ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´

Sterne School

838 Kearny Street San Francisco, CA 94108

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 4-12
  • Enrollment: 195 students
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update
Sterne School Photo #1 - We start with strengths.
Sterne School Photo #2 - Learn from everyone's uniqueness.
Sterne School Photo #3 - We learn from everyone's uniqueness.
Sterne School Photo #4 - We bring joy to learning.
Sterne School Photo #5 - We start with strenghts.
Sterne School Photo #6 - Never give up.
School location map

About the School

  • Sterne School has been successfully educating students with learning differences for more than 50 years.
  • Located in San Francisco, Sterne provides a small, supportive learning environment for students in grades 412.With a student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1 in the Lower and Middle School and 15:1 in the High School, Sterne's experienced faculty understands and supports a range of learning styles.
  • Teachers differentiate instruction to meet students' individual learning needs, helping them develop academically while building strong relationships with their teachers and peers.Sterne's approach focuses on building confidence, fostering independence, and helping students develop the skills they need to become successful, lifelong learners.

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 4-12
  • Enrollment: 195 students
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

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

Category
Attribute

School Facts

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 4-12
Students By Grade
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
mild to moderate learning differences
Year Founded
1976
School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students
195 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
45%
State avg.: 52%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
42%
Average Class Size
10 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Grades 4-8: $50000 Grades 9-12: $53550
% on Financial Aid
30%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$22,000
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 85%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Alia Long
Application URL

Sports

Total Sports Offered
6 sports
School Mascot
Dolphin

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
19 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
ArtBike Club
Debate ClubDiversity Council
Dungeons and Dragons ClubEnvironmental Club
Film ClubGender and Sexuality Alliance
Speech and Debate


Arts and Music Programs:
Digital ArtDrama
FilmMusic
Studio Art


Recreational Athletic Programs:
DodgeballHandball
Ping PongRunning
Yoga

School Notes

  • Sterne School's program is designed to:
    • Create an individualized academic program specific to the learning style of each student
    • Foster confident, independent, and organized learners
    • Teach critical thinking strategies and technology skills
    • Teach study skills and strategies to meet deadlines
    • Counsel students to be self-advocates
  • Special Features:
    • Each student has an individualized learning profile that identifies strengths and targets academic goals. Individual and small group work focuses on organizational skills, reading and writing, fluency, advanced study and thinking skills, and social awareness.
    • All grades use a one-to-one Chromebook program. In addition we have mobile laptop stations located on each floor. Computer applications and research skills are integrated into the program. Assistive Technology (AT) includes Google Speech-To-Text and Text-To-Speech, as well as Inspiration.
    • Students are assigned homework they can do independently, and their success is monitored closely by classroom teachers and the homeroom teacher.
    • Students also enjoy daily physical education and elective classes including music, art, drama, film making, and Makers.
    • Students enjoy the opportunity to travel domestically and abroad during Experiential Week. Students get off campus and out in the world to have a hands-on learning experience around topics like language, culture, history, food, arts, and more.
  • College Prep and Readiness:
    • High School students participate in the College Prep and Readiness Program designed with the goal of enabling success during the transition from high school to college.
    • Our Registrar and High School Counselor work closely with students and their families in the college search process. This begins in Freshman year and each year has its own goals. Students research and explore different colleges and are guided through the process from test prep to writing essays and filling out applications.
    • An integral component of Colleges Prep and Readiness is an experientially-based high school capstone project that lets students use their multiple intelligences in core disciplines. Students pick a discipline they are passionate about such as photography, fashion design, or science, find a mentor/expert, do research, integrate other academic disciplines, and then deliver a presentation. Many students discover that one of these passions is what they'd like to focus on in college or as a career; therefore, the project serves as a stepping stone from high school to adulthood.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate of Sterne School?
The acceptance rate of Sterne School is 80%, which is lower than the national average of 83%.
What sports does Sterne School offer?
Sterne School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Cycling, Indoor Soccer and Volleyball.
When is the application deadline for Sterne School?
The application deadline for Sterne School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Sterne School located?
Sterne School is located in the Chinatown neighborhood of San Francisco, CA. There are 1 other private schools located in Chinatown.

School Reviews

Endorse Sterne School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school

Recent Articles

When Your Child Struggles in One ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ Subject
When Your Child Struggles in One ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ Subject
Learn what to do when your child struggles in one private school subject, including identifying causes, working with teachers, evaluating support, tutoring, progress, and next steps effectively.
Is Your Child Challenged or Just Given More Work?
Is Your Child Challenged or Just Given More Work?
Learn how to distinguish meaningful academic rigor from excessive workload by evaluating assignments, feedback, classroom expectations, assessments, and intellectual challenge when comparing private schools for your child.
ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ Extra Help: Evaluating Teacher Access
ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ Extra Help: Evaluating Teacher Access
Learn how to evaluate private school extra-help systems, including teacher availability, scheduling, advising, response times, and access, so your child can receive meaningful academic support when needed most.
School location map

Request Info

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in San Francisco, CA is $24,444 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 61% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

5:13

15:29

3:46

12:43

Quick Links