Principal's Message

Dear Sylvandale Middle School Community,

I am thrilled to usher in a new era at Sylvandale, where student safety, high academic achievement, and a sense of belonging are at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to foster an environment where every teacher feels supported, every staff member is part of a community of excellence, and every student is prepared for a bright future.

At Sylvandale, we are dedicated to ensuring that parents feel welcome and involved in the decision-making processes that shape our school. We believe that true partnership between the school and families creates a strong foundation for student success. Our goal is for students to not only experience a rich middle school journey—with electives, sports, and student-driven activities—but also to be part of a vibrant community filled with events, dances, and multicultural celebrations that honor and embrace all cultures.

This year, we will focus on preparing students for the challenges of high school while encouraging them to explore college and career pathways they are passionate about. Sylvandale Middle School is a place where students are inspired to dream big and believe that their aspirations, even those they haven’t yet discovered, are within reach.

Our dedicated team of faculty, staff, and parents work together to ensure each student's academic and social-emotional success. We deliver standards-based lessons that connect to the real world, foster peer collaboration, and provide actionable feedback to support ongoing student growth. Through our Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), we are committed to high-quality teaching for all students, along with targeted interventions to meet individual needs.

I take pride in our school's diversity and strive to create opportunities for students to see their cultures reflected in the curriculum and celebrated throughout the year. At Sylvandale, every member of our community—students, families, teachers, and staff—is respected and valued, with no space for discrimination or hate.

Sylvandale is a place where students not only thrive academically but also grow emotionally and socially. With competitive team sports, enriching electives, and a variety of extracurricular programs, we ensure that each student experiences the fullness of middle school life. I encourage you to join us for monthly "Cafecitos - Coffee with the Principal," volunteer for one of our school beautification projects, or help with our field trips and events. Together, we can build a school that reflects the excellence we strive for.

Yours in partnership,
Juan Carlos Alvarado
Principal, Sylvandale Middle School

Dr. Juan Carlos Alvarado
School Principal
Sylvandale Middle School
653 Sylvandale Ave,
San Jose, CA 95111
Email: juan.alvarado@fmsd.org