Greetings From the Head of School

Welcome to San Francisco High School of the Arts!

I co-founded HSArts with a group of dedicated parents who dreamed of a school where creativity and discipline go hand in hand with academic excellence. Our students don’t just study the arts—they train like professionals, gaining confidence, focus, and resilience along the way.

At HSArts, we nurture not only talent, but character. Our core values—respect, responsibility, honesty, kindness, empathy, and tolerance—are at the heart of everything we do. With a strong foundation in academics, the arts, and personal growth, our students are prepared to thrive in college and in life.

I invite you to explore HSArts and discover what makes our community so special.

Warmly,
 Dr. Sherry Zhang
 Co-founder and Head of School

Dr. Sherry Zhang, co-founder of San Francisco High School of the Arts, holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Oregon State University and conducted postdoctoral research at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, focusing on lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles. A former entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, she has served as Head of School since 2015, driven by her passion for academic excellence and arts education.

Our Mission

The mission of San Francisco High School of the Arts is to provide students with an exceptional education in traditional arts and academics, while focusing on character development. The curriculum nurtures in students universal values and a sense of civic duty so they may positively contribute to the world.

Our Timeless Education Model

Future leaders and creative visionaries in the making

Welcome to San Francisco High School of the Arts!

San Francisco High School of the Arts features systematic training in traditional arts, distinguishing its whole-child education approach from other holistic models. Rather than providing superficial shortcuts, our classical arts training builds a solid foundation, brick by brick, instilling mindfulness with each line drawn, each note played, and each movement performed on stage. 

In a well-structured environment, our students explore their passions by actively participating in ballet, Chinese dance, music, and visual arts. The pursuit of excellence as emerging young artists motivates them to develop the focus and perseverance necessary for achievement in the arts, in academics, and in life.

Our core values include: 

Respect ∙ Responsibility ∙ Honesty ∙ Kindness ∙ Empathy ∙ Tolerance

We promote what has endured the longest and best in traditional education: the refinement of an ethically mature self, the continuous sophistication of one’s aesthetic standards, and the nurturing of a deep appreciation for the spirit behind traditional arts, through one’s own mastery of the arts.

We strongly believe that the harmonious integration of character development, artistic training and academic study will give rise to individuals who are able to make vital contributions to the world.

Campus & Facilities

Our Campus

San Francisco High School of the Arts is situated in the heart of San Francisco. We are on Page Street at the Stanyan Park, across from the beautiful cherry blossom trees at the Golden Gate Park.
Inside the 32,000-square-foot facility, our dance studios range between 2000-8000 square feet. Our visual arts students frequent Golden Gate Park for inspirations from its flora and fauna. Academic classes also utilize the Park’s facilities for exploring ecosystems, magnetism, orienteering, wave motion, and many other fields of hands-on discovery.
The California Academy of Sciences, the De Young Museum, and San Francisco Botanical Gardens are also readily accessible to HSArts students and faculty.

Campus & Facilities

Directions and Parking

San Francisco High School of the Arts is located at 1950 Page Street near Stanyan Park, across from the beautiful cherry blossom trees at the Golden Gate Park.

By Car:

There are several parking options in our neighborhood.  Both non-restricted and two-hour restricted parking is available on nearby streets.  Please pay careful attention to street cleaning schedules.  Parking is also available inside Golden Gate Park on Lincoln, Fulton, and Fell Streets.

Paid garage parking is offered by ABC Parking, on Stanyan St. next to Kezar Pavilion.  Please see enclosed parking map for more details.

Please refrain from double parking in front of the school or in neighboring driveways.

The School white zone should be used for student drop-off and pick-up Monday through Friday between 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. Please limit your white zone stops to 5 minutes. Violations may result in a ticket from the San Francisco MTA.

By Public Transport:

Muni: N-Judah line (“Ocean Beach”), Parnassus stop.  Turn right on Stanyan and walk approximately to six blocks to Page Street.  The School is on the northeast corner of Stanyan and Page.

City Bus: lines 5, 5R, 6, 7, 21, 33, 37, 43 all pass within walking distance of San Francisco High School of the Arts.

Testimonials

Video Testimonials

  • Voices of parents and alumni
I chose HSArts because I figured out that I really want to go the professional performance route. I didn't quite learn that I want to go into Opera and I thought I may go into musical theater. The opportunities that HSArts offered me were in performance, lessons and pure practice time 3 hours every day. It was what I really needed to go into college in performance.
— Evie P.
Before coming to HSArts, I thought asking questions or approaching the teachers was very challenging and embarrassing. Teachers here are very kind and enthusiastic to listen to what you have to say and it made me open up myself more and be not afraid to ask questions when I need it. This actually helped me a lot in my learning.
— Joy Z.
Our daughter is an aspiring musician and HSArts has provided her the flexibility required for rigorous practice hours without jeopardizing the highest of academic standards. The teachers have been consistently outstanding, supportive, knowledgeable and encouraging while ensuring that students reach their full academic and artistic potential. The staff and administration are extremely efficient, responsive and helpful… Our daughter had a great experience at this school.
— Sophie ArbuckleProfessor
Thank you so much for your continued support and encouragement. As we celebrate the New Year, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude. We feel incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated and caring educators in our sons’ lives. Every teacher puts in so much effort, patiently guiding the students with care and intention. Our boys truly love their teachers and the school. A special thanks to Mr. R for inspiring them to read more—they really take his words to heart. We’re deeply grateful to be part of this wonderful community.
— L.H. Parent of two boys in HSArts
I just wanted to send you a quick message to congratulate and thank you for building such an incredible school with dynamic educators. These kids are so lucky to be getting such a phenomenal education and exposure and education in the arts. My son is absolutely thriving and while I feel a tad bit guilty because others are suffering so much with school, I can't tell you enough how thrilled we are with SF High School of the Arts. You've done an incredible job.
— Kristin H.CEO
My two sons, 16 and 13, recently moved from Kenya and were new to the U.S. school system. We found San Francisco High School of the Arts, and it was a perfect fit. They were welcomed warmly and received a scholarship that made attending possible. The younger, once uninterested in acting, joined the Musical Theatre Club and now performs with confidence. The older was recently signed by a top New York casting agency—just months into school. They’re thriving, embracing new cultures, even speaking Chinese. We're so grateful for this supportive, diverse community that nurtures talent and builds confidence every day.
— Nancy Ryan and Ethan's MotherCEO
My children have truly enjoyed being part of the HSArts community. Transitioning from a large public school to this smaller setting was smooth, thanks to the warm and welcoming faculty and students. They receive exceptional individualized attention from dedicated teachers. My son was even invited to join an accelerated math course, which wasn’t possible before. During shelter-in-place, the small class sizes have helped maintain their academic progress with no lapse. Their coursework remains challenging and rigorous. Overall, this small school community has provided a wonderful and enriching learning experience for both of our children.
— Angela S.
SF High School of the Arts has engaged my daughter deeply in both academic and artistic pursuits. The small classes have allowed comfortable collaboration with peers, close guidance by faculty members, and has encouraged her and the other students to have strong voices in the classroom. The school was able to transition to remote learning very easily due to the communication with faculty and other students within each classroom environment.
— Annie H. mother of an 8th grader

FAQ

Every HSArts student follows a personalized pathway that nurtures both your artistic passion and academic excellence.

  • Dual Excellence in Arts and Academics
  • College Board Platinum AP School Honor Roll
  • Award-winning dance, music & visual arts
  • Small classes, real mentorship
  • STEM Curriculum Integrated with Computer Science
  • Bilingual English–Chinese Education with Global Exchange Opportunities
  • Leadership through service & strong values
  • Distinguished Arts Portfolios for College Success 
  • A positive, energetic school culture 

HSArts offers three main artistic programs:

  • Music (Instrumental, vocal and musical theater)
  • Visual Arts (Fine Art, media art and design)
  • Dance (ballet and Chinese dance)

Each student selects a primary focus but may also explore other arts through electives.

HSArts’ rigorous college-preparatory curriculum has earned the AP School Honor Roll Platinum distinction, an honor given to only 6% of eligible schools in the U.S. and Canada. Alongside our renowned arts program, HSArts provides a robust academic foundation in core subjects, emphasizing both STEM and the Humanities, to prepare students for top universities and diverse career paths.

Yes, HSArts offers honors pathways for highly motivated students:

  • Humanities Honors: For students completing advanced coursework in English, history, and interdisciplinary studies.
  • STEM Honors: For students excelling in advanced mathematics, science, and data science, incorporating modern technology into their studies

Students apply through an admission process that includes academic evaluation, an audition or portfolio review (for artistic programs), and an interview. We seek students with a passion for the arts and a commitment to academic excellence.

Yes, students have regular opportunities to perform and exhibit their work. HSArts hosts a variety of concerts, art exhibitions, theater productions, and dance performances throughout the year, allowing students to share their progress and creativity with the community. Additionally, students frequently showcase their talents at various venues outside of school, providing even more opportunities to display their artistic growth

We view parents, students, and the school as a strong, interconnected triangle. Only by working together can we ensure the best educational outcomes for our students. HSArts/MSArts was founded by parents, and we continue to highly value strong parent involvement. We offer various opportunities for parents to engage with the school, including parent-teacher conferences, volunteer opportunities, and regular communication through newsletters and school meetings.

The daily schedule balances academic classes in the morning with arts training in the afternoon. This structure ensures students receive a well-rounded education while pursuing their artistic passions. Students may also participate in extracurricular activities and after-school programs.

Yes, HSArts offers a variety of extracurricular activities and after-school programs, including extended arts classes, academic tutoring, sports, clubs, and volunteer opportunities. These programs help students further develop their interests outside the classroom.

Yes, a core part of the mission at HSArts is to empower students to make positive contributions to the world. At HSArts, students are encouraged to participate in volunteer activities and community outreach programs, such as performances at local events, art exhibitions, and charity fundraisers. These experiences help students build leadership skills and foster a strong sense of community awareness.

Yes, HSArts offers financial aid and scholarships to eligible students. For more information on tuition assistance, please contact our admissions office or visit the financial aid section on our website.

Yes, HSArts has a dress code that includes uniforms during the academic day. Specific attire is also required for arts classes, such as leotards for dance or smocks for visual arts. Detailed dress code guidelines are provided upon enrollment.

HSArts graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of future paths, including admission to prestigious universities, conservatories, and art colleges. Most importantly, our students are equipped to choose the college that is the right fit for them. Our strong focus on both academic and artistic excellence, combined with our comprehensive college and career counseling program, ensures that students are ready to succeed in whatever field they pursue.

San Francisco High School of the Arts (HSArts) is the only private, independent arts school serving young artists in grades 6-12 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Unlike Ruth Asawa School of the Arts (SOTA), a public school within the San Francisco Unified School District, HSArts offers smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and a holistic approach to education.

At HSArts, we combine a comprehensive arts program with a rigorous academic curriculum while instilling timeless values such as respect, responsibility, honesty, kindness, empathy, and tolerance. We hold ourselves to high standards, fostering both the artistic and personal development of our students in a safe, clean campus environment free from drugs, bullying, and theft. 

Students with a passion for the arts are encouraged to apply. Our dedicated college counseling team supports students’ growth as artists, providing personalized guidance and creating customized course pathways tailored to each student’s unique talents and dedication. Additionally, students have the opportunity to explore other artistic disciplines through elective courses.

At HSArts, we are committed to creating a supportive and enriching environment where students can thrive both artistically and academically.

We offer a variety of sports, including basketball, badminton, ping pong, volleyball, tennis, and more. Students can participate in sports clubs, and we have a school basketball team that competes with other private schools in the area. Additionally, we host in-school tournaments for badminton, ping pong, and tennis.

Academic teachers assign meaningful homework for students. For different grades and for different students, the time spent on homework may differ. Middle school students typically have an average homework load between 1-2 hours per day. For high school students, the homework load ranges from 2-3 hours per day.

At HSArts, our students are proud to say that we have the best school lunch program in the city! Each day, our dedicated in-house chef prepares a fresh and delicious buffet that offers a variety of cuisines from around the world, including Chinese, Korean, American, Italian, and Mexican dishes. Every meal is made from scratch, whether it’s freshly baked bread, Taiwanese beef noodles, pho, beef stew, burgers, BBQs, or pizza. Our buffet always includes a meat dish and a vegetarian option, along with a choice of rice, noodles, or bread. Fresh fruit, a daily soup or rice soup, and more ensure that our students are nourished with wholesome and tasty food, served hot and with care. Having lunch with their friends and chatting away is a favorite time for our students, making lunch one of the most anticipated highlights of their school day! Please find our lunch menu here.

Prospective students and families can visit our website, attend an open house, or schedule a school tour. For additional information, please contact our admissions office at admissions@HSArts.org

No. HSArts is a non-religious, secular school. Our curriculum focuses on academics and the arts, not religion

HSArts was established in 2010 by a group of dedicated parents who wanted to provide their children with an excellent education in both academics and the arts. Some of the founders practice Falun Gong, an ancient Chinese meditation discipline. However, HSArts is a non-religious school, and our curriculum is entirely secular with no religious instruction.

No. While some of our founders practice Falun Gong, the values it emphasizes—Truth, Kindness, and Tolerance—are universal values that we all share and appreciate. Our classrooms are entirely secular and inclusive, welcoming students and staff from all backgrounds. Topics such as human rights abuses, including the persecution of Falun Gong and other religious groups, are addressed in the same way we cover similar issues affecting different faiths and cultures throughout history.

Falun Gong (also called Falun Dafa) is an ancient meditation and self-improvement practice from China. Since 1999, the Chinese government has persecuted practitioners—once numbering over 100 million—which has created controversy and influenced how the practice is portrayed internationally.

For more information, please visit Faluninfo.net.

 Our students, families, and staff come from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. HSArts supports freedom of belief and ensures that no one is judged or treated differently based on personal or religious beliefs.

We welcome open communication. Please feel free to contact us directly with any questions about our curriculum or school culture. Our email address is info@HSArts.org and our phone # is 415.688.8272

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