George Shirakawa Sr. School is located across from the District offices, in the central part of the Franklin-McKinley School District. We serve a student population that is approximately 45% Hispanic or Latino, 42% Asian, 6% White and 7% other. As of September 2016, 76% of all students participate in the free/reduced lunch program.

Shirakawa’s teachers are committed to meeting the instructional needs of all students by using a data-driven, schoolwide system for increasing student learning, improving instructional and management processes, and increasing the satisfaction of all stakeholders – students, parents, staff and community.

We offer a coordinated instructional program for all grade levels. All students learn and build on basic skills and concepts through a rich and engaging curriculum. Teachers meet regularly for grade-level planning and curriculum mapping. Teachers at Shirakawa School are currently focused on perfecting the use of progressive and innovative instructional strategies that will fully engage students in a highly interactive academic experience. Additionally, they have been focusing on professional development in the areas of: Guided Reading, Close Reading, Thinking Maps, Writers' Workshop, and the utilization of iPads in the classroom for eSpark (Math), Lexia (Reading), and other research-focused projects. The addition of eight new iPad carts allows teachers to meet students' individual learning needs.