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Chinese American International School

United States, San Francisco

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Mandarin, English
Fees $0 - 46,300
Ages 2 - 14 years
Pupil numbers 571
Type Co-educational
Opened 1981
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Chinese Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin
Typical class size 18
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

Chinese American International School (CAIS) is a Mandarin–English dual‑language immersion day school located in San Francisco at 3250 19th Avenue, serving children aged 2–14 (Preschool–Grade 8). The school combines an American curriculum with a Chinese language immersion programme: Preschool (ages 2–5) is full Mandarin immersion, Kindergarten and the Lower School operate a 50/50 Mandarin–English model, and the Middle School offers an interdisciplinary, dual‑language programme with a Mandarin World Language Pathway (noting a 35% immersion model for pathway entrants). CAIS teaches simplified Chinese and aligns its language instruction with ACTFL proficiency guidelines, using assessments such as STAMP 4Se, the Modified ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) and the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). The 5.4‑acre campus includes about 120,000 sq ft of indoor facilities, a Teaching and Learning Center, the Hong Yen Chang Learning Center, the Ang Athletics Center, an Arts Center with a 455‑seat theatre and studio spaces, outdoor play areas, and a U8 athletic field. CAIS identifies itself as a pioneer of Mandarin immersion in the United States.

3250 19th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132, United States

The Essentials

Chinese American International School has 571 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in Mandarin, English.

Location
3250 19th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132. The main campus houses CAIS's Early Childhood, Lower School, and Middle School divisions. The campus is located in San Francisco, California.

Stages
Early Childhood: Preschool (ages 2-5) through Kindergarten; Preschool is full immersion in Mandarin; Kindergarten follows a 50/50 immersion model. Lower School: First through Fifth Grade, with two to three sections per grade and 50/50 immersion. Middle School: Sixth through Eighth Grade.

Type
Independent, coed
Diving Deeper

Food Options
CAIS will not open with a cafeteria. Hot lunches are delivered to the school by two or three vendors. Online lunch ordering is available.

Governance and Ownership
CAIS is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board formulates long-term policy and direction and communicates that to the head of school and the administration. The Board comprises current and former parents as well as community members and meets no fewer than eight times a year. CAIS owns the 19th Avenue campus; ownership was transferred to CAIS in October 2021 in a closing with the Sisters of Mercy. CAIS collaborated with Oak Campus partners French American International School and NCIS during that transition.
Fees

Annual tuition at Chinese American International School ranges from up to USD 46,300 for 2026/27.

Application fee

- A non‑refundable application fee of USD 100 is due when submitting an application; payment may be made by credit card, debit, e‑check, or check.

Tuition (2026–2027) — by year group

- Preschool (Early Childhood): USD 42,900 per academic year.
- Kindergarten through Grade 8 (K–8): USD 46,300 per academic year.

Per‑term equivalents (arithmetic conversions)

- The school bills annual tuition as shown above. For budgeting or database display, the simple arithmetic equivalents are:
- K–8: semiannual (2) = USD 23,150 per term; three equal installments = USD 15,433.33 each; monthly (12) = USD 3,858.33 each (these are straight mathematical divisions of the annual amount and are not a formal statement of CAIS billing installments).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- A per‑student Tuition Deposit of USD 2,000 is required to complete enrollment; the deposit for the 2026–2027 year had a payment deadline published as February 13, 2026 (with alternate deadlines for families requesting adjusted tuition). The Business Office issues next steps after receipt of the deposit.
- Payment methods accepted for deposits and other school charges include: personal check (mailed or delivered to the CAIS Business Office), wire transfer / ACH (instructions available from studentbilling@cais.org), and online payments by credit card or ACH. Credit card transactions incur a processing fee of 2.9% + USD 0.30 per student; ACH transactions are assessed a processing fee (USD 5 per student on the deposit form).
- The school uses a separate Tuition Refund Insurance policy to manage mid‑year withdrawals (see below). Past‑due balances are not covered under the Tuition Refund Insurance policy.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. CAIS operates as a day school (no boarding program).

Other costs and commonly billed items

- Extended Day (after‑school care): a prepaid Extended Day fee is published as USD 445 per month for K–8 and USD 470 per month for Preschool (program runs from the end of the school day through 6:00 p.m.; morning care before school is complimentary).
- Global programs, class trips and other program‑specific fees are billed separately and vary by grade and trip. Example: an 8th‑grade Guilin program listed a USD 1,500 deposit with a total program fee of USD 5,260 and a stated nonrefundable final payment date for that trip. Global program fees may carry their own deposit deadlines and refund rules.
- Activity/afterschool enrichment classes, international program fees and similar program charges are billed in addition to base tuition for families paying standard tuition; families approved for Adjusted Tuition may have these items included in their adjusted amount.
- Spirit wear and community merchandise are available through the CAIS Family School Alliance (FSA) shop; there is no mandatory uniform fee listed in admissions materials.

Refund information

- CAIS maintains a Tuition Refund Insurance policy to address withdrawals during the school year because the school cannot otherwise fully refund tuition or cancel unpaid obligations. For 2026–2027 the published cost of Tuition Refund Insurance was USD 425; the insurance must be purchased by the stated deadline and is mandatory for certain payment plans. Benefits under the policy are described as follows: medical absence/medical withdrawal — a 75% discount of tuition and fees corresponding to academic days to be foregone; withdrawals for other reasons — a 50% discount of tuition and fees corresponding to academic days to be foregone. Claims are initiated with the Business Office and medical withdrawals require certification by a qualified medical professional; claims must be filed within the published claim window. Past due balances are not eligible for coverage.

Fee payment options and transaction handling

- Accepted payment forms: check (mailed or dropped off at the Business Office), wire transfer/ACH (contact studentbilling@cais.org for instructions), and online payment by credit card or ACH. Credit card processing is charged per transaction; ACH transactions carry a processing charge as indicated on CAIS payment pages. Some program payments (for trips, etc.) list slightly different processing fees depending on the payment method and program; checks typically do not incur processing fees.

Notes (presentation‑only)

- Tuition amounts above are the published annual figures for CAIS for the 2026–2027 academic year. Payment schedules, installment plans, due dates for installments, and the Business Office's billing instructions are handled directly by CAIS Business Office once the enrollment deposit and enrollment paperwork are complete (the deposit amount and the Business Office contact for billing are provided above).
Academics

Chinese American International School teaches American Curriculum, Chinese Curriculum for students aged 2 to 14.

Curriculum
Preschool is full Mandarin immersion. Kindergarten follows the 50/50 immersion model. Lower School (1st-5th) follows the 50/50 immersion model. Middle School (6th-8th) uses a hands-on, minds-on, interdisciplinary curriculum. Global Programs include the Fifth Grade Taiwan Exchange, Seventh Grade Guilin, and Eighth Grade Sichuan programs, which provide immersive experiences in Chinese language and culture.

Exam Results
ERB results for 4th-7th graders show CAIS students outpace monolingual peers in English reading, verbal reasoning, writing mechanics and skills.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates go on to independent high schools and colleges in the United States.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school weaves social-emotional learning into the Chinese and English academic program. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are integrated into the curriculum. CAIS teachers weave social-emotional learning, DEI, technology, and more across the program. The Student Services Team supports students' academic, social, and emotional well-being and includes English language learning specialists, Chinese language support specialists, and school counselors. Counseling across divisions focuses on fostering positive relationships, respect, and responsible decision-making, with Toolbox Project in the lower grades and advisory activities in the upper grades. Parent meetings are an important part of the counselors' roles.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Three English language learning specialists, two Chinese language support specialists, and three school counselors comprise the Student Services Team. Chinese language support teachers work with individuals and small groups to provide Chinese language support, and students referred to CLS are assessed to identify effective approaches. Two full-time CLS teachers collaborate with classroom teachers to ensure that additional instruction addresses students' needs. The Student Services Team also provides English reading support with two full-time reading specialists. A Preschool Counselor supports social-emotional development and helps address personal and social risk factors, collaborating with staff to develop plans that accommodate documented needs and providing referrals to outside resources when needed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Student Services Team includes three English language learning specialists and two Chinese language support specialists, with three school counselors. They provide ongoing support to address English language learners and other diverse learners across the school. Chinese language support teachers work with individuals and small groups to provide Chinese language instruction, with assessments to tailor approaches. Two full-time CLS teachers collaborate with classroom teachers to address students' needs. English reading support is provided by two full-time reading specialists.

Mental Wellbeing
The school counseling program focuses on fostering positive relationships and promoting mutual respect, trust, and honest communication. Counselors work with each division to build a foundation of respect, including Preschool Grace and Courtesy lessons, classroom expectations in K–5, and a Middle School community code built on respect, responsibility, honesty, and citizenship. Parent meetings are a significant part of counselors' roles. Kindergarten through Fourth Grade counseling uses the Toolbox Project for social-emotional learning, teaching self- and social-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision making. Fifth through Eighth Grade counseling includes daily advisory groups that address topics such as bullying, internet safety, stress, and anxiety.

Safeguarding
The Preschool Counselor job description requires TB clearance and health screening for staff, along with fingerprint and child abuse index clearance. The counselor also emphasizes privacy and confidentiality of information about individuals. CAIS's mission includes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which supports a safe and inclusive environment for all students. CAIS admits students of any race, color, religion, disability, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and national or ethnic origin and does not discriminate in admissions or school programs.
Parent Experience

History
CAIS opened on September 12, 1981, in the basement of a University of California Extension Building. Founder Carol Ruth Silver and director Shirley Lee led the school as it attracted national attention; in 1987 the U.S. Department of Education designated CAIS as the national prototype for Chinese language education in elementary schools and the school moved to the Presidio. Between 1992 and 1994, CAIS added middle school grades and began its first exchange trip with Shanghai No. 3 Girls' School. In 1997 CAIS moved to 150 Oak Street; the Early Childhood Center moved in 2010 to The Alice A. Carnes Center on Waller Street. From 1997 to 2015 the middle school population grew to about 120 students and the middle school moved to the 888 Campus; today CAIS educates more than 550 children on a 5.4-acre campus at 19th Avenue with facilities for arts, athletics, and teaching and learning.

Community
CAIS traditions include Thanksgiving meals organized in individual classrooms, with families sharing traditional and Asian-inspired dishes. The Holiday Faire, held on a Saturday in early December, features gingerbread houses, games, food, and charitable drives. Mass Greeting is a Lunar New Year celebration led by K–8 students, culminating in a lion dance performed by the sixth grade. Grandparents and Special Friends Day brings guests to campus for a morning of performances and classroom visits in the spring. ShowCAIS is CAIS's annual fundraising gala held at a local San Francisco hotel.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Family School Alliance (FSA) coordinates CAIS family involvement. It organizes events such as the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, Fall and Spring Family Camping Weekends, Holiday Faire, CAIS's participation in the San Francisco Lunar New Year parade, and the End-of-Year Potluck. FSA meets in-person or via Zoom on the first Thursday of the month for the 2025–2026 school year. Leadership works with grade liaisons to facilitate communication across grades, and room parent coordinators support volunteers and classrooms. FSA also runs fundraising and vendor partnerships, including CAIS Spiritwear Boutique and programs with Farm Fresh To You, Minted, Oliver's Labels, and Sports Basement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
CAIS sits on a 5+ acre campus at 3250 19th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132. The campus includes larger classrooms, a state-of-the-art fine arts building and theater, an art studio with two on-site kilns, and a dance studio. A multi-purpose athletic facility features a full-size indoor basketball court and a soccer pitch. CAIS serves students from two years old through 8th grade.

Sports Facilities
Multi-purpose athletic facility includes a full-size indoor basketball court. The facility also includes a soccer pitch. These spaces support on-campus athletic activities and physical education.

Academic Facilities
CAIS has a state-of-the-art fine arts building and theater. An art studio with two on-site kilns is on campus. A dance studio is available for performances and classes. These facilities support CAIS's arts education across two years old through 8th grade.

Extra Curricular Facilities
CAIS Theater on campus hosts performances, concerts, and student productions, including annual events such as a middle school production and a talent show. The theater also serves as a venue for community events, including concerts by external groups and author visits. CAIS Theater hosts a variety of programs and events for families and the community. In 7th and 8th grades, students travel as a class to mainland China to apply learning and broaden their global perspective. There are international travel opportunities for CAIS students.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Design Lab provides hands-on, project-based learning with a range of analog and digital tools that support engineering, design thinking, robotics, and digital fabrication. Design Lab is a required middle school course where projects connect to science and math, culminating in student-led, technology-driven solutions. Sixth grade builds foundational skills and participates in the Middle School STEM Fair, while seventh and eighth grades tackle coding, graphic design, architecture, and engineering through student-centered projects and inventions. The Lab also hosts after-school activities, including a CAIS First Lego League Robotics Team and other technology enrichment classes.

Arts & Creative
Arts at CAIS encompass Music and Movement, Studio Art, and Dance, integrated as part of the school's curriculum. Preschool to third grade use Orff Schulwerk for active music-making, movement, and cultural instrument study, while older students continue to explore visual literacy and personal expression through studio art. Middle School emphasizes two- and three-dimensional art, critical thinking, and communication through visual projects. CAIS Theater Club demonstrates student leadership and performance, culminating in productions such as The Gum San Trilogy.

Cultural & Language
Global Programs include a Fifth Grade Taiwan Exchange, a Seventh Grade Guilin program, and an Eighth Grade Sichuan program, offering immersion experiences, homestays, and authentic learning opportunities. These programs enable students to apply language skills in real contexts and engage with Chinese communities abroad. Mandarin language pathways are integrated into Middle School, supporting bilingual and bicultural learning across grades.

Social & Hobbies
CAIS offers Fall, Spring, and after-school enrichment classes—from cooking and crafts to martial arts and music—taught by experienced instructors. After-school athletics provide team sports for third through eighth grade students, emphasizing fun, fitness, teamwork, and social connections. These offerings give students structured opportunities to explore interests beyond the classroom.

Community & Service
Service learning is embedded in CAIS's Middle School program, including activities within San Francisco's Chinese community. Eighth Grade includes a two-week service-learning trip to Yunnan, China, providing extended opportunities for community engagement and social responsibility. Students and faculty also participate in broader CAIS community events and initiatives throughout the year.

Leadership & Professional
Daily advisory sessions focus on identity development, community building, and developing leadership skills. The CAIS Theater Club highlights student leadership, with students leading sets, props, technical aspects, scheduling, and performances as a wholly student-led production. Service-learning experiences and club leadership opportunities foster ongoing professional and civic growth.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
After-school athletics offer opportunities to have fun, improve fitness, and build teamwork. Outdoor Education experiences for middle school include ropes courses, ocean ecology, hiking, and other activities that promote resilience and well-being. The program supports a balanced approach to physical and social-emotional health through structured activity and peer collaboration.
Languages

Language Provision
Mandarin and English are the languages of instruction. The school provides Mandarin-English dual-language immersion from Preschool through 8th grade. Lower School delivers 50/50 immersion with alternating days in Chinese and English, while Middle School features the Mandarin World Language Pathway with 35% immersion.

Bilingual Teaching
The school offers Mandarin-English dual-language immersion from preschool through 8th grade. The language of instruction includes Mandarin and English across core subjects.

Immersion Programs
The Lower School follows a 50/50 immersion model, alternating Chinese and English instruction days with lead teachers in each language. The Middle School offers the Mandarin World Language Pathway with a 35% immersion model. The program uses proficiency guidelines and, for the middle school, the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) as part of its assessment framework.
Admissions

Admissions
Limited spaces are open in select grades. Eligibility for the 2026-2027 school year: Preschool P2 requires two on or before September 1, 2026; Preschool P3/P4 requires three or four on or before September 1, 2026; Kindergarten requires five on or before September 1, 2026; 1st Grade requires adequate oral and aural proficiency in Mandarin; 2nd–5th Grade requires adequate Mandarin and English proficiency with Mandarin proficiency demonstrated prior to application; 6th–8th Grade offers Mandarin Immersion requiring both Mandarin and English proficiency, while the Mandarin World Language Pathway does not require Mandarin proficiency, only English proficiency. Step 2: Begin by filling out the online inquiry form to stay informed about events and the admissions process. Step 3: Experience campus in person with CAIS 101, Tours for Preschool Applicants, Tours for K-5th Applicants, Tours for 6th-8th Grade Applicants, and Face-to-Face with CAIS later in the season; tour dates fill up quickly. Step 4: Request an application; you'll receive a link to open your online portal; the application includes an evaluation form. Preschool applicants' schools should email the Preschool–K Student Evaluation Form or mail it to 3250 19th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132; First–Eighth Grade Student Evaluation Form is used for older applicants. Applications for 2026-2027 are due January 16, 2026; supporting documents (including evaluation forms) are due February 11. CAIS follows the Principles of Good Practice in Admissions.

Scholarships
Tuition for 2026-2027 is $46,300 for K–8 and $42,900 for Preschool. Adjusted Tuition is a need-based program determined by Clarity and the Adjusted Tuition Committee; applying does not influence the admissions decision. The Adjusted Tuition decision covers tuition, extended care, and International Program fees; the family's Adjusted Tuition is reviewed annually and the CAIS School Code is 5119. The Adjusted Tuition process uses Clarity data and requires an annual application; questions should be directed to adjustedtuition@cais.org. In 2025–2026, 22.5% of families (representing 23.6% of students) paid Adjusted Tuition. Morning care is complimentary; after-school care costs $400/month; August and June are free for families enrolled in extended care from September to May.
School Events
The school has not added events
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