Education and Schools in San Francisco
In true West Coast spirit, the San Francisco education and school system is a little left of centre when compared with the rest of the country.
Unlike most school districts in America, children in San Francisco do not usually attend public schools based on their residential address. The city tries to maintain even demographics in each school based on income, race and language.
Despite these attempts at equalising schools, some have much higher test scores than others. Families can nominate seven preferred schools in San Francisco, which can be spread out over the city, and the school board assigns a student to one of them.
Most of the time, children can attend a school from among their top choices. For this reason, as an expat choosing a San Francisco school for your child, it is even more important than usual to research the best options beforehand.
Many expats opt to send their children to private schools in San Francisco. Choosing and being accepted into private schools is a difficult process involving testing and interviews.
Parents should begin to search for a school as soon as they are able, and it is recommended they do so at least a year in advance. Specialists can be hired to assist families with the process.
Private education is expensive in San Francisco with tuition averaging around USD 14,000 for high school, but can be as much as USD 24,000. There are also loans that can finance children's private school education.
Catholic schools in San Francisco can be less expensive options. International schools in San Francisco are popular with expats as the schools can accommodate students previously studying in different curricula.
Public schools in San Francisco
Despite these attempts at equalising schools, some have much higher test scores than others. Families can nominate seven preferred schools in San Francisco, which can be spread out over the city, and the school board assigns a student to one of them.
Most of the time, children can attend a school from among their top choices. For this reason, as an expat choosing a San Francisco school for your child, it is even more important than usual to research the best options beforehand.
Private schools in San Francisco
Many expats opt to send their children to private schools in San Francisco. Choosing and being accepted into private schools is a difficult process involving testing and interviews.
Parents should begin to search for a school as soon as they are able, and it is recommended they do so at least a year in advance. Specialists can be hired to assist families with the process.
Private education is expensive in San Francisco with tuition averaging around USD 14,000 for high school, but can be as much as USD 24,000. There are also loans that can finance children's private school education.
Parochial and international schools in San Francisco
Catholic schools in San Francisco can be less expensive options. International schools in San Francisco are popular with expats as the schools can accommodate students previously studying in different curricula.





