doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
S

San Diego French-American School

United States, San Diego

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees $18,600 - 33,200
Ages 1 - 13 years
Pupil numbers 350
Type Co-educational
Opened 1988
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum, American Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish
Typical class size 7
Strengths STEM, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

San Diego French-American School is a private, independent bilingual school serving ages 18 months through 8th grade on a Mount Soledad–La Jolla campus. It delivers a blended curriculum that weaves French and American approaches, with instruction in both French and English from Kindergarten onward and a full-day bilingual program beginning in early years. The school holds AEFE/MEN accreditation, CAIS membership, and WASC accreditation, and partners with Mission Laïque Française, reflecting its Franco-American identity. The campus features a large athletic field, a spacious library, an auditorium, and advanced STEAM facilities for coding, robotics, and science. An Innovation Lab expands hands-on learning with 3D printing, robotics, laser cutting, VR, and AI-assisted personalization of paths. The arts program includes a music education partnership with Conservatoire français de musique and a Scholastic Art curriculum; students also explore languages through the International Language School. Middle school fosters leadership, service, field trips, and global engagement together.

6550 Soledad Mountain Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States

The Essentials

San Diego French-American School has 350 pupils, typical class sizes of 7, instruction in French, English.

Location
6550 Soledad Mountain Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA

Stages
Pre-Elementary (from 18 months) through 8th grade; PK-8; Pre-Elementary, Elementary School, Middle School; ages 18 months to 13 years

Type
Private, independent bilingual school

Pupil Nationality Mix
30 nationalities comprised in our community

Country affiliation
France (AEFE/MEN accreditation) and Mission Laïque Française affiliation

Bus service
School-owned bus service with North County stops in Carlsbad, Encinitas and Carmel Valley; a morning shuttle van in South County from Coronado and Old Town. Buses are owned, operated, and maintained by SDFAS; three-point seat belts; 5-point harness for smaller children.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
There is no school uniform; a dress code is required.

Food Options
GG Fresh provides school lunches; meals are prepared offsite and served at school daily, with menus built around seasonal produce. Registration is online for the lunch program with options for 2, 3, or 5 days per week, including a vegetarian option; pricing and allergen policy are available with registration.
Fees

Annual tuition at San Diego French-American School ranges from USD 18,600 to USD 33,200 for 2026/27.

Application and Enrollment Fees

- Application fee (per child, 2026–2027): USD 150.
- New student admission fee (one-time at enrollment): First child USD 1,500; additional child USD 500.
- New-family tuition deposit required to secure enrollment (non-refundable): USD 2,000 (full payment of the deposit is required at contract signature for 2026–2027).

Annual Tuition — 2026–2027 (full-time)

- Pre-Elementary
- Toddlers (18 months old) – PK2: USD 27,500 per year.
- Kindergarten: USD 29,000 per year.
- Elementary School
- Grades 1–5: USD 29,000 per year.
- Middle School
- Grades 6–8: USD 33,200 per year.

Part-time Preschool Tuition (2026–2027)

- Toddlers (18 months old – PK0 / 2 years old):
- 5 mornings: USD 25,300 per year.
- 3 full days (Mon/Wed/Fri): USD 22,800 per year.
- 2 full days (Tue/Thu): USD 18,600 per year.

Annual Fees and Grade-specific Fees

- Annual fees (non-refundable; paid with the first tuition installment each year):
- Pre-Elementary: USD 1,000.
- Elementary School: USD 1,000.
- Middle School: USD 1,000.
- Technology (Grades 3–8): refundable device deposit USD 150 (refunded on return of Chromebook + charger in good working condition); annual technology fee USD 75 (2026–2027).
- Fluency Transition Programs (F.L.E. and E.S.L.) — charged by grade and by year of support when required; examples (2026–2027):
- Grades 1–2: Year 1 USD 2,500; Year 2 USD 1,500; Year 3 USD 1,500 (F.L.E.).
- Grades 3–5: Year 1 USD 3,500; Year 2 USD 2,000; Year 3 USD 2,000 (if needed).
- Grades 6–7: Year 1 USD 4,500; Year 2 USD 3,000; Year 3 USD 2,000.
- Grade 8: Year 1 USD 6,500; Year 2 USD 3,000; Year 3 USD 2,000.

Tuition Payment Plans, Billing Schedule and Payment Terms (2026–2027)

- Plan A — one-time payment: Full tuition (annual amount) due on June 5, 2026. The optional Tuition Refund Plan (insurance) is not required for Plan A.
- Plan B — two installments: Two equal installments due on June 5, 2026 and November 5, 2026. A mandatory Tuition Refund Plan equal to 1.65% of the annual tuition (before fees) is added to accounts using Plan B. Annual fees are billed and paid with the first installment.
- Plan C — monthly installments: Ten equal installments billed on the 5th of each month from June 2026 through March 2027. A mandatory Tuition Refund Plan equal to 1.65% of the annual tuition (before fees) is added to accounts using Plan C. Annual fees are billed and paid with the first installment.

Note: the Tuition Refund Plan cost is calculated as 1.65% of the annual tuition amount and is added to Plans B and C only (it is optional with Plan A). The school applies annual fees with the first tuition installment; technology deposits and certain grade-specific charges may be billed at enrollment or with the first installment.

Illustrative per-installment amounts (rounded) for 2026–2027

- Calculations below show how tuition, the mandatory Tuition Refund Plan (1.65% of annual tuition) and the annual fee are allocated under Plan B (two installments) and Plan C (ten installments). All amounts shown in examples are rounded to the nearest cent and displayed as whole payments due on the stated dates.

- Example — Elementary / Kindergarten (Annual tuition USD 29,000; Annual fee USD 1,000):
- Tuition Refund Plan (1.65% of USD 29,000) = USD 478.50.
- Plan B (two equal installments): tuition + TRP = USD 29,478.50 → two equal installments USD 14,739.25 each. First installment (due June 5, 2026) includes the annual fee: USD 14,739.25 + USD 1,000 = USD 15,739.25. Second installment (due Nov 5, 2026) = USD 14,739.25.
- Plan C (ten installments): tuition + TRP = USD 29,478.50 → ten monthly installments USD 2,947.85. First installment (due June 5, 2026) includes the annual fee: USD 2,947.85 + USD 1,000 = USD 3,947.85. Subsequent nine installments = USD 2,947.85 each.

- Example — Middle School (Annual tuition USD 33,200; Annual fee USD 1,000):
- TRP (1.65%): USD 547.80. Tuition + TRP = USD 33,747.80.
- Plan B installments (two): USD 16,873.90 each; first installment including annual fee = USD 17,873.90 (due June 5, 2026); second = USD 16,873.90 (due Nov 5, 2026).
- Plan C installments (ten): USD 3,374.78 per month; first including annual fee = USD 4,374.78 (due June 5, 2026); months July–March = USD 3,374.78 each.

- Example — Pre-Elementary / Toddlers PK2 (Annual tuition USD 27,500; Annual fee USD 1,000):
- TRP (1.65%): USD 453.75. Tuition + TRP = USD 27,953.75.
- Plan B (two): USD 13,976.88 each; first including annual fee = USD 14,976.88 (due June 5, 2026); second = USD 13,976.88 (due Nov 5, 2026).
- Plan C (ten): USD 2,795.38 per month; first including annual fee = USD 3,795.38 (due June 5, 2026); subsequent months USD 2,795.38.

- Example — Part-time Toddler (5 mornings, annual tuition USD 25,300; Annual fee USD 1,000):
- TRP (1.65%): USD 417.45. Tuition + TRP = USD 25,717.45.
- Plan B (two): USD 12,858.73 each; first including annual fee = USD 13,858.73 (due June 5, 2026); second = USD 12,858.73 (due Nov 5, 2026).
- Plan C (ten): USD 2,571.74 per month; first including annual fee = USD 3,571.74 (due June 5, 2026); subsequent months USD 2,571.74.

(These illustrative installment amounts show the school's stated billing structure: annual fees are collected with the first installment and the Tuition Refund Plan of 1.65% is added to Plans B and C. Individual family accounts may include additional charges such as technology deposits, fluency program fees or transportation.)

Transportation and Other Optional Costs

- 2026–2027 Transportation (North County, Coronado & Old Town) — sample annual route pricing (annual package rates):
- Carlsbad / Encinitas / Carmel Valley: Single child (one-way) USD 1,520; Additional child (one-way) USD 1,140. Round trip single child USD 3,040; additional child round trip USD 2,280. (Specific routes and availability vary by program and route.)
- School clothing / spirit wear: The school does not require a uniform but enforces a dress code; teal polo shirts for field trips (PK0–5) and a grey PE shirt for PE classes are recommended and available via the school's Lands' End store and the school spirit store. Prices for clothing items are set by the vendor at time of purchase.

Technology, Deposits and Refund Terms

- Technology deposit (Grades 3–8): USD 150 deposit refundable upon return of the Chromebook and charger in good working condition; annual technology fee USD 75.
- Annual fees are explicitly non-refundable and are collected with the first tuition installment each year. The initial tuition deposit of USD 2,000 for new families is non-refundable.
- The Tuition Refund Plan (1.65% of annual tuition) is an insurance-style plan applied automatically to Plan B and Plan C; families may opt in to this plan with Plan A.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable for this school (SDFAS operates as a day school; boarding fees are not charged).

Fee Payment Methods and Platforms

- Enrollment contracts and all tuition payments are processed through FACTS SIS and FACTS Tuition Management platforms. Families use FACTS to sign contracts and to enroll in a payment plan.
- The school accepts payment methods for development/donation purposes (checks, credit card) through the Development Office; donation payment methods and bank-transfer information are provided to donors by the Development Office. Tuition and billing are managed through FACTS.

Additional notes on charges

- Other possible charges include overnight field-trip fees, grade-level specific fees (for example additional assessments, extended trips or special programs), enrichment or after-school program fees, and any bank or processing fees charged by the payment platform. Technology deposits and fluency program fees are billed separately where applicable.
Academics

San Diego French-American School teaches French Curriculum, American Curriculum for students aged 1 to 13.

Curriculum
The school offers a bilingual curriculum that weaves French and American educational approaches to develop bilingual, bicultural, and bi-literate learners. Instruction is delivered in both French and English across grade levels, with a full-day bilingual program starting in Kindergarten. Kindergarten naturally evolves into a rich, challenging, full-day bilingual curriculum developed in French and English. The school serves students from 18 months through 8th grade on a La Jolla campus, with facilities including a library, an auditorium, STEAM classrooms for coding and robotics, a large athletic field, and a science lab. SDFAS is AEFE/MEN-accredited and holds CAIS and WASC accreditation, and is a partner school of Mission Laïque Française. The STEAM & AI program includes coding and robotics across grade levels, cyber safety education, and AI-assisted tools to personalize learning paths.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
San Diego French-American School has a school-wide Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program integrated into a bilingual, French-English immersion environment. The SEL program uses Responsive Classroom and focuses on open-mindedness, intellectual curiosity, integrity, empathy, and resilience. It supports students in developing empathy, resilience, and strong interpersonal skills. The program aligns with CAIS accreditation recommendations and aims to create a learning environment where students become confident, responsible, and engaged global citizens. A Panorama student climate survey will be used to measure safety, belonging, and SEL skills in 3rd–8th grade to guide improvements, and SEL routines are embedded across divisions.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
SDFAS is committed to inclusion, equity and belonging for all members of its community and to ensuring everyone is heard and respected in their differences. Everyone has what they need to succeed, including individuals with special educational needs. The school emphasizes an inclusive environment where differences are acknowledged and supported. This commitment to inclusion encompasses all members of the community, including those with special educational needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school threads French and American education together to create a bilingual symbiosis. Bilingual education starts as early as 18 months and broadens global perspectives through 8th grade. Kindergarten develops into a rich, challenging, full-day bilingual curriculum conducted in French and English. The Elementary School is bilingual, with English hours increasing gradually from 1st through 5th grade. Middle School prepares students to thrive in French lycées, American high schools, or international IB programs.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a school-wide SEL program and the Responsive Classroom approach, which fosters an inclusive, safe, and joyful school environment. The program emphasizes trust, belonging, and supportive relationships, with mindful communication and positive discipline embedded across classrooms. Responsive Classroom practices include routines that promote empathy and collaborative learning across divisions. The school uses Panorama to survey student perceptions of safety, belonging, and SEL skills, enabling data-driven improvements in the learning climate.

Safeguarding
The Health Office provides a School Nurse and health services, with detailed policies for asthma, allergies, diabetes, lice, seizures, and medication administration. Asthma action plans, allergy action plans, and other health forms are required and managed by the health staff, and students may have prescribed medications stored or administered at school. The school enforces a non-stigmatizing approach to health issues such as lice and maintains a sick policy to protect students' health and learning. A nondiscriminatory policy ensures safety, inclusion, and equal treatment for all students regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or other protected characteristics. The health program and policies are designed to safeguard students while supporting their day-to-day educational needs.
Parent Experience

History
The school was founded in 1988 by André and Chandra Bordes as a preschool in the Clairemont Mesa neighborhood of San Diego. From 1988 to 2010, Bordes served as Headmaster, and in 2010 Christian Jarlov became Head of School, with the Mount Soledad campus in La Jolla becoming the primary site and a period of program enhancements and enrollment growth. Jarlov retired in July 2017, and Mark Rosenblum led as Head of School until June 2023, followed by Isabelle David being appointed Head of School in January 2024. The school's name changed from San Diego International School to San Diego French-American School in September 2006, and since that time the campus has been located at 6550 Soledad Mountain Road in La Jolla. The school was accredited by the French Ministry of National Education in December 1990; the WASC accreditation was renewed in 2011 and the school joined the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) with a 6-year accreditation term.

Community
The campus sits atop Mount Soledad in La Jolla, offering facilities including a large sports field, multiple playgrounds and recess spaces, a library, an auditorium, a state-of-the-art STEAM classroom for coding and robotics, and a large science lab. The school's community is international and diverse, united in a commitment to multilingual education. The school counts approximately 350 students aged 18 months through 13 years and holds AEFE/MEN accreditation along with CAIS and WASC accreditation. This combination reflects the school's alignment with both the French national education system and American independent school standards.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The San Diego French-American School Parent Community Association (P.C.A.) consists of students, faculty, staff, and parents, and its mission is to strengthen and support a vibrant, international, and inclusive school community. The goals of the P.C.A. Leadership Team include organizing and promoting community events, recruiting volunteers, and supporting classroom activities by coordinating parent efforts and appreciation events. The P.C.A. has an Executive Team with leaders such as President, Vice President, Director of Communications, Director of Events, Treasurer, and Secretary. Annual events organized in conjunction with the school administration include Sunset with SDFAS, International Holiday Market, Talent Show, Book Fairs, Jog-A-Thon, Teacher Appreciation Week, and a Summer Fair, with budgets planned by August 30 each year. To get involved, parents can email pca@sdfas.org.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has a campus perched atop Mount Soledad in La Jolla, serving students from 18 months through 8th grade. It takes advantage of the California indoor-outdoor lifestyle with multiple playgrounds and spacious recess areas, an expansive athletic field, a beautiful library, state-of-the-art STEAM classrooms for coding and robotics, a large auditorium, and a fully-equipped science lab.

Sports Facilities
The school has an expansive athletic field for outdoor activities. Middle School students compete in sports league teams in San Diego North County.

Academic Facilities
The school has state-of-the-art STEAM classrooms for coding and robotics, a beautiful library, a large auditorium, and a fully-equipped science lab.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The STEAM program runs from Toddlers through 8th grade and includes coding, robotics, and cyber safety. STEAM connects with the broader curriculum to develop inquiry, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. The Innovation Lab provides hands-on tools such as MakerBot 3D printers, Ozobots, BeeBots, ProBots, TI graphing calculators, Innovative Hubs, Rovers, a laser cutting machine, and VR headsets. The school embraces Artificial Intelligence to personalize learning paths and support bilingual education, using AI-assisted tools to promote digital literacy while respecting privacy and security.

Arts & Creative
Middle School art is taught through Scholastic Art's program, with high‑interest themes linked to an artist or movement and corresponding art activities. Each topic includes an art project that reflects the studied style. Music education is provided through Conservatoire français de musique, which offers private lessons (piano, guitar, violin, viola, voice, and music theory) and an orchestra for ages 7–15, with diplomas issued by the Conservatoire International de Musique de Paris.

Cultural & Language
The International Language School (ILS) offers language courses for students of all ages and levels in French, Mandarin, Spanish, Italian, and German. The instructor‑to‑student ratio is typically 1:8. The school also provides high school French programs, AP French Boot Camp, CNED distance courses, and CNED options for continuing French education.

Social & Hobbies
The Middle School fosters student‑led initiatives, including the Eco Committee to support green initiatives and the Party Planning Committee to organize events. Students build confidence through in‑class oral presentations and public speaking. The Talent Show, organized by the Parent Community Association, brings together the San Diego Franco‑American family for music, dance, and performances.

Community & Service
All middle school students participate in community service through school‑sponsored projects such as visiting local homeless shelters, contributing to an annual food drive, or volunteering after school in the community. The Parent Community Association organizes events to strengthen the school community and welcome new families, including annual gatherings and community markets.

Leadership & Professional
Student representatives are a key component of class and school councils, giving students a voice in school decisions. The Middle School offers opportunities to participate in various committees to develop leadership, organizational, and communication skills. The Parent Community Association coordinates events and volunteer opportunities, providing leadership roles for families and students alike.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Middle School sponsors a sports league with Co‑ed Flag Football, Boys' and Girls' Cross‑Country, and Girls' Volleyball, with sizable participation and league championships won by the cross‑country teams. Each year, each grade participates in a week‑long educational field trip to foster teamwork and independence. The school supports student wellbeing with a psychologist who provides individual and group support, helping students navigate social and emotional development.
Languages

Language Provision
English, French, and Spanish are offered. ESL (English as a Second Language) or FLE (French as a Foreign Language) is offered for at least one year to students who have not mastered a language taught at the school. The Spanish program spans Toddlers–8 and is connected to the Instituto Cervantes, enabling DELE examinations. The school is AEFE/MEN accredited and a partner of Mission Laïque Française.

Bilingual Teaching
The Elementary years combine the pedagogical requirements of the French Ministry of Education and the framework of standards put forth by the California State Department of Education. Classes are taught primarily in French. The number of hours taught in English increases gradually from seven hours in 1st and 2nd grade to ten hours in 5th grade. Kindergarten evolves into a full-day bilingual curriculum developed in French and English.

Immersion Programs
Preschool years immerse learners in the French language from as early as 18 months. Kindergarten continues with a full-day bilingual curriculum developed in French and English. Middle School prepares bilingual, bicultural, and bi-literate students.
Reputation

Awards
Palmes du Réseau d'Enseignement Français à l'Étranger, Innovative Action, 2025.

Accreditations
AEFE/MEN accreditation (French government) – SDFAS is one of over 50 AEFE/MEN-accredited international schools in the United States; partner of Mission Laïque Française.
CAIS accreditation.
WASC accreditation.
EFE3D certification level 2 (Spring 2023) recognizing sustainable development efforts across the school.
Member in good standing with the San Diego Consortium of Independent Schools.
Member of the National Association of Independent Schools.
Official branch of Instituto Cervantes in San Diego; authorized to hold DELE exams for students and the community.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Inquire, Book a Private Tour or Attend Our Open House. The Admissions Office welcomes families for private tours; Open Houses for the 2026–2027 school year have concluded. You can learn about the bilingual community and how the program integrates English and French instruction.
2. Application Submission. The online application is submitted via FACTS, our application portal. It requests the child's personal information, previous educational history, teacher recommendations if applicable, and most recent report cards. The school uses this information to move the process toward evaluation.
3. Assessment and Interviews. After the application is received, the Admissions Office will schedule a parent/guardian meeting and a student evaluation session. For children 18 months through 5, the assessment is a 45-minute play-based session with the Preschool Director. For those older than 5, the assessment includes a conversation and an evaluation in reading, writing, and mathematics in English and French if applicable.
4. Enrollment. If accepted, an enrollment contract is issued. After submitting this contract and paying the necessary fees, you will be invited to several community events to meet teachers, learn about the school community, and prepare for the upcoming school year.

Scholarships
Financial aid is available to Kindergarten through 8th grade students based on demonstrated financial need. Only students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade are eligible; applications are submitted via CLARITY. New and returning families must create an account and submit their application before February 1, 2026; applications submitted after that date are reviewed on a fund-available basis. Information provided during the financial aid process is kept confidential. The French government awards scholarships to French nationals aged three years and older who demonstrate financial need; deadlines for 2026–2027 include a February 13, 2026 submission to the consulate, first consular proposals in April 2026, decisions by the national commission in June 2026, and communication of decisions to families by late June 2026; online applications can be submitted via the Scolaide platform. Military/DOD fee assistance programs are also available for eligible families through the provider network. For more information about Financial Aid, contact the Director of Enrollment Sarah Blek at 858-456-2807 x306 or admissions@sdfas.org.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in United States View all schools in San Diego View all schools in United states American curriculum schools in United States Open days & tours in San Diego What is the American curriculum? View all schools Search all schools