Lycée Français de San Francisco Admissions for Asian American Families
What Asian American Families Should Know Before Applying to This Bilingual French-International School
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As Seen On
About the School
Lycée Français de San Francisco and Asian American Applicants
Lycée Français de San Francisco (LFSF) is a private, bilingual French-English day school serving roughly 850–900 students across three Bay Area campuses, with a genuinely global community: roughly 50 nationalities and 30+ languages are represented. Families without a French-language background should know that LFSF’s International Track does not require prior French knowledge and is open to students of all linguistic backgrounds, leading to the IB Bilingual Diploma alongside a US High School Diploma. LFSF is currently led by Proviseur Emmanuel Texier, and 100% of faculty hold advanced degrees.
Fast Facts
Ashbury Campus
755 Ashbury Street, San Francisco, CA 94117 (PreK–Grade 5)
Sausalito Campus
610 Coloma Street, Sausalito, CA 94965 (Age 2–Grade 5)
Ortega Campus
1201 Ortega Street, San Francisco, CA 94122 (Grades 6–12)
Type
Private, Independent, International Day School
Total Enrollment
850–900 students, representing 50+ nationalities
Average Class Size
18 students (Ashbury and Sausalito), 20 students (Ortega)
Two Academic Pathways
| Track | Curriculum | Credential Earned |
|---|---|---|
| French Track | French national curriculum | French Baccalauréat + US High School Diploma |
| International Track | IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) + Diploma Programme (DP) | IB Bilingual Diploma + US High School Diploma |
The International Track does not require prior French language knowledge, making it a genuine option for Asian American families without a French-language background.
Athletics
LFSF fields 5 sports across 8 teams: Volleyball (Coed, Girls, Boys), Cross Country (Coed), Basketball (Coed, Boys), Track & Field (Coed), and Futsal (Coed, Middle School only), part of a broader extracurricular program.
For a full walkthrough of LFSF’s admissions process and student life, see our Lycée Français de San Francisco Profile.
Admissions Events
International Track Presentation & Tour — Ortega
Monthly, September through June
Preschool & Primary Open House — Ashbury
October, November, December, January
Middle & High School Open House — Ortega
October
Why LFSF’s Interview-and-Video Process Rewards Different Preparation
Families used to a standardized-test-driven admissions process should note that LFSF requires no entrance exam at any grade level. Instead, every applicant completes a required family interview, and Grades 6–12 applicants submit a 2–3 minute introductory video in place of a written essay. Families without a French-language background should also expect a French-language proficiency Zoom evaluation, used to confirm level rather than gatekeep admission.
Top Tips for Applying
- Schedule your required family interview and campus tour early in the process.
- If applying without a French-system background, prepare for the French-language proficiency evaluation.
- For Grades 6–12, treat the introductory video as seriously as a written essay.
Best Practices for Families
- Attend an International Track Presentation & Tour to learn about the pathway that doesn’t require prior French knowledge.
- Decide between the French Track and International Track early, since they lead to different diplomas.
- Upload required documents to the Veracross portal promptly once your account is created.
What the Application Involves
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01Testing Policy
No standardized entrance exam is required at any grade level.
-
02Interviews & Video
A family interview via Zoom is required for every applicant, from preschool through high school.
Grades 6–8 and high school applicants submit a 2–3 minute self-recorded introductory video (in English or French, informal and unedited) covering their name, age, and grade; likes and dislikes at their current school; favorite subject; something they know about LFSF; outside interests; and something they’re proud of. This video is not required for preschool through Grade 5 applicants.
How Cardinal Education Helps Asian Americans Get Into LFSF
Cardinal Education’s private school admissions consulting helps Asian American families prepare for the required family interview, decide between the French and International Tracks, and craft a compelling introductory video for Grades 6–12 applicants. For the full picture of LFSF’s academics, admissions process, and requirements, see our main Lycée Français de San Francisco Admissions Consulting page.
Families evaluating LFSF may also find our guidance on what schools look for in applicants useful.
“We were a bit nervous about the language piece. Our daughter’s French was decent, but Lycée Français felt like a whole different level. Cardinal helped us understand exactly what the admissions team was looking for beyond just fluency, and worked with her on presenting her authentic self. Overall, we’re just relieved at how smoothly it all went.”— Parent of a 6th Grader
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak French to apply to LFSF?
Does LFSF require the ISEE or SSAT?
Is an interview required to apply to LFSF?
How diverse is LFSF’s student body?
What replaces the essay for older applicants?
Considering LFSF for Your Family?
Our consultants build a preparation plan around your family’s specific priorities.