|  | The French-American Bilingual School, as the school was known for its first 20 years, opened in 1962., whens a small, like-minded group of visionary parents and community leaders decided to create an alternative independent school based on diversity, community, and bilingualism. The original single-classroom school was to be modeled on the best practices of the French Lycées in London, Paris, and Geneva.
During the years that followed, the school grew, metamorphosed, and changed locations. What is now known as the International High School was added in 1977, just before the school moved to its previously enduring location at the UC Extension Campus on Buchanan Street. In the spring of 1994, in a joint educational and bond-generating venture known as the National Center for International Schools, the French-American International School and the Chinese-American International School successfully bid on the former CalTrans building at 150 Oak Street. Zoning permission was granted in record time. After successful seismic retrofitting, environmental and building code studies were undertaken, the six-story structure was gutted, and the building then rebuilt to create a functional and vibrant shared campus. |
| | | |
|
The success of the school has brought about a high level of demand – since moving to the current building at 150 Oak Street in 1997, the student body has increased from 602 to 942 in Pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
In order to accomodate this growth, particularly at the high school level, the school purchased a 20,000 square foot building located at 66 Page Street in Janurary 2008. The new facility opened in the fall of 2009, housing middle school and high school theater, music and visual arts, film and video programs. The purchase of the new building also made possible extensive enhancements to the 4th, 5th and 6th floors of 150 Oak Street during the summer of 2008, including:
- construction of a high school library and research center
- a full wing dedicated to science instruction with a new, subject specific bio-tech lab
- an expanded college counseling and resource center
- new technology labs for middle school and high school students
- greatly increased teacher and student work spaces
- new classrooms and seminar rooms
This important project was a major step toward the development of a comprehensive campus in the heart of San Francisco's civic center, and furthers the school's prominence as a leader in international education. |
| |
|