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Charter School vs. Public School
Charter School vs. Public School
What’s the Difference?
What’s the Difference?
In San Francisco, families can choose between SFUSD public schools and SFUSD public charter schools—both tuition-free options that serve students in our city.
SFUSD Public Schools
These schools are operated directly by the San Francisco Unified School District. They follow district curriculum, staffing, and policies, and all students apply through the SFUSD High School Enrollment Process.
SFUSD Charter Schools
Charter schools are independently run public schools that operate with their own leadership teams, calendars, and instructional approaches. While they are public and free to attend, they are not managed by SFUSD. Each charter school sets its own application timeline and admissions process.
How to Apply
How to Apply
SFUSD Public Schools:
Families apply through the SFUSD Online Application (ParentVue) during the district’s enrollment window. All traditional public high schools—including Lowell and Ruth Asawa SOTA—use this process.SFUSD Charter Schools:
Applications must be submitted directly to each charter school (See below). Deadlines vary, and some schools use a lottery system if there are more applicants than seats. Families are encouraged to visit each school’s website for specific requirements and dates.
City Arts & Technology (CAT) High
City Arts & Technology (CAT) High
City Arts and Technology (CAT) is a tuition-free public charter high school that is dedicated to preparing students for post-secondary, career, and life success. CAT offers students a rigorous academic experience and a small, diverse community where students are known, loved, and challenged. CAT student population is ~250 students with a 10:1 student to teacher ratio. More information on CAT can be found on the school's website, linked below!
School Website: https://es-cat.org
Admissions: Enroll at CAT here!
Contact Information:
325 LaGrande Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94112
p: 415-841-2200
f: 415-585-3009
email: info@es-cat.org
Gateway High
Gateway High
Gateway High School (GHS) is a college preparatory, public charter school in San Francisco. Gateway features an intentionally small learning environment (~480 students, 24:1 student-teacher ratio). Gateway offers a rigorous academic program that identifies and supports the individual talents and strengths of students, through personalized instruction from highly trained teachers to ensure they are challenged at their level and encouraged to reach their potential. More information on Gateway High School can be found on their website below.
School Website: gatewaypublicschools.org
Admissions: Apply here!
Contact Information:
1430 Scott Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
p: 415-749-3600 f: 415-749-2716
email: office@gatewayhigh.org
KIPP College Prep
KIPP College Prep
KIPP College Preparatory is a free public charter school. KIPP has a student population of 426 students focus on character and academics, while it prepares students for success in college and opportunities in life. KIPP clearly defines and measures students' high expectations for academic achievement and conduct that creates and reinforces a culture of achievement and support. More information about KIPP can be found on the school's website below!
School Website: KIPP College Prep
Admissions: Apply Here
Contact Information:
1195 Hudson Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94124
Email: enrollment@kippsfcollegeprep.org
P: 415-643-6951
F: 415-826-9124
Leadership High
Leadership High
Leadership High School (LHS) is a small, public charter school (~320 students, ~22:1 student-teacher ratio) that provides a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with extensive leadership in a small school setting. High expectations are coupled with a supportive and personalized environment to ensure students are well known and individually supported to meet the challenges of high school. In addition to developing skills needed to be successful in college, to lead their own lives, and to be leaders of change in their communities. More information on Leadership High School can be found on their website below.
School Website: https://leadershiphigh.org
Admissions: Apply here!
Enrollment Fair Info Session, click here
Contact Information:
350 Seneca Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94112
P: 415-841-8910
F: 415-841-8925
Email: info@leadershiphigh.org
Life Learning Academy
Life Learning Academy
Life Learning Academy (LLA) is a public charter high school serving Bay Area students who haven’t been successful in other schools. The programs at LLA engage and challenge the Bay Area's most vulnerable students in a supportive learning environment where they want to succeed. LLA features small class size of 6-8 students per class, which enables the type of individualized attention that allows our students to overcome learning obstacles and thrive. More information on Life Learning Academy can be found below!
School Website: https://lifelearningacademysf.org/
Admissions: Apply here!
Enrollment Fair Info Session, click here
Contact Information:
651 8th Street, Treasure Island
San Francisco, CA 94130
P: (415) 397-8957
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