The San Francisco School seeks to assure that each student:

• Knows how to learn
• sustains attention and is persistent
• knows problem solving strategies
• uses previous learning
• learns in multiple ways
• appreciates the process as well as the outcome
• asks questions, takes risks, and learns from mistakes
• is a critical consumer
• shares discoveries and understandings with others
  
• Demonstrates a passion for learning
• participates with joy
• seeks deep understanding
• makes connections
• reasons with evidence
• consciously and actively pursues knowledge
• knows and uses resources
• reflects
  
• Demonstrates a high level of competence in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, science, languages, physical education, art, music, and drama by meeting or exceeding The San Francisco School grade-level standards
  
• Thinks creatively and expresses self
• can express self through movement, speaking, and writing
• can express self through visual and performing arts
• writes, draws, sings, and builds for pleasure
• shows confidence in front of a group
• use previous learning to express new ideas
• is interdisciplinary
  
• Develops an understanding of self in relation to others
• recognizes feeling and passions
• recognizes talents and personal limits
• has confidence and takes intellectual risks
• controls impulses and delays gratification
• is willing to strive without necessarily being the best
• acts with respect and in the best interest of others
  
• Becomes a responsible citizen who participates actively in the community
• acts respectfully with peers, adults, and teachers
• demonstrates awareness and care for materials and environment
• appreciates diversity, acts inclusively, builds community
• makes informed decisions
• takes action on beliefs
• takes responsibility for actions
  

The San Francisco School program provides an increasingly rigorous and challenging intellectual experience within a nurturing educational environment. The comprehensive and innovative program carefully blends elements of progressive and traditional sources. The Preschool program is widely informed by the teachings of Maria Montessori. Throughout the school, the key goals are academic excellence, critical thinking, open dialogue, independence, social and multicultural understanding, and creative expression. The core values are courage, creativity, and respect.