The International School of San Francisco Unveils Transformed Campus for 2026-2027 School Year

The start of the 2026-2027 academic year brought exciting changes to The International School of San Francisco, an independent institution with a rich 64-year history in the city's Hayes Valley neighborhood. On September 9, the school celebrated the completion of a comprehensive campus renovation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a new chapter for its students, faculty, and the wider community.

According to the school, the event gathered a distinguished group, including a city supervisor, past and current trustees, donors, alumni families, faculty, staff, students, and the French general consul, underscoring the project's significance. This transformation, encompassing a building originally constructed in 1948 by Caltrans and spanning an entire city block, reflects a deep commitment to fostering an inspiring and supportive environment for learning.

A Modernized Learning Landscape for Every Student

The renovation project, as described by The International School of San Francisco, meticulously honored the building's historical legacy while boldly reimagining its spaces for contemporary educational needs. Every decision was reportedly made with the needs of students, educators, and the entire community at the forefront. This thoughtful approach has resulted in numerous upgrades designed to enhance the daily experience for everyone on campus.

Key improvements include the replacement of over three hundred windows, which now flood the building with natural light and significantly boost energy efficiency. A modernized HVAC system ensures a comfortable and healthy atmosphere year-round. Lower and middle school classrooms have been refreshed, and faculty and staff workspaces have been reconsidered to better support educators. A new commercial kitchen and a newly designed playground further contribute to a holistic and engaging campus environment, reflecting the school's investment in the well-being and growth of its community.

Dedicated High School and Enhanced Programs

One of the most significant achievements of the renovation, according to the school, is the construction of a dedicated high school section with its own entrance. This milestone provides high school students with a distinct identity and a sense of belonging within the larger school community. Inside, new state-of-the-art science and design technology labs have been created, designed to foster inquiry, experimentation, and discovery, preparing students to become the next generation of thinkers and global citizens.

Another meaningful addition is the school's first-ever food program, anchored by the new commercial kitchen. Preschool, lower, and middle school students now receive nutritious snacks and lunch prepared on-site. High school students benefit from a new bistro offering grab-and-go options tailored to their schedules. The school emphasizes that this program treats nourishment as an integral part of the learning process, not separate from it.

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A Testament to Vision and Community Support

Head of School Eric Thuau reflected on the project's outcome, stating that the results have exceeded expectations. He noted, "What strikes me most is how the building now reflects the spirit of the people inside it. The project is a testament to the vision, patience, and generosity of everyone who believed in it."

The International School of San Francisco, the largest secular independent school in the city, offers a French bilingual program for students from PK2 through Grade 8. In high school, students pursue either the International Baccalaureate or the French Baccalaureate. With students returning to the renewed campus on September 2, the school, a long-standing cornerstone of its neighborhood, is poised to continue its mission of inspiring learning and meeting the potential of every student who walks through its doors.