Tenderloin Community

In 1990, Bay Area Women’s & Children’s Center came up with what seemed like the crazy idea to get a much-needed elementary school built in the Tenderloin. At that time, the Tenderloin was the only neighborhood in San Francisco that had no schools. With nothing but a dream to start with, BAWCC launched a successful community effort that led to opening the school doors eight years later. That was now 20 years ago.

The story of Tenderloin Community School serves as an inspiration to the students who come through the school's doors. The school is living proof that what might seem like an impossible dream is not so impossible after all. With no money and no land to begin with, a small group of dedicated staff, community members, and parents were able to work with the school district to see that their dreams for their children came true. A beautiful, bright welcoming school was created with many extra programs such as a dental clinic, after-school programs, a garden, a library, technology lessons, not to mention an incredible staff and teachers and administrators who always put children and families first.