Thank you for taking the time to learn
about and consider The San Francisco
School. One of the oldest independent,
coeducational day schools in San Francisco,
we have strived to fulfill the promise in
students since 1966.
When one enters the front gates of The San Francisco
School, there is a sense of intellectual curiosity, imagination,
playfulness and diversity that is immediately palpable.
Students are engaged, asking questions and sharing their
ideas in the classroom. Music cascades throughout the
courtyard and art decorates every corner of the campus.
Students of all ages are climbing trees, digging in the dirt
and building with their hands. It does not take long to
notice that they love being at school.
WEL
COM
EThe San Francisco School is a supportive and rigorous
academic environment that is committed to developing
the full and unique potential of our students.
Our faculty works tirelessly in challenging students
to try on the perspectives that historians and writers,
mathematicians and linguists, scientists and artists,
and athletes and musicians bring to their disciplines.
Upon graduation, our goal is for all students to know
who they are as learners. Please visit our campus and
spend time on our website, sfschool.org, to further
explore the many possibilities and opportunities that
exist for your child and your family.
sfschool.org
For more than 45 years The San Francisco
School has provided students from
diverse family backgrounds a safe and
wondrous place to discover themselves
intellectually, physically and socially.
In our Montessori-inspired classrooms, children are
observed by their teachers and learning activities
are introduced to individual students based on their
developmental progress, not based on a cookie-cutter
template for their age.
Our teachers nurture the preschoolers’ hunger to learn
while challenging our kindergartners and ensuring
their readiness for elementary school. The educational
program provides an increasingly rigorous and challenging
intellectual experience that is guided by a spiral method.
Ideas and concepts fundamental to understanding topics
such as algebra and scientific inquiry are introduced to
our preschoolers and then revisited with more depth and
complexity as the children mature. Ultimately, children
are provided with experiences and activities that foster
inquiry, challenge the mind and build personal confidence.
Children work and play in spacious classrooms and
delightful adjoining playgrounds and gardens. Teachers
guide children to learn from the rich array of educational
materials, from each other, and in small groups with an
adult. Children often can choose how and where to work,
with the latitude to freely move about the classroom and
even choose whether to work indoors or outside.
We provide students the freedom to choose and
work at an individual pace. Through an integrated,
multicultural program of early academics, art, music,
movement and play, SFS provides a supportive social
and intellectual environment crucial to the growth,
development and education of the young child—
fundamental experiences that serve as their foundation
for the future.
sfschool.org
MATH
sfschool.org
MATH PERMEATES THE SAN FRANCISCO SCHOOL CuLTuRE.
By combining factual
knowledge, procedural
facility, and conceptual
understanding, students
develop a rich foundation
from which they can
develop mathematical
insight and creativity
while also appreciating
the inherent beauty of
mathematics itself.
At The San Francisco School, math is
considered a powerful tool to decipher
the patterns that abound in our world.
From cooking to dancing, hard work to pleasure, life is full
of values we use to describe our physical and social worlds.
Because of this, students learn mathematics not only
in rigorous math classes, but also in classes such as art,
science, music and physical education.
Our teachers believe that all students can learn
challenging math concepts. Our teachers do not simply
impart facts, they are keen observers, sympathetic
listeners and skilled math facilitators who ensure that
each student is challenged. They create a positive
learning environment, conveying confidence in students’
capabilities. Maintaining high academic standards,
they create a mathematics environment where imaginative
thinking is the norm. They strive to find a balance between
conceptual and procedural knowledge. They construct
new ideas by moving from specific examples to general
principles. Students must justify their reasoning by
explaining to the teacher and peers what approaches
they tried, what worked, and what did not. Our students
are active in their learning of math and confident in their
ability to ask questions, tackle problems and explore
ideas. They persevere when tasks are challenging and
are able to explain their thinking in oral or written form
in collaboration with peers.
MuSIC
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Our internationally acclaimed Orff Schulwerk
program starts from this premise—every
child is musical and naturally loves to play,
sing and dance.
Children who enter at three years old bursting with musical
enthusiasm leave at 14 with their confidence intact, now
armed with refined techniques, theoretical understandings
and a repertoire of hundreds of songs, scores of dances and
dozens of pieces mastered on the Orff instruments (specially
designed xylophones played in ensemble). They know how
to work together, to listen, to contribute their ideas, to
improvise, compose and choreograph. Over three decades
of an ongoing program have proven our premise—every child
is indeed musical.
Orff Schulwerk emphasizes a communal approach which
has affirmed another premise—music can transform a school
community. Music is everywhere in the school—the sounds
of Duke Ellington, Mozart or gamelan played on Orff
instruments come spilling out of the music room, staff can be
found humming the songs the chorus sings, and our faculty
open the year with a “singing tunnel” through which the
children pass and then introduce themselves by dancing.
Music is present in every school gathering, bringing color
and life to each event. We have “a song for every occasion.”
The San Francisco School Orff music program is also
impacting music education around the world. Our music
faculty directs the largest Orff training summer course in
North America, held on the school campus and attracting
teachers from over 25 countries.
“Rhythm and harmony penetrate deeply into the mind…if education is good, they impart grace and beauty.“ — Plato
The physical, emotional and academic
growth of first through fifth graders
is a phenomenon like no other. From
young 6-year-olds to pre-adolescents,
the elementary school helps nurture
and guide the students’ ability to learn,
create and discover.
Strong academics with an integrated arts and music
program is the hallmark of our elementary program.
The elementary academic program provides engaging
and comprehensive curricula in reading, writing, science,
mathematics, foreign language, spelling and social studies
appropriate for each grade level. Students gain essential
understandings in each field while kindling their passion
for learning. They do so by honoring their own interests
and talents through special interest projects and activities.
All subjects in the elementary program are united
across grade levels and subject matter by the following
characteristics: hands-on learning, minds-on learning,
student-centered approach, integrated curriculum, infusion
of traditions, building classroom community, field trips,
equity awareness and environmental stewardship.
Our learning atmosphere allows each child to nurture their
passions, excel at academic fundamentals, and be exposed
to a multicultural community through the classroom, arts,
music and language and provides an excellent framework
for future learning and life itself.
FIRST to F IFTH GRADE
These are the outcome of giving students the freedom
to choose and work at an individual pace. Through an
integrated, multicultural program of early academics,
art, music, movement and play, SFS provides a
supportive social and intellectual environment crucial
to the growth, development and education of the
young child – fundamental experiences that serve as
their foundation for the future.
sfschool.org
SPANISH
sfschool.org
The San Francisco School Spanish program
exemplifies the school’s commitment to
interdisciplinary learning.
A key goal is to produce life-long learners of Spanish who have
the skills and interest to use the language to enrich their own
lives and, in potential humanitarian efforts, the lives of others.
Research shows that children acquire a second language
more efficiently if exposed to that language as much as
possible before the age of eight. Therefore, Spanish language
instruction begins at age three and progresses through
middle school where multiple levels of Spanish are offered—
novice, intermediate and advanced/fluent.
The program provides a myriad of opportunities for students
to develop listening comprehension, as well as speaking,
reading and writing proficiency. Our goal is to deepen cultural
understanding; and to expand the skills and interest necessary
to continue fruitful studies in Spanish. In addition to direct
instruction, teachers use engaging, contextual activities as a
vehicle to promote learning. The program is committed to
multiculturalism and academic excellence, with an emphasis on
multi-subject collaboration. Spanish can often be heard being
taught in music and other subjects across the curriculum.
Differentiated instruction addresses a variety of learning
styles and levels of proficiency, ranging from novice to
heritage speakers. Re-entry of previously introduced and
learned material maintains long-term memory, as do Spanish
notebooks both at home and in class. Cultural traditions and
values are often the vehicle to stimulate learning and promote
lifelong interest in language development.
ART
sfschool.org
CHILDREN GET THEIR HANDS DIRTY.
They explore with chalk,
paint and clay. They splash
out bold colors. They
hammer out whimsical
sculptures. They weave with
precision as they play their
way into understanding
fundamental art concepts
and techniques. Combining
the fantastic world of their
imagination with increased
control of materials, they
learn to speak art like
a first language.
While children focus on specific
projects in the art room, their art
is everywhere in the school.
They are surrounded by their own creations.
Every discipline has an artistic component and every
day the children show what they know, deepen what
they know and discover what they do not yet know,
through the pleasure of making art. Most importantly
art gives meaning and order to the children’s lives.
The art curriculum is project-based. Students build on
skills and concepts in a refreshing variety of mediums.
In age-appropriate ways, the historical and cultural
context of their studio work is brought into play.
Cultural studies come alive as children make art
inspired by artifacts, techniques and approaches
from those cultures.
Children use thinking and problem solving skills
developed in art class across the curriculum.
For example, building with clay or cardboard provides
a real life, hands-on opportunity to use the principles
of physics. The exploration of patterns in art class
enhances the study of mathematics and music.
Middle school years are a time of
transition: searching out one’s identity
and role in society, defining one’s
personal value system amid the pulls
of the peer group, and developing and
refining one’s academic skills.
The goal of the middle school is to offer a balanced
program that teaches, solidifies and refines academic and
study skills; strengthens critical thinking and problem-
solving abilities; and builds global community as well as
self-awareness and advocacy. SFS middle school students
learn accountability in an atmosphere that continually
asks them to make decisions and to reflect on the wisdom
of their choices. The middle school community meets
weekly to celebrate students’ passions and achievements
and to discuss topics of importance to our community.
The advisory program supports the social and emotional
development of students and offers a structure in which to
practice healthy decision-making. Students are also given
opportunities to become involved in activities that matter
to them through participation in student government
and the service learning program. This includes school
policy-making, school and neighborhood improvement
projects, and social activism.
sfschool.org
SIXTH to E IGHTH GRADE
As students enter adolescence in the SFS middle school
program, the goal is to create a stimulating environment
that is safe and comfortable, while also challenging each
individual to grow intellectually and emotionally. The SFS
middle school program – with its caring network of adults
who understand the particular needs of adolescents—
is specifically designed to nurture and guide students on
their journey to becoming responsible, thoughtful and
actively engaged adults.
A Place toTake Risks
sfschool.org
SCIENCE
sfschool.org
HOW DO I INFLuENCE THE EARTH?
How does the earth
influence who I am?
With SFS’ commitment
to cultivating humanitarian
promise, science is taught
with purpose and ethics
in mind. Science helps
us understand our
world, but it also allows
humankind to control
our impact. The study
of science is also fertile
ground for developing
service learning projects
that meld science and
social action.
The science program at The San Francisco
School is based on the premise that
learning to think and work like a scientist
is the most important curricular goal of
the program.
The big overarching principle for the entire 11 year career
at SFS is a deep understanding of the scientific method.
At the preschool level, the focus is on observation and
questioning. At the lower elementary, the focus moves to
data collection and close observation, and in the upper
elementary onto asking provocative questions, forming
good hypotheses and designing experiments. In middle
school, attention turns to carefully controlling variables,
challenging apparent results and rigorous analysis.
No matter what the topic, from looking at a fish in the
preschool to global warming in middle school, students
are learning to think and act like scientists.
sfschool.org
The San Francisco School humanities
program builds skills and understanding
in the critical areas of reading, writing,
listening and speaking.
While these subjects are seamlessly melded in middle
school, a more focused and direct approach is taken with
these disciplines in preschool and elementary levels.
A student’s literacy journey begins in preschool where he
or she encounters a curriculum full of books, reading aloud
and early literacy activities, and it concludes with a critical
reading of Shakespeare during the eighth grade year.
At every grade level each student is encouraged to read at his
or her individual reading level and is given much instruction
and support to progress to the next level. The focus of the
reading program in the upper elementary grades and in middle
school is on critical thinking and interaction with literature.
Writing is carefully and appropriately linked to reading.
Instruction begins in the preschool years, where students
develop their fine motor skills and are encouraged to discuss
stories they hear. As their critical skills develop, students
learn to evaluate the writing of well-known authors, as well
as their peers.
HuMANITIES
STuDENTS KEEP JOuRNALS, WRITE POEMS, ACT IN PLAYS AND CREATE SHORT STORIES.
At The San Francisco School,
students write critical essays
and learn to edit their own
work. They read widely
and exchange ideas about
books, authors and the world
around them. Through these
and other activities, students
learn and practice their skills
in both reading and writing.
Student athletes unite with their peers and provide
inspiration through their competitive spirit. It is an
experience where diversity meets common ground,
where individuals come together for common purpose.
Together they celebrate victories, together they console
losses, and together they endure with resiliency the
challenges that come their way.
sfschool.org
PHYSICAL EDuCATION & ATHLETICS
The physical education and athletics
program is designed for each student
to experience joy and success while
engaging in physical activity.
The curriculum is based on age and developmentally
appropriate goals and objectives. Additionally, there is an
emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving through
the various individual and group activities.
SFS provides a variety of competitive athletic opportunities,
which allow our students to learn lifelong lessons beyond
the classroom. By participating in our athletics program,
student athletes acquire an appreciation for teamwork,
sportsmanship, physical fitness and wellness. Additionally,
our student athletes develop physically, socially and
mentally to prepare them for their next stages in life.
The School currently offers four interscholastic sports for
our middle school students: Cross Country and Volleyball
(Fall), Basketball (Winter) and Futsal Soccer (Spring).
We also offer intramural and skill-building opportunities
through our Extended Day program. Break dancing and
hip-hop, fencing, golf, chess, flag football and tumbling
are examples of past offerings.
sfschool.org
PHYSICAL EDuCATION & ATHLETICS
We Strive for Collaboration and Teamwork
sfschool.org
PREPARING FOR H IGH SCHOOL
In addition to their rigorous academic
life, SFS eighth graders work through the
demanding high school application process.
The role of the high school placement counselor at The San
Francisco School is to gently guide both students and their
families through the application process by providing timely and
relevant information, as well as individual counseling to help
identify the best fit for each student. The placement process
begins with an informational meeting with students and their
parents/guardians in the spring of seventh grade. In the eighth
grade year families attend additional high school meetings and
also meet individually with the counselor to discuss their child
and the various high school options. Throughout the high school
season, both the students and their families are provided with
necessary information, guidance and support.
Our middle school graduates are consistently accepted into
top independent, parochial and public schools and almost all
are accepted into one of their top choices for high school.
The feedback we receive from both families and the
high schools is that San Francisco School graduates are
well-prepared, confident and excited about learning.
Below is a sample of high schools our graduates
currently attend:
• Andover
• Archbishop Riordan
• The Bay School
• Drew School
• International High School
• Lick-Wilmerding High School
• Lowell High School
• The Menlo School
• Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
• Saint Ignatius College Preparatory
• School of the Arts
• Stuart Hall High School
• University High School
• The Urban School
300 Gaven Street, San Francisco, Ca 94134 p: 415 239 5065 f: 415 239 4833
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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.