Sterne School has been successfully educating students with learning differences for over 45 years.
Located in San Francisco, Sterne offers a small, personal environment serving grades 4 -12.
With a student-to-teacher ratio of 8 to 1 in the Lower and Middle School and 13:1 in the High School, our experienced staff understands the many learning styles of our students and differentiates the program to fit each student style. This individualized approach allows students to focus on their academics while forming lasting relationships.
We build confidence in our students which in turn creates independent, successful, life-long learners.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: 4-12
- Enrollment: 185 students
- Yearly Tuition: $47,200
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Sterne School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 4-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
mild to moderate learning differences
Year Founded
1976
Student Body
Total Students
185 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
45%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
42%
Average Class Size
10 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$47,200
Tuition Notes
Grades 4-8: $44,900
Grades 9-12: $47,200
% on Financial Aid
30%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$22,000
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Alia Long
Admissions Associate
Zoe Katz
Endowment Size
$0.500 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
6 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
19 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Art, Bike Club, Debate Club, Diversity Council, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Environmental Club, Film Club, Gender and Sexuality Alliance, Speech and Debate
Arts and Music Programs:
Digital Art, Drama, Film, Music, Studio Art
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Dodgeball, Handball, Ping Pong, Running, Yoga
Art, Bike Club, Debate Club, Diversity Council, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Environmental Club, Film Club, Gender and Sexuality Alliance, Speech and Debate
Arts and Music Programs:
Digital Art, Drama, Film, Music, Studio Art
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Dodgeball, Handball, Ping Pong, Running, Yoga
School Notes
- Sterne School's program is designed to:
- Create an individualized academic program specific to the learning style of each student
- Foster confident, independent, and organized learners
- Teach critical thinking strategies and technology skills
- Teach study skills and strategies to meet deadlines
- Counsel students to be self-advocates
- Special Features:
- Each student has an individualized learning profile that identifies strengths and targets academic goals. Individual and small group work focuses on organizational skills, reading and writing, fluency, advanced study and thinking skills, and social awareness.
- All grades use a one-to-one Chromebook program. In addition we have mobile laptop stations located on each floor. Computer applications and research skills are integrated into the program. Assistive Technology (AT) includes Google Speech-To-Text and Text-To-Speech, as well as Inspiration.
- Students are assigned homework they can do independently, and their success is monitored closely by classroom teachers and the homeroom teacher.
- Students also enjoy daily physical education and elective classes including music, art, drama, movie making, computer programming, urban hiking, bowling, and drawing and cartooning.
- Students enjoy the opportunity to travel domestically and abroad during Experiential Week. Students get off campus and out in the world to have a hands-on learning experience around topics like language, culture, history, food, and more.
- College Prep and Readiness:
- High School students participate in the College Prep and Readiness Program designed to facilitate internships and community service with the goal of enabling success during the transition from high school to college.
- Our Registrar and High School Counselor work closely with students and their families in the college search process. This begins in Freshman year and each year has its own goals. Students research and explore different colleges and are guided through the process from test prep to writing essays and filling out applications.
- An integral component of Colleges Prep and Readiness is an experientially-based high school capstone project that lets students use their multiple intelligences in core disciplines. Students pick a discipline they are passionate about such as photography, fashion design, or computers, find a mentor/expert, do research, integrate other academic disciplines, and then deliver a presentation. Many students discover that one of these passions is what they'd like to focus on in college or as a career; therefore, the project serves as a stepping stone from high school to adulthood.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Sterne School cost?
Sterne School's tuition is approximately $47,200 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Sterne School?
The acceptance rate of Sterne School is 80%, which is lower than the national average of 84%.
What sports does Sterne School offer?
Sterne School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Basketball, Cycling, Indoor Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
When is the application deadline for Sterne School?
The application deadline for Sterne School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Sterne School located?
Sterne School is located in the Chinatown neighborhood of San Francisco, CA. There are 1 other private schools located in Chinatown.
School Reviews
Endorse Sterne School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.