Home
There’s no school like it in San Francisco.
Discussions, explorations, and adventures are richer and livelier because every member of our vibrant, international community is both student and teacher on an exhilarating journey of learning and empathy. With compassionate hearts and inquisitive minds, our students are the collaborative global changemakers who will lead our world towards a more just future.
Maternelle/Preschool
When students discover school in a nurturing and caring environment, it lays the foundation for them to become confident and enthusiastic bilingual learners. In France, early learning centers are referred to as “Maternelle.” Ours is a unique French bilingual immersion environment beginning at age 2 for PK2, PK3, and PK4 students, many of whom do not have French spoken at home.
Kindergarten–Grade 8
When students are encouraged to speak for themselves and express their own thoughts and questions while actively listening to their classmates and teachers, they learn self-sufficiency as well as collaboration. In our Lower School, students learn in both English and French, and possess a great sense of resourcefulness and independence thanks to their blossoming bilingualism and their increased confidence and self-esteem.
High School
When students pursue the well-rounded and rigorous International Baccalaureate or French Baccalaureate diploma, they push their personal boundaries, excel in collaboration, and develop real confidence. The IB and French Bac curriculum gives students the experience and mobility to learn and thrive anywhere in the world.
Our World-Class Programs
The benefits of an international education in our community are many. Students develop critical thinking, deep intellectual engagement, and cross-cultural empathy that equip them to be true citizens of the world.
From Maternelle to Grade 12, our students cultivate a passion for learning and the arts through a flexible and highly personalized Arts curriculum that integrates French national and IB standards. Our values of Respect, Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Curiosity permeate all levels of a student’s artistic journey as they become discerning observers, listeners, critical thinkers, and performers.
Athletics are fully integrated into our educational philosophy and experience. Our athletic program fosters a spirit of commitment, leadership, and sportsmanship, while honoring cultural diversity and gender equity. Our student-athletes play because they love the game, value their teammates, and take pride in representing our school.
Every year, our students have the opportunity to take part in unforgettable trips around the world. These memorable experiences, which are shared yet deeply personal, are full of transformative learning moments. They embody our school's mission and values and foster adaptability, resilience, and global citizenship.
When students pursue the rigorous French Baccalaureate, the journey is challenging and exceptionally rewarding. Individual strengths are recognized and reinforced, and varied interests are explored in depth. The power of our French bilingual education is evidenced by many of our highest-performing students in the French Track coming from families where French is not spoken at home.
When students enroll in the well-rounded and rigorous International Baccalaureate program, they learn to push their personal boundaries, excel in collaboration, and project confidence on a public stage. The IB curriculum, in tandem with global travel, gives students the experience and mobility to learn and thrive anywhere in the world.
- Chloe Benjamin
Being around people from different countries, who spoke different languages, had a huge impact on who I am today. International is a place that celebrates diversity, which inspired me to continue learning from people of different backgrounds, and hopefully infuses into my writing.
- Alum '06 and Author
- Kevin Smith
In an age where diversity, inclusion, independence, and individuality all matter, The International School of San Francisco delivers these principles not only to the children they educate, but continues to evolve from the inside through their faculty, staff, and policies.
- Parent '24 and Trustee
- Betsy Bayha & Heidi Gewertz
The International Baccalaureate program is rigorous, and we have seen Henry’s critical thinking and writing skills blossom during his High School years. He has also had amazing opportunities to participate in top notch music and theater programs and to perform on stages at the SFJAZZ Center, Herbst Theater, and in New York.
- Parents '24
- Chris Ebersole
I look back fondly at how committed the teachers were to developing us not only in their subject matter, but also as people. My teachers were experts in their subjects, and also really great mentors for all of their students. They brought us along in many more ways than just academically.
- Alum '06 and Sports Executive
- Sachin & Kate Agarwal
We came here for the language immersion aspect and quickly fell in love with so much more – from the teachers to the program itself, to the community and parent culture. The idea of having an education that is international and for them to experience different cultures is amazing.
- Parents '36
Connect With Us
Follow us on social media to stay updated on school news and events, and to learn more about our programs and curriculum. Get a glimpse into our unique, vibrant learning environment and join us in celebrating our international community!