Imagine children of all races celebrated here. Welcome to Gordon J. Lau Elementary School. This school stands as a beacon of diversity. It welcomes all children. Its story is one of transformation. It began with segregation but now embraces inclusivity.
In 1859, the school started as The Chinese School. It was meant to segregate Chinese students. They were not allowed in other public schools. Anti-Chinese sentiment was growing then. This school became a symbol of that division.
Over the years, the school’s name changed. In 1906, it became the Oriental Public School. This change included Japanese and Korean students. But the Chinese community disliked the term “Oriental”. They felt it was demeaning.
Then, in 1924, it was renamed Commodore Stockton Elementary School. This honored Commodore Robert F. Stockton. He was a U.S. Naval officer. He later became a U.S. Senator.
Alice Fong Yu began teaching here in 1926. She was the first Chinese American teacher. This was a step toward integration. However, students could not speak Chinese at school. They were also forbidden on the playground.
Finally, in 1998, the school received its current name. It became Gordon J. Lau Elementary School. This honored Gordon Lau. He was the first Chinese American elected to the Board of Supervisors. He was a community activist. He was also a civil rights pioneer.
Gordon J. Lau Elementary School has a long tradition. It advocates for the Chinatown community. It serves its residents. The school offers a challenging curriculum. It prepares students for middle school and beyond.
Many parents enroll their children here. The staff speaks multiple languages. This helps newcomers transition. The school is the largest elementary school in the district. But they try to meet every student’s needs.
Today, Gordon J. Lau Elementary School offers many programs. There are before and after-school programs. Language programs include Cantonese biliteracy. Special education and arts enrichment are also available. Student support programs are in place.
The San Francisco Unified School District repealed a rule in 2017. It required students of Chinese and Korean heritage to attend the Oriental School. This was a symbolic gesture. It came over a century after the 1906 controversy.
Gordon J. Lau Elementary School stands as a testament to change. It shows how a segregated school transformed. It became a place that celebrates diversity. It welcomes children of all races. The school’s history reminds us. Education should be inclusive. It should embrace all cultures.