ASASF
k-2 head
“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, ASASF offers a distinctive K-5 elementary education with a bilingual English and Chinese curriculum. By integrating hands-on learning, academic rigor, and the arts, ASASF nurtures creativity, fosters intellectual growth, and cultivates a lifelong love of learning.

Five Key Advantages of ASASF

ASASF

Language

Bilingual English and Chinese Education

ASASF

Arts

Comprehensive Art Education in Dance, Music, Art

ASASF

Academics

Building Strong Foundations in Literacy, Math, and Science

ASASF

Values

Fostering Character Development Through Universal Principles

ASASF

Exploration

Inspiring curiosity and creativity in young minds

Our Philosophy

ASASF

At ASA, we integrate the arts and academics, building on the success of our middle and high school programs. As Leonardo da Vinci wisely said, “To develop a complete mind: Study the science of art; Study the art of science.” Our bilingual curriculum fosters fluency in English and Chinese while deepening cultural appreciation and enhancing cognitive development.

Traditional arts shape character, instill discipline, and strengthen academic performance. We emphasize character development, nurturing values such as kindness, honesty, and respect. Through inquiry-based learning, we inspire creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving—preparing students to become thoughtful, capable leaders of the future.

Mission of San Francisco Arts and Science Academy (ASASF)

ASASF provides K-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 with a shared dream—we wanted the best education for our children. We envisioned a school that provided a strong academic foundation while immersing students in the beauty of classical arts. More importantly, we sought to nurture thoughtful, resilient leaders who embrace universal values and contribute meaningfully to the world.

Over the years, I have witnessed incredible transformations in our students—including my own child. My son was just four years old when he first joined our school’s weekend dance program. At the time, he was simply a little boy who loved to move. But through years of training, discipline, and passion, he grew into a national first-place dancer. More importantly, he developed a deep love for dance. It refined his artistry, provided a creative outlet for self-expression, and instilled in him resilience—the perseverance, hard work, and dedication needed to excel.

At the same time, he thrived academically, mastering Algebra II by eighth grade and becoming fluent in both English and Chinese, with a deep appreciation for both cultures. Most importantly, I am grateful to see him grow into a happy, confident teen guided by universal values.

Seeing my son’s growth firsthand, I recognize the profound impact of our program. Yet, I often wished students arrived with a stronger foundation in their early years—full of curiosity and a love for learning that would propel them forward. To help students reach their full potential, we needed to start earlier, fostering both their intellectual and artistic development from the very beginning.

That is why we are launching the San Francisco Arts and Science Academy (ASASF), a K-5 elementary program designed to build a foundation for lifelong learning. ASASF will cultivate academic excellence, creativity, resilience, and artistry. We will instill universal values such as kindness, honesty, respect, and responsibility, ensuring that students not only achieve success but also make a meaningful impact on the world.

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

Attend an Information Session

📅 Date: Saturday, April 19
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM
📍 Location: HSArts Campus, 1950 Page St, San Francisco, CA 94117

ASASF

Tuition for Kindergarten – 5th Grade

First Day of School: August 25, 2025 to June 12, 2026

Eligible children must be five (5) years old prior to December 2nd, 2025

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

As Leonardo da Vinci wisely stated, “To develop a complete mind: Study the science of art; Study the art of science.” His words encapsulate the core of our philosophy—both art and science are essential to a well-rounded education, shaping young minds with creativity, discipline, and critical thinking.

The Interwoven Nature of Art and Science

Creativity does not emerge from randomness; it is built upon a deep understanding of fundamental principles. Just as a scientist relies on observation, experimentation, and logic, an artist must master composition, balance, proportion, light, shadow, and color. Only by first understanding these foundations can one push boundaries and create something truly extraordinary.

Science, too, is infused with artistry. Albert Einstein, one of history’s greatest scientific minds, was also an accomplished musician. His theory of relativity is often described as simple and elegant—much like a beautifully composed melody. The harmony he found in music shaped his way of thinking, allowing him to perceive the universe with both precision and imagination.

At ASA, we integrate the sciences and the arts because we recognize that true mastery comes from a balance of structure and creativity.

The Role of Classical Arts in Human Development

Extensive research has shown that a classical arts education enhances cognitive abilities, improves academic performance, and fosters essential life skills. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), students engaged in structured music training demonstrate higher IQ scores and stronger performance in math and reading. Similarly, classical dance and visual arts improve fine motor skills, memory retention, and pattern recognition, all of which contribute to greater academic achievement.

Beyond academics, the arts cultivate discipline, perseverance, and resilience—qualities that build strong character. Mastering an instrument or perfecting a dance movement requires dedication and structured practice, reinforcing the habits necessary for success in all areas of life. At the same time, artistic expression has been shown to enhance emotional well-being, reducing anxiety and boosting self-confidence.

According to the National Endowment for the Arts, students involved in classical arts programs develop stronger empathy, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, equipping them to navigate an increasingly complex world. Research from the Brookings Institution further highlights that children exposed to arts education demonstrate stronger leadership qualities, heightened social awareness, and improved collaboration skills.

The Power of Chinese Immersion

Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over a billion native speakers. It is the gateway to understanding one of the world’s oldest and most influential civilizations, with over 5,000 years of rich history, philosophy, and cultural heritage.

At ASA, our Chinese Immersion program goes beyond just building language skills in listening, reading, and writing. Students also study Chinese classics and explore the timeless values embedded in traditional Chinese culture—such as respect for elders, filial piety, integrity, humility, and harmony. Through stories, literature, and cultural practices, students gain a deeper understanding of the wisdom that has shaped generations.

This well-rounded approach not only develops fluency, but also nurtures character, cultural appreciation, and a meaningful connection to the values that have guided Chinese civilization for millennia.

Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow

ASA’s elementary program lays the foundation for lifelong learning, cultivating academic excellence, resilience, and artistry. Through inquiry-based learning, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and an innovative mindset—qualities that prepare them to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Our bilingual curriculum, which fosters fluency in English and Chinese, deepens cognitive development while nurturing cultural appreciation. More than just academic achievement, we emphasize the importance of universal values such as kindness, honesty, respect, and responsibility, ensuring that our students grow into not only successful individuals but also ethical and compassionate contributors to society.

At ASA, we nurture both the mind and the heart, fostering a generation of well-rounded, creative, and thoughtful individuals. We invite your child to embark on an educational journey that blends tradition with innovation, shaping a future of boundless possibilities.

Praise from HSArts Parents

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