Lycée Français de San Francisco Admissions Consulting
Expert Guidance for Families Applying to This Bilingual French-International Day School in the Bay Area
Cardinal Education is an independent educational consulting company. We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with any private or public school, including Lycée Français de San Francisco.
As Seen On
About the School
About Lycée Français de San Francisco
Lycée Français de San Francisco (LFSF) is a private, independent, bilingual French-English day school founded in 1967, serving roughly 850–900 students from Early Childhood through Grade 12 across three Bay Area campuses: Ashbury (PreK–Grade 5, San Francisco), Sausalito (age 2–Grade 5, Marin County), and Ortega (Grades 6–12, San Francisco). LFSF is currently led by Proviseur Emmanuel Texier. The school’s mission is “to provide academic excellence through an authentically French and International education while prioritizing a caring environment and celebrating the diversity of our community.” LFSF holds accreditation from the French Ministry of National Education, WASC, and CAIS, and its community includes roughly 50 nationalities and 30+ languages spoken, with 100% of faculty holding 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
Average Class Size
18 students (Ashbury and Sausalito), 20 students (Ortega)
Accreditation
French Ministry of National Education (AEFE network); IB World School (MYP + DP); CAIS; WASC; Member, NAIS
Two Academic Pathways
LFSF offers two parallel academic tracks, both fully bilingual in French and English:
| 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 and is open to students of all linguistic backgrounds.
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 deeper look at LFSF’s admissions process for Asian American families, see our full guide for Lycée Français de San Francisco specifically for Asian American applicants.
Admissions Events
LFSF holds regular International Track Presentations & Tours throughout the school year, alongside dedicated Open House events by campus and division:
International Track Presentation & Tour — Ortega
Monthly, September through June
Preschool & Primary Open House — Ashbury
October, November, December, January
Preschool & Primary Open House — Sausalito
November, January
Middle & High School Open House — Ortega
October
See our guide to private school open houses and tours for how to make the most of a campus visit.
What Makes LFSF’s Admissions Process Unique?
LFSF does not require a standardized entrance exam. Every applicant, from preschool through high school, completes a required family interview via Zoom. Non-French-system applicants complete a French-language proficiency evaluation via Zoom with a teacher, used to confirm level rather than to gatekeep admission. For Grades 6–12 specifically, applicants submit a 2–3 minute self-recorded personal introductory video in place of a traditional written essay or proctored writing assessment.
Top Tips for Applying
- Schedule your required family interview and campus tour early; both are needed to complete the checklist.
- If applying without a French-system background, prepare for the French-language proficiency Zoom evaluation, which confirms level rather than gatekeeping admission.
- For Grades 6–12, treat the 2–3 minute introductory video as seriously as a written essay; it’s the primary “getting to know you” component.
Best Practices for Families
- Attend an International Track Presentation & Tour if considering that pathway, since it doesn’t require prior French knowledge.
- Decide between the French Track and International Track early, since the two lead to different diplomas and daily curricula.
- Upload report cards and other required documents to the Veracross portal promptly once your account is created.
What the LFSF Application Requires
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01Testing Policy
No standardized entrance exam (ISEE, SSAT, or HSPT) is required for admission. SAT, ACT, AP, and TOEFL are college-preparatory tools used later in high school and are unrelated to K–12 admission.
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02Interviews
A family interview via Zoom with an admissions associate is required for all applicants, from preschool through high school.
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03The Introductory Video
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 Families Get Into LFSF
Because LFSF’s process centers on a universal family interview and, for older applicants, a video in place of a written essay, families benefit from a strategy built around genuine presentation and preparation rather than test scores. Cardinal Education’s private school admissions consulting helps families prepare for the family interview, decide between the French and International Tracks, and craft a compelling introductory video for Grades 6–12 applicants, informed by what schools look for in applicants.
“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
Does Lycée Français de San Francisco require the ISEE or SSAT?
Do I need to speak French to apply to LFSF?
Is an interview required to apply to LFSF?
What replaces the essay for older applicants?
What is the difference between the French Track and International Track?
Considering Lycée Français de San Francisco?
Our consultants help families navigate LFSF’s admissions process with clarity and confidence.