As a San Francisco native who has lived in this city my entire life, I have watched St. Ignatius's…read moreculture since I was a teenager. It is heartbreaking to see that after all these decades, nothing has changed. In fact, it's gotten worse. They almost won me over with their presentation, but it's all fake. Throughout the admissions process, they do this aggressive sales pitch to get the kids excited. They send out "pick us" emails and even have applicants start picking out freshman activities and clubs as if they are already part of the community. While other schools do a bit of this, SI is on another level of aggression. It is dangerous and honestly sick to manipulate young, impressionable kids into imagining their whole future there, just to turn around and reject or waitlist them because they don't have the "right" last name. My kid is a First Honors student and a dedicated student-athlete. My kid did everything right and proved they belong in any top-tier classroom in this city. It is insulting to see kids in the exact same class with extremely poor grades get accepted while a First Honors student is sidelined. I understand that legacy can help maintain a school's culture, but you cannot put unqualified kids in that environment at the expense of students who have actually earned their spot. It proves SI is prioritizing family trees over academic standards. It's a "who-you-know" club masquerading as a meritocracy. If you are a hard-working SF family without a legacy connection, don't let them waste your time or your child's heart. . As a native, I'm done with the SI "tradition" of prioritizing connections. Parents deserve to know the truth before they pay that application fee.

It's been over 45 years since I've visited the campus save an event that my friend invited me to…read moreattend about 13 years ago at the girls' gymnasium. With that being a sit-down Father's Club event, I didn't tour the campus nor interact with many people other than those at our table. My thoughtful and generous friend and fellow alumni (7 years my junior... yes, I'm ancient) invited me to the 2025 Red & Blue Celebration (the school colors in case you wonder) (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=5s3hwZL7O__cD3sB352W0A) (thanks for giving me this sense of appreciation). The school changed, dare I say, actually evolved since I was a student there. It's co-ed now, unlike the boys only policy when I roamed the halls. There are tennis courts, a training room, a swimming pool, and a women's gymnasium, besides a spacious library and new theater here. Since my 2012 visit, they've torn down the Carlin Commons and the Orradre Chapel to build a student center and expand the campus. There are piazzas and viewing decks (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=oOKX0YeUCx8PkpynlKc-PQ), an improvement from our view of the sand dunes and the Pacific Ocean back in the '70's. The view (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=FGD9kf2tLvU3ivSZPNSCpA) is still there but the sand dunes are gone. You know you're old when buildings or halls are named after staff who you personally met as they taught at the school. The event was festive and a great way to reconnect with fellow alumni and possibly classmates. I met one and was surprised that he remembered me and, yes, I remembered him at the mere mention of his name as one of the participating food donors to the event (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=dcKbKC0yJ_bdKMg4I8dBnA). I met another acquaintance in the local restaurant industry and got to catch up with him (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=4wgzMRh0KVTIvEjhaWklYw). It was nostalgic yet at the same time exhilarating, seeing the passion of the alumni who participated in this event, whether contributing or attending. The night ended with a heartwarming encounter with a recent graduate who returned for this event. After getting her degree from an Ivy League university, she was taking photos of the campus like I did and was preparing to take a selfie. My gracious host took the photo for her and we struck a conversation. What we learned was that she just graduated and just moved back to the Bay Area to start her career. My deeper reading is that the loyalty, devotion, and gratitude from former students to the school for providing them the necessary tools to realize their dreams and goals. To me, that is invaluable. Bear in mind, my perspective is from an alumnus, not a student.

West Portal Lutheran School is truly an amazing school! My son has been attending WPLS for a couple…read moreyears now, and without a doubt, I feel that it's an exceptional place where students thrive academically and socially, and where families are welcomed as part of a very caring community! Not too long ago, like most parents looking for a school for their rising kindergartener, my wife and I hoped to find a school with the "right fit." Certainly, we wished for a place where our son would grow academically. But very importantly, we sought a place where he would feel comfortable, welcomed, and supported. We felt that while a school could certainly be gauged by its academic strength, its intangibles also really mattered - something that was much harder to get a sense of. For example, the right school, we believed, also depended on how they treated parents. During our family's WPLS tour, it was immediately apparent that there was an immense amount of care for both students and parents. We knew the school was known for academic distinction, but we wanted to know how they approached social growth. Principal Lee, who is wonderfully kind and knowledgeable, spent time talking with us about social emotional learning, which is part of the school's curriculum focused on a student's social development, i.e., valuing and understanding one another - and yes, WPLS students consistently show great character! As time went on, we saw, clearly, that WPLS was more than an educational institution, but a caring school community. For example, it amazed me that Principal Lee genuinely cared about knowing every student's AND parent's name on just the second day of school! We experienced that student events allowed parents to come together in a comfortable way. Teachers were accessible, responsive, and patient. The school looked for and welcomed parent feedback, and allowed other ways for parents to have greater input. We feel extremely lucky that our son is a WPLS student. Every day, he tells us that he had a good day. His teacher is one of his favorite people in the world. His classmates are kind, smart and caring. Their parents are friendly and thoughtful. I can't picture our son anywhere else.

Looking in on the different grades. Everything is modern and teachers are teaching in action which…read morewe can see that morning.

My son attended Holy Name from 1st-8th grade and it was the best experience for both our son and as…read moreparents! Transferring from private, non-religious school in Sacramento, I toured a few selected private schools. Holy Name wasn't the closest to us, however it was 1000% worth the drive. Holy Name instantly felt like home and this welcoming environment is what I wanted for my shy 6 year old. Not only did they help him learn and grow, but he led the 8th grade musical as the lead male role!! Holy Name truly cares about each and every one of their student body and it shows. Holy Name is an amazing community that immensely cares for its students and families and I am greatly honored to know my son is apart of its family!

Holy Name School did an outstanding job preparing my son for high school. He's now thriving in high…read moreschool - keeping up with his coursework while participating in multiple extracurriculars. What really stands out is how well HN sets academic expectations compared to other schools. My son transitioned smoothly into high school thanks to the strong foundation Holy Name provided. The school principal and the entire staff are wonderful. The work they do pays off in a big way for the families fortunate enough to attend. Highly recommend this school to any family looking for excellent academics and genuine preparation for high school success.

My kiddo has been going since pre-K and loves it. The cultural integration is what sets it apart…read morefrom other schools.

As a parent whose two kids went through the French system k-12 .I can say it was worth it yes…read moreover the years there were some bad teachers. both graduated from college . I would recommend the school and say I'm happy with the results.but because it's academically focused it's not gonna be the school for you if you want your kids to exceed in American Sports I'm writing this after 5 years after my last kid graduated

Don't. Just don't…read more This school has been an incredibly disappointing experience, largely because of its staff and counseling department. The counselors offer little to no support and often seem unprepared or unwilling to help students who genuinely and obviously need guidance. Instead of providing clear advice or solutions, they dismiss concerns or pass students around without actually addressing the problem or even probably asking to help. The staff overall come across as unprofessional and disconnected, making students feel unheard and unsupported. A school should be a place where students feel guided and encouraged, but this one fails badly in that responsibility. Serious changes are needed in how staff and counselors do their jobs if the school expects to truly support its students. Bullying gets absolutely dismissed, horrible disrespectful teachers with no passion in educating students. Genuinely disappointing considering it is so called a great school. I often find myself wondering if staff here are even licensed or suitable, makes me question if they were in desperate need of staffing and just hired anyone on the spot. If anything i'd give this school an outstanding award for knowing how to completely fail their students.

I highly do not recommend going to this school because the coaches of the sports teams are very…read morebiased and and they discriminate students, this school is very unorganized. My son tried out for the basketball team and got cut because of this, now my son is starting to not feel safe around here because of the discrimination and biases that are going on, and now my son has the audacity to transfer to presidio, the basketball team's rivals. I'm warning you, do not go to this school.

As a student of this school the teachers are nice and the the place is clean the place is just over…read moreall really great. There is also barely any bully and actively there is no bullying. However the lower level boys bathroom is dirty due to kids peeing but missing the toilet or urinal

I pick up my niece here once in a while when needed. Love that they have the conveniency of a…read more'drive-thru' to pick up your child. lol. Since there aren't enough parking to park and run in and pick up your kid.

Terra has felt like San Francisco's best kept secret for our family. The biggest thing we noticed…read moreearly on was how much our son genuinely looks forward to going to school. He comes home excited to talk about what he learned, what he built, and what he explored that day, which gave us confidence that we made the right choice. We visited a few public and private schools with a strong Mandarin immersion program. What stood out with Terra over time was how balanced the learning feels, both inside and outside the classroom. Academically, he has grown steadily in both English and Mandarin, and at the same time we have seen real growth in confidence, independence, and how he works through challenges. The outdoor program has been especially meaningful for him. Spending time learning outside each week has clearly shaped how he approaches learning. He often comes home talking about things he created or discovered in nature, and those experiences seem to stick with him in a way that traditional classroom lessons sometimes do not. The small class size has made a big difference for our family. His teachers really know him as an individual, including both his strengths and the areas where he needs more guidance. That level of attention has helped him grow academically and emotionally without feeling pressured to fit into a single mold. We have also appreciated how involved the parent community is. It feels collaborative, and communication between families and the school is very open. The after-school enrichment classes like engineering, cooking, and art have been another highlight because they give him more ways to explore interests he might not otherwise try. Terra is a smaller school, but for us that has created a strong sense of connection and support. Most importantly, our son feels happy, challenged, and excited to learn, which is ultimately what we were hoping to find in a school.

My son started in Kindergarten at Terra Schools and I have loved our experience. I've decided to…read moreswitch my younger son from his current pre-school to Terra Schools' pre-school program as well because of how strong I've found it to be. When I went through the Kindergarten application process, I toured a ton of schools across public, charter, and private (independent and parochial). I am the type of person that likes to dig deep and understand all of my options. The reason I ended up choosing to attend Terra is because: - Outdoor Nature: We came from a nature based pre-school and I saw the benefits of being able to regularly play outside. It was tough to find an elementary school that offered dedicated time in nature. Elementary grades at Terra have Earth Ed one full day per week, and pre-school has two full days. Earth Ed is led by Dylan, who has decades of experience and holds a PHD in environmental studies. He's great with the students. They love him. - Strong Academics: I asked every school I toured about differentiated learning, and they all gave an answer. However, Terra was the only one where the logistics made sense to me. They have banded classes for subjects like math and reading, which means that for those subjects, my son is grouped with students that are at the same level as him, not based on his grade or age. For example, he is in Kindergarten but he is in the 1st grade math group. - Quality of Teachers: The teachers go through a rigorous process before they are hired full time. They are highly qualified. They are also loving and caring. My son is excited to run to his teacher every morning (which was not the case at his prior schools). - Language Immersion: We are in the mandarin immersion program, but my son is naturally exposed to some Spanish as well and has enjoyed picking up some of the language. It's unique to be able to give him a multilingual experience in a fun, low pressure way. - Parent Community: There are multiple opportunities to connect with each other including coffee meetups, PTA meetings, mom's/dad's nights, and WhatsApp groups. I have met many awesome families at Terra that I now call my friends. My son is thriving here. I have seen noticeable improvements in his academic progress, his self confidence and his ability to advocate for himself.

We are so grateful for our four years at Little Wonders Montessori. Our son started in the "little…read moreschool" with Mr. Michael and is now finishing in Ms. Galyna's "big school". He's loved every year and it's been amazing to watch him grow in confidence and develop a genuine excitement for learning. The teachers take the time to understand each child's unique personality. We've been impressed with how they truly foster kindness, independence, and a love of learning. We also really like the balance of Montessori learning and traditional academics. Thanks to their guidance, our son is more than ready for kindergarten and was accepted into our private school of choice. He's also made wonderful friends and so many great memories. Some of his favorite moments include the class pumpkin patch trips, dressing up for Ms. Galyna's annual tea party, and fun pajama days. We've loved seeing photos of his projects, Montessori activities, baking days, gardening, music time, and so much more. We can't thank Little Wonders enough for giving our son such a strong, nurturing foundation.

Our son started at LWM "little school" when he was 3 years old. He loved every day there. Mr…read moreMichael and the teachers make learning fun with crafts, art, sensory, and outdoor play, and gardening. Montessori work and philosophy is strong and woven throughout. We have been amazed at his growth over the last year now that we are at the "Big kid" school. His excitement about school, his achievements in writing drawing, and his feelings toward his friends and teachers is amazing to watch. Ms Galyna organizes cooking, baking, and cultural activities throughout the year that enrich the kids experience at school and in the world. Her joy at watching the kids fall in love with learning and each other is wonderful to experience as a parent. We will forever be thankful we found the perfect place for him to thrive.

Kittredge is a small, established school located in a corner three-story house in a scenic…read moreneighborhood nearby Rochambeau Park. The tuition is comparatively attainable for an independent school with impressive academic outcomes (high school acceptances). The school has a strong athletic component with daily P.E. and students can participate in traditional school sports (cross country, volleyball, futsal, etc.) or after-school electives (theater, science club, fencing, etc.). A year ago, my child joined Kittredge in 6th grade from SFUSD. We were looking for an environment where students are interested in learning and support each other. Going in, my main concerns were how my kid would adjust to a much smaller school with rigorous academic expectations in math, science, and composition, and whether my child would fit in quickly with others who have been at Kittredge for years. It took my child about one quarter to adjust to the high academic standards, and the transition was a lot easier due to the nurturing environment. At the start of school, students were thoughtfully provided with calendar planners and shown how to schedule due dates. The students have group projects such as a bridge construction challenge and presentations as well as individual assignments like making an everyday invention and writing a history thesis. In 7th grade, students will be matched to multiple levels of math classes. My child made friends with classmates in the same year and across different grades. His cohort is an even mix of kids who joined from SFUSD and other private schools over the years or who attended the school since kinder. Kittridge is not only about academics. The school holds an annual talent show, school dance, and field day. The students attend field trips and hike to the beach and Land's End, and 7th/8th graders attend camp in Yosemite. The dedicated parent association also enlivens the environment with parties, picnics, lion dances, Diwali celebrations, etc.

We could not be happier with Kittredge, a truly special home away from home. It has been amazing to…read moresee our son thrive after transitioning from a larger school to a small family-like atmosphere. Individualized approach - Kittredge is designed as a small community to meet each child's specific needs and empower each child to flourish. Whether a student is struggling or wants to be challenged in a particular area, not only does Kittredge differentiate learning for varying skills levels, teachers customize their approach to support each individual. This applies not only for academics, but also social emotional issues. I was impressed that our teacher was open to incorporating behavior strategies that work well at home. Small knit community - The faculty often wear multiple hats and get to know the students well from different contexts. For example, the reading teacher assistant can also be the extended care teacher. By interacting with the students in different settings, they gain various perspectives and find approaches that resonate. It is valuable that students of all ages have the chance to interact closely and learn from each other. In his mixed age class, the teacher told me that my son acts as big brother, proudly explaining math concepts to the younger kids. After hearing the 8th grade student council election speeches, voting, and discussing school issues, my young son is now inspired to run for student council president one day. Personal attention -The extended care teachers are not merely babysitters ensuring his safety. I am impressed that they are loving and actively engaged whether it's playing hangman, chess, or board games. It is no wonder he does not want to leave even after a long day! When my child transferred to Kittredge, I was quite nervous for him in his new environment. On his first day of school, the principal arrived at school on a hectic morning and from a distance I saw that she made the effort to stop, and kneel down to his eye level to give him a warm welcome. These small gestures of kindness make a big impact. I appreciate that Kittredge focuses on the development of the whole person - academically, socially, and emotionally. Their curriculum includes teaching "Habits of Mind", cognitive skills which foster personal success. Every month, the theme is integrated through stories, discussions, and projects. I was filled with pride when my young son taught me "When you fail, you just try again". Once a child has a healthy mindset, and feels seen and heard, I believe he or she is set up for academic success. It is not a surprise that Kittredge graduates get accepted into San Francisco's top high schools. I met a lady who has worked in pediatrics in San Francisco for many years. When I mentioned that my son attends Kittredge, her eyes widened with excitement, "Ooooh that is a good school! All the kids I've met there are well rounded!" We feel extremely fortunate to have found a gem at Kittredge - a well balanced, warm and nurturing environment with solid academics.

My son went to school here. It's an amazing school. The Principal, teachers and PTA are all…read moreoutstanding. When my son was there, Principal Rosina Tong was very caring and knew all of the students in the specials needs classrooms. She was very active in all of the events, classes, IEP meetings etc. She really cares about the students and the school is so blessed to have her. I went to middle school right next door at Giannini and Sunset used to be John O'Connell when I was in school. They've since relocated somewhere else and I'm so glad that Sunset is now in it's place because it's such a great school. The school is small but it is a very special school. I was hoping my little girl would be able to attend this school but we moved up north during covid. We have returned back to the city and are now at a different elementary school with SFUSD due to the lottery. I'm hoping we can get in next school year. I definitely recommend this school. We loved our time there.

Okay I went here and things changed a LOT…read more This place is wonderfully blessed with tons of caring teachers and staff. Makes me wish I was a kid again!