Sylvia Mendez, formerly known as Le Conte, was one of the City’s original schools. It was built as a six-room school house in 1892 with funds from the City’s first school bond. The original architect was A.H. Broad. The first principal was Miss Alice Keefer. The original school was on a smaller piece of property than is currently owned.
In 1896 a two room building was added. This building was later moved to Berkeley High School for music instruction.
By 1900 there were approximately 258 students.
In 1917 the school was described as having the most successful garden of any in Berkeley.
By 1926 there were three buildings and a total of 18 classrooms. Temporary structures were added and subtracted over the years.
The current school was built in 1951. Dragon, Schmidts and Hardman were the architects chosen to design the school.
In 1989 Le Conte was chosen as one of the first schools to be made accessible. This was accomplished over the next several years.
In 1994 the school was modernized. The architect firm of Baker/Vilar Architects did the design work.
Further modernization was completed in 2000, including a newly remodeled library and office area.
In May of 2018, the School Board unanimously agreed to rename the former Le Conte Elementary School in honor of education advocate and civil rights icon Sylvia Mendez. Read more about their decision here.
Subscribe to Latest District News
Subscribe to A+ News
Translate »
Proofs of Berkeley Residency
Must submit two proofs listed below.
All Proofs must be current originals (issued within the last 2 months) imprinted with the name and current Berkeley residential address of the parent/legal guardian. A student can have only one residency for purposes of establishing residency and must be living in Berkeley when submitting forms.
Only personal accounts will be accepted. No care of, DBA or Business accounts.
Voter registration for the most recent or upcoming election
Checking/Savings bank statement
Credit card statement
Action letter from Social Services or Government Agency (canot be property)
Entire utility bill,contract or receipt (PG&E, Landline phone, EBMUD, Internet or Cable)
Paycheck stub or letter from employer on official company letterhead confirming employment and address on file
Valid automobile registration
Valid automobile insurance
Rental contract/lease with payment receipt
Current Renters or Homeowners insurance policy
Current property taxes
Property deed dated within the year
Immunization
If your child is new to Berkeley Unified School District or starting preschool, transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, or 7th grade, you will need to provide your child’s school with documentation that your child has been fully immunized. California state law (Senate Bill 277) no longer allows parents/guardians of students to submit a personal belief exemption form for any currently required immunizations.
Children who have not provided BUSD with documentation verifying they have received all required immunizations prior to the first day of school will not be allowed to attend school until all immunization records have been provided.
