Meet the Principal

helloWelcome to Toler Elementary School! It is an honor to serve as principal of such an amazing public school. The collaborative spirit of our learning community is one of Toler's many strengths. I am one lucky principal to work with such an innovative staff on a campus that boasts decades of fine San Diego student alumni; we enjoy having students whose parents and grandparents attended Toler! Throughout my career, I have worked at a variety of school sites, secondary and elementary in various capacities - instructional aide, teacher, staff developer, administrator; there is nothing quite like the magic and wonder of elementary school, especially at Toler. The blend of history that dates back to 1958 along with the innovation and ingenuity of today makes for a perfect school setting.

Toler is a unique place of grounded tradition and leading edge practice. Our school is small enough to allow me to get to know each and every student and stay connected to my role as a teacher and nurturer. The outstanding and dedicated staff at Toler is second to none. Teachers work to bring best practices to the forefront. We know that every student at Toler will be successful. We celebrate all of our amazing students from both our neighborhood and throughout San Diego. Each day offers a bustle of excitement and renewed energy as we all work together and see the world through the inquisitive and creative eyes of our Dolphin students. We are proud of our robust program which integrates fine arts, technology and the sciences into the core curriculum and meets every student at their challenge level.  

In addition to the daily smiles, gathering around a great book, harvesting in our garden, fun on the playground, creative, critical thinking in the classroom, I look forward to all of our fun community events…working with staff, students, our amazing PTA and volunteers to make lasting memories. We are so lucky to have all of the key attributes that make a difference in our school and the lives of our students. Toler students are kind and compassionate, bright and ingenious; surely, they will make the world a better place. Thank you for sharing your children with the staff and me, allowing us to be part of this cherished time in your family’s life. I hope you will stop by and say hello and enjoy a piece of the magic of this special time in your student’s life. I encourage you to volunteer in a classroom, on a field trip, in the garden or at one of our many community events. As the parent of four grown children, I know it sounds cliché, but it is over before you know it! Take it all in whenever you have the chance. Our doors are always open.

November Newsletter - Dolphin Dish

Thanksgiving Message to Families

In partnership, 

Laurie Brady Francis

(she/her/ella)

Principal, Toler Elementary School 🐬

Follow us on Instagram: @tolerdolphins; #theschoolbythebay; #tolerlove

Instagram - QR Code

June 8, 2023

Dear Toler Community, 


The end of the school year is always met with mixed emotions. Wonder - How did it go by so fast? Pride - Our students achieved beyond belief. Our staff worked tirelessly, representing the very best in public (or private) education. Gratitude -  to be part of the Toler community, working with so many awesome kids and families who do so much to make our school extraordinary. A wee bit of melancholy - knowing our 5th grade students are moving on and some families are moving away. And, finally, YES!... a sign of relief and a feeling of elation that summer break is upon us…a time to relax, rejuvenate and revel in time off and a job well done!


Thank you for a great year and for welcoming me into such a special community. We are poised for a fantastic 2023-2024. I hope this summer finds time for you to connect with those you love and the things that bring your family joy. In the absence of alarm clocks, deadlines, places to be and homework, I hope you find a slower pace of summer that brings calm and peace. I hope our students revel in reaping rewards from their hard work and all that they have learned at Toler - reading the world around them, using math skills to solve problems, connecting in nature to something they’ve learned in science, recognizing a moment in history in a new place, connecting to our garden; noticing the cycle of a plant blooming and play dates and fun with friends made at Toler!


Thank you for making Toler an integral part of your life. The staff and I are honored. We look forward to seeing you in August. The BEST is yet to come for a little school by the bay!


With Love & Gratitude, 

Laurie Brady Francis

Principal



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