East Bay German International School vs Terra Schools

	E East Bay German International School San Francisco, United States	T Terra Schools San Francisco, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $28,500 - 37,000	Fees / year $36,975 - 43,450
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 10 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), Reggio Emilia Approach
Pupils	Pupils 150	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 12	Typical class size 11
Instruction language	Instruction language German, English	Instruction language English, Spanish, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 2018	Opened 2018
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The school is located at 1070 41st Street, Emeryville, CA 94608. It sits in Emeryville, between Oakland and Berkeley, just across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco. The campus is easily accessible by multiple modes of transportation, with the Emery Go-Round shuttle stopping one block from campus and MacArthur BART a short ride away.	Location Terra San Francisco is located at 3801 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94121. Terra Mandarin Preschool is located at 529 Browning St., Mill Valley, CA 94941. Terra Marin PK-8 operates at 70 Lomita Drive, Mill Valley, CA 94941. Terra San Francisco offers a Pre-K to 8th grade, nature-based, trilingual program in Mandarin, Spanish, and English with weekly Earth Education excursions to nearby spaces such as Crissy Field, The Presidio, Bakers Beach, Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park, and the San Francisco Botanical Gardens.
Stages	Stages Preschool through High School (age 2 through Grade 12), including Early Childhood (Preschool and Kindergarten), Elementary School (Grades 1-4), Middle School (Grades 5-8), and High School (Grades 9-12).	Stages Terra San Francisco serves Preschool (ages 2–4.5) and Transitional Kindergarten through 2nd grade, with 3rd–4th grade integrated in the program. The San Francisco campus provides a PK–8 program across multiple levels, including K–8 language offerings. Terra Marin serves PK–8 in Marin.
School type	School type Dual-language German-English immersion school; IB World School.	School type Private school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support ESL (English as a Second Language) across all programs; Deutsch als Zweitsprache (German language support) for middle and high school; Lese-Rechtschreibförderung (Dyslexia Support) and Literacy Support in Elementary; Math Support; DP Learning Studio; Advisory; collaboration with local school districts via SELPA.	Additional learning support Social-emotional learning (SEL) is prioritized through a dedicated SEL curriculum and school-wide support. A team of literacy specialists, educational consultants, and learning specialists collaborates with teachers to support students based on their learning profiles and needs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany (global network of German Schools).	Country affiliation United States
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Preschool/Kindergarten: school day 8:30 AM–2:15 PM with 8:00 AM drop-off; Extended Day available until 4:30 PM or 6:00 PM. Elementary School: 8:30 AM–2:00 PM with 8:00 AM drop-off and Extended Day until 4:30 PM or 6:00 PM. Middle School: day starts at 8:30 AM; ends at 2:00 PM on most days, extending to 3:40 PM on some days for additional subjects; Afternoon Club and other activities available until 6:00 PM.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Emery Go-Round stops one block from campus; MacArthur BART is a short ride away; campus accessible by train, bus, car, or ferry.	Bus service details School bus transportation is available to and from Terra Marin School each weekday for an additional fee. The San Francisco bus stops run pickups between 7:10 and 8:05 am and drop-offs between 3:35 and 4:35 pm; Marin bus stops run pickups between 7:40 and 8:10 am and drop-offs between 3:45 and 4:25 pm. The fleet includes two yellow buses, two vans (up to 12 passengers each), and an SUV; exact stop locations are provided to registered families for safety and privacy.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Application fee (one-time): $75 per child. Enrollment and administrative fees - Enrollment fee (one-time at enrollment): $800 per student. - Facility fee (annual, per family): $1,000. - Materials fee: Preschool/Elementary: $150; Middle/High School: $200. Annual tuition fees by school level (amounts shown are annual tuition) - Preschool (10-month option): USD 28,500. - Preschool (12-month option, includes summer camp): USD 32,000. - Kindergarten: USD 28,500. - Elementary School (Grades 1–4): USD 30,500. - Middle School (Grades 5–8): USD 32,500. - High School (Grades 9–10): USD 35,000. - High School (Grades 11–12, IB Diploma Programme): USD 37,000. Payment plans, billing schedule and payment terms - Available payment plan options and timing: - Lump-sum payment at signing of contract (2% discount applied to tuition). - Two payments: due July 1 and January 1 (1% discount applied to tuition). - 10-month plan: monthly installments August 1 through May 1 (no discount). - 12-month plan: available for Preschool only; July 1 through June 1 (no discount). - Tuition insurance is required for every student; the premium is 2.9% of total tuition and is due with the enrollment deposit and any administrative fee where applicable. - The enrollment contract holds families financially responsible for the full tuition and fees regardless of withdrawal; tuition insurance can cover the balance in specified insured situations. Sibling discounts - Second enrolled child: 10% discount on tuition. - Third (and subsequent) enrolled child: 20% discount on tuition. Extended-day and after-school program fees - Extended Day hourly rate: USD 18 per hour (Preschool/Kindergarten and Elementary/Middle rates noted similarly on fee schedule). A registration fee applies for hourly care. - Full extended-day program (until 6:00 pm): USD 6,700 per year. Other costs and optional fees - Tuition insurance premium (required): 2.9% of total tuition, charged with the enrollment deposit/administrative fee. - One-time enrollment/administrative fee: USD 800 per student. - Family facility fee (annual): USD 1,000. - Materials fees as listed above. - Extended-day registration fee for hourly care: USD 100. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a day school and does not list boarding or residential-program fees. Refund and withdrawal information - The enrollment contract makes the family financially responsible for the full tuition and fees regardless of withdrawal. Tuition insurance is required and is intended to cover remaining tuition in certain qualifying situations; the insurance premium equals 2.9% of total tuition and is payable with the enrollment deposit/administrative fee. No general cash-back refund policy for full tuition is provided in the public fee material; final refund/adjustment rules would be determined under the terms of the enrollment contract and the tuition insurance policy. Fee payment options and how payments are presented - The online application and enrollment process uses the school's application system (Ravenna) and asks applicants to choose a form of payment when submitting the application/enrollment; public fee materials list the available payment-plan schedules but do not specify which payment instruments (credit card, ACH/bank transfer, check) are accepted. Families are instructed to select a payment method during the application/enrollment steps. For application submission, the application fee must be paid as part of a complete application. Key contact for fee and billing questions - Admissions and tuition-assistance contact: admissions@ebgis.org. Phone: 510.380.0301. Note on public materials reviewed: the school's published materials provide annual tuition amounts, required fees, payment-plan dates and the requirement for tuition insurance, but do not list a specific public breakdown of accepted payment instruments (for example, explicit confirmation of credit card, bank transfer/ACH, or check). The application system asks applicants to choose a form of payment during submission; final payment-instrument options are provided during the application/enrollment process.	Fee details Application fees - Application fee (Ravenna): USD 100. - Indexed-tuition (Clarity) submission fee for financial-aid consideration: USD 60. Tuition fees by year group (2026–2027 maximum/top rates) - Infant program (monthly): USD 3,500 per month. - Preschool (age 2–4.5 / PK & TK): maximum ranges and billing options: - 10-month plan (school-year billing): USD 2,000 – USD 33,500 (8:40 AM–3:15 PM; aftercare not included). - 12-month — Full (standard 12-month spread): USD 2,000 – USD 38,750 (8:40 AM–3:15 PM; aftercare not included). - 12-month — Extended (year‑round/extended day): USD 2,000 – USD 43,450 (8:40 AM–5:30 PM; aftercare included). - Elementary (TK–3rd listed as the elementary range): USD 2,000 – USD 36,975 per year (annual maximum/top rate for TK–3rd). Note: Terra Schools operates an Indexed Tuition model; the figures above are the Board‑set maximum/top rates for the 2026–2027 year and many families will be placed at lower levels within the USD 2,000–top rate ranges based on the indexed-tuition assessment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Preschool offers documented 10‑month and 12‑month billing arrangements (10‑month and 12‑month options are used in the published tuition structure). Infant program is presented as a monthly rate. Elementary tuition is stated as an annual amount (top rate shown). - Deposits that hold a space for a child are non-refundable. - Aftercare charges are additional and are billed separately; aftercare for the school day is offered 3:15 PM–5:30 PM and is charged as an additional fee (aftercare charges are generally billed monthly and vary by number of days per week). Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered; Terra Schools operates day programs at its San Francisco and Mill Valley locations. Other costs and typical additional fees - After‑school enrichment and specialized programs: additional fees apply; Terra families register and pay for after‑school enrichment through Clarity or Zelle. Examples of camp-related aftercare/shuttle fees are published for camps (aftercare and shuttle are additional). - School bus/transportation: available on select routes and charged in addition to tuition. Specific route and service fees are billed separately. - Year‑round camps and holiday/summer camps have separate fees and their own refund/processing terms (see camp fee items such as shuttle and aftercare where published). Refund information - Enrollment deposit that holds a space is non-refundable. - Camp registration refund policy: camp registrations may be canceled up to two weeks before a session starts for a full refund minus a USD 99 processing fee; after that two‑week deadline camp fees (and associated shuttle/aftercare fees for camp) are non‑refundable. Fee payment options and payment methods - Application submission and school application are handled through Ravenna (application platform). - Financial‑aid (Indexed Tuition) submissions are managed via the Clarity application; Clarity charges a USD 60 submission fee. - After‑school enrichment payments: families may register and pay using Clarity or Zelle. - For certain school payments and donations the organization publishes bank/wire transfer details (East West Bank) for electronic transfers. Summary (concise) - Application fee: USD 100 (Ravenna). Indexed‑tuition submission fee: USD 60 (Clarity). - Top published tuition rates for 2026–2027: Infant USD 3,500/month; Preschool up to USD 33,500 (10‑month) or up to USD 38,750–USD 43,450 on 12‑month plans; Elementary up to USD 36,975/year. Indexed Tuition ranges begin at USD 2,000 and families may pay lower levels based on need.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Directors. Senior Leadership oversees daily operations, including an Executive Director and an Associate Executive Director. The Board includes Rufus Pichler as Chair, Kay Naumann as Secretary, and Bess Daubenmire as Treasurer.	Governance and ownership The Terra Schools is a progressive private school in San Francisco and Mill Valley, California.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school is an IB World School serving preschool through high school. In the East Bay International High School, Grades 9–10 offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams; Grades 11–12 pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), including a bilingual IB Diploma. Elementary through middle school provide a dual-language German/English program; middle school has 65–80% of instruction in German, with a third language (Spanish or French) introduced in Grade 6, and by Grade 8 students prepare for the Deutsches Sprachdiplom I (DSD I). Language offerings include English, German, French, and Spanish, with IB DP Language & Literature options in English and German.	Curriculum details Terra Schools offer nature-based, multilingual education in Spanish, Mandarin, and English for Pre-K through 8th grade. The program blends the Reggio Emilia philosophy with the International Baccalaureate framework. Learn features tailored, collegiate-track academics, multilingualism, project-based learning, and high school preparation. Grow centers on Earth Education and outdoor learning, with arts, teamwork, creative problem solving, and flexible thinking. Belong emphasizes social-emotional learning, student-led discussions, mentorship, family partnership, and diversity. Languages include Spanish and Mandarin immersion.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 6:1	Student teacher ratio Low student-teacher ratios are emphasized.
Exam results	Exam results IB Diploma Programme pass rate is 100%. Diploma Programme average GPA was 4.6 (Class of 2025). AP examinations show an average score of 4.3. 100% of EBGIS graduates were admitted to leading universities, including Brown University, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, Cal Poly, Santa Clara University, NYU, George Washington University, American University, Wesleyan University, Smith College, Middlebury College, and Universität Regensburg.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 100% of graduates were admitted to leading universities, including Brown University, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, Cal Poly, Santa Clara University, NYU, George Washington University, American University, Wesleyan University, Smith College, Middlebury College, Universität Regensburg.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning EBGIS \| EBIHS is deeply committed to nurturing the whole student—academically, socially, and emotionally. Our counselors support students' well-being, academic progress, and future aspirations through weekly individual counseling and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) workshops. SEL workshops build emotional intelligence, resilience, and collaboration across classes. Counselors collaborate with teachers to implement SEL curricula and advise on managing challenging behaviors effectively. Parents participate in conferences to align school and home support, and our SEL programs are informed by research-backed practices to foster confidence, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills.	Social & emotional learning The Terra Schools incorporate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) as a core part of the Belong pillar. Social emotional learning is a foundation for success, and the program includes student-led discussions (Harkness Table), mentorship, family partnership, and a focus on developing emotional intelligence and positive attitudes toward self and others.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) EBGIS partners with local school districts and the Northern California Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) to provide specialized resources and services. The Student Support Coordinator coordinates access to resources and develops individualized student plans, including ISPs and behavior plans. The school holds collaborative meetings with families and teachers to design actionable support plans. It maintains partnerships with local districts to meet diverse learning needs and provide specialized services across grade levels.	Special educational needs (SEN) The Terra Schools provide support for diverse learning needs through literacy specialists, educational consultants, and learning specialists who identify and address each student's unique learning differences. They communicate with the student's learning team (student, parent, advisor, teachers, outside professionals, etc.) and collaborate with teachers to address student support needs, while helping parents understand their child's learning profile and providing social-emotional support.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English as a Second Language (ESL) is available across all academic programs. The ESL course provides structured language support for students who are new to English or developing proficiency, using a mix of visuals, interactive activities, and conversation practice. Students engage in reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities that are integrated with classroom content. The program emphasizes functional language use in academic and social contexts to help students participate fully in learning.	English as an additional language English is one of the languages of instruction in a trilingual program that also includes Spanish and Mandarin; Spanish and Mandarin immersion is offered, with English used in instruction.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing EBGIS places student well-being at the center of its education. Our Student Support and Counseling program nurtures emotional health alongside academics, with counselors leading SEL initiatives and providing ongoing support. SEL programs foster emotional resilience, self-awareness, and strong interpersonal skills. Counselors collaborate with teachers and families to support well-being and help students set and pursue personal and academic goals. Through these efforts, students develop confidence, empathy, and a sense of belonging in the school community.	Mental wellbeing Earth Education provides experiential outdoor learning that reduces stress and supports wellbeing, leadership, and teamwork. Social Emotional Learning is a foundation for success and supports positive attitudes toward self and others.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding EBGIS maintains a comprehensive COVID-19 safety and disease-prevention plan. The Model COVID-19 Prevention Program covers disease-prevention education, handwashing, signage, and the use of appropriate PPE and cleaning protocols. It outlines procedures for investigating COVID-19 cases, notifying health authorities, and protecting privacy. Exclusion and return-to-campus protocols are specified, with isolation or quarantine timelines and steps to ensure educational continuity. The plan also includes staff leave policies related to COVID-19, such as sick leave and COVID-specific family leave.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus is spacious and centrally located. It includes large classrooms, dedicated spaces for music and art, and a library. An auditorium, athletic facilities, and ample play space support a full on-campus experience. The preschool program occupies its own mini-campus adjacent to the main campus, giving younger students indoor and outdoor spaces of their own while allowing participation in all-school activities.	Facilities overview Terra San Francisco TK-2 is a nature-based, trilingual Mandarin, Spanish, and English program for Transitional Kindergarten through 2nd grade. Language immersion is foundational, with 80% of instruction in the target language and English and Math taught in English. Students participate in weekly nature-based excursions led by Earth Education specialists, supporting outdoor experiential learning. The program uses a personalized curriculum with low student-teacher ratios to foster individual growth. The Terra approach blends Reggio Emilia-inspired inquiry with project-based learning to develop critical thinking and collaboration.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The on-site facilities include athletic spaces and fields for a range of sports. The campus supports physical education and team activities with its on-campus athletic resources. Students participate in on-campus sports using these fields and spaces. The overall design emphasizes accessible, active learning through movement and play.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The campus features bilingual libraries with German and English books. It includes maker spaces for hands-on projects and collaboration. A science laboratory supports scientific inquiry across grade levels. Dedicated spaces for music and art complement the core academics, along with a large auditorium and classrooms.	Academic facilities Terra San Francisco emphasizes tailored, collegiate-track academics with multilingual instruction beginning in preschool. Languages include multilingual Spanish, Mandarin, and English education, with 80% of instruction in the target language in TK-2 and English for English and Math, expanding to language infusion in higher grades. In grades 3–4, immersion shifts toward infusion with 20% of instruction in the target language. Inquiry-based, project-based learning underpins classroom experiences, supported by banded scheduling that groups students by ability in math and world languages. This approach aims to foster critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Mountain Bike Team offers opportunities for cycling and outdoor activity. The After School Extended Day program provides supervision and activities beyond the school day. The campus hosts school and community events that enrich student life. Additional clubs and programs are available through on-campus resources and activities.	Extra curricular facilities Earth education and outdoor school are central, with weekly nature-based experiences led by Earth Education specialists. Arts electives include drama, music, and visual art to encourage creative expression. Student-led discussions (Harkness method) and social-emotional learning foster agency, empathy, and respectful dialogue. Mentorship, family partnership, and community events support belonging and social development. Additional offerings include after-care and enrichment classes, school buses, and Summer Camps.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History EBGIS \| EBIHS occupies a historic campus in Emeryville, California. The site was originally constructed in 1925 as the Anna Yates School. The school took over the historic space in 2019 after the city consolidated its school infrastructure and has since upgraded and modernized facilities while preserving the original charm and community-centered spirit. It began as a small East Bay start-up and grew into a fully accredited international school serving students from preschool through high school. The Class of 2025 marked the school's first high school graduating class.	History Terra Schools were founded by a San Francisco educator who opened Presidio Knolls School in 2008 as a Mandarin-immersion program inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. In 2018, Terra Schools opened a Mill Valley campus to offer a nature-based program and expand Mandarin immersion and multilingual education. Terra San Francisco serves Preschool through 2nd grade, while Terra Mandarin Preschool operates in Mill Valley. The schools provide nature-based, multilingual education in Spanish and Mandarin, integrating the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the International Baccalaureate framework, with an emphasis on outdoor learning, arts, and social-emotional growth.
Community	Community EBGIS fosters a global and local community. The campus sits in Emeryville, serving families from a broad East Bay area including Alameda, Albany, Lafayette, Orinda, and Walnut Creek. The community emphasizes cross-cultural experiences and multilingual learning through a bilingual immersion program and inquiry-based curriculum. The school hosts a range of community events such as Coffee and Cake, the Annual EBGIS Benefit, Literacy Week, and parent-teacher conferences.	Community Terra Schools foster a community built on family partnership and emotional safety. Community activities include a Fun Run, Movie Night, and Halloween Party. Parent committees include Building & Grounds Beautification, Lunar New Year, Nutrition, Yearbook, and Performing Arts. Families contribute 10 hours per year for a single-parent household or 20 hours per year for two parents to support school life.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association Terra Schools maintains a Parent Association that partners with families to raise children well. The Association coordinates promotional and recruitment activities, social and fundraising events, classroom support, campus improvements, maintenance, and more. Each family is invited to contribute 10 hours per year for a single-parent household or 20 hours per year for two parents. The Terra Schools community hosts events such as a Fun Run, Movie Night, and Halloween Party. Committees include Lunar New Year, Nutrition, Yearbook, and Performing Arts. This structure strengthens school community and family engagement.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Enrichment programs and after-school classes are offered by EBGIS \| EBIHS faculty and trusted external providers. Past offerings have included Art & Design, STEM Challenges, Coding & Robotics, Music & Theater, Chess, Culinary Arts, Martial Arts, Creative Writing, and Journalism. These programs are developmentally appropriate and designed to complement the academic day, with many students taking multiple classes each week to expand their creative and academic horizons.	Academic & intellectual The school offers tailored, collegiate-track academics. The school provides multilingual instruction and project-based learning. The school includes high school preparation in the program. The school fosters a love of learning across grades.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Art & Design, Music & Theater, Creative Writing, and Journalism are among enrichment options. A band program is also part of the offerings, and drama appears in after-school activities. Past topics include band and drama as well as other creative pursuits.	Arts & creative The school's arts program includes singing, music video making, improvisational drama, and a rock band. The school offers an all-school play and playwriting activities. The school provides cake decorating and 2D studio drawing. The school encourages creativity as part of the Grow pillar.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Dual-language immersion ensures students in Early Childhood through Grade 8 learn in both German and English through an integrated, inquiry-based curriculum. The East Bay International High School offers multilingual tracks with courses in German, French, and Spanish, while instruction in other subjects remains in English. No prior German language knowledge is required for admission to EBIHS.	Cultural & language The school offers Spanish and Mandarin immersion as part of the language program. The school emphasizes empathy building, critical thinking, and cultural diversity and appreciation. The school integrates these language and cultural components with Terra's Learn, Grow, Belong pillars.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Enrichment classes cover social and hobbies topics such as gardening, cooking, band, drama, woodworking, LEGO construction, programming, soccer, and martial arts. After-school programs include band and drama, supporting collaborative and creative pursuits. Students can participate in activities across age groups and build friendships beyond the classroom.	Social & hobbies The school uses Student-Led Discussions (Harkness Table) to guide conversations. The school prioritizes social-emotional learning and mentorship. The school emphasizes family partnership. The school values diversity in its community.
Community & service	Community & service Volunteering is central to the EBGIS \| EBIHS community. Families are asked to contribute 20 volunteer hours per academic year, with opportunities including committees, event planning, campus volunteer Saturdays, library support, and remote roles. Volunteer activities are coordinated through the Family Association and ParentSquare, and can involve in-person or remote contributions.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Family Association committees offer leadership opportunities for parents, including Class Parent Representative roles, Community Outreach, Staff Appreciation, Admissions & Advancement, and Equity & Inclusion. These roles connect families with school events, admissions activities, and community initiatives, fostering leadership and engagement.	Leadership & professional The school fosters leadership and teamwork through Earth Education and outdoor learning. The school supports leadership development through mentorship and social-emotional learning. The school encourages collaborative problem-solving and community contribution. The school prepares students to lead and participate effectively in teams.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Athletics and enrichment programs emphasize balance, belonging, and wellness. The middle school Mountain Bike Team competes in NorCal leagues, and high school students access a broad athletics program through Emery High School partnerships (Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Track & Field). Community athletic clubs include Rugby, Ultimate Frisbee, Rowing, and Climbing, extending physical activity and collaboration beyond the campus.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school uses experiential outdoor learning to reduce stress and support well-being. The school's approach boosts academic performance. The school cultivates leadership and teamwork and nurtures wonder and curiosity. The school fosters outdoor exploration as part of daily routines.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision German and English are the core instructional languages from preschool through middle school. In middle school, French or Spanish is introduced. East Bay International High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) with pathways to the Bilingual IB Diploma.	Language provision Languages taught are English, Spanish and Mandarin. Immersion is provided in Spanish and Mandarin; the program aims for fluency in a second language. The school serves Pre-K to 8th grade across multiple campuses, including Terra San Francisco and Terra Mandarin Preschool.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school uses a dual-language immersion model in German and English from Early Childhood through Grade 8. In middle school, French or Spanish is added to language study. The school is an IB World School offering a pathway toward the Bilingual IB Diploma in high school.	Bilingual teaching The Terra Schools offer bilingual/multilingual education in Mandarin, Spanish and English. Mandarin and Spanish are delivered through language immersion, and English is used for instruction across core subjects. The program spans Preschool through 8th grade, with Terra San Francisco serving Preschool–2nd grade and Terra Mandarin Preschool serving Mandarin immersion preschool.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Preschool through middle school provide dual-language German/English immersion programs, using an integrated, inquiry-based curriculum.	Immersion programs Immersion in Spanish and Mandarin is provided. The Languages pillar identifies 'Spanish & Mandarin Immersion'. Early language immersion is emphasized to support bilingual proficiency.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards Bay Area Parent Gold Award — School received a Gold honor from Bay Area Parent. A+ Grade on Niche — Terra Schools earned an A+ grade on Niche. 5 Stars on Yelp — Terra Schools has a 5-star rating on Yelp.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations IB World School — Authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Terra San Francisco. IB World School status reflects official authorization to deliver IB programs.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Early Childhood 1. Step 1: Submit an Inquiry. To submit an initial inquiry, click here and fill out the form. This enables us to provide information about the admissions process, including upcoming virtual and online events. You are welcome to attend these events to learn about the program and to help us get to know you. 2. Step 2: Create Your Profile and Submit Your Application. Create a Ravenna account and complete your application following the Ravenna steps. The new student application deadline is January 11, 2026. 3. Step 3: Family Interview. After we receive your application, we may contact you to schedule an in-person interview. This is an opportunity to get to know your family and child and to ask questions about the program. 4. Step 4: Notification of Admissions Decision. Early Childhood admissions decisions are issued on a rolling basis from February 13, 2026 to March 19, 2026. 5. Step 5: Sign the Enrollment Contract. To secure your child's place, complete the Enrollment Contract by March 26, 2026. Families who submit their contract by this date qualify for the $800 enrollment fee; contracts submitted after March 26 are subject to the increased enrollment fee of $1,200 per student. Elementary School 1. Step 1: Submit an Inquiry. To submit an initial inquiry, click here and fill out the form. This enables us to provide information about the admissions process, including upcoming events. You are welcome to attend these events to learn about the program and to help us get to know you. 2. Step 2: Create Your Profile and Submit Your Application. New Student Application Deadline: January 11, 2026. 3. Step 3: Family Interview. After we receive your application, we may contact you to schedule an in-person interview. 4. Step 4: Notification of Admissions Decision. You will receive an admissions decision no later than March 19, 2026; if you applied for tuition assistance, you will receive a decision on your application by February 13, 2026. 5. Step 5: Sign the Enrollment Contract. To secure your child's place, complete the Enrollment Contract by March 26, 2026; the enrollment fee discount applies (the $800 rate) if by this date; contracts submitted after March 26 are subject to $1,200. Middle School 1. Step 1: Submit an Inquiry. To submit an initial inquiry, click here and fill out the form. This enables us to provide information about the admissions process, including upcoming virtual and online events. You are welcome to attend these events to learn about the program and to help us get to know you. 2. Step 2: Create Your Profile and Submit Your Application. New Student Application Deadline: January 11, 2026. 3. Step 3: Family Interview. After we receive your application, we may contact you to schedule an in-person interview. 4. Step 4: Notification of Admissions Decision. You will receive an admissions decision no later than March 19, 2026; if you applied for tuition assistance, you will receive a decision on your application by February 13, 2026. 5. Step 5: Sign the Enrollment Contract. To secure your child's place, complete the Enrollment Contract by March 26, 2026; the enrollment fee discount applies (the $800 rate) if by this date; contracts submitted after March 26 are subject to $1,200. High School 1. Step 1: Submit an Inquiry. To submit an initial inquiry, click here and fill out the form. This enables us to provide information about the admissions process, including upcoming virtual and online events. You are welcome to attend these events to learn about the program and to help us get to know you. 2. Step 2: Create Your Profile and Submit Your Application. New Student Application Deadline: January 11, 2026. 3. Step 3: Family Interview. After we receive your application, we may contact you to schedule an in-person interview. 4. Step 4: Diagnostic Assessments. All applicants complete a set of diagnostic assessments designed not for admissions decisions, but to help us understand each student's academic profile and learning strengths. These assessments include a Mathematics and English diagnostic aligned with the California Common Core Standards, and for bilingual or multilingual students, an AAPPL to determine language proficiency across listening, speaking, reading, and writing on the ACTFL scale. The diagnostic process helps us personalize your child's learning from the start. 5. Step 5: Notification of Admissions Decision. You will receive an admissions decision no later than March 19, 2026. If you applied for tuition assistance, you will receive a decision on your application by February 13, 2026. 6. Step 6: Sign the Enrollment Contract. To secure your child's place, complete the Enrollment Contract by March 26, 2026. Families who submit their contract by this date qualify for the $800 enrollment fee; contracts submitted after March 26 are subject to the increased enrollment fee of $1,200 per student.	Admissions 1. Connect with Terra: Join a tour or an open house to explore the school and learn about the Terra curriculum. 2. Apply: Complete the online application through Ravenna and search for Terra Schools to find the correct application. 3. Student Assessment / Playdate: TK–4th grade families schedule a Student Assessment, Preschool families schedule a Student Playdate to experience the learning environment firsthand. 4. Family Meet & Greet: A 20‑minute Zoom with the Terra team to share information about the child and answer questions. 5. Admission Decision: Decisions are released electronically. Additional details: The application fee is 100 dollars; waivers are available by contacting admissions@terraschools.org. Ravenna is the third‑party application platform used by Terra and many Bay Area private independent schools. For financial aid, Terra uses an Indexed Tuition model that aligns tuition with each family's financial circumstances, with ranges starting at 2,000 dollars. 37% of Terra families receive financial aid. New student Clarity applications for Indexed Tuition are due by February 14, 2026, and returning student applications are due by January 31, 2026. Clarity requires documents such as tax returns and W‑2s and has a submission fee of 60 dollars. 2026–2027 maximum tuition rates vary by program: Preschool 10‑month up to 33,500 dollars; Preschool 12‑month full up to 38,750 dollars; Preschool 12‑month extend up to 43,450 dollars; Elementary TK–3rd up to 36,975 dollars. Clarity is used to determine the Indexed Tuition, with a 30‑minute application time and a mobile‑friendly process. Contact admissions@terraschools.org for questions; Terra San Francisco and Terra Marin have dedicated admissions contact points as listed on the admissions pages.
Scholarships	Scholarships Tuition Assistance We offer tuition assistance through School and Student Services (SSS) by NAIS to help families afford the program. Families complete the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) online in the SSS Family Portal and provide all required supporting documents. Steps to complete the PFS are: visit the SSS Family Portal, create an account and begin your PFS, submit the PFS and pay the non‑refundable fee, and upload required documents under the “My Documents” tab. Key information includes the school name (East Bay German International School), SSS Code (9206), and the tuition assistance contact (admissions@ebgis.org). Required documents include prior year tax returns, W‑2s, IRS Form 4506‑T, and any additional documents as requested. Deadlines must be met for timely review; provisional decisions may be made if documentation is incomplete, and awards depend on the SSS Estimated Family Contribution, supporting documentation, and sometimes a family interview. For assistance completing the PFS, contact SSS customer service at (800) 344‑8328 or sss@communitybrands.com, or reach out to admissions@ebgis.org. Our commitment is to make bilingual education accessible and to work with families throughout the financial aid process.	Scholarships —
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