Where Learning and Personal Growth Go Hand in Hand

At Children’s Day School (CDS), education goes beyond academics—what students learn and the kind of people they become are equally valued. Located in the heart of San Francisco, CDS provides a unique environment that blends the vibrancy of the city with a nurturing, nature-rich atmosphere. Its campuses feature gardens and outdoor spaces where students can engage with the natural world, fostering curiosity, responsibility, and hands-on learning alongside traditional classroom study.

CDS emphasizes not only intellectual growth but also social and emotional development. The school encourages students to understand their responsibilities to others and to the community, while also supporting individual achievement and personal growth. This balance is at the core of the CDS philosophy: cultivating confident, thoughtful, and compassionate individuals who are prepared to navigate the wider world with integrity and self-awareness.

The school is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community where diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences is celebrated. Students are encouraged to engage critically with ideas, listen openly, and advocate for fairness and justice. CDS strives to instill humility alongside self-assurance, so that students learn to speak up for what they believe is right while remaining open to the viewpoints of others.

With a focus on continuous improvement, CDS challenges both students and faculty to ask, “How can we do this better?”—a philosophy that nurtures creativity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. Graduates leave CDS not only academically prepared but also grounded, empathetic, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.