San Domenico School Admissions: Guidance for Asian American Families
Navigating a Bay Area Boarding School With a Significant Asian and Asian International Community
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 San Domenico School.
As Seen On
About the School
Diversity & Inclusion at San Domenico: Asian American Perspective
San Domenico’s boarding program draws a significant international student population, and current Niche reviews specifically note that boarders come primarily from countries like China, adding to the school’s cultural diversity. In the 2025–26 school year, San Domenico’s international students came from 16 countries, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam, alongside domestic students from across the Bay Area and beyond.
San Domenico does not publish a specific Asian American demographic percentage, but between its international boarding community and Bay Area day population, Asian and Asian American students make up a visible part of campus life. Founded in 1850 and now fully test-free in admissions, San Domenico is California’s oldest independent school and its only K–12 day and boarding school.
Fast Facts
Location
1500 Butterfield Road, San Anselmo, CA 94960 (Marin County)
Type
Private, co-ed, K–12 day school with day, flex, and full boarding options for Grades 9–12
Enrollment
Around 680 students
Testing Policy
SSAT/ISEE not required or accepted
International Recruitment
Admissions travel has included recent stops in China (Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Chengdu)
Community & Admissions Snapshot
International Boarders (2025–26)
80, from 16 countries including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam
Domestic Boarders (2025–26)
60
Day Students (Upper School)
240
Testing Policy
SSAT/ISEE not required or accepted (equity-driven policy)
English Proficiency (International)
Required as part of the international application checklist
Want a Full Picture?
San Domenico does not publish a specific Asian American demographic percentage for its domestic student body. For full admissions requirements and student life details that apply to every applicant, explore How to Get Into San Domenico School: Strategic Key to Admissions.
What International and Domestic Asian American Families Should Know
San Domenico’s application process is largely the same whether a family is applying domestically or internationally, aside from the additional English proficiency requirement for international applicants. Families based in Asia or applying from abroad should watch for San Domenico’s international recruitment travel, which has included recent stops across China, since these events can include on-the-ground meetings or interviews. Domestic Asian American families should know that, because San Domenico doesn’t publish specific demographic percentages, a campus visit and direct conversation with admissions is the best way to get a current, accurate sense of the community.
Key Admissions Dates & Events
Application Opens
August 17, 2026 (4:00 pm)
International Student Early Application Due
December 18, 2026
Grades 9–12 Day Application Due
January 5, 2027
Grades 9–12 Boarding Application Due
January 15, 2027
Grades K–8 Application Due
January 15, 2027
Grades 9–12 Boarding Admissions Decision
March 5, 2027 (4:00 pm)
Grades K–8 Admissions Decision
March 11, 2027 (12:00 pm)
Grades 9–12 Day Admissions Decision
March 12, 2027 (4:00 pm)
Grades 9–12 Day Enrollment Contracts Due
March 19, 2027 (12:00 pm)
Grades 9–12 Boarding Enrollment Contracts Due
March 26, 2027 (12:00 pm)
K–8 Leadership Meet & Greet
Late October
Upper School Preview Days
Late October and early December
K–2 Preview Day
Early November
Boarding Night for Prospectives
Mid-January
Grades 3–5 & Middle School Preview Day
Late January
Kindergarten Assessment Day & K–12 Info Evening
Early February
Revisit Days & New Family Welcomes
Spring (March–May)
What the San Domenico Application Requires
To apply to San Domenico School, you will need to submit the following:
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01Parent Statement
The parent statement allows you to advocate for your child by highlighting their character and personal growth, providing the admissions committee with essential context on how your family’s values align with San Domenico’s core values of study, reflection, community, and service.
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02Student Questionnaire & Essay
The Student Questionnaire and the Bay Area Independent High School Student Essay are the two primary writing requirements for San Domenico upper school applicants. These components provide the admissions committee with a direct sense of your voice, allowing you to share unique interests and your approach to problem-solving within the context of the school’s core values.
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03Admissions Interview
The interview is a vital opportunity for the admissions committee to understand the student’s unique personality and interests. For applicants in Grades K–6, this consists of a parent/guardian interview, while students in Grades 7–12 participate in a 1:1 student interview. These conversations ensure your family’s values align with the San Domenico community.
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04Recommendations & Evaluation Forms
All teacher and principal/counselor recommendation requests are initiated via email through the Ravenna portal. Applicants to Grade 6 should delegate the Student Evaluation Form to their current teacher. Applicants to Grades 7 & 8 must delegate one form to their current English teacher and one to their current math teacher. Applicants to Grades 9–12 must delegate forms to their current English teacher, current math teacher, and school principal/counselor.
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05Transcripts
Applicants must upload academic transcripts for the current school year and the previous two years through the application portal.
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06English Proficiency Test
International applicants are required to submit proof of English proficiency from any of the following: Duolingo English Test, IELTS, and TOEFL. For rising 9th graders, the recommended score is 4.0 (B2 Level) in TOEFL.
Partner With Expert Admissions Counselors
Cardinal Education empowers Asian American families—both domestic and international—to navigate San Domenico’s unique admissions landscape with confidence. We provide strategic guidance on the test-free admissions process and day-versus-boarding decisions.
Our consultants work closely with students to prepare for interviews, craft compelling applications, and secure strong recommendations. For international families, we offer specialized support in navigating English proficiency requirements and complex international application steps. To learn more about our comprehensive support, view our San Domenico School Admissions Guide & Strategic Consulting.
“My children love their new home at San Domenico, but it’s with the help of Cardinal Education that they were granted admission in the first place!”— Guardian of a 9th Grader
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the Asian American population at San Domenico?
Does San Domenico require standardized testing?
Does San Domenico recruit internationally in Asia?
What’s required for international applicants beyond the standard application?
Can day and boarding students from Asian backgrounds expect the same experience?
Considering San Domenico School?
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