Admissions
We are looking for students like you who are willing to take on challenges and work hard to achieve excellence. Schedule a visit to our beautiful state-of-the-art campus, meet our teachers and students.
See why the San Francisco High School of the Arts is the right place for you!
Choosing the right high school is a very important decision at this exciting time in your life, and we are delighted that you are considering San Francisco High School of the Arts.
Our rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and comprehensive arts programs provide stepping stones that lead our students to pursue their dreams.
Admissions Calendar
- October
- November
- December
October 1, 7, 8, 15, 22, 29 Campus Private Tour for families (6:15 pm)
October 10 VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE – 1:00pm to 2:00pm
November 5, 12, 19 Campus Private Tour for families (6:15 pm)
November 6 VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE – 6:00pm to 7:00pm
November 13 VIRTUAL ARTS OPEN HOUSE – 12:00pm to 1:30pm
December 1 VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE – 12:00pm to 1:00pm
December 3, 10 Campus Private Tour for families (6:15 pm) Take a Virtual Tour
December 15 Application for Admissions: Priority deadline 11:59pm (PST)
- January
- February
- March
January 13, 20, 27 Shadow Day (5th and 8th Grade visits)*
January 7 VIRTUAL ARTS OPEN HOUSE – 12:00pm to 1:30pm *NEW
January 7, 14 Campus Tour for families (6:15 pm)*
January 13 VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE – 6:00pm to 7:00pm *NEW
January 14 Financial Aid Session – 12:00pm to 1:00pm *NEW
January 15 Application for Admissions deadline 11:59pm (PST)
January 19 SSS Application for financial assistance deadline 11:59pm (PST)
January 22 Teacher Recommendations and School Transcripts deadline
February 12 VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE – 6:00pm to 7:00pm *NEW
February 12 Applicants’ Activity Evening - 6:00pm to 7:30pm*
February 12 Parents Information Night - 7:00pm to 8:00pm *NEW
March 19 Decisions notices sent electronically after 4:00pm
March 26 Registration deadline 11:59pm (PST)
Artistic Portfolio
All Music conservatory applicants must submit a video fulfilling the following audition requirements:
► Chromatic scale - minimum 2 octaves - quarter note = 106
► An etude, sonata, or showpiece that demonstrates technical and interpretive accomplishment. (Piano accompaniment is not required.)
Applicants must submit a minimum of two recordings from the following options*:
1. A classical song or aria from the 17th, 18th, or 19th-century European tradition, in English or Italian
2. An American folk song from the 19th or 20th century
3. A song from American Musical Theatre (Broadway), the 1930s through 2000s
Your recordings may be sung a capella or with a backing track. Songs need to be clearly labeled and submitted with:
► title
► name of the show (if applicable)
► year
► composer
► lyricist.
* You may submit a jazz standard from the Great American Songbook or cover of a current jazz artist in place of option 3, or as a third addition.
Submitting pop or current rock music recordings is not recommended.
Visual Arts applicants should submit a portfolio consisting of three to five of the applicant's original artworks in a range of art media.
All Dance and Theatre program applicants must submit a video recording of a public performance. (If a video recording is not available, performance photographs may be considered at the discretion of the admissions committee.)
Transfer Students
We accept transfer students entering grades 6 to 11. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
- International Students
We welcome students from around the world to be part of our school and community.
The San Francisco High School of the Arts admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, religious background, gender or sexual identity to all programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of identity in its administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Admissions Process
