top of page
IMGL5698.jpg

Founding Story

San Francisco Schoolhouse emerged from two mothers’ quest to find a school providing academic excellence for their children while being affordable for their families. At the time, most private schools tuition was over $25,000 (currently, tuition has increased to upwards of $40,000); it felt like a high-quality progressive education was simply not attainable. But when pushed by the necessity to educate their children, and inspired by the well-educated students in one-room school houses around the world, Rebecca Dake and Erin Cooney simplified the definition of an excellent education: a passionate, experienced teacher, and a room where students feel comfortable to explore and learn. 

In February 2011, Rebecca Dake (a founding parent) started the process to organize a school, including finding a room, then a pair of teachers, Rebecca Schneider and Jack Schumacher (founding teachers), and even developing the name, the Schoolhouse. In August 2011, the first two students started to attend, with more students joining in early 2012! During this initial time period, the founding team, Erin Cooney, Rebecca Dake, Jack Schumacher and Rebecca Schneider began teaching, organizing, meeting with parents, and putting together the foundation of the Schoolhouse. 


By the end of the first school year, Schoolhouse had 6 students, followed by an enrollment of 19 students in grades K-2 for the 2012-2013 school year. By the time 2013-14 came along, the first lead teacher (outside of founders Jack and Rebecca) had been hired. Bridget Curley was the new kindergarten teacher, and the school year kicked off with 32 students in grades K-3. During the 2013-14 school year, the inaugural Winter Lights celebration took place, and Schoolhouse showcased its first annual school play. In 2014-15 we opened with 42 students, and the school has continued to grow from there. In the fall of 2023, Jina Kim became the Head of School, Betsy Fowler was named as the Director of K-5, and Continuity of Curriculum, K-8. Patrick Ardinger was named as the Director of Middle School. As we enter our 15th year, Schoolhouse proudly begins with an enrollment of 114 students and 21 teachers K-8.

San Francisco Schoolhouse, est 2011

735 Fell Street, San Francisco CA 94117

info@sfschoolhouse.org

(415) 966-2252 

Statement of Non-Discrimination:

San Francisco Schoolhouse admits students of any gender, race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, family structure, gender identity and/or expression, political affiliation, personal experience, sexual or affectional orientation, and physical disability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, family structure, gender identity and/or expression, political affiliation, personal experience, sexual or affectional orientation, mental or physical disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship, and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Please find more information here.

bottom of page