) were English Learners — students who are still learning English. Another 14 used to be English Learners and are now fluent: they passed the state's English test and were "reclassified" (RFEP).
Learning English
211
75% of the school
Long-Term (LTEL)
0
6+ years as an English Learner
At Risk of LTEL
44
4-5 years as an English Learner
Now Fluent (RFEP)
14
Tested out of English Learner status
A "long-term English Learner" (LTEL) is a student who has been learning English for 6 or more years without yet reaching fluency; students at 4-5 years are counted as "at risk" of becoming long-term. Schools watch these numbers because the goal is for students to reach fluency well before the 6-year mark. California only starts counting students as long-term English Learners in grade 6, so elementary schools always show zero.
Source: California Dept. of Education English Learner data (ELAS/LTEL), 2024-25 school year.
04
Funding
Per-pupil expenditure data from the 2022-23 SARC. Restricted funds include Title I, special ed, and EL programs. Unrestricted funds are general operating. PTO/PTA revenue from IRS Form 990 filings.
Site Supplemental (SPSA) 2025-26
Supplemental (SPSA)
$243K SPSA 2025-26
SPSA Per Pupil
$936 SPSA 2025-26
SPSA Source Breakdown
Title I: $55K
District: $19K
Measure U: $79K
Prop 28: $90K
| Source | Amount | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Title I | $55K | 23% |
| District | $19K | 8% |
| Measure U | $79K | 33% |
| Prop 28 | $90K | 37% |
| Total | $243K | 100% |
This school receives Title I federal funding.
SPSA budgets represent supplemental site-level spending (enrichment, counseling, PD, materials). Base operating costs (teacher salaries, admin, facilities) come from the general fund and vary by school.
05
Who Teaches Here
Garfield Community School has 14 teachers for 280 students — about 20 students per teacher. On average, its teachers have been teaching for 4.5 years, and 8 of the 14 are in their first or second year.
Teachers
14
Students per Teacher
20:1
District avg: 21:1
Avg Years Teaching
4.5
2.7 years in RCSD
New Teachers
8 / 14
In their 1st or 2nd year of teaching
Students per Counselor
140:1
Counselors, psychologists, social workers & nurses
Source: California Dept. of Education staffing data, 2024-25 school year.
Credentials
Misassigned
0.3% SARC 2024-25
"Misassigned" means a teacher was placed in a class they are not credentialed for — most often classes with students learning English (EL). District target: 100% by 2027.
Teacher demographics highlights
| Hispanic staff | 52.6% |
#1 in the district for reading growth (49% of students hit their yearly goal). Came off the state's list of lowest-performing schools (called CSI) in 2024. Enrollment fell from 515 to 279. No PTO money. Hispanic teachers grew from 35% to 52.6% of staff over 4 years.
Teacher Race & Ethnicity
| Race/Ethnicity | Teachers | % | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hispanic/Latino | 7 | 50.0% | |
| White | 5 | 35.7% | |
| Filipino | 2 | 14.3% | |
| Total | 14 | 100% |
Counts classroom teachers only. Source: California Dept. of Education staff data, 2024-25 school year.
06
Documents & Resources
School Accountability Report Card (SARC)
A yearly report card the state requires from every school: test scores, class sizes, teacher credentials, and campus conditions in one PDF.
School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA)
The school’s yearly plan for how it spends its extra (“supplemental”) money — tutoring, counselors, materials, and more.
Bell Schedule
| Grade | RegularMon · Tue · Wed · Fri | Thursday |
|---|---|---|
| K | 8:10 AM – 2:30 PM | 1:05 PM |
| 1-5 | 8:10 AM – 2:50 PM | 1:05 PM |
Lunch Menu
Parent Communication
School Site Council
Chair: Maricruz Sanchez
SPSA adopted: May 22, 2024
Principal: Sara Shackel
Teacher: Frida Miranda, Kim Gray, Sergio Simarro Martinez
Staff: Alicia Alvarez, Cassandra Garcia, Yadira DiSiena, Karina Arellano
Parent / Community: Maricruz Sanchez, Maritza Gutierrez
Teacher: Frida Miranda, Kim Gray, Sergio Simarro Martinez
Staff: Alicia Alvarez, Cassandra Garcia, Yadira DiSiena, Karina Arellano
Parent / Community: Maricruz Sanchez, Maritza Gutierrez
07
Board Meetings
Board of Trustees meetings with agenda items mentioning this school.
Approval of Addendum No. 2 to the Measure U Application for Garfield Community School for the 2025-2026 School Year
Garfield School Presentation and School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) Approval
Approval of the Addendum to the Measure U Application for Garfield Community School for the 2025-2026 School Year
Approval of Garfield Community School Field Trip to Outdoor Education Camp – 09/22/2025-09/26/2025
New English/Spanish language arts curriculum pilot for 2025-26
School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA review)
Roosevelt and Garfield School Presentations for the 2023-2024 School Year
Approval of Construction Management Agreement Amendment #4 for Garfield Community School with RGM Kramer, Inc.
190320 RCSD Garfield CM Agreement with RGMK - Fully Executed.pdf ↗200422 RCSD GA Amendment 1 to Agreement for CM Services-Fully Executed.pdf ↗210630 RCSD GA Amendement 2 to Agreement for CM Services-Fully Executed.pdf ↗220629 RCSD GA Amendment 3 for CM Services-Fully Executed.pdf ↗231011 RCSD GA Amendment 4 for CM Services.pdf ↗
Approval of Addendum to 2023-24 Measure U Application for Garfield Community School
Approval of Final Plan Review Invoice with the Division of the State Architect (DSA) for Garfield Community School
Approval of Proposals for New Sod and Maintenance with Scapes at Garfield and Taft Community Schools
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework, Bid Package D, Change Order 14 to the Agreement with Atlas Pellizzari Electric for Garfield Community School
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework, Bid Package G, Change Order 16 to the Agreement with Rodan Builders for Garfield Community School
School Plan for Student Achievement: Reports from Garfield Community School and Henry Ford
Approval of Proposal for Field Infill and Installation of Hydroseed with Scapes, Inc. for Garfield Community School
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework, Bid Package G, Change Order 15 to the Agreement with Rodan Builders for Garfield Community School
Single Plan for Student Achievement for Orion, Garfield, and Taft Community Schools
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework, Bid Package G, Change Order #14 to the Agreement with Rodan Builders for Garfield Community School
Adoption of Futility Resolution 20, Approval of New Classroom Building, Modernization, and Sitework, Bid Package G, Change Order #13 with Rodan Builders for Garfield Community School
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework, Bid Package G, Change Order #12 with Rodan Builders for Garfield Community School
Adoption of Futility Resolution 19, Approval of New Classroom Building, Modernization, and Sitework Landscaping Project, Bid Package F, Change Order #6 with Scapes, Inc., at Garfield Community School
Approval of Rear Parking Lot Project, Change Order #3 to the Agreement with Galeb Paving, Inc., for Garfield Community School
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework, Bid Package G, Change Order #11 to the Agreement with Rodan Builders for Garfield Community School
Approval of Proposal for 48 Port Switches and Supporting Equipment with CDW-G at Garfield Community School and Orion Alternative School
Approval of Project Inspector Agreement Project Authorization Form #2.3 for Garfield Community School's CDC, Modernization, and Rear Parking Lot with John Wong
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Bid, Package G, Change Order #10 to the Agreement with Rodan Builders for Garfield Community School
Approval of Proposal for the Removal of Staging Area with Galeb Paving, Inc., at Garfield Community School
Approval of Rear Parking Lot Project, Change Order #1 to the Agreement with Galeb Paving, Inc., for Garfield Community School
Approval of New Building, Modernization and Sitework Project Bid Package G, Change Order #9 to the Agreement with Rodan Builders for Garfield Community School
Adoption of Futility Resolution 7, Approval of New Classroom Building and Modernization Landscape Project, Change Order #5 with Scapes, Inc., at Garfield Community School
Adoption of Futility Resolution 8, Approval of New Classroom Building and Modernization Fire Protection Project, Change Order #4 with Marquee Fire Protection at Garfield Community School
Addendum to 2022-2023 Measure U Application for Garfield Community School
Approval of Proposal for Asphalt Seal and Striping with Duran & Venables at Garfield Community School
Approval of Proposal for Fencing and Gate Adjustment with Galeb Paving, Inc. at Garfield Community School
Approval of Special Testing and Inspection Project Authorization Form (PAF) #28.2 for Garfield Community School with Ninyo and Moore
Approval of Construction Management Agreement Amendment #3 for Garfield Community School with RGM Kramer
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Bid Package H Change Order #5 for Garfield Community School with O.C McDonald
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Bid Package B Change Order #5 for Garfield Community School with MK Pipelines and Adoption of Resolution 42
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Change Order #8 for Garfield School with Rodan Builders and Adoption of Resolution 43
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Bid, Package A, Change Order #7 for Garfield Community School with Duran and Venables, and Adoption of Futility Resolution 37
Approval of Rear Parking Lot Project Construction Agreement for Garfield Community School with Galeb Paving
Approval of Building A HVAC Upgrades Electrical Proposal for Garfield Community School with Atlas Pellizzari
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Bid, Package A, Change Order #7 for Garfield Community School with Duran and Venables
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project, Change Order #10 for Garfield Community School with Atlas/Pellizzari Electric
Approval of Interim Housing Portable Removal Proposal for Garfield Community School and Orion Alternative School with Mobile Modular
Approval of Interim Housing Asphalt Removal and Replacement Proposal for Garfield Community School with Duran and Venables
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Site-work Project Bid Package B, Change Order #4 for Garfield Community School with MK Pipelines
Approval of Interim Housing, Classroom, and Library Moving Services Proposal for Garfield Community School with Rentacrate
Approval of Project Inspector Agreement Project Authorization Form #2.2 for Garfield Community School with John Wong
Approval of Garfield Community School New Buildings, Modernization & Sitework Project Bid Package A with Duran & Venables, Change Order #6
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization & Sitework Project for Garfield Community School with Rodan Builders, Change Order #7
Approval of Play Structure Rubber Surfacing Proposal for Garfield School with Park Planet
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Change Order #6 for Garfield School with Rodan Builders
Approval of Agreement between Redwood City School District and San Mateo County Sheriff's Activities League (SAL) to Provide Extra Curricular Programs for Students at Garfield, Clifford and Hoover
Approval of Picnic Tables Proposal at Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School and Garfield Community School with Park Planet
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project, Change Order #5 for Garfield Community School with Rodan Builders
Approval of Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Installation Proposal for Garfield Community School with Atlas Pellizzari
Approval of Special Inspection and Testing Project Authorization Form #28-1 at Garfield School with Ninyo and Moore
Adoption of Resolution 21, Approval of Garfield Community School New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Bid Package H O.C. McDonald, Change Order #2
Approval of Architect Additional Services Proposals for Garfield, Kennedy, and Taft Schools with HED
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Change Order #3 for Garfield Community School with Rodan Builders
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Change Order #8 for Garfield Community School with Atlas/Pellizzari Electric
Approval of Asphalt Pathway Proposal for Garfield Community School with Bay Area Asphalt
Adoption of Resolution 16, Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Change Order #3 for Garfield Community School with MK Pipelines
Electives Offered by PAL to Garfield, Taft and Hoover Students
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Change Order #2 for Garfield School with Rodan Builders
Approval of Curb and Gutter Proposal for Garfield School with Casey Fogli
Approval of Rear Parking Lot Design Proposal for Garfield School with HED
Approval of Turnkey Security Camera and Intrusion System Agreement for Garfield, Orion Alternative (Formerly John Gill), and Taft Schools with Siemens
Approval of Administration Furniture Proposal for Garfield School with RDI
Approval of Security Camera and Intrusion System Rough-in Proposals for Garfield School and Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) with Siemens
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Change Order #6 for Garfield School with Atlas/Pellizzari
Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Police Activities League (PAL) to Provide After School Elective Program for Students at Garfield, Taft and Hoover
Approval of Temporary Parking Lot Expansion Proposal for Garfield Community School with Rodan Builders, Inc.
Approval of Library Furniture Proposal for Garfield Community School with Campbell Keller
Approval of Construction Management (CM) Fee Amendments for Garfield, Hoover, Taft Community Schools and Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) with RGM Kramer
Approval of Classroom Furniture Proposal for Garfield Community School with Virco
Approval of Additional Interim Housing Portable Rental and Removal Allowance for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill) and Garfield Community School with Mobile Modular
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization & Sitework Project Change Order #1 for Garfield Community School with Rodan Builders
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization & Sitework Project Change Order #2 for Garfield Community School with Casey Fogli
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization & Sitework Project Change Order #4 for Garfield Community School with Atlas Pellizzari
Approval of Additional Project Inspector Allowance Project Authorization Form (PAF) 2.1 for Garfield Community School with John Wong
Approval of Agreement between the Redwood City School District and One Life Counseling Center for Garfield Community School for the 2021-22 School Year
Approval of Maker's Space Design Proposal for Kennedy Middle School and Boiler Replacement Design Proposal for Garfield School with HED
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Change Order #4 for Garfield School with Duran & Venables
Approval of Kindergarten Play Structure Asphalt Replacement Proposal for Garfield School with DaSilva
Approval of New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Bid Package for Garfield Community School with B MK Pipelines, Change Order #1
Approval of Sewer Line Upgrade Proposal for Garfield School with MK Pipelines
Approval of New Buildings Modernization and Sitework Project Bid Package C for Garfield Community School with Casey-Fogli, Change Order #1
Approval of Domestic Water Line Replacement Proposal for Garfield Community School with MK Pipelines
Approval of Flooring and Carpentry Add Service Proposals for the Child Daycare Center (CDC) at Garfield School with Enviroplex
Approval of Storm Drain Proposals for Garfield School with MK Pipelines
Approval of Plumbing Fixture Modifications Proposal for the Child Daycare Center (CDC) at Garfield School with O.C. McDonald
Approval of Kindergarten Play Structure Agreement for Garfield School with Park Planet
Approval of Temporary Parking Lot Proposal for Garfield School with Duran & Venables
Approval of Architect Construction Administration (CA) Fee Add Service Proposals for Garfield and Taft Schools with HED
Approval of Utility Relocation and Upgrade Proposals for Garfield School and Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with PG&E
Approval of Domestic Water Line, Irrigation Line, Sewer, and Storm Drain Proposals for Garfield School with MK Pipelines
Approval of CDC Building Pad Height Reduction, Compaction, and Off Haul Proposal for Garfield School with Enviroplex
Approval of Touchless Plumbing Fixture Replacement Construction Agreements for Garfield School, Orion Alternative (Formerly John Gill School), and Taft School with Ciari and Hoover School with Dinelli
Approval of Garfield Community School New Buildings, Modernization and Sitework Project Bid Package, Change Order #1 with HO.C. McDonald
Approval of Surveying and Staking Agreement Project Authorization Forms (PAFs) for Garfield and Roosevelt Schools with Kier and Wright
Approval of Play Structure Construction Agreements for Garfield School and Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) with Park Planet
Approval of Agreement between the Redwood City School District and United Through Education, Inc. (Garfield and Taft)
Approval of Special Testing and Inspection Project Authorization Forms for Orion Alternative School (Formerly John Gill School) and Garfield School with Ninyo and Moore
Approval of Construction Management Fee Amendment #1 for Garfield School with RGMK
Approval of Agreement between One Life Counseling Center and the Redwood City School District for the 2020-21 School Year – Garfield School
Approval of Multi-Prime Construction Agreements for Garfield School with Various Contractors
Approval of the Covid-19 Safety Compliance Officer Proposal for Clifford School, Garfield School, Roy Cloud School, and Roosevelt School with The Safety Guys
Approval of Legacy Support with WLC Architects for Garfield School