Thank you for including Golden Bridges in your school search! 

​Your enrollment journey to Golden Bridges School begins here...

We bring a commitment to the development of the whole human being - head, heart and hands - through:
  • Developmentally appropriate academic rigor with hands-on experiences
  • Nourishment of the imagination with arts integration
  • A commitment to social justice and social activism
  • Care for the Earth with outdoor urban farming and seasonal festivals 
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The Golden Bridges experience is also designed to build strong relationships, enhance social and emotional learning, and to create community bonds through seasonal events, festivals, gatherings, plays, and more.

Each Fall, Golden Bridges welcomes 10-12 new Preschoolers and 14-16 new Kindergartners, as well as about five new middle schoolers, and a handful of students in other grades. These students and their families join our community with a diverse array of experiences, perspectives, and gifts. Each student and family brings a commitment to the educational journey and the sustainable wellbeing of our broader community. Our families and educators strive to engage in and harmonize the physical, emotional, and intellectual life of each child.

​Our teachers equip our students with the tools to become free-thinking, moral human beings. If you are seeking intentional community working to build a thriving school while transforming ourselves though thoughtful conversations and experiences, our school is for you. We hope to meet you soon!
​​​"The education that my child receives at Golden Bridges is beyond my wildest dreams, especially in a city like San Francisco. She is farming, hiking, singing, knitting, whittling, cooking, playing and learning how to be a compassionate, curious, creative human being. Being part of the GBS community is incredibly enriching and fulfilling for our entire family. Together we are creating something really special and unique."   — GBS Parent

Steps to Enroll

Step 1 - Get to Know Us & Learn More

Submit an inquiry HERE.
This is how we start the process for each applicant. Welcome!
An email reply will follow, along with an invitation to an information session.

Explore our Website
As you will see, there are many reasons that this is an exciting time to be a part of Golden Bridges School. We’re eager to introduce you to our dynamic teachers, programs, and facilities on our website and in person. Please take full advantage of the extensive information about our community on this site. After we receive your inquiry, we will warmly welcome you to visit, experience the space, and get a feel for the beauty and delight our teachers bring to every classroom.

​Step 2 - Information Session / Tour / Open House

Information Sessions + Tours (September - December)
Join us to learn more about the Golden Bridges approach to education.
​In-person tours and virtual information sessions are available. We encourage those who are able to join us on campus to experience our unique approach.

After submitting an inquiry you will receive an email with more information and an invitation to RSVP.

Process Checklist

​☐ Virtual Information Session or
​In-Person Tour or Open House
Submit an Inquiry to RSVP
Panels: A virtual panel with current families sharing their experiences and responding to questions (optional).

☐ Apply by January 13, 2023
     ☐ Application
     ☐ Fee
     ☐ Student evaluation
     ☐ Student work samples

☐ In-Person Visits
PreK + K: family & child meet teachers 
Grades 1-8: shadow visit for 2-3 days

​Program Offerings

Submit an inquiry HERE to learn more now.
​Applications for 2023-2024 will be due
January 13, 2023.

​Early Childhood
We offer two years of a mixed-age Preschool and separately, two years of a mixed-age  Kindergarten. 

​We adhere to the following age ranges for developmental and pedagogical reasons.

Preschool: 2.9 - 4.6 years old
5-Day Program
3-Day Forest Program
Children must be 2 years 9 months by September 1st to join Preschool.

Kindergarten: 4.6 - 6.9 years old
Children must be 4 years and 6 months by September 1st to join Kindergarten as a first year student. 
​
Grades Program
Early Grades 1-4  / Upper Grades 5-8
Children must be 6 years old by June 1st to begin First Grade.
​
First Grade: 6.9 - 7 years old
Second Grade: 7 - 8 years old
Third Grade: 8 - 9 years old
Fourth Grade: 9 - 10 years old
Fifth Grade: 10 - 11 years old
Sixth Grade: 11 - 12 years old
Seventh Grade: 12 - 13 years old
Eighth Grade: 13 - 14 years old
2022 - 2023 Open Houses:
  November 5, 10am - 12pm
  January 8, 10am - 12pm

Step 3 - Apply by January 13, 2023

Applications are made available after submitting an inquiry and attending an information session, campus tour, or Open House.

Applications, fees, and student evaluation forms are due:
January 13
​
Application fee reductions are available if assistance is needed.
Applications for tuition assistance are due January 13.

Step 4 - After Your Application - Meet the Teachers

In January and February we invite you to meet our teachers to complete the application process.

Preschool Applicants:
You and your child will be invited to a small group playdate with two Early Childhood teachers.  You will tour the Preschool space and connect with the teachers at that time.

Kindergarten Applicants:
You and your child will be invited to a small group playdate with two Early Childhood teachers. You will tour the Kindergarten space (and/or the McLaren Park area we use) and connect with the teachers at that time.

Grade School Applicants:
Each applicant will be invited to visit their grade class for a 2-3 day visit.  The student will participate in all class activities during that time.  After the visit, the parent(s)/guardian(s) and teacher will meet to review the visit and answer any questions.

Enrollment Decision Timeline 2023-2024
Preschool and Kindergarten
March 7: Preschool and Kindergarten decisions sent via email
March 14: Enrollment responses due (Kinder has flexibility to wait until 3/25)

1st - 8th Grade
March 16: Grades decisions sent via email
​March 23: Enrollment responses due

We voluntarily collaborate with other independent schools around enrollment dates through the Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area (ISSFBA Schools).

The Bay Area Directors of Admissions (BADA) member schools collaborate to both recognize the time, effort, and challenges families face while making their decision, and also to put families and their decision-making processes above all else. We encourage families to reach out if they have questions during decision week, and once you have made your final decision, we thank you for your transparency and for contacting the schools to which you were accepted to let them know of your decision to attend a different school. This allows all schools to efficiently provide opportunities to families in a waiting pool.

Thank you for your interest!

​If you would like any further information, don't hesitate to contact us!
We look forward to getting to know your family throughout the admissions process.

We also typically host Parent/Guardian Conversations as an optional component of our process. Several currently enrolled parents/guardians host an informal conversation to offer unique perspectives of the school.  They represent various programs as well as their experience entering the school at various stages. We will let you know when they are scheduled. 
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Wishing you all the best as you embark on a new educational journey,
​Golden Bridges School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, and sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.