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 Stoy: The Vision Behind SHArts

More than fifteen years ago, a group of parents—including myself—envisioned a school that combined the rigor of strong academics with the beauty and discipline of classical arts. Our goal was to raise not only talented artists but thoughtful, resilient leaders guided by universal values.

I’ve witnessed this transformation in my own son. He joined our weekend dance program at age four, simply a little boy who loved to move. Through years of training and support, he became a national first-place dancer, while also excelling in academics—completing Algebra II by eighth grade and becoming fluent in both English and Chinese.

His journey is not unique. Many of our students discover a deep love for learning and the arts, growing into confident, purpose-driven young adults. However, I realized that to truly support their development, we needed to begin even earlier. That’s why HSArts now serves grades TK–12—to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning, character, and creativity.

We invite your child to experience an education where mind and heard grow together and where future leaders, artists and innovators find their path.

Our Philosophy

As Leonardo da Vinci wisely said, “To develop a complete mind: Study the science of art; Study the art of science.” These words reflect the foundation of our philosophy: a truly complete education must develop both analytical and creative capacities.

The Interwoven Nature of Art and Science

Creativity is built upon structure. Just as scientists rely on observation, logic, and experimentation, artists master proportion, composition, light, and form before they can innovate. At HSArts, we integrate the sciences and the arts because we believe that true mastery is born from the balance of structure and imagination.

The Role of Classical Arts in Human Development

Research shows that a classical arts education enhances memory, cognitive function, and academic performance. Music training has been linked to higher IQ and math skills, while visual arts and dance improve focus, fine motor coordination, and emotional well-being. Through disciplined arts study, students also build grit, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

The Power of Chinese Immersion

With over a billion native speakers, Chinese is one of the most important global languages. Our bilingual program immerses students not only in language fluency but also in Chinese classics and traditional values—such as integrity, humility, and harmony—cultivating cultural depth and moral character.

Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders

HSArts students engage in inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. Our TK–12 curriculum blends academic rigor with character development and the arts, preparing students to be ethical, capable leaders in a fast-changing world.

Meet Our Faculty

Our teachers take a holistic approach to the development of young minds. Our faculty, noteworthy for its academic strength and diversity, aims to inspire students by stimulating their intellectual curiosity, nurturing their ambitions, empowering their social engagement, and enlivening their artistic sense. More than 85% of the academic staff hold a Master’s degree or doctorate in their teaching areas.

Mr. Dongsheng Wei

Artistic Director

Mr. Dongsheng Wei is an internationally acclaimed dancer and dance teacher. He was the principal dancer of Atlanta Ballet for 14 years. He has been teaching dance for over 25 years. He is the Artistic Director at San Francisco High School of the Arts. Mr. Wei teaches ballet fundamental classes to the intermediate and advanced dance students.

Ms. Lona Lou, M.A.

Academic Director

Ms. Lona Lou received an M.A. in Finance Management from the University of Cambridge. Before coming to High School of the Arts, Ms. Lou taught Finance and Investment at Henan University of Finance and Economics, and later worked in several non-profit organizations in the Bay Area.

Dr. Shalina Fung

College & Academic Counselor

Dr. Fung has many years of experience working with education leaders and college admission directors. She has organized many college fairs, and has worked as the Chief Editor for a Chinese educational magazine. Dr. Fung completed the Certificate Program in College Admission and Career Planning through UC Berkeley, where she also received her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Cell Biology. She holds a Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Southern California.

Mr. Qining Cai

Chinese Teacher

Mr. Cai was a professor of Chinese in China before coming to High School of the Arts. He has taught Chinese language for thirty-five years. He also taught media production and also has extensive knowledge in Chinese literature and culture.

Ms. Erica Campbell

English Teacher

Ms. Campbell grew up in the Bay Area and lived and taught in Las Vegas for 32 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education English and a Masters in Education Administration. She continues to take classes to learn and broaden her knowledge of current pedagogical practices and recently earned her TEFL certificate that enables me to work with English Language Learners. She's very excited to join HSArts and looks forward to a very rewarding school year.

Mr. Ray Chen

Science & Mathematics Teacher

Mr. Ray Chen received his Master of Science degree from Purdue University. He brings decades of work experience from global enterprises like Apple and Oracle, as well as years of experience from teaching previously at High School of the Arts and at other private schools.

Ms. Dana Crigler

Dance Teacher

Ms. Dana Crigler was a professional dancer and has danced the roles of Sugarplum Fairy, Spanish, Snow, Puss N’ Boots, Blue Bird, Pas de Deux and Pas de Trois in Le Sylphide, and numerous original works by various choreographers. She received her early dance training in Matteson, IL and continued her professional training with Boitsov Classical Ballet School under the direction of Madame Elizabeth Boistov, a graduate and professional dancer with the Bolshoi Theatre. She performs all styles of dance including ballet, modern (Duncan), tap, and jazz with ballet being her strength and passion.

Ms. Lucy Cui

Visual Arts Teacher

Ms. Cui is a freelance storyboard artist and illustrator. She received M.F.A of Animation & Visual Effects from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She also studied B.F.A in Century Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. In 2018, she was the Runner-up For MFA Personal Work in school of illustration in the Academy of Art University spring show.In 2019, she was received the award for The Best Category Award For Animation in school of Visual Development in the Academy of Art University spring show.

Mr. Joshua Feltman

Math and Music teacher

Mr. Joshua Feltman is HSArts' math and music teacher, who brings a unique blend of expertise in both fields. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition with honors from the prestigious New England Conservatory in Boston, MA, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with honors from Tufts University in Medford, MA. With rich experience in teaching both math and music, he is well-equipped to inspire and guide our students in these subjects. We look forward to the creativity and analytical skills he will bring to our classrooms!

Mr. John de Groot

Media Arts Teacher

Mr. de Groot is an experienced video professional with special expertise in producing, writing and editing broadcast news. He received a Bachelor of the Arts degree from UC Davis. Mr. de Groot also does freelance work as a producer and editor.

Ms. Millie Hankinson

Visual Arts Teacher

Ms. Hankinson is a figurative artist and instructor. She studied fine art and illustration at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and has been teaching throughout the Bay Area since 2013.

Ms. Felicity Hesed

Theater Teacher

Felicity is a creator, director, and producer specializing in integrating circus and theater. She made her Off-Broadway directing debut with {IN}TANGIBLE at Theatre Row in Manhattan. Felicity is the Founder and Artistic Director of People’s Circus Theatre (PCT) in San Francisco, where she wrote and directed Reindeer Games and The Nightingale. She is well known for her work at Circus Center in San Francisco, including a theatre-circus adaptation of The Secret Garden. Felicity has also directed Circus Pop Ups!, which won the Audience Choice Award at the Circus International Film Festival 2022.

Ms. Sherry Hu

Dance Teacher

Born in the United States, Ms. Hu grew up with a passion for dance, piano, and the arts. Her love for dance and piano began at the age of 4, participating in many parades and small-scale performances throughout her childhood. She completed her training in classical Chinese dance at Fei Tian Academy of the Arts New York and made her debut as a professional dancer in 2006 with Shen Yun Performing Arts, performing over thousands of shows in major cities around the world. Ms. Hu joined HSArts as a dance instructor and choreographer in 2010. Her teaching experiences in the U.S. and abroad has given her a vast array of knowledge that makes her a highly successful teacher and mentor. Several students under her tutelage have gained positions as professional company dancers.

Mr. Mike Lai

Dance Teacher

Mr. Lai graduated from Fei Tian Academy of the Arts in New York and received a B.F.A. in Dance Pedagogy from Fei Tian College. He trained and performed with the world-renowned dance group Shen Yun Performing Arts for five years. He is an experienced choreographer and teacher of Classical Chinese Dance.

Mr. Brian Nieh

Dance Teacher

Mr. Brian Nieh holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance production from Fei Tian College in New York. An artist growing up in a family of teachers and musicians, the concert pianist turned 3rd-place winning dancer (2009 NTDTV Dance Competition) trained and toured with Shen Yun Performing Arts for ten years, performing in dozens of cities and countries around the world. He then returned to his alma mater for several years as an instructor, teaching a variety of subjects. In 2019, he took his talents to San Francisco to join HSArts in providing quality education in arts and academics.

Mr. David Qiao

PE Teacher

Mr. David Qiao is a lifelong athlete, full marathon finisher, and an avid aficionado of basketball, tennis, and table tennis. He is excited to join HSArts and help students learn about the benefits of exericse, including building strong bodies, having fun, and working together! Mr. Qiao received his Master of science degree from University at Buffalo.

Mr. Lee Randazzo

History & Science Teacher

Mr. Randazzo has an M.A. in ESL teaching for all ages and is certified in general education elementary school teaching (for all subjects, K-6). He is a licensed teacher with more than 20 years of teaching experience in public and private schools.

Ms. Anne-Sophie Rodriguez

Ballet Teacher

Born and raised in France, Anne-Sophie Rodriguez started her ballet studies there before receiving the majority of her training at San Francisco Ballet School. After graduating from Boston Ballet School, class of Madame Tatiana Nicolaevna Legat, she danced with companies including Boston Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, the Norwegian National Ballet, the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, and Ballet Internationale. A member of the San Francisco Ballet School faculty since 2018, Anne-Sophie previously taught in New York City for schools including Ellison Ballet, the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, and in San Francisco for City Ballet SF. She holds certifications in Classical Dance, Character Dance and Historical Dance instruction from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy Teacher Training Program. Anne-Sophie also has a 500-hour certification in Yoga from Janet Stone, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts, summa cum laude, from St Mary’s College through the Liberal Education for Arts Professionals (LEAP) Program.

Mr. Mario Su

Visual Arts Teacher

Mr. Junhao (Mario) Su is a freelance concept artist and background painter, recognized for his contributions to the animation industry. With a wealth of experience, he has lent his talents to numerous television and film projects. Mr. Su's artistic prowess extends beyond animation, as evidenced by his notable achievements in fine art. He has been honored with awards and exhibitions, including the NTD 2024 International Figure Painting Competition Merit Award, the NTD 2019 International Figure Painting Competition Youth Award, and the NOAPS 29th Best of America Exhibit Merit Award. Through his diverse work, Mr. Su continues to captivate audiences and inspire fellow artists with his talent and dedication to the craft.

Dr. Jason Totzke

Violin Teacher

Violinist Jason Totzke has performed in the United States, Canada and Europe. He has been heard on WXXI Radio Rochester (NY) and as soloist with the Boston Chamber Ensemble, the Kensington Symphony Orchestra (CA), and the Pro Arte Chamber Ensemble of South Florida. He is a former member of the Syracuse Symphony (NY), the Erie Philharmonic (PA), and performed with the Rochester Philharmonic (NY) for nearly a decade. Mr. Jason plays on a Dutch violin made c. 1765 by Johannes Cuypers. Dr. Totske completed his prestigious Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Eastman School of Music.

Ms. Ginnie Wu

History & English Teacher

Ms. Wu graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.S. Environmental Economics and Policy as well as B.A. Chinese. She attained teaching credentials from SFU. Ms. Wu is a skilled teacher in history and economics.

Ms. Shannon Wolfe

Vocal Teacher

As a vocal artist and cabaret performer, Ms. Shannon Wolfe delights in the art of singing and storytelling using the Great American Songbook as her muse. She is the creator of numerous cabaret shows including Femmes Fatales: A Film Noir Cabaret, Sinatra and Shore: A Centennial Tribute; You’d Be Surprised a Tribute to Irving Berlin and Lonely Girl: the Songs of Julie London, showcased at both Stookey’s Blue Room and Society Cabaret in downtown San Francisco. Ms. Wolfe is founder of the Skylark Trio, a jazz ensemble which brings to life the best of radio, stage and screen songs from the 1930s and ‘40s. She is also one half of the comedic jazz cabaret duo, Sophisticated Ladies, whose harmonically rich shows: Take the J Train and Shiny Stockings delight audiences with songs from the Art Deco era and the tunes of Tin Pan Alley. Shannon holds a Master of Music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where she studied and performed opera and Baroque chamber music. She is sought after both as a voice teacher and director of musical theater for Bay Area kids and teens. She serves on faculty at the Holy Name Conservatory of Music as well as the San Francisco High School of the Arts.

Ms. Allison Yang

Piano Teacher

Pianist Allison Yang has garnered much acclaim for her performances in the "Love Letters" concert series across the United States and Europe. She has taught at the Young Academy of Music for 17 years and served as a judge in international youth piano competitions. Her piano students have been admitted to prestigious institutions such as Stanford University and the Hochschule für Musik und Theater München in Germany, among others. Allison has remained active on the stage for many years, and her classical music series, "Love Letters" piano concerts, began touring North America in 2023, earning the admiration of audiences of all ages and prompting the addition of more performances.

Ms. Hanna Zhang

Young Artists Director & Dance Teacher

Ms. Hanna’s love for Chinese dance began when she was only 9 years old. She graduated from Tianjin Normal University in 2019, majoring in Chinese dance. Ms. Hanna continued her education in the U.S., receiving her Master of Education (Curriculum and Instruction) from Kings College in 2020. Ms. Hanna worked at Tianjin TV Station as a dance teacher and choreographer, preparing many dances and fairy tale spectaculars for children of all ages. She has participated in CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala and the National Dance Performance competitions multiple times.

Mr. Peter Zhang

College & Guidance Counselor

Mr. Zhang is a graduate of Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and an alumni of Harvard University. He has served as an interviewer for the Admissions Office at Harvard University, and has many years of experience as a licensed K-12 guidance counselor. Through providing thoughtful, individualized guidance and strategies, Mr Zhang has enabled many students around the world to fulfill their college dreams.

Campus and Facilities

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.

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.

Video Testimonials

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

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:

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQ

What Makes HSArts Unique?

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

What artistic programs are offered at HSArts ?

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.

How strong is HSArts’ academic program?

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.

Can students graduate with honors in specific disciplines?

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

How are students admitted to HSArts?

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.

Are there performance or exhibition opportunities for students?

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

How are parents involved at HSArts?

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.

What is the daily schedule like at HSArts?

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.

Does HSArts offer extracurricular or 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.

Are there volunteer and community engagement opportunities?

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.

Does HSArts offer financial aid or scholarships?

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.

Is there a dress code at HSArts?

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.

What opportunities exist for high school students after graduation?

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.

How is San Francisco High School of the Arts different from SOTA, or Ruth Asawa School of the Arts?

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.

What sports do you offer?

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.

What is the average homework load?

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.

What is the lunch menu like?

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.

How can prospective students learn more about HSArts?

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

Is HSArts a religious school?

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

Who founded HSArts?

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.

Does Falun Gong influence the school’s teaching?

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.

What is Falun Gong?

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.

Who makes up the HSArts community?

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.

If I have more questions, who can I contact?

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