Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in San Francisco

San Francisco, is a vibrant city that attracts expats and digital nomads from around the world. The city and its surrounding areas offer a variety of international and bilingual schools to cater to the diverse population. While there are several options to choose from, some of the most popular international schools include the French American International School and the International High School. These institutions are known for their rigorous curricula and multicultural environments, providing expat children with a seamless transition and a global education.

French American International School (FAIS)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): San Francisco
Website: www.internationalsf.org

The French American International School offers a bilingual education with a curriculum that combines the French educational system with the best of American academics. The school is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and offers the French Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. With state-of-the-art facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities, FAIS provides a comprehensive education that prepares students for global citizenship.

International High School

Grades: 9 through 12
Location(s): San Francisco
Website: www.internationalsf.org

International High School is a part of the French American International School, offering a unique multicultural environment for students in grades 9 through 12. The school provides the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program and the French Baccalaureate, focusing on critical thinking and a global perspective. With a diverse student body and a commitment to academic excellence, International High School prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world.

Alto International School

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Menlo Park, CA
Website: www.altoschool.org

Alto International School offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) education for students from preschool through grade 12. Located in Menlo Park, it is within a short drive from San Francisco and provides a multilingual learning environment with German and English instruction. Alto prides itself on its small class sizes, individualized learning, and a strong sense of community. The school's facilities support a variety of extracurricular activities, and its global network prepares students for international-mindedness.

German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Mountain View, CA
Website: www.gissv.org

The German International School of Silicon Valley provides bilingual education in German and English, following the German curriculum as well as offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. Located in Mountain View, GISSV is accessible for families living in San Francisco. The school emphasizes a well-rounded education with a strong focus on STEM subjects and languages, and it boasts a diverse student body representing over 40 nationalities.

Chinese American International School (CAIS)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 8
Location(s): San Francisco
Website: www.cais.org

The Chinese American International School is the oldest Chinese-English bilingual school in the United States. CAIS offers a progressive, inquiry-based curriculum that integrates Mandarin Chinese language immersion with a challenging and creative learning environment. The school's central San Francisco location makes it a convenient choice for expat families living in the city. CAIS is known for its strong sense of community and commitment to fostering global citizenship.

The Bay School of San Francisco

Grades: 9 through 12
Location(s): San Francisco
Website: www.bayschoolsf.org

The Bay School of San Francisco is a college preparatory school that offers a liberal arts education with a focus on science and technology. While not a traditional international school, The Bay School's curriculum is designed to prepare students for a global future, emphasizing critical thinking, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. The school's urban campus provides access to the rich cultural and educational resources of San Francisco.

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 8
Location(s): Emeryville, CA
Website: www.ebinternacional.org

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional is the first Spanish-English bilingual school in the San Francisco Bay Area. The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. EBI's approach to bilingual education emphasizes academic excellence, creativity, and character development. Located in Emeryville, it is easily accessible for families in San Francisco and provides a nurturing environment for students to become bilingual and biliterate.