We All Make it Matter At Brandeis we embrace our obligation to find meaning in our daily pursuits. Our rigorous academic program is inquiry-based, rooted in a learning philosophy designed to prompt questions and deep discussion at every age. Our outstanding teachers find new ways to integrate Jewish themes into all areas of the curriculum, with space for diverse voices and perspectives. Our students strive to do their best, even in difficult situations, and don’t take their education for granted. Our parents and alumni invest in the lives and well-being of one another’s families, supporting each other while sharing the essential work of creating an inclusive, joyful, vibrant school community.
Our Campus
Quick Facts
Secure, modern, two acre campus near Lake Merced, Fort Funston, and San Francisco State University
Founded: 1963
Bright, spacious classrooms with flexible layouts and outdoor gardens 2,800 square foot library and multimedia center Woodworking shop, CREATE (tinkering) space, and fine art studio State-of-the-art science center and laboratory Acoustically designed music room for band, chorus, and a cappella Beit Midrash (House of Learning) multi-purpose space for seminars, prayer services, student group meetings, and theater Dedicated art and reading room for after-school program Regulation-sized gymnasium and outdoor athletics courts Exclusive-use playground for Lower School Light-filled lobby with daily coffee service for parents and faculty Ample parking and easy access to Highway 280
Grades: K–8th Enrollment: 330 Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 7:1 School Hours: 8:15 a.m.–2:15 p.m. (Kindergarten) 8:15 a.m.–3:15 p.m. (1st–8th) Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges; California Association of Independent Schools
Foreign Languages: Hebrew (K–4th); Choice of Hebrew or Spanish (5th–8th) Transportation: Morning and afternoon bus service from neighborhoods north of Golden Gate Park; Afternoon bus to Noe Valley Tuition Assistance: We are committed to making a Brandeis education accessible to any child who is admitted. Over 45% of our students receive some amount of financial aid.
Our Program
Challenging academics and masterful teaching are at the core of what we do. Brandeis students benefit from an academic program that emphasizes smallgroup instruction and supports multiple entry points into learning for each child. All subjects are designed to provide “low-floor, high-ceiling� activities so that children can engage with the material at a level that is challenging but still within reach. Our teachers model curiosity and collaboration, working in crossdiscipline teams to design innovative methods of integrating our values into every part of the curriculum.
need high res otherwise lgo
Confident and Resilient
At Brandeis, we believe that resilience is a critical life skill that can only be developed by taking risks and learning from one’s mistakes. Surrounded by caring, dedicated faculty and staff members, students are pushed to step outside their comfort zones. They learn to experience not only the exhilaration of success, but the maturity that comes from knowing you can always try again.
Inclusive and Welcoming
At Brandeis our top priority is to create an environment where every child and adult feels a profound sense of belonging. Our community is made up of families from a wide variety of ethnic, linguistic, and cultural identities, including many who are new to the Bay Area or just beginning their Jewish journey. Our tuition assistance program reflects our commitment to ensuring that Brandeis students come from a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds, and our progressive, pluralistic philosophy allows LGBTQ+ students, teachers, parents, and staff to bring their authentic selves to campus each day.
“The demand for justice runs through the entirety of the Jewish tradition.” –RUTH BADER GINSBURG
Spiritual and Spirited
An education grounded in Jewish principles provides students with a framework to question and make sense of the world around them. Wrestling with ancient texts and traditions asks students to consider why certain teachings endure over generations, and to explore their relevance today. Immersed in a culture that values grit, boldness, and reflection, our graduates leave Brandeis with a powerful belief in their ability to make a difference and do right by others. They know that they are part of something bigger than themselves.
After-School Activities
Our after-school program is open to students in all grades and provides a safe, supervised environment where they can study, play, or simply recharge on school grounds from the end of their school day until 6 p.m. Our campus hums with activity all afternoon, with teams practicing, band, chorus, and musical theater groups rehearsing, and students enjoying unstructured time in the library or art studio. Some students also elect to sign up for special enrichment programs like dance, cooking, or chess, which vary by season and grade level.
Transportation
Brandeis students come from all over the Bay Area, including San Mateo and Marin counties. We offer express morning and afternoon bus service to and from neighborhoods north of Golden Gate Park, as well as a late afternoon bus route to Noe Valley. Many families choose to set up carpools, and our large parking lot allows for convenient, safe drop-off and pickup throughout the day.
Thoughtful and Inquisitive
We believe that children find meaning through critical engagement with everything they encounter in the classroom and beyond. Brandeis students are invited to begin by asking questions, always, because our goal is to cultivate in each child a curious spirit and a thirst for knowledge. Our curriculum is aimed at developing the habits of mind—optimism, wonder, tenacity—that will distinguish them as lifelong learners.
Athletics
Athletics are an integral part of our educational program, allowing students to learn valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and discipline. Starting in 5th grade, students can participate in cross country, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track and field. Brandeis Lions varsity and junior varsity teams compete in the Bay Area Interscholastic Athletic League and CYO, earning regular slots in playoff and championship games. Many students as young as Kindergarten take part in city-wide and club teams organized by parent volunteers and coaches. The athletics program complements our academic curriculum, reinforcing Brandeis community values around collaboration, fair play, and learning to win (and lose) with grace and humility.
Life after Brandeis
High schools welcome and actively recruit our graduates, not just for their academic promise, but also for their reputation as kind, compassionate, communityoriented young adults. With individualized guidance from their teachers and high school placement counselor, our students are able to make a seamless transition to life after Brandeis. Armed with selfawareness and a love of learning, they are routinely admitted to the most selective high schools in the Bay Area.
Our Mission
The Brandeis School of San Francisco inspires students to lead lives of learning and purpose. We provide a challenging academic environment and a welcoming, inclusive community, each deeply enriched by Jewish thought, values, and traditions.
We Live Our Values Kindness – Chesed We treat one another and ourselves with empathy and compassion. Integrity – Ometz Lev We act honestly, responsibly, and courageously. Service – Tikkun Olam We embrace our collective responsibility to help repair the world.
“Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done.” LOUIS D. BRANDEIS
www.sfbrandeis.org 655 Brotherhood Way San Francisco, CA 94132 admissions@sfbrandeis.org 415.406.1035