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United States, San Francisco
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
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Limited spaces are open in select grades. Eligibility for the 2026-2027 school year: Preschool P2 requires two on or before September 1, 2026; Preschool P3/P4 requires three or four on or before September 1, 2026; Kindergarten requires five on or before September 1, 2026; 1st Grade requires adequate oral and aural proficiency in Mandarin; 2nd–5th Grade requires adequate Mandarin and English proficiency with Mandarin proficiency demonstrated prior to application; 6th–8th Grade offers Mandarin Immersion requiring both Mandarin and English proficiency, while the Mandarin World Language Pathway does not require Mandarin proficiency, only English proficiency. Step 2: Begin by filling out the online inquiry form to stay informed about events and the admissions process. Step 3: Experience campus in person with CAIS 101, Tours for Preschool Applicants, Tours for K-5th Applicants, Tours for 6th-8th Grade Applicants, and Face-to-Face with CAIS later in the season; tour dates fill up quickly. Step 4: Request an application; you'll receive a link to open your online portal; the application includes an evaluation form. Preschool applicants' schools should email the Preschool–K Student Evaluation Form or mail it to 3250 19th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132; First–Eighth Grade Student Evaluation Form is used for older applicants. Applications for 2026-2027 are due January 16, 2026; supporting documents (including evaluation forms) are due February 11. CAIS follows the Principles of Good Practice in Admissions.
Tuition for 2026-2027 is $46,300 for K–8 and $42,900 for Preschool. Adjusted Tuition is a need-based program determined by Clarity and the Adjusted Tuition Committee; applying does not influence the admissions decision. The Adjusted Tuition decision covers tuition, extended care, and International Program fees; the family's Adjusted Tuition is reviewed annually and the CAIS School Code is 5119. The Adjusted Tuition process uses Clarity data and requires an annual application; questions should be directed to adjustedtuition@cais.org. In 2025–2026, 22.5% of families (representing 23.6% of students) paid Adjusted Tuition. Morning care is complimentary; after-school care costs $400/month; August and June are free for families enrolled in extended care from September to May.
