Frequently Asked Questions

We welcome the opportunity to connect directly, through an information session, open house, or phone call. Info sessions and open houses are scheduled with you after submitting an inquiry. To learn more now, scroll or use the links to jump down to read the Admissions FAQs, what a Golden Bridges education entails, and more specific details about our Preschool, Kindergarten, and Grades programs.

Admissions FAQs
 
WHEN DO I BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
Applications for admission are available in September and due in January to enroll in the following fall. We strongly recommend that you review the Admissions Process to understand each step and the requirements of the program/grade you are interested in enrolling. If you have questions about any part of the process, the Enrollment Team is happy to help and can be reached at [email protected].

If you are considering applying for your child to begin mid-year, we recommend that you submit an Inquiry as soon as possible (space is limited). Once you submit your information, you will be able to register for parent tours and open houses, which are available October - December. Families are required to attend a school tour as a part of the enrollment process.
Can I apply without a Tour?
All families are required to sign up for and attend a scheduled information session (in-person or virtually) or attend an open house. This helps you to know if Golden Bridges will meet the needs of your child and be a good fit for your family.

After January, if the class of interest has openings, you are welcome to apply after the typical tour dates and application deadline, and a tour will be scheduled independently.​
Do you accept late applications?
Yes. Space permitting, you are welcome to apply after the application deadline.  However, all applicants who apply before the January deadline receive priority consideration.  We recommended applying before the deadline when possible.
Is the application fee required?
Yes, the $100 application fee is required. However, no one will be denied the opportunity to apply if they are financially unable pay.  Make an email request to the Enrollment Team to adjust the cost to an accessible amount.
How Can I pay the application fee?
Fees may be sent via check/mail, Venmo or PayPal or paid online through the application portal. All payments must be received by the application deadline to avoid consideration as a late application.
How old must my child be to apply?
Preschool: 2.9 - 4.3 years old
Children must be 2 years 9 months by September 1st (born before December 31) to join as a first year student.

Kindergarten: 4.6 - 6 years old
Children must be 4 years and 6 months by September 1st to join as a first year Kindergarten student.
​
Grades Program
Children must be 6 years old by June 1st to begin First Grade.
​
First Grade: 6.3 - 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

Having a child enter into First Grade after they have turned 6 (ideally) or 7 (typically) means they have spent two years in Golden Bridges Kindergarten, and will be entering First Grade at about 6 years and 3 months old, having the opportunity to experience the social, emotional, fine and gross motor development and rhythm/stamina of Kindergarten life and all of the pre-academics it provides. The second year of Kindergarten prepares the child to be confident in mastering the skills of our curriculum which, in turn, leads to confidence to meet new challenges, teachers and subjects in First Grade.
How many students are admitted each year?
We accommodate as many qualified students as possible and understand that being in a wait pool can be challenging. We encourage families to apply, as openings occur every year. (numbers vary from year to year). New students admitted each year are approximate:
  • Preschool: 9-16 students (depends on number of siblings)
  • Kindergarten: 10-16 students
  • 1st - 4th Grades: 2-4 students
  • 5th Grade: 4-6 students
  • 6th - 8th Grades: 4-6 students
What is the wait pool?
Acceptance into the wait pool means that the Enrollment Committee believes your student is a potential match for Golden Bridges' program. We place applicants in a wait pool because more spaces may open up by the end of the summer. We cannot give families an estimate of the likelihood that their student will be accepted, though there is often a lot of movement during the decision week. You will be notified immediately if a space opens and the Enrollment Committee selects your child. The wait pool ends when school starts in the fall. 
​
The wait pool is not ranked. It represents a pool of applicants that the Enrollment Committee will draw from if another student cannot enroll or re-enroll.
How much is tuition?
The Board of Trustees set tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year at $30,000 for Kindergarten - 7th Grade.
​
For additional financial information click here.
when will i be notified of admissions decisions?
The Enrollment Committee carefully reviews completed files and sends decision letters in alignment with other Bay Area independent schools.

Preschool and Kindergarten
March 7: Preschool and Kindergarten decisions sent via email
March 14: Enrollment responses due (Kinder has flexibility to wait until 3/23)

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

Families must notify the Admissions Office of their decision to accept or decline the offer within one week of receiving the notice. Early responses are very helpful and appreciated! Enrollment contracts, with deposit, are due back the following week.
What is the transition like for new students?
New families enrolling at Golden Bridges are paired with a "buddy family" - a returning family whose child is of similar age and lives in a nearby neighborhood. Buddy families welcome our new community members by helping arrange playdates before school and sharing perspectives on how to prepare before the beginning of school.

Additionally, the spring before the school year begins, newly enrolling families are invited to our school-wide Spring Festival. Each grade typically plans a parent-organized camping trip, and at least one school organized playdate before school begins.

Preschool families are also offered a "what to expect" parent/guardian evening before the school year begins.
​IS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE?
Yes. Golden Bridges' Tuition Assistance is based solely on financial need and is available for all grades starting in Preschool. Admissions decisions are made independent of financial assistance considerations.

Our Tuition Assistance goals:
  • To offer this education to families from all economic backgrounds.
  • To create an objective, needs-based measure of a family’s ability to pay while continuing to honor individual circumstances.
  • To build a sustainable financial model for Golden Bridges.
HOw do i apply for tuition ASSISTANCE?
To apply each family - returning and new - must complete an application using the online platform FAST.  Each applicant is asked to provide detailed financial information and to supply related tax forms for verification.

The application must be completed by January 13, 2023 to be considered.
Do you accept Transfer students?
Yes! We welcome a limited number of transfer students depending on the space available in a class and the fit of the applicant. Contact the Enrollment Team to discuss.
Do you offer an after school program?
We provide a loving and nurturing extended care program for our Kindergarten and Grades children. Preschool has a full-day program option, operated separately.

​Learn more about the After School Program
What is the typical academic calendar?
First Day of School: Wednesday before Labor Day
Thanksgiving Break: one week off
Winter Break: two weeks off
Presidents Day: one week off
Spring Break: two weeks off
Last Day of School: 2nd Friday of June

School is closed for: Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day
Where do your graduates go?
Students from our first 8th grade class show tremendous academic promise.  They attend Abraham Lincoln High School, Lick Wilmerding High School, Lowell High School, Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, and SF Waldorf High School.

We are inspired by Waldorf education and the quality of graduates from other accredited institutions.  For information about Waldorf School graduates, please read more here - Exploding Myths About Waldorf High School Graduates.
What is your immunization policy?
The State of California School Attendance Law requires that all children entering school comply with Department of Health regulations and that all children entering school for the first time submit evidence of completed immunizations. California School Immunization Record forms are completed upon a student's school registration. The law also requires that schools submit annual immunization reports to the state; Golden Bridges is in compliance with this requirement. 

Shots for School is a reliable resource to learn more about immunization requirements to attend school in California. 

What is a Golden Bridges Education?
 
Please explore our Vision & Values as well as our Educational Philosophy.
​WHAT IS ANTHROPOSOPHY AND HOW DOES IT INSPIRE golden bridges?
Our school is Waldorf-inspired. Waldorf education, established by Rudolf Steiner and Emil Molt in 1919, has its foundations in anthroposophy.  At the heart of anthroposophy (the wisdom of the human being) is the belief that humanity has the wisdom to transform itself and the world, through one’s own spiritual development.
​To that end, Waldorf education holds as its primary intention the ideal of bringing forth—in every child—their unique potential in a way that serves the further development of humanity.  The curriculum, pedagogy, and teaching methods are designed to nurture this potential.
is Golden Bridges school religious?
Golden Bridges is non-sectarian and non-denominational. We educate all children, regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds. The pedagogical method is comprehensive, and, as part of its task, seeks to bring about recognition and understanding of all the world cultures and religions. We are not affiliated with any church or religious body. We espouse no particular religious doctrine but are based on a belief that there is a spiritual dimension to the human being and to all of life. Our families come from a broad spectrum of religious traditions and non-religious traditions and interests.
WHAT'S YOUR APPROACH TO READING?
Our goal is to foster passionate readers who continue reading for pleasure throughout their lifetimes. To that end, we introduce reading in a developmentally appropriate way, when students are more comfortable with the written word and fully ready to engage.

We teach our students to read with the same progression that humans learned to read - from the oral tradition to pictures to handwriting to the printing press.  In Preschool and Kindergarten, students hear a 10-20 minute story told by heart from their teacher.  Letter shapes are introduced through beeswax, bread dough, and body movements. In First Grade teachers introduce the quality of the consonants and vowel names and sounds through an artistic approach of drawing, painting, movement, and speech. Continuing to use daily oral stories, students begin writing full sentences from those stories.  This practice of story to writing continues through 2nd Grade and  typically begin reading printed readers with their teacher during the second half of second grade. This thorough and artistic approach to teaching literacy has been proven to build a solid base for advanced comprehension and vocabulary skills in later years.
Is Golden Bridges an Arts school?
Our curriculum offers a classical education in all academic disciplines that fully integrates the arts into its teaching methodology. Why? Because research continues to show that the inclusion of the arts in academia increases aptitude and creative thinking in areas such as math and science, and has a positive effect on emotional development.
Do you have a music program?
Music education plays a significant role at Golden Bridges.  Songs are woven through the daily rhythm of the Early Childhood curriculum. All students learn to play flute in First Grade and vocal music is also introduced in Grade 1, with the complexity of choral material increasing by age level. Older students learn strings instruments and work on music literacy.
what is Eurythmy?
Eurythmy is the art of movement that attempts to make visible the tone and feeling of music and speech. Eurythmy helps to develop concentration, self-discipline, and a sense of beauty. This training of moving artistically with a group stimulates sensitivity to the other as well as individual mastery. Eurythmy lessons follow the themes of the curriculum, exploring rhyme, meter, story, and geometric forms.
Do you teach a world language?
Yes, Spanish exposure begins in Early Childhood and a dedicated Spanish class begins in First Grade and continues through the Grades. As our school grows, we intend on including another language in addition to Spanish. 
What's your approach to science Education?
All sciences begin with simple nature experiences in preschool, kindergarten and the early grades, and advance with the study of acoustics, heat, magnetism and electricity, chemistry, biology, botany, zoology and modern physics as they grow. The emphasis is on direct encounters with observable phenomena: “Describe what happened. Evaluate what you have observed. What are the conditions under which the phenomena appear? How does this relate to what you already know?” Then students are asked to think through the experiment and discover the natural law that stands behind and within the phenomena.
How do you approach media/technology
We ask families to be thoughtful, mindful, discerning, and slow with media access for children. Not to deprive them, but rather to give children the gift of childhood—the endless opportunities that come with downtime, boredom, and unscheduled freedom. To favor face-to-face interactions over abstract experiences. To work on self-regulation, problem solving, physical movement, and social-emotional regulation.

In order to cultivate a child’s imagination, protect their developing senses, and to reinforce the experience the children are exposed to at school, we ask that families limit their media exposure including television, videos, movies, computers, virtual assistants (Siri and Alexa) and mobile devices.

Our teachers appreciate that technology must assume a role in education, but at the appropriate developmental stage, when a young person has reached the intellectual maturity to reason abstractly and process concretely on their own, around the age of 14. Society might challenge this principle, as many young children are well able to complete sophisticated tasks on a computer; our perspective is that computer exposure should not be based on capability but on developmental appropriateness. While many applaud adult-like thinking in young children, we observe that a child’s natural, instinctive, creative and curious way of relating to the world may be repressed when technology is introduced into learning environments at an early age.   
​~ Parts from NYTimes Opinion, 5/2014, Author, Beverly Amico
Are Computers and tablets utilized at school?
Computers and digital technology are not part of the early grades curriculum, although mechanical technology and the practical arts are incorporated at all levels.

A cyber civics curriculum begins in 6th grade.

Preschool FAQs
 
What age children can Enroll?
Preschool students are 2.9 - 4.3 years old. To apply as a first year student children must be 2 years 9 months by September 1st. Meaning they were born before December 31. We invite you to inquire and have a conversation with us if your child is on the edge of an age range. 
What are the program Options and Tution?
​Dandelion & Blackberry: 5 Days a week, ​Home-based and outdoor program
  • Hours: 8:30am - 1:00pm
  • After school program: 1:00pm - 5:30pm (separate cost from tuition)
  • Special features: mixed-age, home-based setting, spacious outdoor play area with garden, full outdoor days in McLaren park, and farming at the school Farm
  • Ages: 2.9 - 4.3 years old
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Tumbleweed: 3 Days a week (Tues, Wed, Thurs)
  • Forest school based in McLaren Park Hours: 8:30am - 1:00pm 

  • Special features: mixed-age, forrest-based setting, full outdoor days in McLaren park, and farming at the school Farm 
  • Ages: 2.9 - 4.3 years old

More about Preschool
What is the student / Teacher ratio
We have two consistent full-time co-teachers, everyday, for a maximum of 12 children in a group. Preschool ratios are always 1:6 or smaller.
Are children in SEparate age groups or Mixed Age classes?
Our program is a two year experience with mixed ages in both years. The first year is a year of discovery, while the second year is a year of mastery. We value the opportunity to have a first experience of the social, emotional, fine and gross motor development as well as the rhythm of Preschool life and then a second year to hone confidence as well as the skills of our curriculum. Which, in turn, leads to confidence to meet new challenges, teachers and curriculum in Kindergarten.
WHAT IS THE preschool SCHEDULE / DAY LIKE?
The Preschool day runs from 8:30-1:00 each day. Aftercare is available for a limited number of students until 5:30pm.

Five day preschool classes alternate a set schedule of:
- 3 outdoor days (2 at McLaren Park and 1 at the School Farm)
- 2 days at the preschool location

Three day preschool classes alternate a set schedule of:
- 3 outdoor days (2 at McLaren Park and 1 at the School Farm)
​
We began operating out of the 1433 Wayland Street Home for the 2021-2022 school year. This cozy spot is just around the corner from our main campus and just one block from McLaren Park.

At preschool each day of the week is defined by its specific activity, be it bread-making, soup-making, painting and garden tasks. 

We begin with free play and a light morning snack, and move right into our activity of the day. Next we clean-up and the children return to another period of free play. Free play ends with a song of tidying and gathering and we bring our space back to order. We then have a small rest followed by a warm snack. Then children play freely or help teachers weed and tend the garden. Play time comes to an end as we gather in our “Mulberry Bush” circle time, for songs, poems and finger games.  As the day comes to an end, we gather for a story and puppet show by one of the teachers.

Learn More

Kindergarten FAQs
 
​WHAT AGE CHILDREN CAN ENROLL?
Kindergarten students are 4.3 - 6 years old. To apply as a first year student children must be 4 years and 3 months by September 1st. We invite you to inquire and have a conversation with us if your child is on the edge of an age range.
​WHAT ARE THE PROGRAM OPTIONS AND TUTION?
We enroll two kindergarten classes with a maximum of 18 students in each class. All applicants apply generally for Kindergarten and are later placed in a class.

The Board of Trustees set tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year at $30,000 for Kindergarten - 8th Grade.
WHAT IS THE STUDENT / TEACHER RATIO
Each class has two consistent full-time co-teachers, everyday, for a maximum of 18 children. Ratios are always 1:9 or smaller.
ARE CHILDREN IN SEPARATE AGE GROUPS OR MIXED AGE CLASSES?
Our program is a two year experience with mixed ages (4.3 - 6) in both years. The first year is a year of discovery, while the second year is a year of mastery. We value the opportunity to have a first experience of the social, emotional, fine and gross motor development as well as the rhythm of Kindergarten life and then a second year to hone confidence as well as the skills of our curriculum. Which, in turn, leads to confidence to meet new challenges, teachers and curriculum in First Grade.
Do you have TK - transitional kindergarten?
No, however, all children, ages 4.3 - 6, enroll in our mixed age Kindergarten program for two years in the same class.  We serve children in the TK age range, but do not structure our TK and K ages separately.
​What is the kindergarten schedule / day like?
The Kindergarten day runs from 8:30-1:00 each day, with aftercare available until 5:30pm. 

Two Kindergarten classes alternate a set schedule of:
- 2 hike days
- 2 indoor/outdoor (hybrid) days
​- 1 Farm day

Indoor days are structured with the rhythm of circle time or morning greeting, activities such as painting, baking, sewing, drawing and seasonal food projects and crafts. We honor free play with knowledge of the great benefits of child-led play where their imaginations are nurtured and encouraged to expand.

Each class spends days hiking in McLaren Park and at our school Farm.  We joyfully engage our bodies with weeding, harvesting vegetables and herbs for soup, hauling big logs for structures and play. 

Each day ends with an oral storytelling experience, told by their teacher, and often accompanied by a puppet show. 

Learn More

Grades FAQs
 
What age children can enroll?
Grades Program
Children must be 6 years old by June 1st to begin First Grade.
​
First Grade: 6.3 - 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​
What are the school hours / Schedule?
1st - 3rd Grade: 8:30am - 2:30pm
4th - 7th: 8:30am - 3:15pm

Tuesdays are early dismissal for all grades at 1:00pm.

Our after school program is available at 1:00pm on Tuesdays and after school ends on all days until 5:30pm.

Pick-up and drop-off locations rotate on a set rotating schedule of day on campus in Portola, in McLaren Park for hikes, and at the school farm in Mission Terrace.
​HOW DO CHILDREN DO WHEN THEY TRANSFER FROM OTHER GRADE SCHOOLS?
Children who transfer to a Golden Bridges classroom from a more traditional setting are typically at the same grade level in basic academic skills and adapt quickly. The healthy social life of the class is prioritized; supporting building friendships is a part of our approach to integrate a new student.

​We find that most students new to our style of education embrace this engaging and artistic style of learning with excitement and enthusiasm regardless of grade level. We support students with limited exposure to our specialty subjects by meeting them in their own developmental process and providing projects at their skill level.
What is the role of the consistent class teacher?
​A teacher typically remains with the same class from 1st - 8th Grade.  In this way, the teacher is better able to assess each individual’s development, needs, and learning style—and the children, feeling secure in this long-term relationship, are more comfortable in their learning environment.

They are also exposed to variety of other teachers - Spanish, handwork, music, and many other specialty teachers, so they have many educators to learn from.
WHAT IF THE Class TEACHER ISN'T A FIT FOR MY CHILD?
Our teachers are in regular communication with our families and build a foundation of trust and partnership centered on the student. Though a rare occurrence, when challenges arise we engage in dialogue, utilize communication training skills (NVC), and are held by the structure of our school norms. 
HOW DOES GRADING WORK? 
In the Grades, a full assessment of each student’s progress is provided in the form of a year-end narrative assessment. These assessments are supported by teacher conferences and class meetings throughout the year. Additionally, a rubric of grade level skills is assessed by the class teacher, including, but not limited to:
  • classroom behavior and work habits
  • oral communication
  • reading
  • spelling and vocabulary
  • grammar
  • writing
  • mathematics
  • drawing and painting
  • music
​IS THERE STANDARDIZED TESTING?
​We believe that standardized testing is not an accurate or complete reflection of a student’s knowledge, intellectual capacities, or ability to learn. Our curriculum does not put focus on standardized test-taking preparation.
How does your student achievement / Academic rigor Compare?
We are a Waldorf-inspired school and offer a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to education. The learning process is essentially threefold, engaging head, heart, and hands—or thinking, feeling, and doing. Our teachers work to nurture and engage each child through a curriculum and methodology that integrates academics, arts, and practical skills.

Please refer to the following articles to learn more about the academic performance of graduates:
How many students are in a class?
The average class has 14 students.
What is Main LEsson?
The children begin their day with a two-hour Main Lesson content block, alternating blocks every 4-6 weeks.

We use the block structure to give students the time they need to experience the content and acquire knowledge, (rather than simply memorize) and find relevancy and interest in the topic at hand. We call this academic learning block Main Lesson. 
After a hearty morning recess and the morning class routine, children begin the 90-minute to two-hour learning period called Main Lesson. The class teacher  introduces subjects including reading, math, history and science.

This method helps teachers use a multi-sensory and multi-activity learning approach. The time allotted provides teachers with the opportunity to engage the children with a wide variety of activities to help increase student motivation and interest in the topic at hand.

This method also makes little use of worksheets and there are no textbooks. The teacher presents the source material and brings it to students in an engaging and relevant way. Skill practice comes in the form of hands- on, project and process-based learning.

While teachers ultimately decide when and how to present material, there is a typical three-pronged approach to each Main Lesson and a three-day approach to new material presented. Each day’s lesson is structured to contain activities that typically begin with recitation, music, movement, and recall of the previous day’s lessons. After this, new material is presented through story and lecture, and then for the latter part of the lesson the newly presented material is worked on and practiced through a relevant activity. 

Every Main Lesson features work in a Main Lesson book which is created by the student. The student writes and illustrates the lesson’s content into their books. This content consists of relevant illustrations, stories, notes, and summaries all written by hand. In the early grades, the students imitate the teacher in the creation of their main lesson book.  In grades 3-5, the students help create the content of the main lesson book, as a class, with the teacher’s guidance.

Main Lesson, and the block style of learning, is a process-based learning method, used in many schools and universities throughout the world today. Rudolf Steiner was an early adopter of the block and process method and believed this style of teaching gave students the time and space they needed to find meaning and purpose in their education. Steiner also wanted to be sure each teacher had the time to engage a student’s head, heart, and hands, so that they could learn, and be inspired by, the material for a lifetime.

(adapted from http://blog.sgws.org/)
Some content adapted from waldorfeducation.org.
"What we found at Golden Bridges is a space that is not already filled up with expectations; it's a space that is open for exploration."
—GBS Parent

Contact us with any questions

Email

[email protected]
[email protected]

Phone

415.912.8666

Address

503 Cambridge Street
San Francisco, CA 94134