San Francisco High School of the Arts

- 1950 Page St, San Francisco, CA 94117

For California families searching for an educational institution that seamlessly integrates rigorous academics with pre-professional arts training, the San Francisco High School of the Arts (HSArts) stands out as a unique and exceptional choice. Located in the heart of San Francisco, this private educational institution caters to students in middle school and high school (grades 6–12) who are passionate about the arts and dedicated to intellectual excellence. HSArts is distinguished as the only private arts school of its kind in the Bay Area, and its mission is clear: to provide an exceptional education in traditional arts and academics, all while focusing intensely on character development, universal values, and a sense of civic duty.

The school’s holistic approach to education goes beyond just high academic standards and artistic mastery. It is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and its high school curriculum is approved by the University of California’s demanding A-G program, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for top-tier universities across the country. By blending challenging academic coursework—including over 20 Advanced Placement (AP) and 14 UC-approved honors classes—with intensive training in visual arts, music, and dance, HSArts fosters well-rounded individuals ready to make vital contributions to the world, whether through the arts or other professional fields.

San Francisco High School of the Arts is ideally situated at 1950 Page St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA. This central location places the campus just steps from the iconic Golden Gate Park, offering students access to one of the city's greatest cultural and natural resources for inspiration and recreation. Being in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, students are immersed in a dynamic and culturally rich area of San Francisco, enhancing the overall educational and artistic experience.

Understanding the importance of convenience and inclusivity for its Bay Area community, the school provides thoughtful accessibility features. HSArts aims to make its comprehensive programs available to all students and visitors, and the facility includes:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible restroom

For parents and visitors, parking in the city is a frequent consideration. The school accommodates transportation needs by offering a combination of options:

• Free street parking (availability may vary)
• Paid street parking (local options)

Additionally, the business proudly identifies as Asian-owned, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the San Francisco community and contributing to the varied educational options available to local families.

The core offerings of San Francisco High School of the Arts span a complete educational spectrum, from foundational middle school academics and arts instruction to specialized high school college preparation and pre-professional arts training. The school provides a diverse curriculum that allows for both breadth and depth of study across multiple disciplines. Students benefit from the low student-to-teacher ratio (as low as 3:1 in some areas) and individualized support from highly credentialed faculty, many of whom hold master's or doctorate degrees.

The primary services and programs provided include:

• High School Program: A rigorous college-preparatory track for grades 9-12, fully approved by the UC A-G requirements, featuring over 20 AP and 14 UC-approved honors courses.
• Middle School Program: A balanced curriculum for grades 6-8 designed to nurture creativity, build strong academic foundations, and provide introductory arts training.
• Dance Classes: Comprehensive training through the Dance Conservatory, including disciplines such as classical ballet, Chinese dance, and modern techniques, often taught by current and former professional artists.
• Visual Arts: Professional-level training with a focus on essential foundational skills, including chiaroscuro, oil painting, and sketch, preparing students for fine arts universities.
• Afterschool Program: Structured enrichment opportunities following the regular school day, complementing the academic and artistic curriculum.
• Summer Program: Immersive experiences through the Summer Arts Academy (masterclasses in dance and visual arts), Summer Youth Artists camps (exploring visual arts, music, dance, and theater), and Summer Academics (including SAT prep and high school credit courses).

HSArts consistently receives high praise from local parents and students for its exceptional ability to deliver high academic achievement alongside truly outstanding artistic training. For families in California, these unique features set the school apart from other private or specialized high schools:

• Exceptional College Acceptance Rate: The school boasts a remarkable achievement of a 100% graduation rate, with 100% of graduates accepted into four-year colleges and universities. For seven years in a row, graduates have been accepted into their top-choice institutions, including highly selective fine arts colleges like RISD, Parsons School of Design, and Pratt Institute.
• Top-Tier Academic Rigor: Beyond the arts, the school challenges advanced learners with a wide selection of AP courses and offers a rigorous curriculum that includes Computer Science, Chinese language instruction, and core STEM/Humanities subjects. Students consistently achieve above-average standardized test results (e.g., average SAT score of 1300).
• Unparalleled Arts Training: Students receive pre-professional, intensive arts training that is often described as "unparalleled" in San Francisco. The visual arts program, for example, is noted for its focus on traditional methods and skills essential for professional accomplishment. The dance program is also taught by professional artists, offering rigorous training in classical techniques.
• Individualized Attention: The famously small class sizes, with an average of 10-14 students per class, ensure that every student receives the individualized support and attention necessary to excel in both their academic and artistic pursuits. This supportive environment is a recurring highlight in parent testimonials.
• Emphasis on Character Development: The school's mission emphasizes holistic development, focusing on universal values such as Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, and Kindness. This focus on ethical and social maturity is a key component of their educational model, preparing students to be ethical leaders.
• Performance and Showcase Opportunities: All students participate in major productions or showcases each year, providing essential practical experience and an opportunity to share their mastery with the community.

To learn more about enrollment, tuition, upcoming performances, or the detailed curriculum for either the middle school or high school program, the San Francisco High School of the Arts can be reached directly via phone or at their campus address.

The official contact details are:

• Address: 1950 Page St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
• Phone: (415) 431-3161
• Mobile Phone: +1 415-431-3161

For California parents, particularly those in the Bay Area, the San Francisco High School of the Arts is worth choosing because it eliminates the need to compromise between a college-preparatory academic track and a professional-level arts education. In a region where artistic talent is abundant, HSArts provides the structure and rigor to transform passion into mastery and success.

The evidence of its success—a 100% college acceptance rate, high standardized test scores, and unparalleled arts training from master instructors—speaks volumes. It is a school that recognizes the synergy between academic discipline and artistic practice, where the focus and perseverance gained in a ballet class or a visual arts studio directly translates into academic excellence. For a student who wants to be challenged intellectually while pursuing a serious commitment to dance, fine art, or music in a small, supportive, and values-driven environment, HSArts offers a pathway to self-mastery and a confident future in any chosen field. It is truly a hidden gem providing a holistic education that shapes future leaders and creative visionaries.

San Francisco High School of the Arts

1950 Page St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA