Admissions Elementary.
Special opportunity for families
The Elementary campus has availability for the current school year. If you are interested in applying for your child to attend in the 2025-2026 school year, please email elementaryadmissions@thedahliaschoolsf.org.
Get Ready for the 2026 - 2027 School Year: Applications Now Open!
The Dahlia School of San Francisco is a Spanish-immersion Montessori program in Mission Bay, serving early childhood and elementary students with equity-based, hands-on education that nurtures independence, curiosity, community, and a love of learning.
Our Taller (ages 5–9) gives children the freedom to dive deeply into subjects they love while still meeting essential academic standards. In a Spanish immersion setting, students build strong language, literacy, and communication skills through reading, writing, speaking, and singing. Guided by Montessori teachers, they take on meaningful projects that connect classroom learning with the wider San Francisco community.
Children study both broadly and deeply, covering many subjects not attempted in conventional schools. Because there is not a rigid schedule or prescribed curriculum that the whole class must follow, each child can focus intensely on their self-chosen work, with minimal interruption. At the same time, they will collaborate with the teacher to ensure that their work is challenging and purposeful–and that basic standards are met. In that way, the teacher is in charge of the minimum scope of work, and each child is in charge of the maximum.
Children have a remarkable ability to absorb language. Dual-language learning not only supports their rapidly developing brains but also helps them understand that they are part of a wider world—one rich in culture, connection, and diversity. As a high-fidelity immersion program, our guides teach in Spanish, allowing children to naturally develop bilingual fluency. Through this approach, our students learn to read, write, speak, and sing with confidence in both Spanish and English.
In the elementary program, children develop independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of discovery.
1. Complete an Application (Required)
We encourage families to apply early by our General Admissions deadline of January 9, 2026. When completing your application, please indicate the earliest date you would like your child to begin. This ensures that your application will remain valid for the following school year, even if space is not immediately available.
2. School Tours (Recommended)
We understand that visiting our school campuses is an important part of the decision-making process. We are pleased to offer school tours, providing you with a firsthand experience of our facilities and the warm atmosphere at The Dahlia Schools.
During your visit, you’ll be guided through our classrooms, where you can quietly observe each environment and imagine the experience through a child’s eyes. We will share insights about each classroom and answer your questions. Tours are designed for adults only, though babies in arms are always welcome.
Tours are offered on Friday mornings from 8:00 to 9:00 am, monthly from November through March. Select your preferred date and register to join us.
3. Interviews (Required)
All families are required to complete a new admissions interview for each child applying to The Dahlia Schools for the upcoming year. Invitations will be sent once applications are received, and please note that interviews are by invitation only.
We kindly ask parents to attend the interview with their child. This gives your child a chance to enjoy a first visit to the school, while allowing us to get to know your family and learn more about your child’s unique qualities. The interview is designed as a warm, thoughtful conversation between school and family—an important step in beginning a strong and supportive partnership.
Families of Elementary applicants who accept rolling or early admission offers will also receive sibling priority for younger children applying to our Early Childhood program. In addition, these families may have the opportunity to interview and receive admissions decisions ahead of the standard General Admissions timeline, depending on the same factors outlined above.
4. Application Deadlines
We encourage all applicants to submit their applications by January 9, 2026. Admissions decisions will be sent out by March.
Please note the following:
Most customized tuition budgets are allocated during this period.
Elementary applicants may complete the application process and receive admissions decisions as early as this Fall.
5. Reach Out to Us
If you have any questions about the application process, information sessions, or anything related to The Dahlia Schools, please don’t hesitate to contact our Admissions Team at elementaryadmissions@thedahliaschoolsf.org. We are here to support you every step of the way.
We look forward to welcoming both new and returning families to The Dahlia Schools for the 2026–2027 school year. Together, we will continue to create a nurturing and enriching environment where students can thrive—academically, socially, and personally.
Thank you for being part of our wonderful community. We’re excited to begin this journey with you!
“In our schools the environment itself teaches the children. The teacher only puts the child in direct contact with the environment, showing him how to use various things.”
