Did you know President Bill Clinton visited O’Farrell Community School? In 1995 he came to San Diego. He signed the Goals 2000 education bill there. O’Farrell was chosen because it was a charter school a pioneering model at the time.
O’Farrell Community School stands proudly in the Southeast San Diego neighborhood of Encanto. It’s more than just a school. It’s a vibrant hub of learning and community. Its history stretches back to 1959 when it first opened its doors. It began as Mabel E. O’Farrell Jr. High. The name changed to O’Farrell Community School later. In 1994 it became a charter school.
The school’s unique “Falcon Way” code of conduct is noteworthy. It emphasizes Focus Attitude Leadership Citizenship and Non-Violence. It’s a set of values instilled in every student. It aims to cultivate responsible and engaged citizens. The students and faculty don’t even call the head of the school principal. They use the term Chief Educational Officer or CEO.
The school also has a fascinating history with Educational Families. These were groups of teachers who taught interdisciplinary subjects. Imagine one teacher teaching history and biology together. Another taught Spanish and dance. The families were introduced in the 1990s. They’re a unique aspect of the school’s structure. These families had catchy names too. Names like Inspirations Exceeders Fantastics and Achievers. Later names included Great Force and Horizon Explorers.
O’Farrell boasts a striking mural on its auditorium. Students painted it. It’s a tribute to a beloved faculty member known only as “Animal”. This mural is a testament to the school’s creative spirit. O’Farrell has achieved academic success. It once boasted the highest Academic Performance Index (API) score compared to nearby schools. The school also requires community service for graduation. This is part of the O’Farrell Standard an award given to students who excel academically. They also have a portfolio completion and presentation requirement. They must perform 12 hours of community service too.
O’Farrell Community School is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a place where history community service and academic excellence intertwine. It has produced notable alumni like Rosalie Hamlin the singer and Shirley Horton a California assemblywoman. Even Tom Waits claims to have attended O’Farrell. He remembered it as an all-black school. O’Farrell’s legacy continues to inspire and shape young lives. It’s a place you won’t soon forget.