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“To develop a complete mind: Study the science of art; Study the art of science.”
— Leonardo da Vinci

Building on the outstanding success of HSArts’ renowned middle and high school programs, Arts and Science Academy (ASA) offers a distinctive TK–5 elementary school education with a bilingual English and Chinese curriculum. By integrating hands-on learning, academic rigor, and the arts, ASA nurtures creativity, fosters intellectual growth, and cultivates a lifelong love of learning.

Five Key Advantages of ASA

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Language

Bilingual English and Chinese Education

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Arts

Comprehensive Art Education in Dance, Music, Art

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Academics

Building Strong Foundations in Literacy, Math, and Science

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Values

Fostering Character Development Through Universal Principles

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Exploration

Inspiring curiosity and creativity in young minds

Mission of San Francisco Arts and Science Academy (ASA)

ASA provides TK–5 students with a strong foundation in the arts, language, math, and science, fostering creativity, curiosity, and character development. Our bilingual, hands-on curriculum blends academic rigor with artistry, inspiring a lifelong love for learning, a commitment to universal values, and an appreciation for beauty.

A Founder’s Story

The Vision Behind San Francisco Arts and Science Academy

A Founder’s Story: The Vision Behind San Francisco Arts and Science Academy
Dr. Sherry Zhang is a co-founder of San Francisco High School of the Arts. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry and completed postdoctoral research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, specializing in lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles. She later became an entrepreneur, founding a Silicon Valley-based company. Since 2015, Dr. Zhang has served as the Head of School at San Francisco High School of the Arts, leading with a deep commitment to arts education and academic excellence.

Fifteen years ago, a small group of parents—and soon-to-be parents—came together around a shared dream: to give our children the best education possible. We envisioned a school with a strong academic foundation, immersed in the beauty of classical arts, and dedicated to nurturing thoughtful, resilient leaders who live by universal values and contribute meaningfully to the world.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations in our students—including my own child. My son was four when he joined our weekend dance program. He was simply a little boy who loved to move. Through years of disciplined training and joyful practice, he became a national first-place dancer. More importantly, he developed a deep love for dance—an outlet for expression that refined his artistry and built resilience, perseverance, and dedication.

At the same time, he thrived academically, completing Algebra II by eighth grade and becoming fluent in English and Chinese. Most importantly, he has grown into a happy, confident teen guided by universal values.

HSArts’ success extends far beyond my son—we see it in student after student. Our school has earned the AP School Honor Roll (Platinum) distinction (awarded to only about 6% of eligible schools in the U.S. and Canada), and our students continue to win regional, national, and international awards for their artistic achievements.

Even with these outcomes, I often wished students arrived with an even stronger early foundation—full of curiosity and a love of learning that would propel them forward. To help every child reach their full potential, we realized we needed to start earlier, nurturing both intellect and artistry from the beginning.

That is why we are launching the San Francisco Arts & Science Academy (ASA), a TK–5 program designed to inspire joy and build a solid foundation for lifelong learning. Back-designed from our high school outcomes, ASA blends rigorous academics with the arts to develop strong readers, confident problem-solvers, and creative thinkers.

ASA will cultivate academic excellence, creativity, resilience, and artistry—while instilling universal values such as responsibility, kindness, and respect—so students not only achieve success, but also make a positive impact on the world.

We invite your child to experience an education that nurtures both mind and heart, laying the groundwork for a bright, fulfilling future.

Meet Our Dedicated Faculty

At the heart of our school is a team of passionate educators and artists who bring learning to life. With diverse backgrounds and a shared commitment to excellence, they inspire, guide, and nurture every student.

Attend an Information Session

📅 Date: Saturday, Nov 15, 2025
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM
📍 Location: HSArts Campus, 1950 Page St, San Francisco, CA 94117

After a brief curriculum preview, we’ll tour our new campus at 350 9th Ave starting at 12:00 PM.

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Tuition for TK – 5th Grade

School Year: August 24, 2026 – June 4, 2027

Eligible children must be five (5) years old prior to December 2nd, 2026

Chinese Immersion After School available
Class size:
Maximum 15 students

The Philosophy Behind San Francisco Arts and Science Academy (ASA)

“As Leonardo da Vinci advised, to develop a complete mind: study the science of art; study the art of science.” This captures our core belief: art and science together shape young minds with creativity, discipline, and critical thinking.

The Interwoven Nature of Art and Science

Creativity isn’t random—it grows from a deep command of fundamentals. As scientists rely on observation, experimentation, and logic, artists master composition, balance, proportion, light, shadow, and color. With strong foundations, students can push boundaries and create the extraordinary. Science, too, has an artistry. Albert Einstein—an accomplished musician—described elegant ideas with the simplicity of a melody; music informed his way of seeing the universe with both precision and imagination. At ASA, we integrate science and the arts because true mastery emerges from a balance of structure and creativity.

The Role of Classical Arts in Human Development

A classical arts education enhances cognition, strengthens academic performance, and fosters essential life skills. Structured music, dance, and visual arts training build attention, memory, pattern recognition, and fine-motor skills—capacities that support reading and math. Beyond academics, the arts cultivate discipline, perseverance, and resilience. Mastering an instrument or perfecting a movement requires dedication and structured practice, reinforcing habits that lead to success in every domain. Artistic expression also supports emotional well-being, reducing anxiety and building confidence.

Small Classes & Leveled Instruction

There is no one-size-fits-all in education. Small class sizes allow teachers to know each child, provide individualized guidance, and ensure every student is both challenged and supported. Math is taught by level—when students are ready, we move them up so they can accelerate and prepare for HSArts’ advanced track.

Balance Is the Key

We pair clear structure with joyful play, blending guided learning and inquiry-based exploration so children build strong skills while staying curious. Academics, the arts, and bilingual language (English–Chinese) are integrated daily—routines provide focus while choice and discovery spark wonder. We cultivate discipline and creativity side by side, nurturing habits of effort, respect, and responsibility. Above all, we learn with joy—so students grow into confident, kind learners who think deeply, communicate across languages, and love learning.

Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow

Children love stories. From our Founding Fathers like George Washington to historic figures such as Emperor Kangxi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Leonardo da Vinci, history becomes a living library of role models. Through these lives of courage, curiosity, and kindness, students discover that they, too, can lead with character.

At ASA, we nurture both mind and heart—blending tradition with innovation to open a future of boundless possibilities. We invite your child to begin this journey.

Chinese Immersion—Done Differently

A balanced 50/50 model.

ASA offers Chinese and English in a true 50–50 split. By keeping Chinese at 50% (rather than the 80% common elsewhere), students build strong Chinese proficiency without compromising their English foundations.

Designed with the end in mind.

Our curriculum is backward-designed from upper-grade outcomes. Math, and most science and history are taught in English to protect core literacy and academic vocabulary. Daily Chinese includes language blocks, arts integration, and project time, with additional reinforcement available in the after-school program.

Why Chinese immersion?

Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages on earth, opening doors to a 5,000-year civilization rich in history, philosophy, and culture.

More than language—culture and character.

ASA immersion goes beyond listening, reading, and writing. Students engage with Chinese classics and explore enduring values—filial piety, respect, integrity, humility, and harmony—through stories, literature, and cultural practices. They gain both linguistic skill and a deeper understanding of the wisdom that shaped generations.

Why ASA? One School. All the Right Ingredients.

Parents often drive across town for piano, drawing, singing, and dance. At ASA, your child explores all of these arts—and strong academics—in one place, guided by expert artists and teachers from HSArts.

What this means for your family? 

      1. All-in-one campus: Piano, visual art, voice, dance—plus academics and bilingual learning—built into the school day.
      2. Expert faculty: Professional artists and experienced educators who know how to teach children well.
      3. Talent discovery: Broad exposure early; teachers uncover strengths, then create personalized pathways to go deeper.
      4. Passion that grows: Regular practice, performances, and showcases help motivation take root and flourish.
      5. Smart schedule: Fewer evening/weekend drop-offs; more time for family and rest.
      6. Seamless continuity: A clear pathway into HSArts’ conservatories and accelerated academics.

The ASA promise: Your child won’t just “try” the arts—they’ll build real skills, gain confidence, and learn with joy, surrounded by a community that nurtures both mind and heart.

Praise from HSArts Parents

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