Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley - Elementary School Campus vs Lycée Français de San Francisco - Ashbury Campus

	E Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley - Elementary School Campus San Francisco, United States	L Lycée Français de San Francisco - Ashbury Campus San Francisco, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $38,150 - 43,200	Fees / year $28,000 - 58,900
Age range	Age range 2 - 11 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, French Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language French, English	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 1977	Opened 1967
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Two Berkeley campuses: Elementary School Campus at 1009 Heinz Ave., Berkeley, CA 94710 and Middle School Campus at 901 Grayson Street, Berkeley, CA 94710. The school serves preschool through 8th grade. Both campuses are located in Berkeley, California.	Location The Lycée Français de San Francisco operates on three campuses: Ashbury Campus in San Francisco (755 Ashbury Street, 94117) for Preschool through Grade 5; Ortega Campus in San Francisco (1201 Ortega Street, 94122) for Middle School through High School. The Sausalito Campus in Marin County (610 Coloma Street, 94965) serves Preschool through Grade 5.
Stages	Stages Preschool & Kindergarten; Lower School; Middle School. An Accelerated French Program (AFP) offers late-entry points in Lower School (G1 and G2) and in Middle School (G6).	Stages Ashbury and Sausalito campuses offer Preschool through Grade 5. Ortega Campus houses Middle School (Gr 6–8) and High School (Gr 9–12).
School type	School type Private bilingual day school	School type Private international school offering PreK–12 bilingual education with two tracks: French Track and International Track powered by IB.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix More than 60 nationalities represented in the school community.	Pupil nationality mix More than 50 nationalities are represented across campuses; more than 30 languages are spoken.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Lower School offers French as a Foreign Language (French as a Second Language) for students who need it; bilingual teachers support each student linguistically and academically.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation American International Section (Section Internationale Américaine) integrated into EB's primary program.	Country affiliation France; AEFE member
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Preschool/Kindergarten: 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Elementary (1st–5th): 8:25 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Middle (6th–8th): 8:15 a.m. – 3:35 p.m. Extended Day care runs 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Transportation operates across three campuses with routes between Marin County and the Ortega Campus, between Cupertino (South Bay) and the Ortega Campus, and between the Ortega Campus and the Ashbury Campus in the morning for K–5. Starting in 2026–2027, a free shuttle will connect San Francisco to the Sausalito preschool/primary campus, with pickup locations published in Spring 2026.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Non-refundable application fee: USD 75 due when submitting the application form. Enrollment deposit / reservation fee - A non-refundable enrollment/reservation deposit equal to 10% of the annual tuition is required to finalize enrollment; this deposit is due within 10 days of acceptance. The 10% deposit is applied toward the annual tuition balance. Tuition fees by school year (annual amounts for 2026–2027) - Preschool & Kindergarten (annual): USD 38,150. - Grades 1–5 (annual): USD 39,015. - Grades 6–8 (annual; includes Middle School Accelerated French Program): USD 43,200. Installment / per-payment detail (options available for the annual tuition above) - Option 1 — One payment: - One payment due in June. - Early-payment discount: USD 100 off the annual tuition (school pays the Blackbaud annual fee for this option). - Example: Preschool/K: USD 38,150 − USD 100 = USD 38,050 (one-time June payment). - Option 2 — Two equal payments: - Two equal payments due in June and September (payer may choose the 5th or the 20th of the month). - A Blackbaud Tuition Management annual administrative fee of USD 50 applies. - Example: Preschool/K: USD 38,150 ÷ 2 = USD 19,075 per payment (plus the USD 50 Blackbaud fee for the plan). - Option 3 — Four equal payments: - Four equal payments due in June, July, August and September. - A Blackbaud Tuition Management annual administrative fee of USD 50 applies. - Example: Preschool/K: USD 38,150 ÷ 4 = USD 9,537.50 per payment (plus the USD 50 Blackbaud fee for the plan). - Option 4 — Twelve equal monthly payments: - Twelve equal monthly payments between June and May of the following year. - A 5% per annum interest charge applies to this plan (reduced to 1.50% per annum for families receiving Tuition Assistance or Bourses Scolaires). - A Blackbaud Tuition Management annual administrative fee of USD 50 applies. - Example (base monthly before interest): Preschool/K: USD 38,150 ÷ 12 ≈ USD 3,179.17 per month (the actual monthly amount will be slightly higher when the 5% annual interest is applied). Additional program and grade-specific fees - Lower School Accelerated French Program (G1–G3): additional annual program fee of USD 2,860. Required and optional fees and typical other costs - One-time enrollment fee (Preschool and Lower School only): USD 1,950 (required at enrollment). - Tuition refund insurance: 1.4% of tuition (mandatory for a family's first year at the school, optional thereafter). - Extended Day Package (optional; unlimited morning and afternoon care during school days for the year): USD 2,250. - Extended Day drop-in rate (optional): USD 14.04 per hour. - School Breaks Package (optional; day camps during Fall, Winter and Spring breaks for the school year): USD 1,250. - Hot lunch (optional; price per meal): USD 6.75 to USD 7.25 (subject to change). - Optional overnight field trips (Grades 5, 7 and 8): approximately USD 2,650. - Required overnight field trips (Grades 3, 4 and 6): ranges from USD 695 to USD 1,370. - After-school activities: costs vary by activity. - Note on uniform: no separate uniform fee is listed among the school's required or optional fees. Billing schedule and payment terms - Enrollment: accepted families must return a signed enrollment agreement and pay the 10% non-refundable deposit within 10 days of acceptance to secure the student's place. - Balance payment: after the deposit, families choose one of the four payment options described above (one, two, four, or twelve payments); specific due months are June (one-payment option) or the months listed for the multi-payment options. Two-payment plan pay dates may be either the 5th or the 20th of the designated month. The four-payment schedule runs June–September; the twelve-payment schedule runs June–May. - Administrative fees and interest: Option 1 carries no Blackbaud fee (school covers it) and a USD 100 early-payment discount; Options 2–4 incur a USD 50 Blackbaud annual fee; the 12-month plan incurs a 5% per annum interest charge (1.50% for families receiving financial aid). Boarding - Boarding fees: Not applicable. Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley is a preschool through grade 8 bilingual day school and does not operate a boarding program. Refund information - The enrollment/reservation deposit (10% of annual tuition) is non-refundable. - Tuition refund insurance is offered (1.4% of tuition) and is mandatory for families in their first year at the school; this insurance is the mechanism the school lists for managing tuition refunds. Fee payment options and accepted payment method - The school's tuition and fee payment system is Blackbaud Tuition Management. Blackbaud Tuition Management accepts credit card payments; administrative fees for using Blackbaud vary depending on the payment plan selected.	Fee details Application & Enrollment Fees - One-time Entrance Fee (new students): USD 2,500 per child — required at the time of enrollment; non-refundable and not deductible from tuition. - Tuition Deposit: 3.5% of the total annual tuition — required with the signed Enrollment Agreement to secure a child's space; this deposit is non-refundable. - Financial Aid Application Fee (when applying for school financial aid via the Clarity portal): USD 60 required at submission. Tuition — Annual and Per-Term (2026–2027) All amounts shown are annual tuition rates by campus and grade band. Per-term and per-month illustrations below follow the school's offered payment schedules (two equal installments or ten monthly installments). All amounts are in USD. - SAUSALITO (Marin) Campus — Preschool through Grade 5: - La Petite École (Part time): USD 28,000 per year. (Two-installment amount: USD 14,000 per installment; 10-month plan: USD 2,800 per month.) - La Petite École through Kindergarten: USD 38,100 per year. (Two-installment amount: USD 19,050 per installment; 10-month plan: USD 3,810 per month.) - Grades 1–5: USD 38,100 per year. (Two-installment amount: USD 19,050 per installment; 10-month plan: USD 3,810 per month.) - ASHBURY (San Francisco) Campus — Preschool through Grade 5: - La Petite École (Part time): USD 32,450 per year. (Two-installment amount: USD 16,225 per installment; 10-month plan: USD 3,245 per month.) - La Petite École through Kindergarten: USD 44,100 per year. (Two-installment amount: USD 22,050 per installment; 10-month plan: USD 4,410 per month.) - Grades 1–5: USD 44,100 per year. (Two-installment amount: USD 22,050 per installment; 10-month plan: USD 4,410 per month.) - ORTEGA (San Francisco) Campus — Middle & High School: - Middle School (Grades): USD 45,500 per year. (Two-installment amount: USD 22,750 per installment; 10-month plan: USD 4,550 per month.) - High School: USD 58,900 per year. (Two-installment amount: USD 29,450 per installment; 10-month plan: USD 5,890 per month.) These annual tuition amounts include the core program elements described below. What Tuition Includes - Daily school lunches (the Lycée Cantine) are included in tuition. - Global Learning educational trips for Grades 1 through Grade 12 are included in tuition. - Before- and after-school care for Preschool students (including Kindergarten), with extension to Grades 1–5 on the Sausalito campus, is included in tuition. Other (Optional) Fees and Additional Costs - School transportation (optional): USD 4,680 per year (annual flat rate). Note: transportation between San Francisco and the Sausalito campus is complimentary. - Camps and Study Hall: optional services with separate fees. A bundled price for Preschool through Kindergarten families is available at USD 5,500 (this bundle covers registration to all camps — school year and summer). Specific study hall and individual camp fees are charged separately when families register. - After-school activities: fees for extracurricular programs, clubs, and some specialty offerings are charged in addition to tuition. - Incidental/exam or materials fees: certain exam fees, specialized course fees, or optional materials may be charged separately where applicable; these are not listed as included in base tuition. Billing Schedule & Payment Terms - Payment options (families choose one): - Pay in full by June 01 (pre-payment discount applies — see next item). - Two equal installments due on June 01 and November 01 (each installment = 50% of annual tuition). - Ten monthly installments starting June 01 (each installment = annual tuition ÷ 10). - All payment plans must be paid in full by the date specified for enrollment for the 2026–2027 year. The school's published schedule states that all payment plans must be paid in full by March 2026 at the latest for enrollment in 2026–2027. Automatic payment plan registration is mandatory at enrollment unless tuition and fees are prepaid in full by an employer. Families may pay by automatic bank withdrawal or by credit card; a processing fee will be added for credit-card payments. - Pre-payment discount: - USD 1,500 discount for families who prepay 100% of tuition before June 01. - USD 600 discount for families who prepay in two parts (timing as defined by the billing schedule). - Discounts do not apply to families receiving scholarships, tuition paid by companies, or staff receiving tuition remission. Boarding Fees - Boarding is not applicable. The Lycée is a day school operating multiple campuses (Ashbury, Sausalito, Ortega) and does not publish boarding or residential program fees. Refund Information - The USD 2,500 entrance fee and the tuition deposit (3.5% of annual tuition) are explicitly stated as non-refundable. - A general mid-year tuition refund schedule for withdrawals (for example, prorated refunds based on withdrawal date) is not published on the school's tuition pages; families should confirm the withdrawal and refund terms directly with the school's billing office or in the Enrollment Agreement. Fee Payment Methods - Automatic bank withdrawal (ACH/automatic debit) is accepted for installment plans. - Credit card payments are accepted; a credit-card processing fee will be added to card transactions. Notes for Billing and Planning - Entrance fee and tuition deposit are due at enrollment and are non-refundable. Budget for optional charges such as transportation (USD 4,680), camp bundles (USD 5,500 for eligible Preschool-K families), study hall, after-school activities, and any course-specific or exam fees when planning total annual cost. - The Financial Aid application requires a USD 60 submission fee and has published deadlines for returning and new families; families should account for that when applying for aid.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Mid-morning snack includes fruits, vegetables, or French baguette. Lunch is eaten together in the classroom, after which students may read inside or play outside.	Food options Fresh, made-from-scratch lunches are prepared in a professional on-site kitchen and served across all three campuses. The Lycée Cantine will launch in Fall 2026 and be included in tuition for Preschool students and all new incoming students, with full rollout by Fall 2029. Meals are prepared by Acre using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients; Preschool meals are delivered to the classroom, while older students are served buffet-style with a hot entrée (vegetarian option), seasonal sides, soup, a salad bar, breads, and dessert.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Trustees.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board is composed of 12 to 24 voting members, with the Head of School and Chief Operating Officer, plus the Consul General of France in San Francisco and the Cultural Attaché, serving as non-voting Observers. The Lycée Français de San Francisco is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers a bilingual English-French curriculum from Preschool through 8th grade, with language development at the core of instruction in both languages. A co-teaching model supports students at their language and academic levels, with French as a Second Language support and learning specialists, and Etude after-school homework help. In Lower School, the balance of instruction shifts from French immersion to bilingual: Grades 1–2 are 80–20, Grade 3 65–35, and Grades 4–5 50–50. Vers le Pacifique begins in Preschool and Kindergarten and continues through Grade 2; Grades 3–5 focus on conflict resolution and identity. Middle School maintains bilingual and biliterate instruction across language arts, science, history, and math, with students choosing a third language (Spanish or Mandarin) and continuing content in both languages. The science program aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards and the French program; math blends Singapore Math and Eureka Math in a bilingual setting, and field trips, arts, and service learning are integrated.	Curriculum details The International Track is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Spanning Grades 6 through 10, the Middle Years Programme emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and real-world applications. It is organized around eight IB subject groups: language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical and health education, and design. Language & Literature uses the California State Standards to develop reading, writing, and global perspectives. The Diploma Programme begins in Grades 11-12, with six subject groups and a DP core including Creativity, Activity, Service; the Extended Essay; and Theory of Knowledge. The DP leads to both the IB Diploma and the US High School diploma.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Average class size is 17 students. The school maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results High School placement: 95% of students applying to private high schools get their top choice.	Exam results French Baccalaureate results are outstanding.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression 85% of our Seniors chose to continue their educational journey in North America; 19% enrolled in Canadian universities; 15% will go to Europe, including 3.5% to France.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Accelerated French Programs are available at Lower School and Middle School for motivated, high-achieving students, providing small class sizes and advanced bilingual learning.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning EB fosters social and emotional learning by inviting students, families, and staff to bring their whole selves to school and by celebrating the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the community. The school is a place of warmth, joy, kindness, and belonging that welcomes all people. It nurtures curiosity, compassion, courage, and an enduring sense of community in its students. The EB environment emphasizes inclusion and equity, with ongoing efforts to provide equitable opportunities for every member of the school community. The school aims to create a supportive culture where students feel respected and empowered to engage with others across differences.	Social & emotional learning The Wellness Coordinator provides one-on-one student support including crisis intervention; organizes health education workshops for students, educational teams, and parents, and develops a health education curriculum (including sex and drug education). The school promotes mental health and well-being and implements a curriculum in socio-emotional strategies (SEL) with campus events such as Wellness Wednesdays, stress-less activities, and mental health awareness campaigns.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) A Speech Therapist provides information and resources to teachers to better support students; creates Student Accommodation Plans (PAP) for students diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorders and conducts annual reviews; assists students eligible for accommodations for the DNB and French Baccalauréat in filing requests with the French embassy.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Accelerated French Program (AFP) provides late entry points at G1, G2 and G6 for students with no prior French exposure. AFP offers students the opportunity to acquire fluent proficiency in a second language and to be well positioned for high school placement after 8th grade.	English as an additional language The International Track is powered by the IB and makes the Lycée accessible to all prospective students without any French language requirement.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Wellness initiatives support mental well-being; the Wellness Coordinator leads activities to promote mental health and the development of a socio-emotional learning curriculum, along with events that foster protective factors for students (e.g., Wellness Wednesdays and mental health awareness campaigns).
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding An Emergency Disaster and Incident Preparedness Plan outlines safety procedures for emergencies such as earthquakes and fires, with annual updates and staff training; procedures include evacuation, ‘duck, cover and hold,' designated adult responsibilities, emergency pickups, and external communication systems to inform families.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Two Berkeley campuses make up Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley: the Lower School Campus at 1009 Heinz Ave and the Middle School Campus at 901 Grayson Street. The school teaches in English and French as part of its bilingual immersion program. The Lower School Campus features a bilingual library with hundreds of books, a maker space and art room, a music room, an educational vegetable garden, a gymnastic space for preschool and kindergarten, and an expansive outdoor learning environment with a water creek and amphitheater. The Middle School Campus features a bilingual library, a science and art lab, a basketball court, an educational vegetable garden, an outdoor student lounge, and an outdoor stage with sound and lights. The South-West Berkeley neighborhood surrounds the campuses, offering local eateries, gyms, and spaces used for athletic practice nearby.	Facilities overview The Lyce9e Frane7ais de San Francisco operates on three Bay Area campuses: Ashbury Campus (San Francisco), Sausalito Campus (Marin), and Ortega Campus (San Francisco). The Ashbury Campus serves Preschool through Grade 5 at 755 Ashbury Street. The Sausalito Campus serves Preschool through Grade 5 at 610 Coloma Street. The Ortega Campus serves Middle through High School at 1201 Ortega Street. Across all campuses sustainability is integrated with a multi-year program, including a new organic kitchen facility to support Cantine across campuses. The sustainability program features Eco-Delegates, solar-paneled aquaponics aquariums, water cisterns, living green walls, and partnerships with local environmental organizations. The Lyce9e hosts a diverse community with around 50 nationalities and more than 30 languages, and offers a French Track and an IB-powered International Track.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The Middle School Campus has a basketball court, and the Lower School Campus has a gymnastic space for preschool and kindergarten. At the Lower School, after-school sports opportunities are integrated into classes that include activities such as dance, martial arts, or yoga. In the Middle School, students can participate in co-ed fall flag football, winter basketball, and spring volleyball as part of the East Bay Independent Athletic League, where EB bilingual teams have accumulated numerous championships. The Jaguars have earned 70 league championship titles since 1992.	Sports facilities The Extracurricular Activities & Programs provide a broad sports offering across campuses, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, rock climbing, and martial arts such as judo and fencing. Programs are available at all campuses. The program emphasizes training to improve athletic skills and encourages students to try new sports.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Lower School features include a bilingual library with hundreds of books, magazines, and pedagogical resources, a maker space and art room, a music room, an educational vegetable garden, a gymnastic space for preschool and kindergarten, and an expansive outdoor learning environment with a water creek and amphitheater. Middle School features include a bilingual library, a science and art lab, a basketball court, an educational vegetable garden, an outdoor student lounge, and an outdoor stage with sound & lights. These facilities support the school's integrated bilingual curriculum across both campus levels.	Academic facilities Across all three campuses sustainability features include solar-paneled aquaponics aquariums, water cisterns, and living green walls. A new kitchen facility is under construction to host Cantine and to provide sustainable, organic, locally sourced meals across campuses. The program has earned recognitions such as the California Green Ribbon School designation (Green Achiever level) and AEFE's EFE3D Level 3.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Enrichment & Aftercare offers clubs and after-school enrichment classes for preschool through middle school, including sports, science, visual arts, music, cooking, and language classes, with some activities conducted in French. The Extended Day program provides before- and after-school care with flexible options and schedules. Étude (French for Study Hall) is offered to Elementary students three days a week for quiet homework time with teacher support. Camps include Le Camp d'Été, a summer camp for Preschool to rising Grade 6, plus Fall/Winter/Spring Camps with themed activities and field trips. School Foodies hot lunch service is available on both campuses.	Extra curricular facilities A wide range of activities across campuses includes basketball, volleyball, soccer, rock climbing, typing, arts, chess, debate, fencing, judo, and music. On the Ashbury campus (Preschoola0b Grade 5) you will find basketball, arts, languages, music, tennis, capoeira, French drama, yoga and cooking. On the Sausalito campus (Preschoola0b Grade 5) activities include yoga, arts, judo, chess, coding, tennis and capoeira. Programs are available at all campuses as part of the extended day program.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History EB was founded by pioneering parents to provide bilingual education in the East Bay. It opened in fall 1977 with six teachers, 50 students, and 10 nationalities. The original Heinz & Ninth building became EB's campus when the school opened in 1977. The Middle School opened in 1988 and moved to 901 Grayson Street in 1991. Today EB serves more than 400 students from Toute Petite Section (2.5 years old) through grade 8, with more than 60 nationalities represented; alumni have lived and worked in 55 countries.	History Founded in 1967 as the Ecole Française by parents and teachers who split from the French-American Bilingual School to create a French immersion program under the French Ministry of National Education curriculum. The first class comprised 27 elementary students meeting in a one-room schoolhouse on Geary Boulevard. In 1974 it was renamed Lycée Français de San Francisco and moved to 28th Avenue; the high school program began with its first graduates in 1977. The school expanded across campuses, joining the Marin County French School in 1986 and relocating to the Ortega Campus in 2007; it was relaunched as Lycée Français de San Francisco in 2012 and opened a Sausalito campus in 2013. It is accredited by the French Ministry of National Education and CAIS and is part of AEFE's global network of French schools.
Community	Community EB's community is at the heart of the school experience; all parents are warmly invited to join in as active members of this diverse, fun, and inclusive group. World Celebrations showcases the many diverse cultures represented at EB and celebrates them through food, dance, and music. Welcome Day invites all parents and students to meet teachers and classmates; Halloween Parade, La Boum, Family & Friends Day, Move-a-thon, Spring Soirée & Fundraiser, La Place du Marché, and EB First Friday & Third Thursday Coffees are among the events that foster community.	Community The Lycée Français de San Francisco hosts a welcoming, diverse community across three campuses. Approximately 50 nationalities are represented and more than 30 languages are spoken within the community. The school feels like home to local and international families who choose the Lycée. News and events highlight global engagement, including a Week of Tastes, an Artist in Residence program, and student achievements that celebrate the community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association La Boum is hosted by the Parents' Association as a fall gathering for parents and caregivers. The Association coordinates Family & Friends Day, Move-a-thon, Spring Soirée & Fundraiser, La Place du Marché, and First Friday / Third Thursday coffees to connect families with the school community. To volunteer, contact the Parents' Association at askpa@eb.org or sign up on the Parent Portal. For general involvement questions, contact Anaïs Wilson at awilson@eb.org.	Parent teacher association Giving at the Lycée includes multiple parent- and community-facing programs. The school runs the Annual Fund, Wine Circle, Endowment Funds, Auction Gala, and Fund for the Future: Lycée Cantine to support programs and facilities. Additional avenues include Matching Gifts and Volunteering opportunities to involve families in school life. Lycée Cantine and Lycée Boulangerie are part of the school's community initiatives.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school is a preschool-8th grade bilingual immersion program with instruction in French and English. In Preschool & Kindergarten, Maternelle is project-centered and play-based, with French immersion about 80% of the day; five hours of English per week support language development as teachers from French and English collaborate. In elementary school, language development shifts from French immersion toward bilingual instruction, with grade-by-grade balances such as 1st–2nd at 80–20 (French–English) and 4th–5th at 50–50, fostering oral language, reading, and writing in both languages. The Accelerated French Program (AFP) provides late-entry points at Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 6 for students with no prior French exposure to develop fluency and support High School placement after 8th grade.	Academic & intellectual The Extracurricular program offers expanded academic offerings and develops bilingual written and oral communication skills in French and English through playful activities. Coding and typing are available as after‑school options across grade levels. The program sharpens critical and logistical thinking and provides original and comprehensive camp opportunities.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The visual arts, music, and theater are core components of the elementary curriculum; arts are integrated into classroom instruction in Grade 1, with specialists for music starting in Grade 2 and visual arts in Grade 3. Students explore art as a means of self-expression and connect artistic learning to other subjects within the school's STEAM focus.	Arts & creative The Extracurricular program inspires new forms of expression through visual art, music, dance, and theatre drama. A range of arts‑related after‑school activities is offered across campuses to foster creativity and performance.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school offers a Section Internationale Américaine, a bilateral-bicultural program that integrates language and culture from partner countries, with primary-level International Sections in the U.S. since September 2020. The program supports bilingual and bicultural learning for students from elementary through higher levels and includes partnerships with local cultural institutions (e.g., Theater de Berkeley) and connections to French and international educational networks to facilitate exchanges and intercultural projects.	Cultural & language Bilingual written and oral communication skills are developed through activities in French and English as part of the after‑school program. Language‑related options are offered across campuses to support multilingual learning.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies In elementary and beyond, after-school enrichment includes activities such as yoga and soccer, and the Etude program provides group homework support after school led by bilingual teachers. The school encourages experiential learning through field trips and collaborative projects that extend classroom learning into real-world contexts.	Social & hobbies A wide range of clubs and activities includes sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and rock climbing, as well as chess and debate. Additional options include judo, capoeira, yoga, and cooking, providing varied social and hobby opportunities.
Community & service	Community & service Experiential trips and service learning are integral to citizenship education. Formal community service begins in fourth grade, with opportunities to engage in activities that connect students to the wider community and cultivate social responsibility.	Community & service Community is at the heart of the Lycée experience, with volunteer support helping to organize field trips and sports activities such as Lycée Cross and the Décathlon. The school emphasizes belonging and active participation across campuses.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional There are student clubs and activities that enable leadership and personal project development. The LFSF J adore Series highlights long‑term student involvement across grades, showcasing leadership through ongoing participation.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical Education is emphasized as essential, with dedicated P.E. instruction from Grade 2 onward and a range of sports and movement activities, including dance. The school also runs after-school athletic and enrichment options and implements a Restorative Justice framework for social-emotional learning, including Vers le Pacifique, a bilingual SEL program that begins in Preschool and continues through Grade 2.	Lifestyle & wellbeing A broad range of sports and fitness activities is offered, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, rock climbing, tennis, and yoga. Capoeira, judo, and cooking are also part of after‑school offerings, supporting physical and personal wellbeing. Extended Day Activities run during the school year to accommodate diverse schedules.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision French and English are the languages of instruction. English Language Arts follows California Common Core Standards, while the French curriculum aligns with the official French Ministry of Education framework in AFP and related tracks. A third language (Spanish or Mandarin) is introduced in Middle School AFP. By the second year, AFP students can be prepared to take the DELF A1 exam, demonstrating French proficiency.	Language provision Languages taught: English and French. The French Track uses 80% French curriculum and 20% English; the International Track uses 80% English with 20% French language instruction. The IB pathway for the International Track provides a bilingual IB diploma along with the US High School diploma.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school is a preschool-8th grade bilingual immersion school where students learn in French and English. Students speak, write, and think in two languages every day. Accelerated French Program (AFP) provides late entry points at G1, G2, and G6 for students with no prior French exposure to join the bilingual immersion track.	Bilingual teaching Two tracks are offered: the French Track and the International Track. The French Track delivers language immersion with the French National Curriculum (80%) plus English (20%), and leads to a dual diploma (French Baccalaureate + US High School diploma). The International Track is English-focused (80%) with French language acquisition (20%), uses the IB framework, and offers a dual diploma (IB bilingual diploma + US High School diploma). Admission to the International Track has no French language requirement, with entry points in Middle School and High School; the Lycée serves PreK–12 across three campuses.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Lower School AFP provides a two-year bridge for Grade 1 and Grade 2 students with no prior French exposure; instruction is 85% in French and 15% in English, with two classrooms (bilingual and AFP) and a dedicated AFP teacher. Entry points are Grade 1 (CP) and Grade 2 (CE1), and students join the full immersion program by Grade 3 or Grade 4. In the second year, many AFP students are prepared to take the DELF A1 exam. Middle School AFP offers 40% daily instruction in French and 60% in English, with six accelerated French classes per week, and may integrate into the bilingual immersion program; the school is affiliated with AEFE and MLF, connecting students to a global network.	Immersion programs The French Track provides authentic French immersion through a curriculum that combines the French National Curriculum with a US program to meet US graduation requirements. The International Track offers an IB-based program with English-dominant instruction and a structured French language acquisition component. Both tracks emphasize multilingualism and international-mindedness for students in Middle and High School.
Reputation	Reputation
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Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions Online application starts on the Veracross portal. Create an account on the School Admin platform and submit the online application. A 150 application fee is charged at application. Grade placement follows the French‑US equivalence: LPE = PreK2; PS = PreK3; MS = PreK4; GS = K; CP = 1st; CE1 = 2nd; CE2 = 3rd; CM1 = 4th; CM2 = 5th; 6e = 6th; 5e = 7th; 4e = 8th; 3e = 9th; 2nde = 10th; 1re = 11th; Terminale = 12th. The admission journey includes applying online, meeting with the Admissions team, and Admissions decisions and notifications. For families living abroad, applications are mostly considered on rolling admissions. Admissions main dates for 2026–2027 include March 5, April 2, May 7, and June 4 (Ortega Campus). First notifications are sent by email in early March; after these dates, applications are reviewed regularly and notifications follow. Upon acceptance, families have one week to enroll by signing the enrollment contract electronically and paying the non‑refundable enrollment fees. Tuition information for 2025–2026 will be posted in early February. High School admissions include virtual meetings with an Admissions associate to discuss goals; these meetings can be scheduled at convenient times and are optional for sibling applicants. The American International Section (AIS) runs from Grade 1 through Grade 12; AIS students follow the core syllabus with courses taught in English; in Middle School, Language and Literature and History‑Geography are taught in English, with additional English‑language coursework. The Lycée Français de San Francisco operates on three campuses: Ashbury (San Francisco), Sausalito, and Ortega; the school maintains a non‑discrimination policy for admissions and programs.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Full High School Scholarship program offers scholarships to new students entering Grades 9–12; up to two Full Scholarships may be awarded per class year; the full value is estimated at over $235,000 for four years and covers the full academic program, academic and student support resources, instructional materials and in‑class technology, the Global Learning Program, and daily lunches. Bay Area residency is required; Scholarships are based on demonstrated financial need and academic potential. How to Apply: Step 1 indicate interest; Step 2 complete the standard financial aid application via Clarity by January 2, 2026; Step 3 complete the standard application for admission by January 23, 2026; Fee waivers are available for scholarship applicants earning below the county's low income cap. The Seona Herail Scholarship is a four‑year merit scholarship granting 25% of tuition per year for high school students (Grades 9–12), renewable if eligible, awarded on the recommendation of a pedagogical committee. AEFE French Government Financial Aid covers all or part of tuition; second AEFE round deadline is February 20, 2026; Outside financial aid programs exist. In 2024–25 about 24% of students received financial aid, and over 83% of aid is funded by Lycée.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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