Desmond AbahSan Francisco, California, is a world-renowned city known for its stunning architecture, cultural diversity, and innovation-driven environment. Beyond its reputation for technology and tourism, San Francisco also boasts some of the most elite educational institutions in the United States. For families seeking exceptional learning experiences combined with structured living environments, the city’s boarding schools offer a blend of academic rigor, character development, and global exposure.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top boarding schools in San Francisco and their tuition fees, admission highlights, and what makes each institution unique.
Top Boarding Schools In San Francisco And Fees
1. The Urban School of San Francisco
Location: 1563 Page Street, San Francisco, CA
Tuition & Fees: Approximately $58,000 – $64,000 per year
The Urban School of San Francisco is one of the city’s most progressive and academically stimulating independent schools. Known for its personalized learning approach, Urban focuses on creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. The school’s small class sizes encourage student-teacher interaction, allowing for individualized attention and mentorship.
Urban’s boarding program is ideal for students who thrive in a diverse and inclusive community. Students live in safe, well-supervised housing facilities that emphasize collaboration and independence. The curriculum integrates humanities, sciences, mathematics, and arts with hands-on projects that challenge students to think beyond traditional classroom boundaries.
The school also promotes community service and social responsibility, ensuring that students not only excel academically but also develop empathy and leadership skills. Its location in the heart of San Francisco provides access to museums, universities, and innovation hubs—making it one of the best choices for students who want to learn in a vibrant city environment.
2. Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
Location: 1055 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA
Tuition & Fees: Around $30,000 – $38,000 per year
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory (SHCP) stands as a beacon of faith-based education in San Francisco. Rooted in Catholic traditions, SHCP emphasizes both intellectual and spiritual growth. The boarding program partners with nearby residential facilities to accommodate out-of-town and international students, offering them a safe and nurturing environment.
The school’s curriculum includes rigorous academics in science, mathematics, languages, and the arts, complemented by a strong emphasis on moral development and service learning. Students are encouraged to participate in athletics, music, and volunteer work, fostering a well-rounded education.
What makes SHCP special is its sense of community. Teachers and mentors take a personalized interest in students’ goals, and graduates consistently go on to prestigious universities across the U.S. and abroad. Its central location allows boarders to enjoy San Francisco’s cultural experiences while receiving top-tier college preparatory education.
3. Drew School
Location: 2901 California Street, San Francisco, CA
Tuition & Fees: Approximately $56,000 – $61,000 per year
Drew School is an independent, coeducational college preparatory institution known for its student-centered teaching philosophy. Founded in 1908, Drew has a reputation for balancing academic excellence with creativity and emotional intelligence.
The school partners with reputable student housing providers for boarding options, ensuring safety and comfort for domestic and international learners. Drew’s curriculum includes a wide range of subjects—literature, global studies, STEM, and fine arts—along with opportunities for real-world internships and community engagement.
One of Drew’s unique aspects is its “Think Beyond” program, which encourages interdisciplinary learning through projects and collaborations with Bay Area professionals. Students benefit from mentorship programs, college counseling, and experiential education that prepares them for success in higher education and life.
With its location near major cultural and tech centers, Drew School provides students with exposure to real-world challenges and opportunities, making it an ideal choice for forward-thinking learners.
4. Lycée Français de San Francisco (LFSF)
Location: 755 Ashbury Street, San Francisco, CA
Tuition & Fees: About $30,000 – $35,000 per year
Lycée Français de San Francisco (LFSF) is an international French-American institution that offers a bilingual curriculum accredited by both the French Ministry of Education and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The school’s boarding facilities are designed for global students seeking a multicultural education in one of America’s most cosmopolitan cities.
LFSF offers the French Baccalaureate program, which is widely recognized for its academic rigor and global transferability. Students receive instruction in both French and English, enabling them to become fluent in two of the world’s most influential languages.
Beyond academics, LFSF emphasizes cultural immersion, creativity, and global citizenship. Students enjoy co-curricular activities such as theater, robotics, music, and sports. The school community is tight-knit and supportive, creating an environment where learners can thrive intellectually and socially.
For international families, LFSF represents an excellent gateway to global education with a distinctly San Francisco touch.
5. The Bay School of San Francisco
Location: 35 Keyes Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Tuition & Fees: Approximately $61,000 – $65,000 per year
The Bay School of San Francisco is known for its forward-thinking approach to education. Situated near the iconic Presidio National Park, Bay offers students a unique blend of academic depth and experiential learning. Its boarding partnerships allow students from across the world to study and live in one of America’s most scenic urban settings.
Academically, The Bay School focuses on critical inquiry, creativity, and collaboration. Its small student-to-teacher ratio ensures personalized support. Students engage in in-depth explorations of mathematics, sciences, humanities, and arts while integrating sustainability and innovation into their projects.
The Bay School also prioritizes student wellness and mindfulness. Daily advisory programs, outdoor learning, and service initiatives promote emotional balance alongside academic achievement. Its holistic approach makes it one of San Francisco’s most desirable boarding school options for students seeking both challenge and care.
6. Waldorf High School of the Peninsula (San Francisco Campus)
Location: 2938 Washington Street, San Francisco, CA
Tuition & Fees: Around $28,000 – $33,000 per year
The Waldorf High School of the Peninsula embraces an education philosophy that nurtures creativity, emotional intelligence, and independent thought. Though its main campus is in Los Altos, the San Francisco campus offers residential arrangements for students seeking the Waldorf experience within the city.
Waldorf education emphasizes experiential learning over rote memorization. Students participate in art, music, woodworking, and outdoor education alongside standard academic subjects. This hands-on approach develops well-rounded individuals who are not just academically capable but also emotionally resilient.
Boarding students benefit from community living, organic meals, and structured daily routines that encourage responsibility and self-discipline. Graduates of Waldorf schools are known for their creativity and ability to adapt to diverse academic environments, including Ivy League universities.
7. San Domenico School (near San Francisco)
Location: 1500 Butterfield Road, San Anselmo, CA (about 30 minutes from San Francisco)
Tuition & Fees: Approximately $73,000 – $80,000 per year (including boarding)
While technically located just outside San Francisco, San Domenico School deserves mention for its strong influence in the Bay Area’s boarding education landscape. Established in 1850, it is California’s oldest independent school and one of its most respected.
San Domenico’s boarding program offers a global community of students who live, learn, and grow together in a serene, 515-acre campus setting. Its academic curriculum combines college-prep rigor with a focus on sustainability, leadership, and ethics.
Students enjoy access to advanced placement (AP) courses, competitive sports, and a nationally recognized music conservatory. The school’s commitment to developing compassionate leaders sets it apart. Its proximity to San Francisco ensures easy access to cultural experiences and universities, making it an outstanding choice for families looking for a balance between nature and urban life.
8. Stevenson School (Pebble Beach Campus – San Francisco Bay Area Reach)
Location: Pebble Beach, CA (serving Bay Area families)
Tuition & Fees: About $82,000 – $87,000 per year (boarding)
Stevenson School, though located a few hours south of San Francisco, is a favorite among Bay Area families for its world-class boarding experience. The school’s beautiful coastal campus fosters both intellectual exploration and character growth.
Stevenson’s rigorous academic programs include AP and honors courses, robust arts and athletics, and extensive college counseling. Boarding students benefit from a structured environment that balances independence with accountability.
With a focus on “leadership with purpose,” Stevenson equips its graduates to excel in universities such as Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Harvard. Its commitment to holistic development and ethical leadership aligns perfectly with San Francisco’s forward-looking educational values.
9. International High School of San Francisco (IHS)
Location: 150 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA
Tuition & Fees: Around $55,000 – $60,000 per year
International High School of San Francisco (IHS) is a globally acclaimed institution that offers both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the French Baccalaureate programs. This makes it an excellent option for international students seeking a globally transferable education.
The school’s boarding arrangements are ideal for students who value multicultural engagement and academic rigor. IHS provides a dynamic curriculum emphasizing global studies, languages, science, and the arts. Students are encouraged to think critically, debate complex issues, and engage in community-based service projects.
Located in the vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood, IHS offers boarders unparalleled access to San Francisco’s diverse cultural scene. The school’s alumni attend top-tier universities across Europe and North America, cementing its reputation as one of the Bay Area’s best boarding schools for global learners.
10. San Francisco High School of the Arts
Location: 1950 Page Street, San Francisco, CA
Tuition & Fees: Approximately $40,000 – $45,000 per year
San Francisco High School of the Arts (SFHSA) stands out for integrating rigorous academics with intensive arts education. The boarding program supports students pursuing dance, visual arts, and music at a professional level while maintaining strong academic standards.
Boarding students enjoy small class sizes, individualized mentorship, and a creative yet disciplined environment. The school’s curriculum includes English, mathematics, sciences, and humanities, combined with daily arts training.
The serene campus and supportive staff create an atmosphere where creativity flourishes without compromising academic excellence. SFHSA’s graduates often earn scholarships to prestigious universities and art conservatories worldwide, making it the perfect school for talented and motivated students seeking an arts-focused education in San Francisco.
Related
- Top 10 Boarding Schools In San Diego And Fees (2025)
- Top 10 Boarding Schools In San Antonio And Fees (2025)
Conclusion
Choosing the right boarding school in San Francisco depends on a family’s educational priorities—whether that’s academic rigor, creativity, faith-based learning, or global exposure. From the innovative environment of The Urban School to the globally minded Lycée Français and the arts-focused SFHSA, San Francisco offers something for every kind of learner.
Each of these schools provides not just a home away from home, but a foundation for lifelong learning and leadership. For parents seeking the best educational investment for their children, these top boarding schools in San Francisco deliver excellence in every aspect.