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Taught languages English, Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish
Typical class size 6
Strengths Languages, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction
Pacific Rim International School (PRINTS) is an independent Montessori program serving children from infancy through high school with two campuses in San Mateo and Emeryville. The school delivers dual-immersion Montessori education with Mandarin-English, Japanese-English, and Spanish-English tracks, supported by AMI-trained guides at every level. This makes PRINTS one of the first Montessori programs to offer Mandarin, Japanese, and Spanish across the full age span. The Upper School is accredited by ACS WASC, reflecting ongoing program review. PRINTS traces its origins to 1989 in Berkeley as a Mandarin-English bilingual Montessori school, expanding to Emeryville in 1995 and San Mateo in 1997; a second Children's House opened there in 1999. The 2023 relocation brought a new San Mateo campus, and the school has evolved with programs such as Nido (2014) and a Spanish-English track (2021). Beyond academics, PRINTS offers art, language, dance, and music classes, with new offerings each year.
Pacific Rim International School has 51 pupils, typical class sizes of 6, instruction in English, Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish.
Location
San Mateo, California. Campus address: 2600 Campus Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403.
Stages
Nido; Infant Community; Children's House; Elementary; Erdkinder: Junior High & High School
Type
Independent Montessori school offering a bilingual dual-immersion program.
Pupil Nationality Mix
International and multicultural orientation; accepts students from diverse backgrounds.
School day structure
Core school day: Nido, Infant Community and Children's House 9:00 am–3:00 pm; Elementary 8:15 am–3:15 pm; Erdkinder 8:15 am–3:45 pm. Extended Day operates 8:00 am–6:00 pm with optional extracurricular activities.
Fees
Annual tuition at Pacific Rim International School ranges from USD 37,000 to USD 45,600 for 2026/27.
Academic year covered
- Academic Year 2026–2027.
Application fees
- A non‑refundable application fee is required with each application. For international applicants the application fee is USD 520 (this includes the I‑20 fee). Application fees can be paid by U.S. personal check, cashier's check, cash, credit card, or direct wire transfer.
Tuition — Lower School (San Mateo campus; annual amounts by program and daily hours)
- Nido (ages 3–18 months): - 3.5 hours: USD 34,600 per year. - 6 hours: USD 38,560 per year. - 8.5 hours: USD 42,860 per year. - 9.5 hours: USD 42,860 per year. - Voucher hours: USD 23.00 per hour. - Registration fee (one‑time at enrollment): USD 2,700.
- Infant Community (18–36 months): - 3.5 hours: USD 32,800 per year. - 6 hours: USD 36,700 per year. - 8.5 hours: USD 43,760 per year. - 9.5 hours: USD 40,860 per year. - Voucher hours: USD 23.00 per hour. - Registration fee (one‑time at enrollment): USD 4,800.
- Children's House (ages 3–6): - 4 hours: USD 32,800 per year. - 6 hours: USD 36,700 per year. - 8.5 hours: USD 43,790 per year. - 9.5 hours: USD 40,860 per year. - Voucher hours: USD 22.00 per hour. - Registration fee (one‑time at enrollment): USD 4,200.
- Elementary (1st–6th grade): - 7 hours: USD 37,000 per year. - 8.5 hours: USD 45,465 per year. - 9.5 hours: USD 41,700 per year. - Voucher hours: USD 22.00 per hour. - Registration fee (one‑time at enrollment): USD 4,600.
Tuition — Upper School (Erdkinder; San Mateo campus, annual amounts by daily hours)
- Erdkinder (7th–12th grade): - 7.5 hours: USD 45,600 per year. - 8.5 hours: USD 50,700 per year. - 9.5 hours: USD 47,600 per year. - Voucher hours: USD 22.00 per hour. - Registration fee (one‑time at enrollment): USD 6,800.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The listed tuition covers the academic year (the Lower‑school page shows the 2026–2027 academic year running September 8, 2026 through June 18, 2027). Families must return a signed Enrollment Agreement and pay a last‑month, non‑refundable tuition deposit equal to 10% of the tuition at that time. Tuition may be paid in full or in ten equal monthly installments. Families choosing installment payments are required to participate in the school's Tuition Refund Plan; the Tuition Refund Plan varies by class and enrolled hours.
Boarding / on‑campus housing
- Boarding is not applicable to the San Mateo campus program listings; PRINTS does not list an on‑campus boarding program. International students follow the school's international admissions procedures (I‑20 processing, proof of funds, insurance, etc.).
Other required or typical additional costs
- Registration fee: a one‑time, non‑refundable registration fee is charged at enrollment (amounts vary by program — see the registration fee line for each program above). Registration fees include organic hot lunch, technology, insurance and other operating costs; for Nido and Infant Community the registration fee also covers cloth diapers and training pants where applicable.
- Health insurance (international students): an annual insurance amount is noted for international students (the international page lists an insurance figure as part of international fees). International students are required to have health insurance while studying in the United States; the I‑20 processing fee is covered in part by the international application fee. Estimated annual insurance and books/other fees for international students are listed separately in the international student section.
- Books and other student‑specific fees: international students are shown an approximate books/other fees estimate (approximately USD 1,500 per year). Additional optional costs such as summer program fees, extracurricular activities, school trips, special program fees, uniforms, school photos, and other incidentals may apply and are billed separately when applicable. Voucher hours (for before/after care) are available and charged per hour as listed above.
Refund information
- The last‑month tuition deposit is non‑refundable. Families who opt for installment payments must participate in the Tuition Refund Plan; the Tuition Refund Plan's terms vary depending on class and hours enrolled. Specific refund schedules (for withdrawal, dismissal, or visa refusals for international students) and any refund processing fees are managed under the school's refund/Tuition Refund Plan policy.
Fee payment methods accepted
- Accepted payment methods include U.S. personal check, cashier's check, cash, credit card, and direct wire transfer for application fees and commonly for tuition payments. Families paying from abroad are able to use wire transfer; contact the school for wire instructions.
Notes on timing and extras
- Summer program fees are separate from the academic‑year tuition. Voucher hours are purchased in advance when needed for occasional early arrival or late pickup. Registration fees are charged at enrollment and cover specified items (lunch, insurance, technology). Participation in installment plans requires enrollment in the Tuition Refund Plan.
Academics
Pacific Rim International School teaches Montessori Curriculum for students aged 0 to 18.
Curriculum
The school offers dual-immersion Montessori education for children from infancy through high school. Language programs include Mandarin-English, Japanese-English, and Spanish-English. AMI Montessori guides are provided at every academic level. The school is the first Montessori program to include Mandarin, Japanese, and Spanish. The Upper School is accredited by ACS WASC.
Higher Education Progression
Graduates pursue higher education at universities in the United States, including the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Emotional development is part of the First Plane (ages 0–6) in PRINTS' Montessori program. The First Plane centers on physical and emotional development. The school promotes a bilingual, multicultural environment that fosters social awareness and interdependence across cultures. Children gain fluency in two languages and learn to operate across Eastern and Western cultures. Students leaving PRINTS are well-prepared with social competence to collaborate with people of all ages.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
PRINTS provides fluency in English and a second language (Mandarin Chinese-English, Japanese-English, or Spanish-English). The aims of the multilingual experience are to cultivate curiosity about language and culture and to enable students to think and communicate in two or more languages. The dual immersion approach enables students to be proficient speakers, readers and writers in both English and the second language. The Japanese Program is currently available at the San Mateo campus.
Mental Wellbeing
Montessori education at PRINTS supports holistic development, including emotional development in the First Plane (ages 0–6). The planes of development outline how early years progress through stages that emphasize emotional and social growth. The program also fosters social competence and independence, preparing students to collaborate with people of all ages.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Consultation — Fill out the Orientation Tour Form for the campus of choice; a PRINTS representative will reach out to schedule a phone consultation. The Lower School spans 3 months to 6th grade and the Upper School spans 7th to 12th grade, both at the San Mateo Campus. Lower School admissions are accepted year-round; Upper School admissions begin at the start of each academic year, with mid-year consideration possible under special circumstances. After the consultation, families understand the next steps in the process. 2. Campus Visit — Following the phone consultation, you can schedule a campus visit to observe how students learn and work in the environments. The orientation tour includes a one-on-one discussion with a PRINTS representative about the school's philosophy and curriculum. For safety, virtual tours are currently the only option. 3. Application Submission — Complete and submit the online application form. All applications are processed upon submission of the completed form and payment of a non-refundable application fee. Lower School applications are for 3 months to 6th grade; Upper School applications are for 7th-12th grade, both at the San Mateo Campus. 4. Decision Letter — After review of the application, a decision letter will be sent.
Scholarships
Financial assistance is available for Elementary and Upper School students who meet need-based criteria. PRINTS uses the Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST) service to process applications. Financial assistance is offered in two forms: an Installment Payment Plan and a Scholarship.
FAQs
What is the age range of Pacific Rim International School (PRINTS) and where is it located?
PRINTS serves students from 0 through 18 years old and is based in the San Mateo, California campus at 2600 Campus Drive (94403). The school operates two Bay Area campuses, including one in Emeryville. It opened in 1989.
What curriculum and language programs define PRINTS?
PRINTS offers a bilingual dual-immersion Montessori program from infancy through high school, with AMI Montessori guides at every level. Language tracks include Mandarin-English, Japanese-English, and Spanish-English, making it the first Montessori program to offer all three language pairs. The Upper School is accredited by ACS WASC.
Is boarding available at PRINTS?
Boarding is not offered at the San Mateo campus. Extended Day is available from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and core day times vary by program (Nido/Infant/Children's House 9:00 am–3:00 pm; Elementary 8:15 am–3:15 pm; Erdkinder 8:15 am–3:45 pm).
What do international families need to know about applying to PRINTS?
International applicants follow PRINTS' international admissions process, including an I-20 workflow, proof of funds, insurance, and related steps. Applications are processed after submitting a completed form and the non-refundable application fee. The school offers virtual campus visits for safety and convenience during the process.
How does the application process flow at PRINTS?
The process includes: 1) a consultation/orientation, 2) a campus visit (currently virtual), 3) submission of the online application and a non-refundable fee, and 4) a decision letter after review.
Are scholarships or financial aid available, and how are they processed?
Yes. PRINTS offers need-based financial assistance for Elementary and Upper School students. Aid is processed through FAST, and options include an Installment Payment Plan and a Scholarship.
What are the tuition payment terms and any deposits or plans I should know about?
Tuition can be paid in full or in ten equal monthly installments. A last-month, non-refundable tuition deposit equal to 10% of the tuition is required at enrollment. If you choose installments, you'll participate in the Tuition Refund Plan, whose terms vary by class and enrolled hours.
What does the PRINTS curriculum look like academically and linguistically?
PRINTS provides a dual-immersion Montessori curriculum from 0 to 18 years, with Mandarin-English, Japanese-English, and Spanish-English tracks. AMI-trained guides support students at every level, and the Upper School (Erdkinder) is ACS WASC-accredited.
What are typical higher education outcomes for PRINTS graduates?
Graduates pursue higher education at U.S. universities, including the University of California system, with examples such as UC Santa Cruz being mentioned among destinations.
What are the main campus facilities like, and where are PRINTS' campuses located?
PRINTS operates two Bay Area campuses—in Emeryville and San Mateo, California. The San Mateo campus is officially located at 2600 Campus Drive. The school offers ongoing arts and language classes across campuses, with new offerings added each year.
What kinds of facilities support arts and language learning at PRINTS?
The program offers a broad range of extracurriculars including art, language, dance, and music classes for all ages, with new offerings introduced each year. Lunch, technology, and other operating costs are included in the registration fee for some programs.
Is there on-campus housing or boarding at PRINTS?
No. Boarding is not listed for PRINTS' San Mateo program, but Extended Day is offered from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm to accommodate before/after school needs.
What extracurricular activities and enrichment opportunities does PRINTS offer?
PRINTS provides art, language, dance, and music classes for all ages, with an evolving menu of offerings each year. A dedicated Summer Program is also available.
What additional programs are available beyond the regular school year?
In addition to core academics, PRINTS runs a Summer Program and a varied extracurricular schedule that changes each year, including language and arts offerings.
How does PRINTS support wellbeing and language development for students?
PRINTS emphasizes holistic development through Montessori's First Plane (ages 0–6), focusing on emotional growth and social competence. The school promotes bilingualism through dual-immersion tracks, aiming for fluency in English and a second language (Mandarin, Japanese, or Spanish). The Japanese program is currently available at the San Mateo campus.
What kinds of language and emotional support are available for students?
The school uses a bilingual approach to help students think and communicate in two languages, with AMI-trained guides guiding learning across ages. Montessori philosophy supports emotional development early on, building social skills and independence.
What about health insurance and safety for international students?
International students are required to have health insurance while studying in the U.S., and the I-20 processing fee is partially covered with the international application fee. PRINTS provides guidance on insurance and related international-student requirements.
What is unique about PRINTS' school culture and community?
PRINTS emphasizes a multicultural, bilingual environment, including Mandarin-English, Japanese-English, and Spanish-English tracks across age groups. The school hosts parent-focused events like Silent Journey and Discovery, and maintains a long-standing history in the Bay Area's Montessori community.
Are there any notable accreditation milestones or programs?
The Upper School is ACS WASC-accredited, and PRINTS has a history of program milestones, including IB accreditation in 2009 and launching a Spanish-English program in 2021—the Bay Area's first Montessori to offer four languages.
How can families engage with the PRINTS community?
Families can start with an Orientation Tour and a campus visit (currently virtual for safety), then submit the online application. PRINTS encourages ongoing family involvement through events like Silent Journey and Discovery and other community activities.
