• Three kindergarten students smiling.

Building Community, Supporting Learning

What Makes Our School Shine

From our civil rights mission to our caring teachers, from after-care to easy transportation—there are countless reasons families fall in love with Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy. Here are just a few:

A Safe Space

A diverse and welcoming community where students and families feel like they belong and every student is celebrated.

Social Justice Curriculum

Students learn about equality and action through cultural cooking classes, poetry, visual art, narrative essays, and more.

Newly Renovated Building

We have a beautiful library like no other, plus new electrical and HVAC systems with AC and air filtration.

Central Location

Daily bus service to and from the East side of the city; conveniently located near Muni Castro station and several bus lines; easy car access for drop-off/pick-up.

On-site Before- & After-care

Mission YMCA runs on-site before- and after-care from 7:30am–6:30pm, offering fun classes for kids while making daily schedules easier for families.

Enrichment Programs

Students take science field trips cooking classes, Shotokan karate, ukulele, PE, instrumental music, dance, visual arts, mindfulness, and computer science.

Testimonial Carousel Slide 1
Why We Love HMCRA
“In my children’s time at HMCRA I have watched them grow into their identities as people and advocates for themselves and others. My two elder kids have carried what they learned in this civil rights academy forward into their respective schools and communities.”

—Aurelie, parent of HMCRA graduates

Testimonial Carousel Slide 2
Why We Love HMCRA
“My time at HMCRA has taught me so much. The lessons I learned from the teachers will stay with me forever. Some of my best relationships were formed at this school … Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy holds a special place in my heart because of the lessons that I’ve learned there and how much I found out about myself because of it.”

—Primrose, former HMCRA student

Testimonial Carousel Slide 3
Why We Love HMCRA
“My child gained confidence at HMCRA through participation in the outdoor classroom/Edible Social Studies. This confidence led my child to succeed socially and academically during their time at HMCRA.”

—Julianne, parent of an HMCRA graduate

Testimonial Carousel Slide 4
Why We Love HMCRA
“The students, their parents, the teachers and staff of the school are an integral part of this neighborhood. HMCRA’s unique focus on fostering global awareness and embracing diversity makes it an important part the Castro.”

—Owners of Spike’s Coffees & Teas, a local coffee shop

Testimonial Carousel Slide 5
Why We Love HMCRA
“At Harvey Milk, everyone is taught to celebrate each other’s differences, which created an environment where I never felt like I had to question whether I would be accepted or not. The school is a safe space for everyone to be who they want to be and to explore their identities freely with the support of kind teachers and staff. It’s a place where love and peace are the norm.”

—Molly, former HMCRA student

Testimonial Carousel Slide 6
Why We Love HMCRA
“My kid started at HMCRA in 1st grade and is now in 5th grade. In 3rd grade, they felt comfortable at school to begin using they/them pronouns (before doing so at home or anywhere else). They will forever remember HMCRA as the place that welcomed them with open arms, accepted them for who they are, and embraced their quirks, challenges, and differences.”

—Iris, parent of an HMCRA graduate

Testimonial Carousel Slide 7
Why We Love HMCRA
“This school is a wonderful community of people who want to live their lives through the best of Harvey Milk’s ideals. We want to be a part of the Castro and San Francisco. We love the school and the neighborhood.”

—Amy, parent of two current HMCRA students

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