PKS is a progressive, Mandarin immersion school serving preschool through 8th grade.
Our mission is to nurture the young heart and mind in a joyful learning environment, where the convergence of progressive education and Mandarin immersion ignites curiosity, connectedness, and engagement in the world.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Yearly Tuition: $40,949
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 11
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Presidio Knolls School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Dual Language Immersion Program
Secondary Immersion Language
Mandarin
Year Founded
2008
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
n/a
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
16 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 11
Yearly Tuition Cost
$40,949
Tuition Notes
Note: Extended care, after-school enrichment, summer camp, and middle school travel and technology incur separate fees.The Middle School Travel & Technology Fee (which covers the full cost of one international trip and all devices and technology for grades 6-8) for the 2023-2024 school year is $4,275.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Summer camp is typically offered by the week, so tuition varies according to family need.
% on Financial Aid
12%
Admissions Director
Jenefer Johnson
Admissions Associate
Anna Huang
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
18 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
After School Enrichment Classes, LGBTQ Alliance, Math Club, Middle School Study Hall, Student Council, Tutoring, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Classes, Drama productions, Music Class, Music Lessons, Piano Lessons, Ukulele lessons, Violin Lessons, Visual Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Microsoccer (PS through G1), Middle School Athletic League, Physical Education
After School Enrichment Classes, LGBTQ Alliance, Math Club, Middle School Study Hall, Student Council, Tutoring, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Classes, Drama productions, Music Class, Music Lessons, Piano Lessons, Ukulele lessons, Violin Lessons, Visual Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Microsoccer (PS through G1), Middle School Athletic League, Physical Education
School Notes
- Presidio Knolls School is a preschool through 8th grade institution. We are fearless, innovative, and globally minded; we are proudly progressive; and we offer a full Mandarin immersion program to a diverse group of students.
- Our preschool and elementary school are "full immersion" with preschool conducted 100% in Mandarin, and K-4 with 80% of instruction conducted in Mandarin. This ensures our students become as comfortable in their second language as they are in their first. When students enter middle school (G5-8), 50% of instruction is conducted in Mandarin and 50% is conducted in English (including math) to ensure a more balanced literacy.
- In our Reggio Emilia inspired preschool, lessons emerge from children`s ideas, thoughts, and observations. In this stage, our main goal is to foster a lifelong passion for learning and exploration.
- Our elementary and middle school curriculum is project based and designed to encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and a growth mindset. Our integrated curriculum focuses around Units of Exploration that are broad enough to incorporate multiple disciplines and provides students with the opportunity to explore the aspects of greatest interest.
- By traditional metrics, our students are extremely high achieving (two-thirds are in the 90th percentile or higher in MAP testing in math and English, and 95% of our students are on pace to reach advanced levels in ACTFL benchmarks of Chinese).
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Presidio Knolls School cost?
Presidio Knolls School's tuition is approximately $40,949 for private students.
Does Presidio Knolls School offer a summer program?
Yes, Presidio Knolls School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Presidio Knolls School offer?
Presidio Knolls School offers 3 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Soccer and Volleyball.
When is the application deadline for Presidio Knolls School?
The application deadline for Presidio Knolls School is Jan. 11.
In what neighborhood is Presidio Knolls School located?
Presidio Knolls School is located in the SoMa neighborhood of San Francisco, CA.
School Reviews
5
We have sent our son to PKS for two years now and are excited to enroll our daughter there next year. Given the high cost of admission, I had set a high expectation bar and am pleased that it has been met. Our son was able to fluently talk with his relatives in China this past summer. He has several friends and asks us to set up play dates with them nearly each weekend. The staff and faculty are welcoming and creative a positive learning environment. All in all, a great place to send your kids if Mandarin is a priority for your family and you are looking to join a tight community.
5 7/27/2012
Our daughter has just completed her first year at PKS preschool. We are thrilled that the school is adding an elementary program. Although it is child-centric, they really make sure that the kids are learning and not just memorizing. In addition to her everyday routine which include circle time, singing, painting, and projects (all in Mandarin), our daughter also loves the soccer, gymnastic, and kung-fu classes. The facility is sunny, beautiful and clean. We look forward to the next 10 years at PKS.
5 7/27/2012
We just love PKS from the people to the facility. The administrators and teachers truly care for the well-being of our child. The school itself is spacious, clean, and beautiful. Most importantly, our daughter loves learning and going to school.
5 1/19/2012
PKS has a progressive approach to teaching, caring staff, active parents community and a great facility, my daughter loves her school, teachers, and friends.
5 1/19/2012
My daughter attends the PKS preschool.We are really happy here. PKS is the only Mandarin immersion program with a progressive, child led educational approach in San Francisco. This is exactly what we want for our child, and she is thriving there. Her mandarin is improving in leaps and boungs (it is clear that she "thinks in chinese") and she shows a curiosity and confidence that we relish. We are very happy here and don't want this experience to end at the preschool, so we're thrilled that PKS is extending to elementary.
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