Thinking about SFUSD but worried about what you've heard? You're not alone — and a lot of what circulates in parent groups and on social media simply isn't backed by the data.
What Are Real Talk Sessions?
We're hosting drop-in myth-debunking sessions where families can bring their concerns and hear evidence-based answers. No sales pitch, no sugar-coating — just the facts drawn from public data, district records, and peer-reviewed research.
The Top 5 Myths We Hear
These come up again and again in conversations with prospective families:
"SFUSD provides inadequate academics." In reality, SFUSD seniors have a 76.5% UC acceptance rate — roughly 15 points above local private schools and the best college prep rate in California.
"The administration is chaos." The Board was replaced and has refocused on academic progress, attendance and enrollment, and city partnerships. New leadership has fully balanced the budget.
"Funding is uncertain." SFUSD is now in a much more secure financial position with reduced receivership risk after balancing the budget.
"The lottery destroys community." 94% of families who rank their attendance-area school receive it. Community forms in many ways, and school communities are strong regardless of geography.
"My student isn't safe." There are no systemic behavior problems across the district. Behavioral metrics have improved since 2022, and bond funding is addressing facility improvements.
How It Works
Our Real Talk sessions are casual, drop-in conversations — not formal presentations. Bring your questions, your concerns, and your neighbors. We'll have the data ready.
Want to host a session at your preschool, community center, or living room? We'll come to you.
Get Involved
- Attend a session — check our events calendar for upcoming dates
- Host a session — become an ambassador and we'll provide all the materials
- Share the facts — visit our analysis page for the full myth-vs-fact breakdown
The more families make informed decisions, the stronger our public schools become — for everyone.