Presidio Knolls School (Top Ranked 草榴社区 School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked CA School
Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
Yearly Tuition: $43,611
Acceptance rate: 60%
Average class size: 16 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 9
Source: ?Verified school update

School Rankings

Presidio Knolls School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Nursery/Preschool-8

Dual Language Immersion Program

Yes

Secondary Immersion Language

Mandarin

Year Founded

2008

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

School Calendar

Campus Size

2 acres

Student Body

Student Body Type

Co-ed

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

55 teachers

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

75%

Average Class Size

16 students

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

List of Courses Offered

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Schools) (ACS WASC)
California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS-CA)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

Jan. 9

Yearly Tuition Cost

$43,611

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

We strive to make PKS as accessible as possible. Annual tuition for the 2025-2026 school year falls within a range based on a family’s financial circumstances. Preschool and Elementary (K-4): $500 - $43,611 Middle School (5-8): $500 - $48,447 Tuition includes the cost of instruction and educational supplies and materials; field trips; PKS Travels | PKS 东南西北 and technology devices (middle school); and morning care before the start of the school day (K-8). Tuition does not include the afterschool program (extended care, enrichment classes, music lessons, tutoring, athletics), morning care for preschool students, or summer / school break camps. Fees for these optional programs are generally adjusted in line with the family’s tuition adjustment.

Summer Program Cost Notes

Summer camp is typically offered by the week, so cost varies according to family need.

% on Financial Aid

13%

Acceptance Rate

60%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Jenefer Johnson

Admissions Associate

Anna Huang

Application URL

Sports

Total Sports Offered

3 sports

Sports

BasketballSoccer

Volleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

19 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

After School Enrichment ClassesLGBTQ Alliance

Make a Difference ClubMath Club

Middle School Study HallStudent Council

TutoringYearbook

Arts and Music Programs:

Art ClassesDrama productions

Music ClassMusic Lessons

Piano LessonsUkulele lessons

Violin LessonsVisual Arts

Recreational Athletic Programs:

Microsoccer (PS through G1)Middle School Athletic League

Physical Education

School Notes

PKS is a progressive, Mandarin immersion school serving preschool through 8th grade.
Our mission is to nurture the young heart and mind in a joyful learning environment, where the convergence of progressive education and Mandarin immersion ignites curiosity, connectedness, and engagement in the world.

Presidio Knolls School is a preschool through 8th grade institution. We are fearless, innovative, and globally minded; we are proudly progressive; and we offer a full Mandarin immersion program to a diverse group of students.
Our preschool and elementary school are "full immersion" with preschool conducted 100% in Mandarin, and K-4 with 80% of instruction conducted in Mandarin. This ensures our students become as comfortable in their second language as they are in their first. When students enter middle school (G5-8), 50% of instruction is conducted in Mandarin and 50% is conducted in English (including math) to ensure a more balanced literacy.
In our Reggio Emilia inspired preschool, lessons emerge from children`s ideas, thoughts, and observations. In this stage, our main goal is to foster a lifelong passion for learning and exploration.
Our elementary and middle school curriculum is project based and designed to encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and a growth mindset. Our integrated curriculum focuses around Units of Exploration that are broad enough to incorporate multiple disciplines and provides students with the opportunity to explore the aspects of greatest interest.
Our students are prepared academically for the highest levels of success in high school, college, and beyond, and to reach advanced levels of Mandarin language proficiency and Chinese literacy.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Presidio Knolls School cost?

Presidio Knolls School's tuition is approximately $43,611 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of Presidio Knolls School?

The acceptance rate of Presidio Knolls School is 60%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. Presidio Knolls School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.

Does Presidio Knolls School offer a summer program?

Yes, Presidio Knolls School offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.

What sports does Presidio Knolls School offer?

Presidio Knolls School offers 3 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Soccer and Volleyball.

What is Presidio Knolls School's ranking?

Presidio Knolls School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Most extracurriculars offered.

When is the application deadline for Presidio Knolls School?

The application deadline for Presidio Knolls School is Jan. 9.

In what neighborhood is Presidio Knolls School located?

Presidio Knolls School is located in the SoMa neighborhood of San Francisco, CA.

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (5 reviews)

5 10/4/2024

We have sent our son to PKS for two years now and are excited to enroll our daughter there next year. Given the high cost of admission, I had set a high expectation bar and am pleased that it has been met. Our son was able to fluently talk with his relatives in China this past summer. He has several friends and asks us to set up play dates with them nearly each weekend. The staff and faculty are welcoming and creative a positive learning environment. All in all, a great place to send your kids if Mandarin is a priority for your family and you are looking to join a tight community.

- Posted by Parent - SMG

5 7/27/2012

Our daughter has just completed her first year at PKS preschool. We are thrilled that the school is adding an elementary program. Although it is child-centric, they really make sure that the kids are learning and not just memorizing. In addition to her everyday routine which include circle time, singing, painting, and projects (all in Mandarin), our daughter also loves the soccer, gymnastic, and kung-fu classes. The facility is sunny, beautiful and clean. We look forward to the next 10 years at PKS.

- Posted by Parent - tgque

5 7/27/2012

We just love PKS from the people to the facility. The administrators and teachers truly care for the well-being of our child. The school itself is spacious, clean, and beautiful. Most importantly, our daughter loves learning and going to school.

- Posted by Parent - egent

5 1/19/2012

PKS has a progressive approach to teaching, caring staff, active parents community and a great facility, my daughter loves her school, teachers, and friends.

- Posted by Parent - egent

5 1/19/2012

My daughter attends the PKS preschool.We are really happy here. PKS is the only Mandarin immersion program with a progressive, child led educational approach in San Francisco. This is exactly what we want for our child, and she is thriving there. Her mandarin is improving in leaps and boungs (it is clear that she "thinks in chinese") and she shows a curiosity and confidence that we relish. We are very happy here and don't want this experience to end at the preschool, so we're thrilled that PKS is extending to elementary.

- Posted by Parent - jerem

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in San Francisco, CA is $24,348 for elementary schools and $40,742 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in San Francisco, CA is 59% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).