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International Schools in San Francisco, United States

Compare 17 international schools in San Francisco, United States. Filter by curriculum, fees (average USD 37,070), location, and more to find the right international school now.

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Schools listed
17
Curricula
14
Average annual fee
USD 37,070
Fee range
USD 2,000 – 65,410
More school facts
Most common curriculum
American Curriculum (9 schools)
Average school size
483 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Lycée Français de San Francisco - Ortega
Oldest
Lycée Français de San Francisco - Ortega (1967)
About international schools in San Francisco, United States

San Francisco’s international schools are concentrated on bilingual and globally minded programmes: many offer the International Baccalaureate alongside language-focused tracks (French, Mandarin/Chinese, German and Spanish are common) or pairs of languages with English as the core language of instruction. Fees vary widely by age and school type; families should expect typical annual tuition to range from roughly US$20,000 at the lower end through US$40,000 - $45,000 for many day schools, with upper-school tuitions that can exceed US$60,000 when mandatory fees are included. Admissions tend to follow the standard independent-school calendar - enquiries and tours in the autumn, applications in autumn/winter, and offers in winter/spring - although some programmes operate rolling admissions or separate timelines for early years. Relocating families should budget for tuition plus extras (transport, lunch, trips and after-school care), check language entry requirements, and be prepared for waitlists and sibling or priority application rules when choosing neighbourhoods and schools.

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FAQs for United States

What curricula and languages are most commonly offered by international schools in San Francisco?
Many international schools in San Francisco teach the International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP or DP) or combine an American curriculum with international language strands. Bilingual and language immersion programmes in French and Mandarin/Chinese are common, and you will also find schools offering German and Spanish; the balance between the language of instruction and English varies by school and by grade.
How much should we expect to pay for an international school in San Francisco?
Tuition varies considerably: lower-cost or part-day programmes may be under US$20,000 a year, while full-day independent international schools commonly charge in the US$30,000 - US$45,000 range and some upper-school programmes exceed US$60,000 when mandatory fees are included. Many schools also offer need-based financial assistance or sibling discounts, but families should budget separately for extras such as uniforms, trips, meals and after-school care.
When is the right time to apply and what is the admissions rhythm?
Most independent international schools follow an autumn to winter admissions cycle: information sessions and tours in the autumn, application deadlines in late autumn or early winter, and decisions issued in winter or spring, with deposits due shortly after offers. There are exceptions - some early-years programmes use rolling admissions or separate priority deadlines for siblings - so check each school’s published timeline and allow time for assessments, interviews and document requests.
Are classes taught only in English, or will non-English speakers be supported?
It depends on the school and the programme: immersion and bilingual schools deliver substantial parts of the curriculum in the partner language, while others teach mainly in English with language classes. Many international schools have newcomer or English-language support and some offer dual-language tracks that expect a certain level of proficiency; ask admissions about entry requirements, language support and how progress is measured before enrolling.
What practical factors should relocating families prioritise when choosing an international school in San Francisco?
Consider commute time and drop-off logistics in a compact but traffic-congested city, the availability of before- and after-school care, and whether the school’s language and academic programme match your child’s current stage. Also review accreditation, assessment approaches, financial aid policies and typical class size, and arrange a classroom visit and age-appropriate assessment so you can judge fit rather than reputation alone.