Convent & Stuart Hall vs La Scuola International School - San Francisco Mission Campus

	C Convent & Stuart Hall San Francisco, United States	L La Scuola International School - San Francisco Mission Campus San Francisco, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $44,050 - 60,220	Fees / year $36,100 - 48,150
Age range	Age range 5 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 14 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Reggio Emilia Approach
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language Italian, English
Opened	Opened 1887	Opened 2002
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Broadway Campus, 2222 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94115; Pine-Octavia Campus, 1715 Octavia, San Francisco, CA 94109. The Neighborhood is Pacific Heights – San Francisco. Public transit is readily accessible in the city.	Location Mission Campus, 3250 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110; Dogpatch Campus, 728 20th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107. The San Francisco campuses are named Mission Campus (K–Grade 8) and Dogpatch Campus (Preschool). A Silicon Valley Campus is located at 2086 Clarke Ave, East Palo Alto, CA 94303, and Milano Campus is in Milan, Italy.
Stages	Stages K–12: Convent Elementary (K–8) on Broadway Campus; Convent High School and Stuart Hall High School (9–12) on Pine-Octavia Campus.	Stages Preschool (2-5 years); Elementary School (Grades K-5); Middle School (Grades 6-8).
School type	School type Independent Catholic K–12 preparatory school with two campuses; part of the Sacred Heart Schools network.	School type Private, day school; International Baccalaureate World School; Reggio Emilia-inspired; Italian Language Immersion; multi-campus.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix International community with families representing many nationalities; over 30 languages spoken on campus; only 17% of families have at least one Italian speaker at home; the majority are not Italian speakers.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Academic Support is provided through the Academic Support program. It is led by Mary Beth Cecchini, the Upper Form Chair, Learning Strategist and High School Transition Coordinator.	Additional learning support Learning Differences is listed among the school's learning styles.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United States	Country affiliation Italy (Italian language immersion and cultural roots; listed by the Italian government as a paritarie school abroad).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Catholic; affiliated with Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure The After School Program extends the school day to 6 p.m. for K–8 students on school days.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Application fee: No application fee amount is published on the school's public tuition page. A third‑party school listing records an application fee of USD 100. Tuition (annual), by division — published figure for 2025–26 school year - Elementary School (Grades K–8): USD 44,050 per year. - High School (Grades 9–12): USD 60,220 per year. Per‑payment breakdowns and per‑term equivalents (payment plans offered) Note: the school requires a 15% enrollment deposit with the Enrollment Contract; the remaining 85% is paid according to the chosen plan. Payment-plan percentages below follow the school's published schedule (15% deposit, then 60%/25% or monthly installments). All amounts are shown in USD and rounded to two decimals. - Elementary (K–8) — Annual tuition USD 44,050: - Enrollment deposit (15%): USD 6,607.50. - One‑Payment plan: remaining 85% due July 1 = USD 37,442.50. - Two‑Payment plan: 60% due July 1 = USD 26,430.00; 25% due December 1 = USD 11,012.50 (plus the 15% deposit already paid). Total = USD 44,050.00. - 10‑Payment plan: remaining 85% divided into 10 equal monthly installments = USD 3,744.25 per installment (first installment due May 1), plus the 15% deposit. - High School (9–12) — Annual tuition USD 60,220: - Enrollment deposit (15%): USD 9,033.00. - One‑Payment plan: remaining 85% due July 1 = USD 51,187.00. - Two‑Payment plan: 60% due July 1 = USD 36,132.00; 25% due December 1 = USD 15,055.00 (plus the 15% deposit). Total = USD 60,220.00. - 10‑Payment plan: remaining 85% divided into 10 equal monthly installments = USD 5,118.70 per installment (first installment due May 1), plus the 15% deposit. Billing schedule and payment terms - A 15% enrollment deposit is due with the Enrollment Contract (deposit timing published as due in March). The remaining balance may be paid by one of three plans: one payment (remaining 85% due July 1), two payments (60% due July 1 and 25% due December 1), or a 10‑payment monthly plan (first monthly payment due May 1). Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; Convent & Stuart Hall is listed as a day school. No boarding fees are published. Other costs and fees (examples published for 2025–26 where available) - Financial assistance application fee (Clarity): USD 65 to submit the Clarity financial‑aid application. - After‑School Program (ASP) — 2025–26 published plan fees (K–8 childcare/programming): - Grades K–4: Full‑time ASP annual plan = USD 5,850. - Grades K–4: 3‑day plan = USD 4,495; 2‑day plan = USD 3,295. - Grades K–4: ASP drop‑in daily rate = USD 60 per day. - Grades 5–8: Full‑time and trimester plans are offered; the ASP page lists plan types and registration rules but does not publish a single public annual price for the Grades 5–8 full‑time plan on the page. - ASP deposits and installments are explicitly stated as non‑refundable. - Summer program and specialty class fees are listed in seasonal brochures and program pages; specific session fees vary by program and year. - Uniforms, school‑store charges, instrument rentals, elective course fees, activity fees, or technology fees: no itemized uniform or uniform‑shop pricing is published on the school's public pages found. Refund information - The After‑School Program states that all deposits and installments made on ASP plans are non‑refundable. - A specific, itemized tuition refund or withdrawal refund policy for annual tuition (for example prorated refunds on withdrawal) is not published on the main tuition and financial assistance pages. Fee payment options (methods) - The school publishes the required payment schedules and deposit percentages, but specific accepted payment methods (for example credit card, ACH/bank transfer, check) are not specified on the publicly visible tuition and payment pages. Concise summary of available, published fee items (2025–26) - Tuition: Elementary K–8 USD 44,050; High School 9–12 USD 60,220. Payment plans: 15% deposit + one, two or ten payment schedules as detailed above. Financial aid application (Clarity) submission fee USD 65. ASP plan example fees for K–4 (full‑time USD 5,850; 3‑day USD 4,495; 2‑day USD 3,295; drop‑in USD 60/day). Boarding is not applicable (day school). Items not published on the school's public pages that are commonly requested by parents - A definitive application fee amount on the school's official admissions pages was not located (a third‑party listing shows USD 100). Accepted payment methods (credit card vs bank transfer vs check) are not stated on the tuition page. A full, itemized tuition refund or withdrawal policy for annual tuition (prorating, deadlines, penalties) is not publicly posted on the tuition/financial assistance pages reviewed. Uniform prices and a school‑store or uniform‑shop price list are not published on the pages reviewed. For these items, the school's published pages above do not show the detail requested.	Fee details Application fees - Sliding-scale (Clarity) application fee: USD 65 (fee to submit the Clarity financial-aid application). - School application/portal: La Scuola uses the Ravenna application portal for admissions; no separate, fixed school application fee amount is published in the school's public admissions materials. Tuition fees (San Francisco) — published academic year 2025–2026 - Preschool, Full Day (until 5:30 p.m.; 5-day schedule; lunch and morning & afternoon snacks included): USD 45,150 per year. - Preschool, Half Day (until 1:00 p.m.; 5-day schedule; lunch and morning snack included): USD 36,100 per year. - Elementary (Grades K–5; lunch included): USD 46,200 per year. - Middle School (Grades 6–8; lunch included): USD 48,150 per year. Mission Campus extended-care charges are billed separately from tuition. Tuition breakdown per term / per year group - The school publishes the above annual tuition amounts for each program (Preschool full day/half day, Elementary, Middle School) for the 2025–2026 academic year. Specific per-term or per-installment amounts are not stated as fixed figures on the public tuition page; extended-care programs list separate fees (see below). Billing schedule and payment terms - Extended-care payments (Mission and Silicon Valley campus extended-care programs) are processed through Clarity and are scheduled over 10 payments beginning in September. Late-pickup penalties apply (base late fee USD 50 after a five-minute grace period; beyond 15 minutes an additional USD 2 per minute; escalated base fee after repeated late pickups). - The school uses the Ravenna hub to accept and manage applications and uses Clarity for sliding-scale tuition processing; families interact with those systems during admissions and financial-aid processes. Contact information for the Business Office is provided for billing questions. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered. La Scuola operates PreK–Grade 8 campuses in San Francisco (Mission and Dogpatch) and a Silicon Valley campus; programs and schedules are day-school formats. Other costs and fees (examples and published extras) - Extended-care / after-school program fees (2025–2026): - Mission Campus registration options: 5 days/week USD 6,500; 3 days/week USD 4,600; daily drop-in USD 50/day. Late-pickup fees as noted above apply. Payments processed via Clarity over 10 payments starting in September. - Silicon Valley extended-care registration options: 5 days/week USD 4,600; 3 days/week USD 3,475; daily drop-in USD 40/day. Payments processed via Clarity over 10 payments starting in September. - School merchandise / uniforms / spiritwear and ancillary items: La Scuola Mercato (the parent-run school store) sells spiritwear, yearbooks and other items; prices vary by item and are purchased separately through the school store (Il Mercato / shoplascuola.com). - Enrichment, camps and special programs: seasonal camp and enrichment program fees are charged separately (registration and per-program fees apply). Extended-care and enrichment have their own registration and billing processes. Refund information - The school's publicly available admissions and tuition materials do not publish a general, consolidated tuition refund or withdrawal policy for the academic year materials accessible to the public. For specific refund or withdrawal terms applicable to an enrollment contract, extended-care registration, or particular program, families are directed to contact the school's admissions or business office directly. Fee payment options - Extended-care payments and sliding-scale processing are handled through Clarity. Clarity-supported payment methods commonly include ACH (bank transfer), debit card, credit card, and wire transfer; credit-card transactions may incur standard processing fees. (Clarity is the platform La Scuola identifies for processing these payments.) - School store purchases are processed via the school store (Il Mercato) checkout system (shop platform). Contact for billing or program-specific fee questions: business.office@lascuolasf.org (Business Office) and admissions@lascuolasf.org (Admissions).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school is a day school and does not offer boarding.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Convent Dress uniform is worn on specially designated school days; full dress consists of a white polo, a uniform skirt or tailored black slacks, a school-branded sweater, dark tights and formal black flats. Stuart Hall Dress Uniform Days require a navy blazer over a white collared shirt with a tie, tan pants, dark socks, a belt and brown or black loafers or oxfords; dress uniform may be worn on any school day.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Tuition includes the school lunch program for all K–12 students at no additional cost.	Food options Lunch and snacks are provided. Fresh fruit and vegetables are served daily. The school partners with 54 Mint restaurant and catering to provide organic, locally-sourced daily lunches for students, faculty, and staff. Vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options are available.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Trustees and is part of the Sacred Heart Schools Network.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board oversees the school's financial sustainability, approves the annual budget, oversees the creation of the strategic plan, and sets policies.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school presents a K–12 curriculum designed to provide a pre-eminent education with emphasis on serious study and social responsibility. It offers contemporary avenues of learning and essential strategies for expressing and engaging with ideas, including digital literacy and design alongside humanities, mathematics, sciences and the arts. The program includes K–12 Research-Based Literacy Programs, an Emotional Literacy Program, and a Structured Literacy Program.	Curriculum details IB Primary Years Program (PYP) for Elementary (K-5) and IB Middle Years Program (MYP) for Middle School (6-8). The school integrates the Reggio Emilia Approach with the IB framework. Language of instruction is Italian and English with a Montreal Model balance by grade: K-1 approximately 80% Italian / 20% English; Grade 2 approximately 70% Italian / 30% English; Grades 3-5 approximately 50% Italian / 50% English; Grades 6-8 approximately 30% Italian / 70% English. Spanish is taught in Grades 4-5. The curriculum uses transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry, culminates in the PYP Exhibition, and aligns with the Italian National Curriculum; the school is an IB World School for both PYP and MYP.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates have attended universities including Trinity College, Bates College, MIT, The George Washington University, Georgetown University, Grinnell College, The University of Chicago, Williams College, University of California, Berkeley, and Western University (Canada).	Higher education progression Graduates have attended high schools in San Francisco and beyond, including the International School of San Francisco, University High School, Lick-Wilmerding High School, The Urban School, Drew School, Saint Ignatius, Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, Lowell High School, Mission High School, and others. The first graduating class of 2020 is attending universities such as Georgetown University, Pratt Institute, University of Southern California, Loyola Marymount University, UC Santa Cruz, University College Dublin, University College London, and Bocconi University in Milan.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented The Endowment Program supports an Artist-in-Residence Program that brings gifted artists to Convent & Stuart Hall to work with students, expanding curricular opportunities in the arts.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school recognizes that learners bring intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual growth needs and provides support accordingly. The curriculum includes an Emotional Literacy Program and a Structured Literacy Program as part of K–12 literacy initiatives. An Educational Resource Team meets weekly to discuss each student's strengths and challenges, including diagnosed learning differences, and Academic Support provides assessment, direct instruction, and consultation with teachers, administrators and parents. School Counselors support across divisions: Leandra Peloquin (Convent Elementary), Megan David (Stuart Hall for Boys), and Roberto Parris (High School) who provide counseling and student resources. Counseling resources and safety resources are provided, including a Crisis Hotline (800-784-2433) and San Francisco Suicide Prevention (415-781-0500). Cor Unum and Sacred Heart Goals emphasize relationships built on dialogue and empathy, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and open channels for feedback to support students' social-emotional development.	Social & emotional learning Pedagogy of Relationships centers on trusting and loving relationships between teachers and students to support emotional wellbeing and learning. Responsive Classroom and Restorative Justice guide the development of classroom and school communities and provide tools to address conflicts with empathy, respect, and open communication. The school maintains a caring, safe, and supportive environment where the wellbeing of everyone comes first. Foundations for SEL come from the CASEL framework, including social awareness, relationship skills, self-awareness, and self-management. Ongoing SEL skill-building includes check-ins, grounding, active listening, body language, relaxation exercises, and the development of respect and empathy. Values such as kindness, inclusion, health, communication, peace, self-advocacy, mindfulness, integrity, respect, empathy, responsibility, cooperation, compassion, resilience, and leadership guide SEL; lessons aim to build intrapersonal and social skills and to improve well-being and academic performance.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) An Educational Resource Team meets weekly to discuss strengths, challenges and diagnosed learning differences. Academic Support provides assessment, direct instruction and consultation with grade-level instructors, administrators and parents to help students reach their full academic potential. The Elementary School's Educational Resource Team addresses the needs of students with diagnosed learning differences. In High School, the school provides reasonable accommodations for students with a current psycho-educational report, including extended time and assistive technology, and these accommodations follow College Board and ACT guidelines. A network of School Counselors and Learning Strategists supports students across divisions.	Special educational needs (SEN) La Scuola uses a Tier 1 and Tier 2 support model: strong classroom teaching (Tier 1) with small-group or targeted supports (Tier 2) to meet all student needs. Support is embedded in everyday classroom life; the approach differentiates for those who need more support or deeper challenge; it helps students leverage their strengths and learning profiles. All learners can access robust academics in both Italian and English. The school partners closely with families and specialists to support the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and linguistically.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language La Scuola is a language immersion school with Italian as the primary language in PreK–Grade 3, and children do not need to speak Italian to enroll in the Italian immersion program. In Grades PreK–3 the primary language in the classroom is Italian; starting in Grade 4, students learn Spanish as a second language, and in Middle School students can follow paths with English, Italian, and Spanish. Languages are differentiated in instruction according to student ability, and the Middle School is inherently multilingual due to the languages taught and used. Many graduates continue language study in high school, and bilingualism is associated with cognitive and academic benefits.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school recognizes that students' emotional, physical and spiritual growth are central to wellbeing. Across divisions, School Counselors provide counseling and support (Leandra Peloquin, Megan David, Roberto Parris). The Emotional Literacy Program and Structured Literacy Program support students' emotional development. The Student Resources page notes the school fully recognizes, supports and responds to each student's intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual growth. Counseling resources include a Crisis Hotline (800-784-2433) and San Francisco Suicide Prevention (415-781-0500). The Counseling Resources section and Learning Supports highlight the available resources for student mental health and wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing Emotional wellbeing is a central focus; La Scuola strives to provide a caring, safe, and supportive environment that prioritizes wellbeing alongside learning. The SEL program builds social-emotional skills through regular check-ins, grounding, active listening, body language, relaxation exercises, and the development of empathy and respect. Tools such as the Emotional Thermometer and growth-mindset practices support students in managing pressure and stress. Core values—kindness, inclusion, health, peace, and resilience—guide daily interactions and behaviors. The school also emphasizes fostering physical and emotional wellbeing as part of its health and safety practices.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Convent & Stuart Hall admits students of any race, color, national/ethnic origin or ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students, and it does not discriminate in policies, admissions, scholarships or programs. The Campus Overview reinforces this nondiscrimination in its campus information and contact details. The Cor Unum Statement emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, dialogue, empathy and open channels of feedback, with ongoing work to engage diverse voices in curriculum and community life. Cor Unum initiatives include engagement with diverse voices, author visits and inclusion efforts to foster intercultural understanding.	Safeguarding La Scuola is Open to the World and emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, rejecting discrimination on multiple grounds and aiming to empower all community members to participate fully. The Pollyanna Racial Literacy Curriculum, guided by the DEIB Director with Kindergarten through Grade 8 teachers, supports constructive conversations about race and racism. The school highlights languages spoken by families and staff, reflecting a richly multilingual community, and partnerships such as the SMART program extend opportunities to lower‑income families. These practices contribute to a safe, inclusive environment that protects and supports student wellbeing.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school operates on two campuses in San Francisco: Broadway Campus at 2222 Broadway and Pine-Octavia Campus at 1715 Octavia Street. The Broadway Campus houses Flood Mansion, Herbst House, Hammond House, and the Siboni Arts & Science Center, while Pine-Octavia houses Stuart Hall High School. The Siboni Arts & Science Center supports academic and performing arts with science labs, art spaces, music rooms, and a theater facility. The Siboni Center includes a performance venue used for on-campus productions. The campuses are connected by a network of historic and modern buildings, and an Interactive Campus Map highlights these spaces.	Facilities overview The Mission Campus houses K-8 students in the Mission District. The building is the first Reggio Emilia Approach-inspired campus in the Americas. The main entrance houses the food atelier, dining room, art, music, and makers ateliers, along with Middle School classrooms and gathering spaces. The Ateliers are central to the Reggio Emilia program, providing spaces to learn, explore, create, and experiment. The Mission Campus includes two other buildings: a historic St. Charles building with light-filled elementary classrooms and a Van Ness Avenue building that contains the gymnasium and additional ateliers. The piazza features a stage and a basketball court, and houses several ateliers, while play structures on the piazza follow Reggio Emilia principles.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities On campus, two gyms and fitness centers, a turf training field, an athletic training room and multiple multi-use spaces support team activities. The Herbert Center is the on-campus sports complex with a gym, a Performance Lab and a multi-use studio. The Pine-Octavia Dungeon serves as another on-site competition venue, and Syufy Court provides a turf-equipped training space. The school also uses off-site facilities including Koret Health & Recreation Center (large indoor pool), Maloney Field at San Francisco State University (baseball), Seminary at Strawberry (football and wrestling), Kezar Stadium (football), Lisa & Douglas Goldman Tennis Center (tennis), and Beach Chalet Athletic Fields (soccer/lacrosse).	Sports facilities The Van Ness Avenue building contains our gymnasium and additional ateliers. The piazza includes a stage, a basketball court, and several ateliers for student recreation. Play structures on the piazza were designed by an Italian architect in accordance with Reggio Emilia principles. Outdoor time is part of the daily schedule, providing space for active play.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Siboni Arts & Science Center houses science laboratories and classrooms, with renovations in 2017 creating flexible, modern middle-form labs. The center also contains art rooms, decks for light-filled projects, and music spaces to support performance preparation; the Syufy Theatre is located within the Siboni Center for performances and presentations. The Pine-Octavia Campus hosts Stuart Hall High School and related academic spaces, with historic buildings such as Flood Mansion and Grant Building contributing to the campus network. The two campuses collectively include Hammond House, Herbst House and other facilities that support a broad range of disciplines.	Academic facilities The St. Charles building features light-filled classrooms designed to be spaces of curiosity and wonder. These interiors reflect the Reggio Emilia curriculum's commitment to hands-on learning and its belief in the environment as the 'third teacher.' La Scuola's immersive approach to learning Italian can be seen in the classroom. The classroom environment supports cross-grade learning and daily teacher connections. The campus culminates Grade 8 with the IB Middle Years Program Community Project and includes a brand-new Mission Campus building that brings light, color, and energy to learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The arts program includes Beaux Arts Performing Arts spaces, a Theater Program and a Dance Program, all supported by the Siboni Arts & Science Center and related facilities. The Music Conservatory offers afternoon private lessons for K–12 students to develop proficiency and performance skills. An After School Program serves K–8 families with extended-day activities. The Heart to Heart program connects students with community organizations and includes collaborative programs such as the Summer Reading Initiative.	Extra curricular facilities The Ateliers provide spaces to learn, explore, create, and experiment. The piazza includes a stage for performances, a basketball court, and several ateliers for student recreation. The school garden is used for hands-on learning, with students harvesting radishes from the school garden. Cross-grade learning is an integral part of La Scuola's community, and the IB Middle Years Program emphasizes Service as Action in Grade 8.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded in 1887, Convent & Stuart Hall is an independent K–12 school in San Francisco rooted in the Sacred Heart tradition of Catholic education. It operates within the Sacred Heart network and provides a single-sex and coeducational environment. Stuart Hall High School opened in 1999–2000, and the Siboni Center for Arts & Sciences was completed in 2004 as part of campus development. The school celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2012–2013.	History Founded in 2002. It began as an Italian language playgroup and has grown to operate across multiple campuses, including the Mission Campus (K–8), the Dogpatch Campus (Preschool), and the Silicon Valley Campus (PreK–Elementary), plus a Milano, Italy campus. It is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and is recognized as an Italian Accredited School (Scuola Paritaria) abroad by the Italian Ministry of Education.
Community	Community 1150+ K-12 students across two campuses. A San Francisco institution since 1887. 200+ Schools spanning 30 countries and six continents. 160+ Faculty.	Community The Parents Association (PALS) works collaboratively with La Scuola faculty and staff to support and facilitate programming, experiences, ideas, and opportunities that welcome, engage, and foster the La Scuola community and support the school's mission to inspire brave learners to shape the future. La Scuola has a long and rich history of parent involvement and participation from its early beginnings as an Italian language playgroup, and now includes more than 250 families at three campuses. PALS organizes and supports events each year including: Welcome Picnic, Back to School Coffees, Staff and Teacher Appreciation, Book Fair, Holiday Party, Beach Clean-ups, The Annual Spring Fiera, Italian Heritage Parade, Lunar New Year Celebrations, Diwali Celebrations, World Day of Cultural Diversity, Mission Carneval, and Graduation. PALS supports the school through committees such as Library, Garden, Music, Yearbook, La Dolce Vita, Admin and Konstella, Community, Leadership, SPEAK, and Service Learning. Pal s contact: pals@lascuolasf.org.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The primary organization for parent engagement is Convent & Stuart Hall's Parents Association. All parents are considered members and participate through volunteer opportunities, fundraising, social activities and events. The Parents Association drives the partnership between families and the school, coordinating annual campaigns and events such as the Uniform Exchange, Back to School Nights, Homecoming, Annual Fund Campaign, Oktoberfest and Fall Classic. Celebrate Spring is a marquee Parents Association fundraiser, Hollywood Legends, with related events and sponsorship opportunities.	Parent teacher association PALS is the Parents Association of La Scuola and works collaboratively with La Scuola faculty and staff to support and foster the La Scuola community and the school's mission. It includes events such as the Annual Welcome Picnic, Back to School Coffees, Staff and Teacher Appreciation, Book Fair, Holiday Party, Beach Clean-ups, The Annual Spring Fiera, Italian Heritage Parade, Lunar New Year Celebrations, Diwali Celebrations, World Day of Cultural Diversity, Mission Carneval, Graduation, and committees including Library, Garden, Music, Yearbook, La Dolce Vita, Admin and Konstella, Community, Leadership, SPEAK, and Service Learning. Over 10,000 volunteer hours are contributed annually by parents across three campuses.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the high school. The curriculum emphasizes serious study and social responsibility as core goals of Sacred Heart education. It advances communication and critical thinking through digital literacy and design integrated with humanities, mathematics, sciences and the arts. K–12 literacy programs include an Emotional Literacy Program and a Structured Literacy Program.	Academic & intellectual The Ateliers provide space to develop ideas and tackle the unknown. The Reggio Emilia approach treats the environment as the 'third teacher' to inspire curiosity, creativity, and joy. The Ateliers include music, visual arts, design, and garden study that connect across disciplines in project‑based work. The tinkering lab emphasizes design thinking, modeling, coding, and hands‑on exploration across subjects.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Music Conservatory provides after-school private lessons to students. Lessons include Kindergarten: violin, guitar and voice; Grades 1–12: voice, violin, viola, cello, guitar, bass and piano; Grades 4–12: french horn, trombone and electric bass. The program builds upon the daytime music curriculum and fosters musical proficiency, theoretical knowledge, creative expression and performance ability. Dance and Theater programs also offer dedicated instruction in dance and theatre arts.	Arts & creative The Ambassador Ensemble is a plucked string orchestra that rehearses and performs for special events. La Scuola celebrates two all‑school concerts each year. The Visual Arts atelier enables students to create their own works and express themselves. Design and the tinkering program engage students in modeling, coding, and a wide range of media to bring ideas to life.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Kindergarten through Grade 4 have access to Mandarin, Spanish and French classes. In middle grades, students can study Spanish, French, Mandarin or Latin. In high school, students reach proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in a second language. The Great Texts Canon intersects with language learning in the high school program, broadening cross-cultural understanding.	Cultural & language La Scuola is a language immersion school with Italian as the primary classroom language in Preschool through Grade 3. Starting in Grade 4, Spanish is introduced as a third language, and in Middle School students pursue language paths with Italian as a second language and Spanish as a third, or vice versa. Specialist subjects may be taught in English or Italian, and the Middle School remains inherently multilingual with English, Italian, and Spanish.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Clubs and Activities offer a diverse range of interests. We have activities to meet most every curiosity and talent. Students have the opportunity to form new organizations and are encouraged to expand their interests.	Social & hobbies The school hosts music performances, including two all‑school concerts each year. Ambassador Ensemble provides additional performance opportunities at events. The Ateliers support collaborative inquiry across music, visual arts, design, and gardening projects, fostering teamwork and peer learning. Community events and school celebrations bring families together through the arts and learning experiences.
Community & service	Community & service Social justice is a central value at Convent & Stuart Hall and service learning is a core part of its mission. Global education includes international exchanges and service-learning trips such as to New Orleans' Ninth Ward and Costa Rica, with virtual connections to students in Palestine and Mexico. The Heart to Heart program connects students with local communities for peer-to-peer service and advocacy opportunities, including a Summer Reading Program with community centers. Thousands of hours of volunteering are contributed by students each year.	Community & service The Garden & Environmental Studies program engages students in gardening, ecology, and stewardship, connecting learning with the environment and community. Students explore plant identification, garden visitors, and the cycle of food production, developing empathy and a sense of responsibility toward their community. Graduates understand the interdependence of nature and how it relates to lives around the world.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student leadership opportunities and leadership development are integral to the student experience. The school supports leadership through experiential education, service, travel and clubs, helping students build competencies for college and career.	Leadership & professional Athletics foster leadership, commitment, and true sportsmanship, with student‑athletes representing La Scuola in the San Francisco International Athletic League (SFIAL). A large share of middle schoolers participate in athletic programs, building teamwork and school pride. Participation in ensemble performances and project work also develops collaboration, time management, and leadership skills within a learning community.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Athletic facilities include The Herbert Center, Pine-Octavia Dungeon, Syufy Court and Koret Health & Recreation Center to support a wide range of sports. The school provides on-site gyms, a turf field and access to premier athletic facilities for competition. After School Program offers time for homework, structured play, and creative tinkering in Spark Studio. All-Inclusive Food Program provides meals cooked from scratch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The PE and Wellness program focuses on movement, fitness, and holistic development from preschool through middle school. IB‑MYP Physical and Health Education emphasizes healthy life choices, inquiry, and personal well‑being. Extended Day & Camps provide after‑school care with various registration options and nut‑free snacks, and include morning care on select days for younger students.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Mandarin, Spanish and French are taught from Kindergarten through Grade 4. In the middle grades, students may study Spanish, French, Mandarin or Latin.	Language provision Languages taught include Italian, English and Spanish. Italian and English are the two main languages of instruction, balanced by the Montreal Model: Preschool about 10% English - 90% Italian; Grades K-1 about 20% English - 80% Italian; Grade 2 about 30% English - 70% Italian; Grades 3-5 about 50% Italian - 50% English; Grades 6-8 about 70% English - 30% Italian. Specialist subjects may be taught in English or Italian.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching La Scuola teaches using two main languages of instruction, Italian and English, balanced through the Montreal Model. From Kindergarten through Grade 1, Italian is the language of instruction about 80% of the time and English about 20%. From Grade 2, the balance is approximately 70% Italian and 30% English. From Grades 3–5 the balance is about 50% Italian and 50% English, and Grades 6–8 use about 30% Italian and 70% English; specialist subjects may be taught in English or Italian.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Your child does not need to speak Italian to enroll in the Italian language immersion program. In PreK–3, the primary classroom language is Italian, and starting in Grade 4, students learn Spanish as a third language. In Middle School, students can follow different paths, with Italian as second language and Spanish as third, or vice versa, and the Middle School remains inherently multilingual with English, Italian and Spanish.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Kindergarten admissions steps: 1. Online Inquiry: Submit an online inquiry to begin the admissions process. You will receive a confirmation email letting you know your inquiry is in our queue. A separate email with login instructions will follow once your inquiry has been processed. 2. Campus Tour: Campus tours are a requirement of the application process. The tour provides an overview of classrooms and facilities such as the Unkefer Spark Studio, gymnasium, theaters and Siboni Arts and Science Center, with a live Q A session led by school leaders, parent ambassadors and students. 3. Learn About Our School: Learn about Convent & Stuart Hall through the admissions process and the Sacred Heart education framework, including the Goals and Criteria. 4. Kindergarten Open House: The open house for prospective Kindergarten families is scheduled on a Wednesday, November 12 from 6 to 8 pm. RSVP for the open house via the admissions portal. 5. Submit an Application: Application requirements include campus tour, Kindergarten Open House, the online application and a 100 application fee. The online application opens on a specified date, and a fee waiver code K8APP is available if needed. Submit Confidential Student Evaluation forms and arrange Kindergarten Screening and Parent Interview according to the timeline; the application deadline for priority consideration is December 12, 2025. 6. Kindergarten Screening: Screening includes an Individual Admissions Assessment of about 30 minutes and a Group Playdate of about 1 hour. These events are held December through January and are scheduled via the online portal. 7. Parent Interview: Parent interviews last about 30 minutes and occur between November 1, 2025 and mid February 2026. A campus tour and a completed application must be submitted two business days prior to the interview. 8. Learn About Tuition Assistance: Tuition assistance is available to qualified families based on demonstrated financial need. A webinar on applying for financial assistance is held on October 21 from 6 to 7 pm and is recorded for review on the applicant checklist. For questions, contact Lizzie Schneiberg. Relocating and Applying from Afar: Convent & Stuart Hall welcomes families from across the country and world to the admissions process. Relocating families should contact the Admissions Office to discuss navigation of the process and plan ahead.	Admissions Apply to La Scuola International School. Sign up for an account with Ravenna to manage the application, register for campus tours and events, and view admissions decisions. Through Ravenna you can schedule a in-person tour or join a virtual event, and you can submit an application through Ravenna by January 15, 2026; enrollment decisions are sent in March 2026. Admissions are organized by grade level: Preschool process (ages Piccoli 2-3, Grandi 3-4, Grandissimi 4-5); Kindergarten process (age 5+ by September 1, 2026); Grades 1-5 process; Grades 6-8 process. Students are not required to speak Italian to enroll in preschool, kindergarten, grade 1, or grade 6; Grades 2-5 and Grades 7-8 are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Middle School instruction is primarily in English with 6 hours of language instruction per 6-day rotation, split 4 hours/2 hours between the second language and the third language (Italian or Spanish). Admissions events include Open Houses, Campus Tours, and Parent Education Series; see Tours & Events for details. The three La Scuola campuses include Mission (K–8) and Dogpatch (Preschool) in San Francisco, Silicon Valley (PreK–Elementary), and Milano (Italy). Sliding Scale Tuition is described separately; see Tuition & Affordability for details.
Scholarships	Scholarships Tuition assistance is available to qualified students based solely on demonstrated financial need. Each year, applications for tuition assistance are evaluated by a committee, and grants are awarded based on demonstrated need and the availability of funds.	Scholarships Sliding Scale Tuition Grants are awarded to families based on demonstrated financial need as determined by the Clarity application and the La Scuola Tuition Committee. The Clarity application is used to assess financial need, and the process is designed to include a $65 submission fee. Sliding scale tuition is available for Grandi (3-4 years old), Grandissimi (4-5 years old), and Kindergarten through Grade 8; there are no merit-based awards. Award determinations are made after reviewing the Clarity application and the school's budget, and awards are not guaranteed due to limited funds. The deadline for completing the sliding scale tuition application and submitting supporting documents is January 21, 2026 for current families and February 1, 2026 for prospective families. Award letters are mailed with enrollment contracts. Questions about sliding scale tuition can be directed to Nichole Leon, Director of Admissions, SST & DEIB, at nichole.leon@lascuolasf.org. The school is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and does not receive state or federal funding.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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