Frequently Asked Questions 

SVDP averages approximately 25 students per grade, and all grades are single classes.  Kindergarten is led by two full time teachers, and first through eighth grades have a lead teacher and an instruction support team that work together to enhance the learning experience.  All grades are supported by co-curricular teachers in the following subject areas:  Visual and Performing Arts, Library Skills, Foreign Language with a focus in Spanish, and Physical Education.  Both the elementary and middle schools are supported by Literacy Coaches.

School starts for all students at 8:00 am every morning at assembly in the school gymnasium.  The gym is open and supervised beginning at 7:35 am for early drop-off.  Every Monday is an early dismissal day: Kindergarten through second grade are dismissed at 12:45 pm. Grades third through eighth are dismissed at 12:55 pm. The remainder of the weekdays dismissal times are: Kindergarten through second grade at 2:55 pm, and grades third through eighth at 3:00 pm. On select days throughout the year (in-services, faculty meetings, etc.), dismissal follows the Monday dismissal schedule.

Extended Care is available until 6:00 pm.

For 2023-2024, the annual tuition categories are as follows:

Participating Parishioners and a Participating School Family:  $12,270

Participating Parishioners, but not a Participating School Family: $14,465

Participating School Family, but not Participating Parishioners: $15,190

Neither Participating School Family nor a Participating Parishioners: $17,215

SVDP utilizes the FACTS Tuition Management System. Parents may elect to pay the tuition in full at the beginning of the school year, at the beginning of each bi-annually, or on a monthly basis. 

Every grade has access to multiple field trips each year in and around San Francisco.  Examples include:  Academy of Sciences, Symphony, SFMOMA, Presidio nature programs, Ferry Building, Lawrence Hall of Science, Mission Dolores, Alcatraz, Rosicrucian Museum, Chinatown, Asian Art Museum, California State Capitol and many more.

Our fourth, fifth, and sixth graders participate in Walks Through History.  These in-school programs bring about three weeks of education and study to the classroom and then the children act out what they’ve learned in a special performance.  Topics include the California Gold Rush, the Revolutionary War, and Ancient Civilizations. 

Our fourth, sixth, and eighth grade classes attend overnight field trips to Nature Bridge, Coloma Outdoor School, and Caritas CYO Camp, and Westminster Woods.

Our Visual and Performing Arts Program (which varies by grade) includes a unit of study in Shakespeare, art curriculum, music curriculum, Christmas concert, Spring Concert, and digital arts.

Middle School electives include:  Journalism, Yearbook, Literary Magazine, Ukulele, Photography, Digital Music, Stop Motion Animation, Short Films, Coding, Elements of Design, and Creative Writing.

Every grade participates in community service programs each year.  We partner with the St. Vincent de Paul Society through various programs to benefit shelters and other schools in San Francisco.  Examples of some of their service include:  sandwich making, coat drive, holiday food drive, Mother’s Day gift bags, Halloween costume collection, and Easter baskets for shelter residents.

Extended Care is available for all students after school until 6:00 pm for an additional fee.  Students enjoy outdoor play, healthy snacks, homework time, art projects and group games.  Families may sign their child up for full time, part time, or on a drop-in basis. 

Through the Parish dePaul Youth Club, SVDP offers sports programs beginning in third grade.  Girls sports include volleyball, soccer, and basketball.  Boys sports include soccer, basketball, and baseball.  Games are played through the city’s CYO sports league.  Students must be members of the de Paul Youth Club to participate in sports.  The annual fee per student which covers the cost of uniforms, CYO fees, and after-school gym access.  The gym is also open to de Paul Youth Club members in grades third through eighth after school until 5:00 pm each day for free play, game room, and snack bar. 

In addition to Extended Care, SVDP is pleased to provide after school classes in dance, music, lego, architecture, academic chess, guitar and art (for an additional fee).   Homework Hub is provided three days a week after school in the library.  Teachers are available to assist students with homework in grades third through eighth in a quiet, supportive atmosphere.

SVDP offers healthy lunch options through Choice Lunch.  Families may sign up for lunch choices as desired. ChoiceLunch website 

SVDP graduates attend choice high schools, with the majority of students accepted with Honors (top 10% of all applicants).  Click here SVDP Alumni to see where our recent graduates have been accepted into high school and college.