Children's Day School

Children's Day School recognizes that every child is born with unique gifts.
Our mission is to develop each student's genius by providing an inspiring environment where challenging academics are inseparable from social, artistic, and physical experiences, and where children of all backgrounds feel safe to be themselves, become avid learners, and strive to make a difference in the lives of others.
Our educational program encourages curiosity, exploration, cooperation, risk-taking and a love of learning.
It is integrated across academic disciplines and incorporates a project-based approach in which our students develop academic skills through inquiry and collaboration.
Our students develop a sense of caring for self, for others, for the community and for the world as they become creative thinkers, skilled mathematicians, accomplished artists, strong writers and rigorous researchers.
They graduate confident in their strengths, unafraid to struggle and prepared for the challenges and opportunities that await them.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 511 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $46,900
  • Acceptance rate: 47%
  • Average class size: 22 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Jan. 6 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Children's Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1983
Summer School Offered
Yes
Campus Size
1 acre

Student Body

Total Students
511 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
48%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Children's Day School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
22 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Dec. 15 / Jan. 6 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Siding scale tuition range for 2015-2016: $2,180?$28,180.
% on Financial Aid
31%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$17,916
Acceptance Rate
47%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Diane Larrabee
Admissions Associate
Amanda Richard
Application URL

Sports

Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Children's Day School cost?
Children's Day School's tuition is approximately $46,900 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Children's Day School?
The acceptance rate of Children's Day School is 47%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. Children's Day School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Children's Day School offer?
Children's Day School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Indoor Soccer and Volleyball.
What is Children's Day School's ranking?
Children's Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Children's Day School?
The application deadline for Children's Day School is Dec. 15 / Jan. 6 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 15 / Jan. 6 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Children's Day School located?
Children's Day School is located in the Mission Dolores neighborhood of San Francisco, CA. There are 3 other private schools located in Mission Dolores.

School Calendar

View the Children's Day School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event
Date
Early Childhood & Lower School Open House
December 06, 2025 (Saturday)
Spring Break (camp TBD)
April 13, 2026 (Monday)
Last Day of School - Noon Dismissal
June 12, 2026 (Friday)

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Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 511 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $46,900
  • Acceptance rate: 47%
  • Average class size: 22 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Jan. 6 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in San Francisco, CA is $24,303 for elementary schools and $39,692 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in San Francisco, CA is 58% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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