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Lycée Français de San Francisco - Ashbury Campus

United States, San Francisco

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees $28,000 - 58,900
Ages 2 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1967
Bus Service Yes
Part of
Lycée Français de San Francisco
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum
Taught languages French, English, Spanish, German, Mandarin, Latin
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Lycée Français de San Francisco (LFSF) is an international school serving PreK–12 with two bilingual tracks: a French Track aligned to the French Ministry of National Education, and an International Track powered by the International Baccalaureate (IB). Students aged 2 to 18 benefit from continuous education across three campuses: Ashbury (Preschool–Grade 5) in San Francisco, Sausalito (Preschool–Grade 5) in Marin, and Ortega (Middle–High School) in San Francisco. The International Track follows the IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). The school is accredited by the French Ministry and CAIS and is part of the AEFE network. Across campuses sustainability is embedded: Eco-Delegates, solar aquaponics, water cisterns, living green walls, and an organic Cantine kitchen. LFSF hosts a diverse community of around 50 nationalities and offers strong arts, athletics, and language programs, enabling bilingual French–English instruction and a wide range of extracurricular activities for families.

This campus is part of Lycée Français de San Francisco

755 Ashbury St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States

The Essentials

Lycée Français de San Francisco - Ashbury Campus has typical class sizes of 18, instruction in French, English.

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
Ashbury and Sausalito campuses offer Preschool through Grade 5. Ortega Campus houses Middle School (Gr 6–8) and High School (Gr 9–12).

Type
Private international school offering PreK–12 bilingual education with two tracks: French Track and International Track powered by IB.

Pupil Nationality Mix
More than 50 nationalities are represented across campuses; more than 30 languages are spoken.

Country affiliation
France; AEFE member

Bus service
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.
Diving Deeper

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.

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at Lycée Français de San Francisco - Ashbury Campus ranges from USD 28,000 to USD 58,900 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

Lycée Français de San Francisco - Ashbury Campus teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
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.

Exam Results
French Baccalaureate results are outstanding.

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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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)
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 (EAL)
The International Track is powered by the IB and makes the Lycée accessible to all prospective students without any French language requirement.

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
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.
Parent Experience

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
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 (PTA)
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.
Facilities

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
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
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
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 Activities

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
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
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
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 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
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
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.
Languages

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
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
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.
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
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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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