Lycée Français de San Francisco - Ashbury Campus vs The International School of San Francisco - Oak Campus

	L Lycée Français de San Francisco - Ashbury Campus San Francisco, United States	T The International School of San Francisco - Oak Campus San Francisco, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $28,000 - 58,900	Fees / year $45,168 - 64,721
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language French, English	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 1967	Opened 1962
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Oak Campus: 150 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA 94102; Maternelle/Page Campus: 1155 Page Street, San Francisco, CA 94117.
Stages	Stages Ashbury and Sausalito campuses offer Preschool through Grade 5. Ortega Campus houses Middle School (Gr 6–8) and High School (Gr 9–12).	Stages Preschool/ Maternelle; Lower School (Kindergarten–Grade 8); High School.
School type	School type Private international school offering PreK–12 bilingual education with two tracks: French Track and International Track powered by IB.	School type —
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix More than 50 nationalities are represented across campuses; more than 30 languages are spoken.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Learning Services are provided by learning specialists who collaborate with students, teachers, and families to support the learning process and identify when extra help is needed. Accommodations may include extended time on tests, extra breaks, a separate testing space, the use of calculators or portable word processors, assistive technology, peer tutoring, and referrals to qualified evaluators or outside professionals when contracted by the family.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation France; AEFE member	Country affiliation France; AEFE-affiliated French international school.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure High School operates on a period-based schedule with start times around 8:10 a.m. and day end around 4:25 p.m. Periods 1–8 run with a lunch break from 12:00 to 12:50; Period 9 exists for French Baccalaureate students only.
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.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Application fees - There is no separate general admissions application fee posted for submissions through the Ravenna admissions portal; families use Ravenna to create an account and submit application materials. For families applying for need-based financial aid, the Clarity financial-aid application carries a submission fee of USD 65. Tuition fees by year group (2026–2027 academic year) - PK2 through Grade 8 (single tuition band for PK2–Grade 8): - Advance Plan (one annual payment): USD 45,168 per year. - TenPay Plan (ten monthly payments): USD 46,268 total per year, divided into ten equal monthly installments (June 2026 through March 2027). This equals USD 4,626.80 per monthly installment. - High School (Grades 9–12): - Advance Plan (one annual payment): USD 63,621 per year. - TenPay Plan (ten monthly payments): USD 64,721 total per year, divided into ten equal monthly installments (June 2026 through March 2027). This equals USD 6,472.10 per monthly installment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Families choose a payment plan at enrollment: the Advance Plan (one annual payment) or the TenPay Plan (ten monthly payments). The TenPay Plan runs June 2026 through March 2027. The Advance Plan requires a single payment by June 1, 2026 to receive the Advance discount. - Two non-refundable fees are required with the enrollment agreement to reserve a space: a 5% Tuition Deposit (credited toward tuition) and a one-time USD 2,000 Enrollment Fee. These fees are non-refundable. - Families must select a payment plan at the time of enrollment and the school may require an initial portion of tuition and the Enrollment Fee to be paid before the first day of school (billing and enrollment deadlines are enforced through the Business Office). Finance charges may be assessed on past-due balances; a returned-check processing fee is applied if applicable. Boarding fees (if applicable) - Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school with before- and after-school care and extracurricular programs offered for additional fees. Before- and after-school care is available for an additional charge where noted in division program materials. Other costs and fees - Enrollment Fee: one-time USD 2,000 due with the enrollment agreement (non-refundable). - Tuition Deposit: non-refundable 5% of the tuition amount, due with the enrollment agreement and credited toward tuition. - Optional and extracurricular program fees: the school limits additional charges to voluntary/extracurricular activities and certain consumables; these charges are billed separately (typically monthly) when they apply. Examples include after-school care, certain extended-day activities, optional trips or global-travel program charges, arts or athletics activity fees, and consumables. - Returned-check fee and late-payment handling: a returned-check fee applies (USD 20 in earlier published tuition materials) and finance charges may be assessed for late or delinquent accounts; billing practices are administered by the Business Office. Refund information - The Tuition Deposit and the one-time Enrollment Fee are non-refundable. Tuition may be prorated on a monthly basis for students who join after the start of the academic year; billing adjustments for mid-year entry are handled by the Business Office. Finance charges may be applied to past-due balances. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods include automated or online bank payments (ACH from checking/savings) and credit/debit card payments. Installment payments (TenPay) are processed by automated monthly withdrawals or other automated mechanisms as required by the Business Office. The school's tuition portal (FACTS/tuition and fees portal) is used to manage payment plans and automated withdrawals. Business Office contact and billing administration - The Business Office administers payment plans, billing inquiries, returned-check handling, and past-due account management. Families with billing questions should contact the Business Office at the school for account-specific details.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	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.	Food options Lunch is provided by families at the Maternelle campus; snacks are provided by families on a rotating schedule; sample snacks include cheese sticks & crackers, fruit platters & crackers, or butter & baguette.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	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.	Governance and ownership Homologated by the French Ministry of National Education and a partner of AEFE and the MLF.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details Maternelle provides bilingual immersion from age 2 (PK2) through Kindergarten, with French immersion initially at about 80%–90% and language development in English and French. Lower School continues French language development, while the program blends U.S. educational practices with the French national curriculum Cycle System (Cycle 1). The five learning domains are: language (English and French), arts, mathematics, exploration of the world, and physical activity, with strong social-emotional development and differentiated instruction. In Middle and High School, students choose between two tracks: International Track, which leads to the IB Diploma, and French Track, which leads to the French Baccalaureate, with some subjects offered in French for bilingual students. The High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma program, including a bilingual IB Diploma, and the French Baccalaureate.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results French Baccalaureate results are outstanding.	Exam results Grade 9 students prepare the Brevet des Collèges, a French national exam. Successful completion of the French Baccalaureate provides a diploma equivalent to completion of High School in France. The International High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma program, including a bilingual IB Diploma option. The IB Diploma is organized around groups 1–6 with core elements such as Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and there is an option to earn a bilingual IB Diploma.
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.	Higher education progression College Counseling helps students identify colleges that fit their intellectual, social, and emotional needs. By pursuing either the International Baccalaureate or the French Baccalaureate, graduates earn internationally recognized diplomas. Alumni are currently enrolled in higher education institutions around the world and across the United States.
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 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.	Social & emotional learning The school offers a social-emotional learning program that develops empathetic listening, cooperative teamwork, and responsible behavior; counselors provide drop-in and brief counseling, and an in-class Social and Emotional Learning program supports student well-being.
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.	Special educational needs (SEN) The Learning Services team includes learning specialists who collaborate with students, teachers, and families to support learning; accommodations may include extended time on tests, extra breaks, a separate testing room, use of calculators, portable word processors or computers, peer tutoring, and assistive technology; referrals to outside evaluators and professionals are available when needed.
English as an additional language	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.	English as an additional language The International Track in High School serves non-French-speaking students and provides pathways toward the IB Diploma; more than half of students entering International High School do not speak French.
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).	Mental wellbeing Counseling services include drop-in and brief individual counseling, crisis intervention, study-skills workshops, and liaison with outside mental health resources; there is an in-class Social and Emotional Learning program and in-class sex education and bullying-prevention efforts; school counseling is confidential with certain legal exceptions related to child protection.
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 Counseling services are confidential with exceptions required by law for child protection; there is an in-class bullying prevention program; a dedicated Student Support Team provides counseling and learning-support staff across levels to monitor and support student safety and well-being.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview The school has a main Hayes Valley campus housed in a six-story building with bright classrooms and city views. The roof is covered with solar modules producing power for campus operations. Across the street, athletic facilities include indoor and outdoor basketball courts. The Dennis Gallagher Arts Pavilion is a three-story building nearby that houses the visual and performing arts center. The Maternelle/Preschool operates on a separate campus at 1155 Page Street, and the Oak Campus is located at 150 Oak Street.
Sports facilities	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.	Sports facilities The athletic facilities include indoor and outdoor basketball courts.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities The Dennis Gallagher Arts Pavilion houses the visual and performing arts center. The main Hayes Valley campus features bright classrooms with city views. The Oak Campus is located at 150 Oak Street.
Extra curricular facilities	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.	Extra curricular facilities The Dennis Gallagher Arts Pavilion supports arts-related extracurricular activities. Athletic facilities across the street support athletic programs.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History The International School of San Francisco is the city's oldest and largest bilingual school and was the first in the city to offer the International Baccalaureate, the fourth in the United States to do so. It began as the French-American Bilingual School (FABS), founded in 1962 by nine San Francisco Bay Area residents with close ties to France and opened in 1963. The school moved campuses several times—from Vincente Street in 1965 to Grove Street in 1967—and the high school program began in 1978, adopting the International Baccalaureate. In 1994 the school relocated to 150 Oak Street, and in 1995 the high school was renamed International High School. The Maternelle opened at 1155 Page Street in 2014; in 2024-2025 it renamed to The International School of San Francisco to reflect its bilingual and international mission.
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.	Community ISF hosts a year‑round calendar of community events, including an August Back‑to‑School Picnic, Grandparents and Grand Friends Day in November, and the Community Salon Series on topics such as biotechnology, neuroscience, political engagement, AI, and intellectual property as part of its Urban Engagement Program. There are monthly Principals Coffees for parents and regular Parent Education sessions to support families. PoSoC, a monthly affinity space for parents of students of color, and schoolwide service activities such as Days of Service and a Schoolwide Day of Service are also part of campus life.
Parent teacher association	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.	Parent teacher association All parents are members of the Parent Association, a volunteer organization that supports The International School of San Francisco by working with school leadership to engage parents and promote community, cooperation, and involvement. Parents can chaperone field trips, lead admissions tours, or chair fundraising events. The 2025‑2026 Executive Committee includes Co‑Presidents Pelin Cinar and Matt Hicks, Secretary, Treasurer, Communications Officer, and Volunteer Coordinator, as well as Section Vice Presidents for High School, Middle School, Lower School, and Maternelle, and Grade Representatives for each grade.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual Over 40 student-created clubs exist at The International School of San Francisco, with students leading clubs from formation to events. Scholarly clubs include math, politics, tutoring, and a range of academic-interest groups; there are broader opportunities such as Debate Club, Model United Nations, and a student-run radio station. The Inkwell is the student-run literary and arts magazine, with submissions in languages other than English welcome. TedxFAIHS provides an on-campus TEDx-style platform for student ideas.
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative The Theater program is robust, encompassing performing, design, and stagecraft, with productions that let students explore acting, directing, and script writing while gaining hands-on experience in set design, lighting, and costume creation. The Back à Dos Theater Company produces five major shows each year, with students involved in all aspects, including backstage work. Visual Arts includes Lower School drawing and painting, with media exploration, photography, video, and inquiry-based learning, and studio hours at lunchtime and after school for projects beyond class. Seniors in the IB program display their work in an IB Showcase in March.
Cultural & language	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.	Cultural & language Affinity Groups provide spaces for students to connect around shared identities, with Lower School, Middle School, and High School groups listed (including Grade 3–5, and Middle School and High School alliances). Diversity Councils lead assemblies and initiatives around diversity and inclusion, including screenings, displays, and discussion clubs. Model United Nations offers opportunities for students to research countries and write position papers for conferences. The Inkwell, the student-run literary magazine, welcomes submissions in languages other than English.
Social & hobbies	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.	Social & hobbies The club scene is vibrant and student-driven, with more than 40 clubs that cover activism, film, baking, hiking, and gardening. Scholarly clubs include math, politics, and tutoring, and hobby clubs span Chess Club, Photography Club, Book Club, Anime Club, and Exposer Student Newspaper. Songs for Senegal is a yearlong fundraising tradition led by students to support their sister school in Senegal.
Community & service	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.	Community & service Service learning runs through Lower School, Middle School, and High School, with opportunities to engage in community initiatives that support education and neighborhood vitality. The Community Service Steering Committee coordinates on-campus service projects and invites student involvement, including advisory representation on the committee. Students participate in off-campus service with Glide, 826 Valencia, Habitat for Humanity, and other organizations, and IB students complete CAS hours as part of the IB program.
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.	Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities include Affinity Groups, Student Council, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Model United Nations, Diversity Councils, the Community Service Steering Committee, the Literary Magazine, and TedxFAIHS. These structures foster student leadership, collaboration, advocacy, and service across Lower School through High School.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Athletics are fully integrated into the school experience, with student-athletes participating in competitive team sports across three athletic seasons. The program emphasizes mind, body, and character, developing leadership and sportsmanship while honoring cultural diversity and gender equity. The athletic department supports a strong sense of community and school pride.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision English and French are the languages taught. In Maternelle, language development occurs in English and French, with end-of-Kindergarten reading in French and basic reading in English. In Lower School, a bilingual curriculum blends U.S. and French education, with English literacy and French literacy taught and by the end of Cycle 2 students read in English and French; by the end of Cycle 3 they can study academic subjects in both languages. In High School, all students take four years of English, the International Track offers bilingual courses including some in French, and beginner-level Chinese and French are available as additional languages.
Bilingual teaching	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.	Bilingual teaching The school teaches in English and French. The Maternelle program offers a French bilingual immersion environment beginning at age 2 for PK2, PK3, and PK4. In Lower School, students learn in both English and French. High School offers the International Baccalaureate or French Baccalaureate, with the International Track providing bilingual learning and some courses in French.
Immersion programs	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.	Immersion programs French bilingual immersion is embedded from Maternelle through Lower School. Maternelle begins with 80% French immersion. In Lower School, French immersion is 80% in Grades 1-2 and 50% in Grade 3. In High School, the bilingual framework continues with the International Track, which includes courses taught in French.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations IB World School – Authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme; first in California and fourth in the United States to be authorized (1979); first west of the Mississippi to receive this recognition. IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) – Candidate School; pursuing authorization. Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) – regional accrediting/approval body. National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) – national association for independent schools. European Council of International Schools (ECIS) – international school association. Council of International Schools (CIS) – international accreditation network. California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) – California state independent school association. Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) – supports French education abroad. Ministère de l'Éducation nationale (MEN) – French government education ministry affiliation. Mission Laïque Française Monde (MLF Monde) – network affiliated with French language international education.
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.	Admissions Maternelle/Preschool Admissions Step 1: Create a Ravenna account to keep track of all admissions tasks. Ravenna is the online application site used to manage applications, events, decisions, and to monitor your progress. Step 2: Save the date. Starting September 1, you may register for a school day tour and/or our Saturday Open House. Step 3: Apply. Submit your application and family questionnaire, and the Student Evaluation Form if applicable. Step 4: Classroom visit and playdate. PK2 and PK3 applicants are invited on a weekday, while PK4 applicants join a Saturday visit with other children in January or February. Step 5: Schedule your parent interview. Parent conversations begin in November and continue through February and can be conducted in person or on Zoom. Sibling/Faculty/Alumni Applicants Step 1: Create a Ravenna account. Step 2 (Optional): Schedule a tour or attend an admission event. Tours begin in early October. Step 3: Submit your child's application on Ravenna by the November 1, 2025 deadline. Step 4: In December, children are invited for a Saturday classroom visit with other prospective students and our teachers at the Page Campus. PK2 applicants will have their visit in February. Long Distance Applicants We welcome applications from families relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area. Our admissions procedures are essentially the same as for local applicants, except all meetings are held via Zoom if the family cannot be in San Francisco during the application period. Evaluations are tailored to family travel constraints. Potential applicants from overseas should contact our Associate Director of Admissions, Karine Luguet. Students from public, independent, and parochial schools are admitted on the basis of academic records and other data. Our admission policies are non-discriminatory. Lower and Middle School Admissions Step 1: Explore. Create a Ravenna account to keep track of everything on the admissions to-do list. Step 2: Submit your Parent/Guardian Application Form. Starting September 1, you may register for a school day tour and/or our Saturday Open House. Step 3: Sign up for the Parent Interview. Submit your application, family questionnaire, and Student Evaluation Form (two forms are needed for Grades 6-8). Step 4: Sign up for a Visit/Assessment Day. Kindergarten applicants are invited to a Saturday visit; Grades 1–8 will join on a weekday. Step 5: Sign up for the Student Interview. Schedule your parent conversation. Parent conversations begin in November and continue through February, and can be conducted in person or on Zoom. Step 6: Delegate the Teacher Recommendation Form. For Grades 1–8, request official transcripts and schedule the Student Interview with our Middle School Principal (Grades 6–8 only). Sibling/Faculty/Alumni Applicants Step 1: Create a Ravenna account. Step 2 (Optional): Schedule a tour or attend an admission event. Tours begin in early October. Step 3: Submit your child's application on Ravenna by the November 1, 2025 deadline. Step 4: In December, children are invited for a Saturday classroom visit with other prospective students and our teachers at Page Campus. Long Distance Applicants We welcome applications from families relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area. Our admissions procedures are essentially the same as for local applicants, except all meetings are held via Zoom if the family will not be in San Francisco physically during the application period. Evaluations are tailored to family travel constraints. Potential applicants from overseas should contact our Associate Director of Admissions, Karine Luguet. Students from public, independent, and parochial schools are admitted to The International School of San Francisco on the basis of academic records and other data. Our admission policies are non-discriminatory. Important Dates (illustrative; see site for full timeline) Decisions released electronically; Enrollment deadline for financial aid recipients; Enrollment contract deadlines.
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.	Scholarships Aid Application Process Step 1: Go to Clarity and sign up. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity submission has a $65 fee and can be shared with additional schools that accept Clarity. Step 2: Begin your Clarity application and add The International School of San Francisco. Step 3: Complete your Clarity application and pay the $65 fee. Step 4: Complete the Clarity Enhanced Tax Verification (ETV) process to release W-2 and personal tax return transcripts by signing Form 8821 or using IRS.gov. Step 5: Submit your Clarity application and upload any additional supporting documents. Non-U.S. tax filers should upload income verification and other required documents. International tax information for 2025 must be available by February 15, 2026. Returning and new families deadlines are published in Clarity. Need-Based Scholarships Financial assistance is awarded on the basis of need and the family's potential contribution, based on Clarity's data and household guidelines. The school aims to meet demonstrated need where possible, but resources may not cover the full need. Timely submission of documents is critical because awards are made within a constrained timeframe. All information provided during the financial aid process is kept confidential. French Government Scholarships Applicants may pursue French Government scholarships through the Consulate; complete the school's Financial Aid process and contact Mireille Gaonac'h or the Financial Aid office for assistance. The Consulate's deadlines and processes apply, including a February deadline for certain years. All information is kept confidential. Financial Aid Details and Aids The school's financial aid program includes need-based awards, with average grants cited (e.g., around $28,000 for Maternelle families and higher amounts for other divisions) and a track record of significant aid funding (several million dollars annually). The Clarity application is used to determine need, and the school aims to meet the demonstrated need of admitted or enrolled families where possible. Citations: Maternelle admissions details, Lower/Middle admissions details, High School admissions details, and Tuition & Financial Aid pages from the ISSF site.
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