CAIS is the nation's preeminent and oldest school offering Chinese-English dual-language immersion education.
Founded in 1981, CAIS education begins at 2 year old preschool through 8th grade. It is a co-ed independent school in San Francisco, California that provides a dual language and multicultural learning experience for students of all backgrounds.
Our mission at the Chinese American International School is to inspire and empower learners to Embrace Chinese, Become our best selves and Contribute to a better world. Our Core Values are Kindness, Curiosity, Courage, Perserverance, and Inclusion.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked CA School
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 555 students
- Yearly Tuition: $42,600
- Acceptance rate: 22%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 17
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Chinese American International School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
School Resources
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1981
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Thu. May 28, 2026
Campus Size
5
Student Body
Total Students
555 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
88%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
77 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
18 students
Number of AP Courses
15 courses
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 17
Yearly Tuition Cost
$42,600
Tuition Notes
CAIS offers adjusted tuition ranging from $1,700 to $33,400.
% on Financial Aid
21%
Acceptance Rate
22%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Elaine Chang
Admissions Associate
Sophia Jang
Application URL
Endowment Size
$50 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
School Notes
- School Motto: Embrace Chinese, Become Our Best Selves, Contribute to a Better World
- School Mascot: Firedragons
- CAIS fosters a culture of learning characterized by curiosity, agency, perseverance and joy. Students take control of their own learning, experiencing the joy and empowerment of a growth mindset and life in which learning is a continuous and never-ending journey.
- We foster a school community that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. We firmly believe social and emotional competence can and must be explicitly taught in order for our students to achieve their capacity to be kind and resilient individuals who actively particpate in, contribute and grow within a diverse, equitable and inclusive community.
- The CAIS immersion bonus is an expansive mindset that is cultivated through Chinese immersion which extends far beyond language to add to a student's cognitive, character and intercultural competencies. From incorporating project based learning and Reading and Writing Workshop in both languages across grades, to our focus on design thinking and arts integration across the curriculum, CAIS teachers help students build the skills they need to be prepared for 21st century challenges.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Carol Ruth Silver, Freedom Rider and former San Francisco Supervisor -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Chinese American International School cost?
Chinese American International School's tuition is approximately $42,600 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Chinese American International School?
The acceptance rate of Chinese American International School is 22%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. Chinese American International School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Chinese American International School?
Chinese American International School famous alumni include: Carol Ruth Silver, Freedom Rider and former San Francisco Supervisor.
Does Chinese American International School offer a summer program?
Yes, Chinese American International School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Chinese American International School offer?
Chinese American International School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer and Volleyball.
What is Chinese American International School's ranking?
Chinese American International School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for Chinese American International School?
The application deadline for Chinese American International School is Jan. 17.
In what neighborhood is Chinese American International School located?
Chinese American International School is located in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, CA. There are 2 other private schools located in Cathedral Hill.
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The nearest high school to Chinese American International School is San Francisco Waldorf High School (0.5 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is St. Stephen School (0.2 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Lakeside Pres. Center For Children (0.1 miles away)
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