How to Get Into Lycée Français de San Francisco: Ultimate Admissions Guide for Elite Families

Everything Families Need to Know About Applying to This Bilingual French-International Day School.

Quick Answer for Busy Parents

Lycée Français de San Francisco (LFSF) is a bilingual French-English day school serving 850-900 students across three Bay Area campuses. Admission does not require a standardized test; 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 choose between the French Track (leading to the French Baccalauréat) and the International Track (leading to the IB Bilingual Diploma), the latter open to students without prior French knowledge.

Why Do Families Choose Lycée Français de San Francisco?

Founded in 1967, Lycée Français de San Francisco 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 is accredited by the French Ministry of National Education as part of the AEFE network of roughly 500 sister schools worldwide, and is a fully authorized IB World School (MYP and DP). The school also holds CAIS and WASC accreditation and is a member of NAIS.

Lycée Français de San Francisco at a Glance

The Two Academic Tracks

LFSF’s defining structural feature is its choice of two parallel, fully bilingual academic pathways:

The International Track does not require prior French language knowledge and is open to students of all linguistic backgrounds, making LFSF a genuine option for families without a French-speaking background.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Lycée Français de San Francisco?

LFSF does not publish an official acceptance rate. Admission does not hinge on a standardized test; instead, it relies on a required family interview and, for Grades 6-12, a personal introductory video. Families researching LFSF alongside other Bay Area independent schools may also benefit from Cardinal’s broader private school admissions consulting practice.

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.
• For Grades 6-12, treat the 2-3 minute introductory video as seriously as a written essay.

Best Practices for Families

• Attend an International Track Presentation & Tour if considering that pathway.
• 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.

Lycée Français de San Francisco Admission Process

1. Submit an inquiry form on the Veracross portal.
2. Create an account to access the admissions checklist and optionally schedule a weekly virtual Open House.
3. Pay the application fee to unlock the full checklist.
4. Schedule a family interview via Zoom.
5. Schedule a campus tour.
6. Upload required documents to Veracross, including report cards.
7. Non-French-system applicants complete a French-language proficiency evaluation via Zoom.
8. Grades 6-8 and high school applicants submit a 2-3 minute introductory video.
9. Receive an Admissions Committee decision.

For general guidance on assembling a strong private school application, see our full application walkthrough.

Admissions Events

LFSF holds regular International Track Presentations & Tours throughout the school year, alongside dedicated Open House events by campus and division:

Decisions are typically released in mid-to-late March, with rolling review continuing afterward as space allows. See our guide to private school open houses and tours for how to make the most of a campus visit.

Application Requirements

Testing 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, unrelated to K-12 admission.

Transcripts

Report cards are required as part of the application checklist, uploaded directly to Veracross. There is no separate public transcript-request form for prospective applicants.

Interviews

A family interview via Zoom with an admissions associate is required for every applicant, from preschool through high school.

The 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 replaces a traditional written essay or proctored writing assessment, and is not required for preschool through Grade 5 applicants.

French-Language Proficiency Evaluation

Non-French-system applicants complete a French-language proficiency evaluation via Zoom with a teacher. This confirms language level rather than gatekeeping admission.

Ready to Build Your Child’s LFSF Application Strategy?

Our consultants help families prepare for the family interview and craft a compelling introductory video.

Schedule a Consultation

Student Life at LFSF

Academics

LFSF offers two parallel, fully bilingual tracks: the French Track, following the French national curriculum toward the French Baccalauréat, and the International Track, following the IB MYP and DP toward the IB Bilingual Diploma, one of the rarer international credentials offered at any American private school. Both tracks lead to a US High School Diploma alongside their respective international credential. See French Track vs. International Track: Choosing the Right Path at Lycée Français de San Francisco and The IB Bilingual Diploma: Lycée Français de San Francisco’s Rare Credential for a closer look at each.

Athletics

LFSF’s athletics program fields 5 sports across 8 teams:

• Volleyball (Co-ed, Girls, Boys)
• Cross Country (Co-ed)
• Basketball (Co-ed, Boys)
• Track & Field (Co-ed)
• Futsal (Co-ed, Middle School only)

“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

Get Into LFSF with the Best Admissions Consultants in San Francisco

LFSF’s process rewards families who prepare thoughtfully for the family interview and, for older applicants, the introductory video that anchors the file in place of a standardized test. Cardinal Education helps families build results-driven strategies for each stage of that process, informed by what schools look for in applicants.

If you’re an Asian American family researching LFSF, our dedicated guide applies these same fundamentals to Asian American applicants in more detail.

Considering Lycée Français de San Francisco?

Our consultants help families navigate LFSF’s admissions process with clarity and confidence.

Schedule a Consultation

Related Articles:
The IB Bilingual Diploma: Lycée Français de San Francisco’s Rare Credential
French Track vs. International Track: Choosing the Right Path at Lycée Français de San Francisco

Frequently Asked Questions