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 focus nurtures in students universal values and a sense of civic duty so they may positively contribute to the world.

Our Stoy: The Vision Behind HSArts

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.

Our Philosophy

As Leonardo da Vinci wisely said, “To develop a complete mind: Study the science of art; Study the art of science.” At HSArts, we teach the science behind art and the artistry within science.

The Interwoven Nature of Art and Science

Creativity is built on structure. Scientists rely on observation, logic, and experimentation; artists master proportion, composition, light, and form. At HSArts, we integrate the sciences and the arts because true mastery emerges from the balance of structure and imagination

The Role of Classical Arts in Human Development

Classical arts training strengthens memory, cognition, and academic performance. Music correlates with higher IQ and math skills; visual arts and dance improve focus, fine-motor coordination, and emotional well-being. Through disciplined study, students build grit, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

Upholding Academic Rigor

At HSArts, the arts strengthen the mind as much as they inspire the heart. Research—and our own results—show that students who study the arts excel academically. With caring, experienced teachers, a well-designed curriculum that sparks curiosity and joy, and thoughtful use of new technology, we help every student think critically, communicate clearly, and thrive in both academics and the arts.

The Benefits of Learning Chinese

Learning Chinese opens doors to one of the world’s largest language communities and connects students to an ancient civilization—thousands of years of wisdom in philosophy, history, and art. Its classical poetry and literature are rich and beautiful, expressing enduring values of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.

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

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

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.

Faculty members

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 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.

  • 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.