The Brandeis School of San Francisco

The Brandeis School of San Francisco is an independent, co-educational, Jewish day school serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The school is located in the Park Merced neighborhood of San Francisco, California.

History

Established in 1963 by Frances Sussna with the support of Rabbi Saul E. White of Congregation Beth Sholom, the school was initially known as Brandeis. It was named after Louis Brandeis, a prominent Jewish U.S. Supreme Court Justice. In 1973, the school merged with the Hillel School and became the Brandeis Hillel Day School (BHDS). BHDS moved to its current location on Brotherhood Way in 1983. In 2014, the school's board of trustees decided to split the Brandeis Hillel Day School into two separate schools. As of July 1, 2015, the San Francisco campus operates as The Brandeis School of San Francisco.

Curriculum and Programs

The school emphasizes a student-centered, inquiry-based approach to learning, combining rigorous academics with ethical and spiritual development. The curriculum includes Jewish studies, starting Hebrew language instruction from the first grade. The school also focuses on creativity, curiosity, and community involvement, with programs like CREATE+BUILD and experiential learning opportunities.

Facilities

The Brandeis School features a science center, art studio, regulation-size gymnasium, and large outdoor sports and play areas. A notable facility is the mercaz, a $10 million building that houses kindergarten through third-grade classrooms, administrative offices, a media resource center, a music room, and a beit midrash for weekly services.

Athletics

The school offers sports programs for students in grades five through eight, including cross-country, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track and field. These programs are part of the Bay Area Interscholastic Athletic League (BAIAL) and sometimes with the Catholic Youth Organization.

Student Community

The Student Community Board (SCB) plays a significant role in organizing events like the school dance, running the school store, and hosting an annual basketball tournament that raises funds for charitable causes.

Demographics

As of recent data, the school enrolls approximately 352 students with a student-teacher ratio of about 5:1. The student body composition is diverse, with a majority being white and the rest from various ethnic backgrounds.

Values and Mission

The school upholds core values of kindness, integrity, and service. It aims to foster a nurturing environment that encourages intellectual inspiration, respect, and passion. Brandeis emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds without discrimination.