Redwood City School District · 2024–25 School Accountability Report Card · Published 2025–26 School Year
School Accountability Report Card
Kennedy Middle School
This School Accountability Report Card (SARC) is published annually as required by California state law and provides information about the condition and performance of Kennedy Middle School. It is intended to help families and community members understand how our school is doing and how it compares to district and state benchmarks.
About the School
School Profile & Mission
Our Mission
The mission of Kennedy Middle School, through a partnership of students, families, staff, and community, is to ensure that every student has the skills and creativity to build a strong social and academic foundation, in order to transition into a successful high school student and responsible member of the community. All students will have options to demonstrate what they learn and the opportunities to be successful and achieve their dreams.
School Profile
Address2521 Goodwin Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94061
Phone(650) 482-2409
PrincipalChandra Leonardo
Emailcleonardo@rcsdk8.net
Grade SpanGrades 6 – 8
Total Enrollment808 students
NewsletterCougar Connect — weekly
What Makes Us Special
AVIDAdvancement Via Individual Determination — college prep for all
Spanish ImmersionContinuation of Adelante Selby's Spanish Immersion program
Mandarin ImmersionContinuation of Orion Alternative's Mandarin Immersion program
Performing ArtsBand, Orchestra, Choir, Drama — full performing arts program
STEMRobotics, Technology, STEAM field trips
Campus54 classrooms, rock-climbing wall, dance studio, new athletic fields
Family CenterProduce, bus passes, counseling, financial & school supply support
Electives & Extracurricular Activities
Art
Band
Orchestra
Choir
Drama
Robotics
Technology
Spanish Immersion
Mandarin Immersion
Yearbook
Student Council
After-School Sports
Yosemite Trip
Grand Canyon Trip
Washington D.C. Trip
Color Run
School Musical
STEAM Field Trips
District Information
Kennedy Middle School is part of the Redwood City School District. District phone: (650) 482-2200 · Superintendent: Dr. John Baker, Ed.D. · rcsdk8.net (opens in new tab)
Student Population
2024–25 Enrollment
808
Total Students
77.1%
Hispanic / Latino
14%
White
67.7%
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged
25.7%
English Learners
Enrollment by Grade
Student Demographics
Student Group Enrollment (% of Total)
Pupil Outcomes — State Priority 4
Academic Performance
Results from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), showing the percentage of students in grades 6–8 meeting or exceeding grade-level standards. Science is tested in grade 8.
ELA Above District & State for the Second Consecutive Year
Kennedy's ELA score rose from 49% to 50% in 2024–25 — above both the district average (46%) and the state average (48%) for the second year in a row. Math improved slightly from 30% to 31%, though it remains below district and state. Science declined from 28.1% to 20.97% — an area requiring focused attention going forward.
English Language Arts — % Meeting/Exceeding Standard
Kennedy
District
State
Mathematics — % Meeting/Exceeding Standard
Kennedy
District
State
Science (Grade 8) — % Meeting/Exceeding Standard
2023–24
2024–25
2024–25 Results by Student Group
| Student Group | ELA % Met/Exceeded | Math % Met/Exceeded |
|---|---|---|
| All Students | 50.0% | 30.7% |
| Female | 56.1% | 31.9% |
| Male | 44.3% | 29.5% |
| Asian | 71.4% | 72.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 42.6% | 21.0% |
| Two or More Races | 87.5% | 84.4% |
| White | 76.6% | 61.3% |
| English Learners | 7.7% | 2.5% |
| Socioeconomically Disadvantaged | 36.6% | 14.8% |
| Students with Disabilities | 12.7% | 9.1% |
Student groups with 10 or fewer students are omitted to protect privacy. Results include Smarter Balanced and California Alternate Assessment participants in grades 6–8.
2024–25 Grade 7 Physical Fitness Test Participation Rates
| Component | Grade 7 Participation |
|---|---|
| Aerobic Capacity | 95% |
| Abdominal Strength & Endurance | 94% |
| Trunk Extensor Strength & Flexibility | 96% |
| Upper Body Strength & Endurance | 94% |
| Flexibility | 77% |
Instructional Materials — August 2025 Audit
All Students Have Materials
0% of students at Kennedy lack their own assigned copy of required textbooks across all subject areas. All materials are state-approved and standards-aligned.
| Subject | Textbook / Program | Students Without Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Reading / Language Arts | Amplify ELA (©2015); Inside Language, Literacy & Content (©2006) | 0% |
| Mathematics | Illustrative Mathematics 6–8, Accelerated, Algebra (©2024) | 0% |
| Science | Amplify Science (©2018) | 0% |
| History-Social Science | History Alive! (©2017/2018) | 0% |
Conditions of Learning — State Priority 1
Teaching Staff
Teacher Credentialing: An Area of Active Focus
In 2023–24, 54% of Kennedy's teachers were fully credentialed — below both the district average of 60% and the state. An additional 30% were without credentials or misassigned, and 14% were credentialed but assigned out-of-field. As a middle school with multiple subject areas, ensuring subject-matter-appropriate placement is especially important. The district is actively working to address this.
Fully Credentialed Teachers — 3-Year Trend
Kennedy Middle School
District
| Credential Status | 2021–22 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully Credentialed (properly assigned) | 57.8% | 60.5% | 53.9% |
| Intern Credential Holders | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Without Credentials / Misassigned | 17.6% | 22.3% | 29.6% |
| Credentialed but Assigned Out-of-Field | 15.5% | 6.4% | 14.5% |
Data based on full-time equivalent (FTE) status. Kennedy had 42.5 total teaching positions in 2023–24.
2023–24 Teacher & Administrator Salaries
| Category | RCSD Amount | State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning Teacher Salary | $64,041 | $61,597 |
| Mid-Range Teacher Salary | $97,976 | $98,902 |
| Highest Teacher Salary | $124,633 | $126,340 |
| Average Principal Salary (Middle) | $160,238 | $165,207 |
| Superintendent Salary | $275,000 | $288,332 |
Professional Development
5 school days per year are dedicated to staff development and continuous improvement (2023–24, 2024–25, 2025–26).
2025–26 Focus Areas
Grades 6–8 MathIllustrative Mathematics curriculum training
Grades 6–8 ELAECRW training
Social Studies & ScienceCA Reading & Literature Project (CRLP)
EL SupportCA EL Roadmap & ELD Framework (Komir Minds)
LeadershipSolution Tree / Professional Learning Communities
2024–25 Focus Areas
Grades 3–8 ELDIntegrated EL Development strategies
Language PowerSupplemental ELD curriculum for new teachers
TK–8Student Goal-Setting Conferences
MTSSTier 1 & Tier 2 Alignment; UDL Lens
STEAMStanford collaboration — next generation innovators
Conditions of Learning — State Priority 1
School Facilities
Kennedy Middle School was originally constructed in 1952, modernized in 1995, and further renovated through Measures A & B bond projects. The campus features 54 classrooms, a computer lab, library, gymnasium with rock-climbing wall, dance studio (opened 2006), multipurpose room, and new athletic fields.
Overall Facility Rating: Fair
Kennedy's most recent FIT inspection, completed June 12, 2022, rated the campus Fair overall — the only school in the district to receive a Fair rating. This inspection is older than all other RCSD schools, which were re-inspected in December 2025. A number of specific work orders were identified across interior surfaces, electrical systems, restrooms, and safety items. Families can contact the school office for an update on the status of these work orders.
| System Inspected | Rating | Issues Identified (June 2022 Inspection) |
|---|---|---|
| Gas, Mechanical / HVAC, Sewer | — | Not rated |
| Interior Surfaces | — | High storage in Rooms 101, 105, 107, 312, 418, 423, 527, 528; wall plate/light Rm 423; wire mold missing Rm 527; wall plate Rm 637; chemical high storage B10; door issues B4, B5, B7 |
| Cleanliness | — | Floor cleaning needed (Annex 2); soap needed (Staff RR) |
| Electrical | — | Lights out: Girls' RR, Library, MUB, Rm 423 |
| Restrooms / Fountains | — | Faucets slow: Boys' RR, Rm 317, Staff RR; urinal plugged (Boys' RR); toilet leak (Girls' RR); toilet slow (Girls' RR); leaky valve (Men's RR); sinks needed in Rooms 533, 534 |
| Fire Safety / Hazardous Materials | — | Cracked window Rm 421; high storage chemicals B10; stacked appliances Staff Room |
| Structural / Roofs | — | No issues noted |
| External / Grounds / Doors / Fences | — | No issues noted |
| Overall Rating | Fair | Inspection date: June 12, 2022. A current re-inspection is needed. |
Engagement — State Priority 6
School Climate
Suspension Rate Down 62% Over Three Years — Zero Expulsions
Kennedy's suspension rate fell from 4.19% in 2022–23 to 1.58% in 2024–25 — a 62% reduction over three years and now below the statewide average of 2.94%. Zero expulsions have been recorded across all three years. This reflects sustained investment in PBIS programs, SEL, lunchtime activities, and restorative practices.
| Measure | School 2022–23 | School 2023–24 | School 2024–25 | District 2024–25 | State 2024–25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Rate | 4.19% | 2.97% | 1.58% | 1.27% | 2.94% |
| Expulsion Rate | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.06% |
2025–26 School Safety Plan
Last ReviewedAnnually by School Site Council; revisions communicated to all staff
Emergency DrillsFire, earthquake, and/or lockdown drills held every month
Emergency SuppliesCERT trailer from Red Cross with first aid, generators, and water storage for major disaster
Campus AccessGates locked during school hours; all visitors sign in/out at the office with prior authorization for classroom visits
SupervisionTeachers and administrators supervise students before/after school and during breaks at all times
PBIS ProgramsCougar Cash rewards system, Student Store, Student of the Month, Honor Roll Breakfast, SEL lessons, lunchtime clubs
Anti-BullyingDedicated anti-bullying plan; educational assemblies; lunchtime activities and clubs
2024–25 Chronic Absenteeism
A student is chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of enrolled school days. The overall school rate was 20.7% (169 of 818 eligible students).
English Learners and Homeless Students: Highest Rates
English Learners at Kennedy experienced a chronic absenteeism rate of 30.2%, and students experiencing homelessness reached 29.5%. Socioeconomically disadvantaged students came in at 24.9% and students with disabilities at 25.9%. The Kennedy Family Center — providing produce, bus passes, counseling, and supplies — directly addresses some of the barriers driving these numbers.
| Student Group | Eligible Enrollment | Chronically Absent | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Students | 818 | 169 | 20.7% |
| Female | 397 | 76 | 19.1% |
| Male | 421 | 93 | 22.1% |
| Asian | 22 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 631 | 149 | 23.6% |
| Two or More Races | 33 | 1 | 3.0% |
| White | 113 | 13 | 11.5% |
| English Learners | 215 | 65 | 30.2% |
| Homeless | 78 | 23 | 29.5% |
| Socioeconomically Disadvantaged | 562 | 140 | 24.9% |
| Students with Disabilities | 166 | 43 | 25.9% |
Engagement — State Priority 3
Family & Community Involvement
Kennedy is proud of its close-knit partnership of students, staff, parents, and community. From monthly podcasts to WhatsApp groups in both English and Spanish, Kennedy meets families where they are.
One Life Counseling
Mental health and counseling services supporting student well-being on and off campus.
Marine Science Institute
Hands-on environmental and marine science education enriching Kennedy's STEAM program.
Jasper Ridge Farms
Farm-based learning and environmental stewardship opportunities for Kennedy students.
El Centro de Libertad
Community organization providing support and resources for Latino families and youth.
Friends for Youth & KARA
Mentorship and support programs helping students navigate adolescence with confidence and connection.
Boys & Girls Club
After-school programming Monday through Friday until 6:00 PM, extending learning and support for Kennedy students.
Ways to Get Involved
School Site CouncilShared governance & budgeting
ELACEnglish Learner Advisory Committee
PTOParent Teacher Organization
Principal's CoffeeMonthly — open to all families
Parent Support GroupsMonthly gatherings for community and information
VolunteerClassrooms, dances, musical, trips, Color Run, student store
Stay Connected
Cougar ConnectWeekly newsletter — all school news & data
Family PodcastsMonthly podcast for Kennedy families
Family ChallengesMonthly interactive challenges for families
WhatsApp — SpanishSchool updates in Spanish for Spanish-speaking families
WhatsApp — PTOSchool events in English and Spanish
School Websitekennedy.rcsdk8.net (opens in new tab)
Other SARC Information
Budget & Resources
$21,956
Total Expenditure per Pupil (2023–24)
$12,428
Unrestricted per Pupil
$9,528
Restricted per Pupil
$93,738
Avg. Teacher Salary at Site
Federal Funding Sources (2024–25)
Title IBasic Grants Low Income
Title IMigrant Education
Title II: Part ATeacher Quality
Title IIILimited English Proficiency
IDEASpecial Education
OtherMedi-Cal Billing Option
State Funding Sources (2024–25)
ASESAfter School Education and Safety
State LotteryInstructional Materials
State IDEASpecial Education
2024–25 Secondary Class Size Distribution
| Subject Area | Avg. Class Size | Courses 1–22 Students | Courses 23–32 Students | Courses 33+ Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language Arts | 20 | 23 | 25 | — |
| Mathematics | 21 | 13 | 11 | — |
| Science | 24 | 5 | 16 | — |
| Social Science | 21 | 9 | 14 | — |
For More Information
Contact
Kennedy Middle School
2521 Goodwin Avenue
Redwood City, CA 94061
Phone: (650) 482-2409
Principal: Chandra Leonardo
Email: cleonardo@rcsdk8.net
Web: kennedy.rcsdk8.net (opens in new tab)
Redwood City School District
Phone: (650) 482-2200
Superintendent: Dr. John Baker, Ed.D.
Email: jbaker@rcsdk8.net
Web: rcsdk8.net (opens in new tab)