Welcome to The San Francisco School, a vibrant independent community educating Preschool through 8th Grade. Nestled in the Portola, our intimate campus inspires creativity, respect, and joy.
SFS has openings in 6th and 7th grades for the 2026/27 school year. Please inquire at admissions@sfschool.org.
Thank you for your interest in The San Francisco School! We are a vibrant, progressive, independent school educating children from Preschool through 8th Grade. Nestled in the residential Portola neighborhood, our village-like campus features a unique outdoor space that includes an adventure playground, a 50 ft slide, a field station, a barn, and an expansive garden. With 282 students and 70 faculty and staff, we are an intimate and mission-driven community.
The San Francisco School cultivates and celebrates the intellectual, imaginative, and humanitarian promise of each student in a community that practices mutual respect, embraces diversity, and inspires a passion for learning.
At SFS, we value the richness of our diverse community and actively seek students from racially, socio-economically, and culturally diverse families, including lesbian, gay, and transgender families, single parent/guardian families, adoptive, and foster families. We have 66% students of color and a strong inclusive ethos. Family economic diversity is supported by a robust Indexed Tuition program, with 29% of students paying reduced tuition. Through all of this, the entire SFS community is committed to creating a school where students and families can learn with confidence and joy.
Choosing the right school for your child is an important and exciting decision. We are available year-round to help you navigate the process and answer questions as you explore more about our school, program, and community. We also welcome you each fall to join admissions events and campus tours, where you can experience the magic of SFS firsthand. We can’t wait to get to know your family!
Michael Shin
Job Position: High School Guidance Counselor & Admissions Associate
Read More about Michael Shin
Toni Russell
Director of Enrollment Management
I wake up extremely blessed to be working with a passionate staff, amazing students on an awesome campus every day!
I am a San Francisco native, born and raised in this extraordinary city. I am a Sacred Heart Cathedral alumna and I continued my education at the University of San Francisco where I studied Psychology and Sociology. I was blessed to receive a full athletic (basketball) scholarship at the University of San Francisco. After college I worked with inner city youth at an afterschool program at Booker T. Washington Community Center. Later I discovered a passion for teaching Physical Education in the public school system at Claire Lilienthal Elementary and Sutro Elementary.
With three brothers and a family who loves sports, I quickly developed a passion for athletics. I was fortunate enough to pursue my childhood dream and play basketball professionally in Montenegro. Upon my return I attended Skyline College where I received my certificate in Early Childhood Education. I have coached basketball at elementary, middle school, and high school.
I began my career at SFS as a substitute for two years. When the Preschool & Elementary PE position opened up, I applied. SFS has continued to support me in my professional development as a lifelong learner. I have held several positions (interim Athletic Director, Middle School Advisor, Extended Day Instructor, etc.), chaired committees, served on the SFS Board of Trustees. I am currently an Admissions Coordinator and, almost 12 years later, I am now a proud parent of a student here at SFS.
Crissy Koehler
Associate Director of Admissions
As an active member of the SFS community, Crissy knows our mission well and can speak to our program and community by leaning on her experiences as a current parent of Nick ’31 and Sebastian ’28 as well as her recent tenure on as the co-chair of the Family Association and Board of Trustees.
Michael Shin
High School Guidance Counselor & Admissions Associate
admissions@sfschool.org, 415-239-5065 ext. 354