Admissions banner
Admissions Process: Middle School

“SFS gives us a strong sense of belonging to a community where kids, parents, teachers and staff respect individuals, appreciate diverse perspectives and reinforce values that we think make this world a better place.”
-- SFS parent

The San Francisco School Middle School program consists of grades 6 through 8.  Each year, 10-12 new 6th graders are invited to join our existing 5th grade class.  There is an average of 32 students per grade with approximately 15 students per class cohort.

The Middle School program (grades 6-8) -- with its caring network of adults who understand the particular needs of adolescents -- is specifically designed to nurture and guide students on their journey to becoming responsible, thoughtful and actively engaged adults.

The San Francisco School Middle School Application Process

Step 1: Get to know The San Francisco School

We would love for you to visit us so that we can get acquainted!  Visit the school during the day by attending a school tour or at night by attending our Open House.

Middle School tours begin in November and occur on select Tuesdays through January. Please sign up for a school tour online or by calling the school at (415) 239-5065. Online tour sign-ups are made available every September.

Parents and students may also attend our December 6th Open House to hear more about school programs and philosophy. Please reserve a space by signing up online or by calling the school.

Sign up for Middle School Open Houses and Tours

Step 2: Apply for Admission

The deadline for September 2008 admission is January 31, 2008. Please complete your application before this date for equal consideration. Parents must attend a tour or open house before applying.

We prefer that you submit an online application. However, if you do not have reliable access to the Internet or prefer to complete the application in Spanish, please call the school to request a paper application.

A $75 application fee is due with the application. Please mail the application fee separately when applying online and be sure to write your child's name in the memo of the check. Checks can be mailed on the application due date. 

Apply Online

Step 3: Submit a teacher recommendation form

Teacher Recommendation Form: 2nd Grade – 8th Grade (pdf)

Please complete the top portion of the appropriate form and submit it to your child’s current teacher.  This form should be completed and mailed by the teacher directly to The San Francisco School before the application deadline.

Step 4: Submit transcripts and test scores

Request for Educational Records (pdf)

Please sign and submit this form to your child’s current school registrar.  Your child’s current school will be responsible for mailing all transcripts, teacher reports and any standardized test results from the past 2 years of schooling directly to The San Francisco School.

These documents along with the teacher recommendation form must be received before the application deadline in order for your child’s application to be considered complete.  All families who submit an application before the January deadline will receive a letter in early February with an update on your child’s application status.

Step 5: Schedule a shadow visit

We welcome and encourage all middle school applicants to spend time at SFS.  Optional student visits begin in January. If your middle schooler is interested in spending a day with one of our current 6th graders, please call the Admissions Office in early January to schedule a date.

Step 6: Apply for Indexed Tuition

The San Francisco School values diversity in all respects and is committed to the accessibility and affordability of a quality education. We strive for an economically diverse student body and offer indexed tuition to families who may need support while attending SFS. Currently, 29% of our families take part in the indexed tuition program.

Indexed tuition applications are available in early October and can be requested during a school tour or on our website. Since the indexed tuition process may take several weeks, please complete these forms as early as possible. All necessary information is due by mid February.

Indexed tuition awards will be mailed out with general admission decision letters on March 12, 2008.

Please visit the indexed tuition area of our website for more detailed information about the indexed tuition program, process and policies.

Step 7: Middle School Assessment Day

Saturday, February 23, 2008 from 8:30am-12:00pm

All middle school applicants are required to attend Middle School Assessment Day.  During this morning, students will take part in an interview, group activity, math assessment, and reading comprehension & writing assessment.  This assessment completes the application process for all middle school students.

Step 8: Admissions Decision

All K-8 independent schools in San Francisco mail their decision letters to families on March 12, 2008 and require that parents enroll their children by 10am on March 19, 2008.

A $1,000 non-refundable one-time enrollment fee is due at the time your child is accepted.

All applications remain active for two years. Therefore, if admission is not offered the first time around, you may reactive your application the following year.  Simply contact the admissions office in the Fall and update your existing application with any new information that will be helpful to the process (ie: a new teacher evaluation, if applicable).


The San Francisco School values the richness of its diversity and actively seeks students from racially, socio-economically and culturally diverse families, including gay and lesbian families, single-parent families, adoptive and foster families.
© 2008 The San Francisco School  •  300 Gaven Street  •  San Francisco, CA 94134  •  Tel  415.239.5065  •  Fax 415.239.4833