Admission Process
The admission process begins in the fall of the year preceding the year your child will start school. When starting your search, it is wise to narrow the number of applications to a manageable number so that the family and child do not become overwhelmed by the process.There are many important elements to consider when selecting schools, including:
- the ages or grade levels the school serves
- the program’s mission and educational philosophy
- logistical concerns, such as transportation, school hours and financial considerations
- your sense of the school community
Applicants for kindergarten admission will find their child's preschool director to be a valuable resource in thinking about schools to which to apply, and in navigating the admission process.
Attend a School Fair
Most ISSFBA schools send representatives to these annual events.
- Preschool: Parent's Place hosts a Preschool Preview Night in San Francisco every fall.
- Kindergarten: the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco hosts a Kindergarten Information Night every spring for those parents who will be looking at schools during the fall of that year.
- Middle school: a group of Bay Area Directors of Admission hosts a Middle School Fair in the fall.
Visit Schools
The school tour is an important way for parents to learn about a school by looking at the life of the school during part of a typical school day. At some schools, the tour is combined with a parent interview or information session. Some tours are led by school admission officers or administrators, while other tours are led by current parents. Make sure you understand the format and expectations for the tour before your appointment. Think about what you are seeing, and feel free to ask questions. Some schools offer open houses which typically provide an opportunity to interact with members of the school community, such as faculty, administration and parents.