James Franklin Smith
Elementary School
About
James Franklin Smith Elementary School is a public school serving students in transitional kindergarten through 6th grade in the Evergreen School District of San Jose, California.
School Profile: CA Department of Education →
School Accountability Report Card (SARC) →
Annual School Plans (CSSP & SPSA) →
School Accountability Report Card (SARC) →
Annual School Plans (CSSP & SPSA) →
James Franklin Smith Elementary School (JFS) is the 17th school to open in the Evergreen School District. It is located in the eastern foothills of the Mt. Hamilton Range. JFS, as it is often referred to, opened in the fall of 2000 with 190 students and nine teachers. Our enrollment is approximately 650 students and we have 26 full-time teachers. Our curriculum is based on the California Standards of Achievement. JFS teachers are committed to providing a balanced curriculum that integrates technology and the latest researched-based teaching strategies. They take responsibility for their professional growth and provide training to their colleagues in areas of their individual expertise. JFS teachers are in leadership roles at the school and at the district level.
Principal Message
Dear James Franklin Smith Elementary School Families,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I hope you and your family had a wonderful summer filled with opportunities to relax, recharge, and make lasting memories. We are excited to welcome both our returning families and those joining the JFS community for the first time.
Our staff has been hard at work preparing classrooms, organizing learning spaces, and planning engaging lessons to ensure a successful start to the school year. We cannot wait to welcome our Jaguars back to campus as they begin another year of learning, growth, and forming lasting friendships.
At JFS, we remain committed to providing every student with a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is one of the greatest contributors to student success, and we are grateful for the trust you place in us each day.
As we begin the year, we encourage families to:
- Review school communications regularly through ParentSquare and email.
- Ensure emergency contact information is current.
- Establish consistent routines for attendance, homework, and bedtime to help students begin each day ready to learn.
- Reach out to your child's teacher or the school office whenever questions arise as we are here to help.
Throughout the year, there will be many opportunities for families to become involved in our school community. Whether attending family events, volunteering, participating in PTA, serving on the School Site Council or ELAC, or simply supporting learning at home, your partnership makes a meaningful difference.
This year, we will continue to focus on fostering a positive school culture and building connections where students are encouraged to Be Kind, Responsible, and Safe. Together, we will celebrate student accomplishments, support one another through challenges, and continue building a school community where every child feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential.
On behalf of our entire staff, thank you for being an important part of the James Franklin Smith family. We are honored to partner with you in your child's educational journey and look forward to an outstanding school year together.
Here's to a fantastic year ahead!
Warmly,
Alexis Rouse
Principal
School Vision Statement
JFS is a school where a diverse population of students, families, staff, and community members collaborate to create a safe and friendly learning environment. Technologically literate students are actively engaged in a high quality standards-based instructional program that develops life-long learners and responsible, productive leaders of tomorrow.
School Mission Statement
The mission of James Franklin Smith Elementary School is captured in our school motto: "Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow". We strive to develop the intellectual, physical and emotional capacities of each child by providing a strong foundation in academics and social-emotional growth.
Our belief is that all children need to think critically and be able to adapt to the changing landscape of the 21st Century. Students acquire skills in analyzing, processing, and using information to make informed decisions and to collaborate and communicate with others. At JFS students develop self esteem by participating in a caring school community which appreciates diversity, creativity, tolerance and mutual cooperation. Students learn in a traditional but progressive environment that will include innovative instructional strategies and technological advances. Our students will embrace the impact of technology on society and in their daily lives. Students will be active participants in their own learning by providing opportunities to create, build and explore. Students will ultimately extend these skills and talents to the local and global community as contributing members of society. Teachers will be responsible for guiding the learning process, setting goals and fulfilling instructional standards set forth by district and state mandates. Students will learn to make good choices and create a lifestyle that will promote a healthy body and mind. Students will develop leadership skills to help each student accomplish his or her goals.
