This is my daughter's 4th year at The San Francisco School (we started in preschool 3), and we have been very happy here so far! The teachers and staff are warm and nurturing, and the community is very down to earth and kind. We especially love the strong SEL program and excellent music program. We also very much appreciate the school's Extended Day (aftercare and summer camp offerings) as a family with two parents who work full-time. SFS rocks! read more

We have two kids at The San Francisco School (SFS) and couldn't be happier. Incredible teachers, a welcoming community, and a well run organization that includes great extended day and summer offerings. Would recommend to anyone looking for a great place for their preschooler to middle schooler! read more

I have two children at The San Francisco School who have been there since they were 3; they are now in first and fourth grade. As an educator I was looking for a comprehensive education program for my children in a small and nurturing environment. The San Francisco School provides this and more. The teacher-student ratio is low plus there is extra support for students who need it. They do an excellent job of educating the whole child with regards to different learning styles. They have a great music and arts program that compliment the academic courses. The San Francisco School has an amazing and dedicated parent community as well. We feel like we have made lifelong friends and our children have made close connections with other students and their families as well. And diversity is a big part of why we like the school. The parent body and staff are ethnically and socioeconomically diverse and many different family structures are represented as well. And it's not just that diversity is represented. There is an active parent-run diversity committee and diversity is always at the forefront of decisions that are being made. I highly recommend The San Francisco School to anyone who is looking for an excellent and well rounded education for their child. Independent school tuition is high these days, but the school's tuition is below the mean in the city. The school does have a very good indexed tuition program-one of the highest in the city. read more

I am a current parent at the school - one preschooler and one elementary. We looked at all the private schools in San Francisco, and could not be happier with our choice. We love that our kids are so happy at the end of day: singing songs, talking about things they learned, and dirty from playing so hard outside. The kids are learning about the world (how to be strong community members, take care of the environment, etc.) as they learn traditional academics. The campus has beautiful outdoor space, so the kids get outside while growing up in a big city. Additionally, the school provides our whole family with an amazingly supportive and diverse community. Not growing up in San Francisco, it is fantastic to have people help drive carpool, have playdates with, and develop strong friendships with. Mostly, I am continuously impressed with the faculty and administration. The Head of School is so energetic, devoted, and committed to the school. The entire administration is responsive and supportive to our needs, which, at times, have been many! (It is expensive though...but worth every penny) read more

Graduated, but there's still a bad stain of the school in my mind. School counselor was not acting professional at all, even though stating on the school's website that she was trained. She said the F slur in class with no warning, my friends confronted her and she said the slur to them another 8 full times! When my friends took it to the Middle School Head they were told, "She was probably just in a bad mood." I was astounded, there was no further action on this. School also seems to have trouble dealing with issues such as bullying and assisting kids in need of support. Had a boy in my class who has some anger management problems. There weren't that bad, but bad enough to the point that most teachers who had taught our class knew about it. The school's counselor, AGAIN, instigated conflict with him. She was teaching and the boy muttered something under his breath. Then she walked over to him with her mic, set it down in front of him and said, "Why don't you teach the class?" Then he says, "what?" confused, as anyone would be! She then says, "Well, it looks like you have something to say so why don't you teach?" Everyone was just looking at them. Then the boy grabs some of the markers from the whiteboard, yells, "Screw this." Throws the markers at her (To that I say thank you), and runs out of the room. But wait, it gets worse. She then looks at the class, I'm sitting by the door more or less, says, "I'll be right back." and runs after this kid. The level of pettiness to even say, "Why don't you teach the class" to a boy you KNOW is prone to reacting. And then run after him too? The school's counselor is so childish and unprofessional, I'm just disappointed that they hired her. Thanks for reading my review, I hope you take this into account. read more

Our daughter attends (kindergarten) here, so take that as a caveat. Of course we love it, otherwise we wouldn't be there. A few facts about SFS: It's pre-K through 8th grade. There are about 250 students total. Reasons we love the school: Diversity: We are an 'alternative' family. Gay parents, transracial adoption. The school really 'walks the walk' on diversity. Unlike many of the independent (private) schools in the area that seemed mostly 'white' with only a smattering of LGBT families, SFS has a sizable population of non-white children and LBGT families. Those proportions are growing. When we applied, there were about 1-2 children of LBGT families per class grade. Our entering class had 8 (of 24 children) children of LGBT families and the following classes (3 subsequent years) have had 4-6. With racial diversity it is the same. I am not sure about the previous entering classes, but our class of 24 has 12 children of color (3 AA, 5 Latino, 4 Asian) and then entering class this year is over 67% children of color (not sure what the exact percentage is). The school is beginning to look very much like the city itself. It's diverse in many other ways too. Academic, Teachers and Admin: All I can say is WOW. The first three years (3 yr old to kindergarten) are Montesorri-based and meet in the same room. The teachers for these grades are GREAT. Our daughter is thriving academically and otherwise there. They have an amazing music and arts program and it's intertwined with all the other subjects, great math, science and more too. Our friends who have had kids go through the first two grades only have exuberant praise for the teachers there (upper grades too, but we don't have as many friends in those grades). There are also Spanish and Mandarin classes (though not intensive or immersion, they start in pre-k). The head of school is the person who sold us on the school, an amazing man. He has been there over 30 years. He retires next year, but the new head of school (who has been the assistant head for a few years) is also excellent and we are so glad we have him. Community: Close knit and progressive. We really love it. Cost: Damn expensive. Luckily, they have one the highest rates of 'tuition adjustment' in the city, over 35% of students are on indexed tuition. We had planned to move our daughter to public schools last year. We did the search and application process and got into two schools (a charter school and a public) that we were very happy with and were our first choices. We actually were very pleased with the schools we toured and considered. But our daughter has been thriving at this school, more than thriving and we have such a rare thing in SFS (diversity, excellence, friends, etc), that with the help of indexed tuition and some scraping and saving, we decided to leave her there as long as we are able. read more

We have a 6th grader at the San Francisco School. She started there in the preschool when she was 3. Our plan was to the apply to public schools starting in K, but we all fell in love with the school and couldn't leave. The school community is a standout for kids and less importantly, but icing on the cake-- also for parents. One of the things I love about the school is that all kids develop a feeling that music, art, sports, academics, critical thinking are skills that they all have. This is not just a platitude. The faculty and kids really think "oh art? Everyone makes art." "Oh music- of course, everyone makes music, " and so on. At the same time, it is academically challenging and really promotes a sense of curiosity, wonder and critical thinking in their students. Walking into the school, the first thing we noticed is that satisfying hum of work and excitement. Kids look happy to be at school and to be with each other. The faculty is also supported in being autonomous and creative and this shows up in the classroom every day. And it really is something to have a middle schooler who is as pleased to go to school now as when she was in preschool. We were also very pleased that diversity is a very important value at the school. People are serious and earnest about the importance of a diverse community. As you can see, we love the San Francisco School! read more

This is our third year at SFS. We have a kindergartener and first year preschooler. We chose this school largely based on our friend's two kids who are just wonderful, kind and caring children. We've also met some very nice adults who had gone there. It's been around since 1966- one of the oldest private schools in SF. The creative environment instills this incredible love of learning. Our oldest started reading and writing at 4 and a half. The school's size allows the faculty to really know how each child learns. We are so impressed by that. There is specific material on our oldest's desk every morning when she arrives based on her learning style. Watching the growth and confidence that comes from that has been an amazing experience for us. Our youngest is already on the same path. We have learned so much from the teachers. They are open and always helpful. We've also sat in on the 8th grade math class and honestly, it was way over our heads. (even for my husband, mr. smarty pants) We loved how that teacher allowed the kids to all arrive at the same answer in their own way. Like life, there is never just one way to approach things. Here are her words: I like to bake and i also like to play outside but my favorite thing of all is to play with my friends. I like to do my best guess writing and read. i like the stories we read at circle. Every morning when i get to school, i give my teachers a big hug. For us, all the boxes are checked - great academics, a loving environment, great support network, diversity, good outdoor space and the goats and bunnies. But most importantly, our kids love going to school. read more

We love the San Francisco School! Our two kids are there, and happy and thriving. It is a school that lives and breathes its mission statement "The San Francisco School cultivates and celebrates the intellectual, imaginative and humanitarian promise of each student in a community that practices mutual respect, embraces diversity, and inspires a passion for learning." We first found out about the School through friends whose kids were there, and met their friends who were also at the School. They were such down to earth, interesting, smart people - we were just drawn to the community. Our kids have been there for many years, and we couldn't be more satisfied. The school has been described as a private school with a public purpose. The teachers are excellent and devoted to the kids and the school. They instill a passion and joy for learning. The curriculum in integrated, so concepts they are teaching are interwoven throughout - including art and music. The community is great - one of the most diverse in the city (if not the most) - racially, socio economically. We love the families, and feel totally embraced by the place - It is a great place for our children, but we treasure the friendships we have made there. We have heard from teachers at high schools that a San Francisco School student stands out - a collaborative learner, kind, thoughtful. The San Francisco School is a very special place that our children our very fortunate to be a part of. read more

So when you drive by it doesn't look like much but little do you know your child is having the time of their lives. In the morning when you drop your kids off they have a period of time to gather up with their friends and get ready for the fun day ahead of them. I am a middle school student and I am writing this because I love this school and I never wish to leave. When I first joined SFS when I left London I felt so nervous will they understand my British accent?!?! I felt so nervous but excited. I wanted to join this school because when I visited I just fell in love with the bunnies and the chickens l. Oh I'm sorry you didn't know there were animals in the barn?, well yes there are 4 bunnies and 3 chickens oh and also in the spring we get baby goats until there're adults. But that's just the first thing that I like about this school. Second it's the huge variety of play space. First of all the Adventure playground which is where the barn is held at the bottom, and all the secret pathways and the tree that we climb to escape the people who got tagged OH!, and did I mention the slide that goes at least 3/4 down to the bottom form the top and this slide is multi use as-well for example we used it in an elective called Stuartship where we go down to the gazebo with Solveig not only the best teacher but the nicest. For stuartship one time we went to grocery outlet and we could buy anything we wanted!! I mean how cool is that?!?!?! Then another time it was so hot in San Francisco that we used the slide as a water slide and kids went zooming down the bumpy and curvy slide!!!! Well thirdly ( the teachers ) they are not only the best teachers in the world but they are super duper nice!!!! They have good care for you, good humour and they know how to help you in the best way. They give you mud pies at the end of the year ( it's just ice cream ) and you have to the not to laugh or if you do no mud pies for you thank you for reading. read more

I have been a parent at The San Francisco School for 12 years. I have had a child graduate from here and one still one there. I can not say enough positive things about this school. The teachers are exceptional (committed, talented, innovative), administrators are highly engaged with parents and kids. My kids have had an amazing educational experience at SFS but what I really value is that even all the way up to 8th grade my daughter maintained her passion for learning. She went on to high school with a love of the arts, science, math and writing. I couldn't ask for anything more than that. read more

The San Francisco School is a terrific school. The school is K-8. Our child attended SFS for grades 6-8 after doing K-5 in public school, so the comments below relate to the SFS middle school. SFS basically doubles in size by taking new students in at middle school, so 6th grade has twice as many students as 5th grade. What we like about SFS: * Small class sizes, about 15 students per class, which is typical for private schools in San Francisco (the public schools have about 30 students per class by middle school). * The teachers at SFS range from good to marvelous. The academics are strong at SFS in middle school. The classroom environment is good. * SFS is a progressive private school, with 1960s roots. That means, among other things, that SFS takes student diversity seriously. There are more minority families and more alternative families (adopted kids, same-sex couple parents) than you will find at other private schools. * The Spanish program at SFS is terrific, which is why a lot of the best students from San Francisco's Spanish immersion public elementary schools end up at SFS for middle school. * The middle school dean and staff at SFS are absolutely first rate: smart, great communicators, and always willing to listen. The SFS staff works hard to create an environment where the kids can learn and have fun, but also an environment where mistakes of judgment have consequences. I learned a lot from the professional staff at SFS, not only about SFS itself, but also about parenthood and adolescence. * Private education is expensive but I always felt that my money was well spent at SFS. read more

We have a son in the pre-school. We toured over 20 pre-schools and The San Francisco School was our first choice. The pre-school teachers are amazing and the program has exceeded our expectations. From the tour, we knew we loved the school, but as we experience more of the "nuts and bolts" of the daily curriculum, we are even more impressed. read more

My son entered SFS as a 6th grader after graduating from a public Spanish immersion school, and we couldn't be happier with our decision to send him there. The community of families, educators and administrators has been so supportive and welcoming, and our son is thriving academically. Now in 7th grade, he has taken full ownership of his homework and test preparation after many years of homework struggles around the kitchen table. He has been motivated to take his learning to the next level by the outstanding SFS teachers and the in-depth projects and challenging material they assign. The other day, my son said to me, "I think I'm really going to miss SFS when I leave." That might be one of the best compliments a school could receive. read more

My two kids go to this school and we could not be happier. They have a new head of school who is committed to academics as well as maintaining strong diversity. The parent community is supportive and involved. Starting in Pre-K with a montessori program (which is phased out in first grade), the curriculum is integrated into all aspects of the larger school program. The school has a great combination of teachers with 20+ years at the school, and new teachers. The kids are happy, intelligent, and wordly. In addition, the graduating eighth graders are accepted into the top high schools in the city. We are lucky to have our kids at this school. read more

Our elementary schoolers have attended The San Francisco School since pre-K, for five years now. We chose it because it embodies lots of the reasons we're raising our children in the SF Bay Area: strong, interdisciplinary, hands-on academics; fantastic green space; meaningful emphasis on educating the whole child; warm, richly diverse community. The main reason our family is so sold on this school? Both of our kids love learning here - not just the knowledge but the process, too. They're comfortable being entirely themselves at school. They adore their friends, their inspiring teachers and the verdant playground with its farm animals and giant slide. They come home happy and passionate about reading and writing, songs and numbers, blob tag and ant habitats. They learn by doing. Each time I drop by something captivating is going on, from 5th-graders so enthralled by a science/ geography lesson (couldn't tell which; maybe both) they practically fell forward out of their chairs to a music class so lively, fun and downright charming that it resembled nothing like what I knew in 2nd grade (no offense, Mrs. Swenson). During our preschool search, a teacher friend recommended SFS as the kind of place at which teachers love to work. Sure enough, some faculty members have over 20 and 30 years here under their belts. In our experience the newer teachers are no less bright, talented and dedicated. They collaborate across grades and disciplines; where it makes sense art, music, PE, Spanish, media literacy and the garden space are woven into the core language arts, math, social studies and science curricula. Those teachers sure know how to get and keep students engaged. Ultimately, the school works for us because its values line up with ours. After all, our kids spend more weekday waking hours at school than at home. We get a clear sense that things like diversity, environmental sustainability and social justice (I hear your eyes rolling) are not trendy buzzwords or afterthoughts here. Rather, they are at the core of what the school has done for decades. For instance, tuition is set below the local median. Beyond that, 18% of the school's annual operating budget goes toward indexed tuition, which truly is indexed across the socioeconomic spectrum; about one-third of students receive help with tuition. Another example is the national award SFS earned for its green approaching-zero-waste program several years ago. And last spring it was 6th graders who thought up and organized benefit drives after the Haiti earthquake and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Our family has made friends for life through the school. As East coast transplants, my partner and I are especially glad we found such a terrific community. Looking ahead, we like what we see. Both of our elementary school children rave about their middle school buddies. In fact their fave babysitter is a San Francisco School alumna now in high school. Sure, it's nice to read about SFS students placing in city science fairs or art exhibits and taking athletics championships. It's also reassuring to talk with a high school dean who says SFS grads stand out as intrinsically motivated thinkers and learners who organize, collaborate and lead effectively. At the end of the day, however, what keeps us here are the kind, engaged, thoughtful interesting people who know themselves well and want to do good. If you're thinking about attending or working at The San Francisco School, schedule a visit to see and determine for yourself. read more

My daughter attended The San Francisco School for two years and was in the preschool program. It was with great sadness that we had to leave the school (we moved out of San Francisco). The teachers are kind, compassionate and hard-working. The San Francisco School provided our daughter with the foundation necessary for Kindergarden and gave her the resources to excel in her new school. My daughter was taught, not only the phonetic skills that taught her to read at age 4, but the social-emotonal and problem solving skills necessary to form and keep friendships. I always knew she was being taken care of and that she was in a loving environment. During our first year at the SF school my daughter became very ill and was hospitalized for twelve days in the pediatric ICU. I was very nervous to have her go back to school. The administration and staff made me feel very comfortable and eased my tension about my daughter's return. They provided me with daily phone calls and updates and even allowed me to ease her back into the full-day. The flexibility and loving characteristics that each teacher possesses will never be forgotten. My daughter loved going to school every day and still asks if she can go back to see her teachers. As an educator and Speech Pathologist I can say without reservation that The San Francisco School is a wonderful place for children. read more