The San Francisco School

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Founded in 1966, The San Francisco School^[1] is a Preschool through 8th Grade independent school with a commitment to a multicultural and inclusive community. The School embraces San Francisco's ethnic, cultural, and economic diversity. Its progressive approach to education encourages children to develop self-reliance, strong academic skills, creativity, and a sense of social justice. They graduate academically prepared, inquisitive, courageous, and eager for the challenges ahead.

One of the oldest coeducational Preschool - 8th Grade schools in San Francisco, the San Francisco School (SFS) has an enrollment of 285 students on a 1.6 acre campus in the Portola District. It has been described by a parent as "an urban school with a village atmosphere." As of the 2022-23 school year, the faculty to students ratio is 1:6 (61% and 56% identify as students and staff of color, respectively) and the average faculty tenure is 9 years; 22% of families pay reduced tuition through the indexed tuition program; and the school offers extended day and summer camp programs, family education opportunities, and transportation by school bus.

History[edit]

In 1966, a group of preschool teachers and preschool parents conceived of a new school. They sought a community where parents and teachers could share in school governance, and where preschool children could thrive in a program guided by the principles of Maria Montessori, the Italian physician and educator who believed in every child's ability to learn.

Five parents and four teachers signed the original Articles of Incorporation in March 1966. The San Francisco Montessori School, one of the oldest independent coed day schools in San Francisco, opened the following September.

Tucked away in a church basement in the quiet Portola District, a working class San Francisco neighborhood, the school had just seven preschool students on opening day. The financial capital to stock the school with equipment and supplies came from a $100 per student "enrollment fee." The song, "'Tis a Gift to be Simple, 'Tis a Gift to be Free," that SFS students still sing today, certainly fit the school culture and finances of the time.

The successful new school grew quickly in popularity and population. In 1969, the school purchased the present property at 300 Gaven Street. Inspired by parent interest as much as preconceived design, the school added a first grade, and then grew organically in the 1970s up through the fifth grade, and to an enrollment of 145 students. The elementary curriculum consciously developed away from the traditional Montessori method to a progressive approach, incorporating Montessori ideals of self-reliance, responsibility, and learning through experience, but also embracing the best of current teaching practices.

In the 1980s the school added an innovative Middle School Program. The school changed its name to The San Francisco School, grew to an enrollment of 225, established an endowment, acquired additional land adjacent to the school, and constructed new classrooms.

The 1990s were years of consolidation, fund raising and more construction. The school joined the California Association of Independent Schools, constructed a signature Middle School building on Gaven Street, launched an innovative professional development program, and became known for its enthusiastic and well-prepared graduates.

During the first decade of the 21st century, the Middle School expanded to two classes per grade level, total enrollment grew to 275, the endowment surpassed the two million dollar mark, and the School help launch a new teacher training program, the Bay Area Teacher Training Program.

Since then, the enrollment has grown to 285 and the campus has continued to develop, with the 2013 opening of the Community Center, a 11,500 ft² building for art, science, language, and library spaces. This central building includes a 4,100 ft² theater and gymnasium and a maker space known as the Workshop. The School's many outdoor spaces include the unique Adventure Playground which houses the Field Station, a gazebo, a barn, and a 50 ft slide for teaching, learning, play, and gathering. Recent renovations have updated the Preschool and Kindergarten building and the Music Room; the recent Forge Our Future capital campaign raised funds for STEAM education and financed the creation of the Learning Commons.

Notable alumni[edit]

• Anna Lappe
• Erik Weiner

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• The San Francisco School

37°43′58.0″N 122°24′40.9″W / 37.732778°N 122.411361°W / 37.732778; -122.411361