Types of high schools

San Francisco offers families a wide set of choices, which is a gift, but can be a little overwhelming at first. The admission criteria, costs, and calendars all change depending on the type of school, so if the categories are new to you, here's a quick definition of each. These are the same types you'll see in the directory.

Independent schools

Other communities might call these nonsectarian "private schools," but in SF they're commonly referred to as independent schools. There are many flavors of schools in this category, but most sub-classifications would only be a reflection of our personal biases. What they have in common is much lower student-to-teacher ratios and the highest total cost of tuition. Many do offer generous indexed or flexible tuition (i.e., discounts), so don't let the sticker price scare you off. Each runs its own admissions process, although most share an application deadline in early January, common essay prompts, an application platform (Ravenna), and a flexible-tuition platform (Clarity).

Faith-based schools

Faith-based schools are also private schools, but with a religious affiliation. Almost all of them are Catholic, save for the Jewish Community High School. They typically cost less than the independents, though not always, and each runs its own admissions process. The Archdiocesan Catholic schools share a single entrance test, the HSPT, and often have an earlier application date than the independent schools. The three biggest private schools in SF (which combined account for more than half of the students in private schools) are all Catholic: St. Ignatius, Sacred Heart Cathedral, and Archbishop Riordan.

Public schools

Public schools are our largest group, both by number of schools and by student enrollment. When we talk about public, we're really talking about four subcategories.

District

District public schools are the standard SFUSD schools, and the bulk of the public options. You don't apply to each one. You submit a single district application, rank your choices, and a citywide lottery places your student. No tuition, no entrance test, and no neighborhood that guarantees a seat. There's more to it, which the SFUSD application walks through.

Selective

There are two selective SFUSD schools that have their own admissions process. Lowell is our academic powerhouse, and it admits in bands: most students get in on grades and Star test scores, with a smaller share admitted through a fuller review that weighs an essay, activities, and a student's circumstances. Ruth Asawa School of the Arts (SOTA) admits students based on an audition or portfolio. Both are free, and both are their own application inside the public system.

Charter

Charter schools are free and publicly funded, but run independently, outside the district's enrollment. Each sets its own admissions, usually an open lottery, and you apply directly. They tend to be small and mission-driven, and there are only a few at the high school level here.

Referral

Referral schools are alternative and continuation schools, entered by placement rather than choice, for students who need something other than a traditional campus. They sit outside the path this site is built around, so we mention them just to complete the picture.