San Francisco Day School Best Middle School Admissions Consulting
Guidance for Families Applying to SF Day’s Middle School, Grades 6–8
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 Francisco Day School.
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About the School
About San Francisco Day School’s Middle School
San Francisco Day School (SF Day) is a coeducational, nonsectarian K–8 independent school in San Francisco’s Western Addition neighborhood, founded in 1981. Its middle school spans Grades 6–8 with roughly 55 students per grade, moving students from a Lower School homeroom structure into a high school-style schedule of advisory and subject-specific classrooms. SF Day is known as a highly competitive feeder school, academically preparing students for top Bay Area and boarding high schools, and does not require language immersion or a specialty focus, aiming instead for a well-rounded education. The Middle School is led by Division Head Aneesha Srikar, an SF Day educator since 2013.
Fast Facts
Location
350 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118
Type
Private, co-ed, day school, nonsectarian, K–8 (Middle School: Grades 6–8)
Middle School Enrollment
55 students per grade (165 total)
Student-Teacher Ratio
Approximately 5:1 to 6:1 school-wide
Academic & Admissions Snapshot
Testing Required
None (no ISEE or other standardized test required)
Math Competitions
MathCounts, AMC8
Affiliations
California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), Educational Records Bureau (ERB), SF Independent School Athletic League
Athletics (Middle School)
10 sports
Want a Full Picture?
For a deeper look at SF Day Middle School’s admissions process and student life, explore How to Get Into San Francisco Day School: A Complete Middle School Admissions Guide for Parents.
What to Expect From the SF Day Middle School Admissions Process
SF Day does not require the ISEE or any standardized test for middle school admission. Instead, the process centers on a teacher-completed ISSFBA Evaluation Form, current school records, a parent/guardian interview, and, uniquely for Grades 6–8, a Student Questionnaire that the applicant must complete without any parental assistance. Because grade-level availability isn’t always known until early spring, families should understand that open seats can vary meaningfully by year and by grade.
Key Admissions Dates & Events
Application Opens
September 1
Evening Open House
September 17 (6:00–8:00 pm)
School Tour
September–December
Weekend Open House
October 24 (10:00 am–12:00 pm)
Middle School Tour
November 11 & 16 (9:00–11:00 am)
Application Due
January 5
Parent/Guardian Interview
October–March
Student Assessment & Visit Day
January–March
Admissions Decision Release
March 11 (12:00 pm)
SF Day Middle School Application Requirements
To apply to SF Day’s Middle School, you will need to submit the following:
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01Parent Questionnaire
The parent questionnaire 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 SF Day’s mission of cultivating an intentional, student-centered, co-educational program.
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02Student Questionnaire
The student questionnaire provides the admissions committee with a direct sense of your child’s voice, offering insight into how they will contribute to the SF Day community.
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03ISSFBA Evaluation Form
Applicants are required to submit the ISSFBA Evaluation Form, which must be completed by the applicant’s current math and English teachers.
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04Transcripts
Applicants must upload academic transcripts for the prior academic year and current fall semester through the application portal.
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05Admissions Interview
The interview is a vital opportunity for the admissions committee to understand the student’s unique personality and interests, ensuring your family’s values align with the SF Day community.
Expert Guidance for Your SF Day Middle School Application
Since SF Day assesses students through teacher evaluations, an independent student questionnaire, and a visit day instead of standardized tests, families need a strategic approach to stand out.
At Cardinal Education, our consultants provide comprehensive support, from crafting compelling applications to coaching your child for the Student Visit Day and questionnaire. Whether you need general application strategy or support tailored to Asian American applicants, we help you approach each admissions component with confidence.
For specialized guidance, see our San Francisco Day School Middle School Admissions: Expert Guidance for Asian American Families.
“SF Day’s Middle School gave our daughter real independence and a genuine voice in her own education. Cardinal Education helped us understand exactly what the Student Visit Day and questionnaire were looking for, which made all the difference.”— Parent of a 6th-Grade Student
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SF Day require the ISEE or other standardized testing for Middle School?
How many students are in each SF Day Middle School grade?
What does SF Day’s tuition include?
Does SF Day require students to wear uniforms?
Does SF Day provide school transportation services?
Considering San Francisco Day School?
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