Our Fight — Save Yick Wo Elementary

We stand united in opposition to the closure of Yick Wo Elementary School.

If this happens, it would devastate the school community and District 3, which is disproportionately affected by the closures. Instead, we should grow Yick Wo as an integral neighborhood school.

Sign the Petition

Yick Wo is more than just a school—it's the heart of North Beach, Chinatown, and Russian Hill.

Generations of children have thrived in its diverse, close-knit environment, while walking to school and learning side by side. Closing Yick Wo will force families into cars and buses due to the increased distance to proposed welcoming schools. The walkability of Yick Wo is one of its many benefits. It’s a rare place where kids can safely walk to school, after school activities, playgrounds and community organizations such as Tel Hi, Salesians and the North Beach recreation center and the library. This walkability fosters independence and a deep connection to the neighborhood. Losing Yick Wo would place undue stress on families and potentially force them out of the city altogether.

Yick Wo plays a unique role in D3 which cannot be replaced. Yick Wo is the choice for Chinatown families who want a diverse neighborhood school that combines culture, community, and academic excellence. Yick Wo is also renowned for their SDC classes which support children with moderate and severe autism.

As students, alumni, and community members, we love Yick Wo because it embodies the values of San Francisco—diversity, inclusion, and excellence. Please join us in fighting to keep Yick Wo open for future generations.

District 3 is home to the densest areas of San Francisco, with most census tracts exceeding 90K people, making it one of the city's most concentrated neighborhoods.

Source: US Census Bureau

Yick Wo ensures all kids can belong in District 3

Yick Wo Elementary provides a rare and essential space for children to grow and thrive in a district dominated by adult and senior populations. As a neighborhood school, Yick Wo serves as a vital hub in District 3, offering a sense of community and belonging.

With District 3 home to more impacted schools than any other in San Francisco, keeping Yick Wo open helps preserve the next generation of residents and ensures the district remains family-friendly, rather than forcing families to relocate for educational needs.

A True Walkable Neighborhood School

Yick Wo is a walkable community school that ties families to the neighborhood. This is a critical feature of Yick Wo, fostering independence and stronger ties to the community.

Yick Wo is located in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with well-maintained sidewalks and crosswalks, making it safer for children to walk. Transferring students to schools outside of District 3 might force families to rely on cars or buses, exposing children to higher traffic risks in less walkable areas

Studies show that children who walk to school experience greater autonomy and responsibility, which supports their cognitive and emotional development.

Increased Commute Times

Highlighted in red are the most challenging routes, with no options under 10 minutes (unless driving). Wait times and round trips with young children further increase the burden, especially for Yick Wo and Spring Valley students after closures.

Source: Google Maps

Yick Wo is an inclusive, multi-cultural community

Yick Wo is an inclusive, multicultural community that reflects the rich diversity of San Francisco, bridging neighborhoods like North Beach, Chinatown, and Russian Hill. In our classrooms, students learn in a diverse environment that broadens their perspectives and fosters meaningful connections across cultures.

With 1 in 3 students being English Language Learners, Yick Wo is a place where families from all backgrounds come together, drawn to the school's welcoming and inclusive culture.

"... Without Yick Wo, I wouldn’t be where I am today with a successful career at a young age. Coming from a family with immigrant parents who worked long hours... we relied on the free programs provided by the school. The curriculum enabled me to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math... in ways I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. My journey toward a career in biotech wouldn’t have happened without the opportunities at Yick Wo, and I write this... to support keeping the school open for future generations."

Kevin Zhou, alumni class of 2008

Yick Wo is a Beacon for Students with Special Needs

Yick Wo is a leader in special education, particularly for students with moderate to severe autism. With 1 in 5 students at Yick Wo having special needs, the school plays a crucial role in supporting these learners. It is one of only six schools in SFUSD with moderate to severe special education programs, and the only one serving Northeast San Francisco.

Yick Wo’s integrated programming connects students with local, walkable resources such as the North Beach pool, playground, and library, ensuring they are supported both academically and within the community.

"...I spent 2 1/2 years teaching the K-2 autism focused class and had a wonderful experience. As a whole, this school did an amazing job creating an accessible learning environment for autistic children. The staff was supportive, inclusive and patient with our students. Additionally, both the families and SPED team were highly involved in developing an effective learning program for our students. The Yick Wo special education program is one of the best and closing the program would impact class sizes and negatively impact the current students."

Sandra v., former special education teacher at yick wo

Critical Commutes: Yick Wo's Special Education Students Face Displacement to Distant Schools

Yick Wo serves 20% special education students, with a strong focus on Extensive Support Needs (ESN) and Autism. The school has 2 fully enrolled Special Day Classes and is 1 of only 6 schools in SF with an ESN-Autism program, the only one in NE SF. Yick Wo’s small size and neighborhood integration provide a safe, supportive environment for students.