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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.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
1. Open House visits: Visit San Francisco Pacific Academy for a weekday Open House Tour to see students and faculty in action. Open Houses are held on Wednesdays, start at 11:00, and last about one hour. The tours are led by Eleonora Nayberg, the Head of School, with help from 5th and 6th grade students who are the “connoisseurs” of life at SFPA, and at the end the Head of School answers questions.
2. Admission Test and required materials (K-1 pathway): After a preliminary visit, schedule a student evaluation, or Admission Test. The test day is a weekday at 8:30am, lasts 30 minutes, and is conducted one-on-one with a teacher. Download the Admission Test Request Form, indicate three preferred dates, and mail it back with a $50 Admission Test fee; once received, you will receive an email confirming the date. The Common Confidential Student Evaluation Form (required) must be printed, signed by the parent/guardian, completed by the child's preschool or current school, and returned to SFPA before the scheduled test.
3. Evaluation and age requirements (K-1): The Kindergarten applicant must be five years old by September 1. In addition to the test, the Common Confidential Student Evaluation Form is required and must be completed by the child's current school before testing.
4. 2-8 admission pathway notes (CTP5/SSAT): Beginning in third grade, SFPA conducts CTP5 testing as part of its evaluation framework, with SSAT used in the eighth grade for secondary school admissions.
5. Application timing and decisions (general): Families may submit application materials for the upcoming school year starting November 1, and to be considered in the first round, materials should be submitted by January 17. The decision letters are mailed within a week after the test date, and families are given a week to reflect before deciding. If space is unavailable, families may be placed on a waiting list.
6. Teacher evaluations and recommendations (K-1 and 2-8): Teacher evaluations from the child's current school are required as part of the application, and additional letters of recommendation are neither expected nor required.
7. Waiting list specifics (general): Being placed on the waiting list means enrollment may be offered if space becomes available; spaces are typically known after April 17, but openings can occur in spring and summer, and the Admissions Office will contact families who stay on the list.
Being placed on the waiting list means enrollment may be offered if space becomes available. Normally, spaces become available shortly after April 17, but sometimes openings occur in spring and summer. The Admissions Office will contact families who remain on the waiting list if a space becomes available.
San Francisco Pacific Academy is a private day school for students aged 5 to 14. It blends an American curriculum with bespoke elements to support a clear progression from primary through middle years. English and Russian are both used in instruction, with half of the classes conducted in English and half in Russian. Literacy in a bilingual environment is central to the school's approach, helping students develop fluent bilingual communication and cross cultural awareness. The school is fully accredited by ACS WASC, ensuring alignment with international standards. Enrichment opportunities include Dance Class, Chess Club, Art Class, and Vocal Class as after-school programs. In Arts and Creative offerings, students explore movement, drawing, painting, and singing in structured, supportive settings. The emphasis on student achievement guides daily learning, collaboration, and personal growth, fostering practical skills, creativity, and responsible citizenship. The school values global-minded learners who engage with their communities locally and globally.
