Guided by the principles of academic rigor and diversity, The International School of San Francisco offers programs of study in French and English to prepare its graduates for a world in which the ability to think critically and to communicate across cultures is of paramount importance.
Bilingual learning shapes the way you think; immersion in another language and culture shapes how you live. Ourstudents are pursuing world-class academic programs, in more than one language, in an international school community with students and teachers from across the globe.
At The International School of San Francisco, global education has been at the heart of our mission since our founding over 60 years ago. We benefit from a multilingual, multinational school community and from bilingual, French, and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. The core of our internationally-minded education is cross-cultural cognition—the ability to think, feel, and act across cultures.
Founded in 1962, we are San Francisco’s oldest bilingual school. We offer a world-class language immersion program, and incoming high schoolers who don’t speak French may enroll in the English Baccalaureate program. About 24 percent of our families are multilingual in other languages. We also have non-francophone families who love the way our school develops cross-cultural learners in a vibrant, international community.
Our academic program is rigorous—meeting the high standards of both the French and American educational systems—with more attention given to depth of understanding than just gathering of information. Our expectations are high, but we provide plenty of support. Our mission puts academic rigor, diversity, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication right at the heart of the learning experience.
International School of San Francisco students are learning skills that allow them to thrive anywhere. We develop this global perspective beyond our classrooms, offering our students international, immersive experiences. Incorporating both cultural and service learning, our Global Travel Program gives students extraordinary opportunities to make meaningful connections to the world, putting into practice what it means to think internationally.
Beyond rigorous academics and global travel, we also offer fully integrated arts and athletics programs; social-emotional learning support; college counseling throughout high school; a proud, engaged community of families, staff, and alumni; and a dedicated faculty who guide students and their families through each stage of their journey here at our school. See for yourself what we have to offer–visit our website or contact our Admission Office at [email protected].
Accreditations & Memberships:
- California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)
- National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- International Baccalaureate World School
- Accredited by the French Ministry of Education (PK – 12)
- Member of the European Council of International Schools (ECIS)
- Member of L’Agence pour l’Enseigement Français à l’Etranger (AEFE)
Annual Tuition: $39,180 – $57,160
Admission Deadline: January 13, 2025
Courses & Services Offered:
- Athletic & Sports Program
- Community Service
- Computer Technology
- Extended Care
- Field Trips
- Financial Aid
- Fine Arts Instruction
- Foreign Language Immersion
- International Baccalaureate Program
- Learning Assistance Program
- Music Instruction/Band
- Parent Participation
- Performing Arts
- STEAM/STEM Emphasis
- Special Education/Learning Difference
- Standardized Testing Administered
- Tutoring & Homework Assistance