College Preparatory School in San Francisco Bay Area

The Bay School of San Francisco:
Founded in 2004, the Bay School of San Francisco is a private co-educational college preparatory high school for grades 9-12 in the Presidio, San Francisco. The Bay School's college preparatory program is designed to challenge, inspire and enlighten, emphasizing science, technology, ethics and world religions; areas of understanding that are fundamental in preparing students for their futures at demanding colleges, and as engaged citizens of an interrelated global society. At the Bay School, learning means using knowledge to make connections between students and teachers, between the school community and between the past and the future. The Bay School of San Francisco admits students of any race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin, or handicap to all programs and activities of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin.

Upper School Academics:
Our freshman and sophomore curriculum seeks to build a broad foundation of skills, using an integrated approach that emphasizes the interrelationships between traditional academic disciplines. As students advance to their junior and senior years, the program is increasingly driven by their individual interests and talents. Curricular focus on the interrelationship between science, technology, ethics, and world religions prepares our students to meet the challenges of their future in the 21st century world.

The curriculum grows from a largely skills-based, integrated approach in the freshman and sophomore years to an increasing interplay between the requirements for college admission and the talents and enthusiasms of the students in the junior and senior years. Ethical and religious studies, initially integrated into the humanities program, are later examined in classes which range from traditional philosophy to investigations of the moral implications of developments such as globalization and the communications revolution. Advanced foreign language classes may also qualify as courses in literature or history. Faculty members constantly challenge students to relate their learning to other disciplines and to the world in which they live.

- Subjects include:
* Mathematics, Science, Technology, Humanities, English, History, World Religions & Philosophy, Languages, Art Electives and Senior Projects.

Academic assessment is authentic and intentional. Because we value critical and independent thinking as well as the thoughtful and thorough exploration of a topic, our assessment tools are varied and comprehensive. In all disciplines, assessment reaches beyond the test, grade, and comprehensive exam approach; major papers, multimedia presentations, dramatic presentations, and internships are also a part of each student’s comprehensive portfolio of work.

Advanced Placement Program:
High school Advanced Placement programs are currently the subject of considerable controversy at independent schools and colleges. We believe that the Bay School curriculum has integrity unto itself, offering an extremely challenging high school program, and does not attempt to take the place of any college freshman courses. Rather, we aim to instill the inquisitiveness, skills, and passion that will provide our students with a solid preparation for study on the college level.

Many of our courses have been approved as Honors level courses by the University of California, giving them the same weight as AP courses. We remain committed to challenging our strongest students by offering advanced courses in all disciplines.

Athletics Program:
Physical development and competitive athletics are a central part of a Bay School education. Bay athletics build physical health and awareness while promoting the important personal skills of effort, self-discipline, leadership, sportsmanship, and team work.

The same dedication to excellence that our faculty and students strive for in the classroom is pursued by our coaches and student-athletes on the playing fields, tracks, and courts. Athletic events are important occasions of community affirmation and spirit, regardless of outcome. The Bay School seeks to be known for its competitive spirit and respected for the integrity and discipline of its coaches, players, and spectators.