Specific supports and strategies we utilize:

• Integrated Supports
• Small class sizes
• Individualized Student Learning Plans
• 1:1 Chromebook with assistive technology like Learning Ally, Speech to Text, Audible, etc.
• Skill level based placement (4-8)
• Social Emotional Learning Programming and Curriculum (4-8)
• UDL (9-12) with Office Hours embedded in the school day and optional after-school Homework Hall

Because these supports are built into every aspect of our academic program, many families find that Sterne eliminates the need for “school after school” such as at-home tutoring and other outside academic help.

Click below to learn more about Sterne's learning supports for students in each of our grade divisions:

Lower School

Middle School

High School

School hours are 8:55 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for grades 4–8, and 8:55 a.m. to 3:24 p.m. for grades 9–12.

Typical Day - Grades 4-8

Typical Day - Grades 9-12

High School has a block schedule Tuesday-Thursday with two alternating, longer block classes. There are a variety of semester long electives to choose from like Design & Engineering , Psychology, Food Stories, Computer Science, Creative Writing, Drama, Film, and Ethnic Studies. 

Sterne’s doors open at 8:30 a.m. for student arrivals and we provide a variety of after school classes, as well as aftercare until 6:00 p.m. through the local Salesian Boys and Girls Club (for grades 4–8).

We offer a lunch delivery program with a variety of choices from local restaurants. Students can also bring their own lunch if they have dietary restrictions.

For families joining the Sterne community mid-year, the Admissions team connects parents with our New Family Liaisons who help answer all logistical questions before their student’s first day of school. Families will be contacted by the Head of Division, Counselor, Parent Association President, and Head of School within their first month at Sterne, and can stay connected through parent events and conferences that take place throughout the year.

• Arts: Film, drama, music, studio and digital arts
• Athletics: Basketball, handball, volleyball, dodgeball, futsal, table tennis, running, biking, yoga
• STEM: Makers Lab and engineering exploration
• After school classes: Cooking, robotics, art, rock band, and more
• A variety of electives, clubs, and affinity groups 

Additional offerings also include leadership and mentorship opportunities (student council, Eye to Eye); community service learning; plus local, national, and international experiential trips.

Click below for more information about student life:

Lower School

Middle School

High School

A Sterne School community member is, first, an individual with a distinctive life experience, perspective, lens and learning profile. Sterne School welcomes and celebrates students of all races, ethnicities, belief systems, religions, sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities, family structures and socio-economic backgrounds. The Sterne School community does not tolerate behaviors or actions that infringe upon one's ability to be seen, heard and understood. The Sterne community is centered in learning from everyone’s uniqueness, creating self-advocates who strive to develop awareness, empathy, cultural competency and allyship in the Sterne community and beyond. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Sterne

Up to 95 students are enrolled in the Lower and Middle School (grades 4–8) and 100 students in the High School (grades 9–12). Sterne has a diverse community from all over the Bay Area, that includes LGBTQ+ families, single parents, cross-generational households, adopted children, and economically diverse families. Approximately 47% of our students self-identify as people of color. Approximately 30% of our families receive some level of financial aid.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging informs all aspects of our program at Sterne, and while there are many areas of DEIB to address and highlight, each year we focus on a specific DEIB initiative schoolwide. Click here for more information on this year’s DEIB focus.

Sterne accepts applications year-round, depending on spaces available. Don't hesitate to contact Admissions  any time during the year for more information.

Documents Required for Grades 4–8

• Confidential Teacher Evaluation Form
• Transcript Release Form
• About Me Project

Documents Required for Grades 9–12

• Confidential Teacher Recommendation Forms
  (Principal or Counselor, Math, and English)
• Transcript Release Form
• Student Essay
• About Me Project

Important notes on how forms are submitted:

• Transcript Release Forms are delegated to your child’s school via email and the school registrar will electronically submit documents through Ravenna or email.
• Parents delegate the Teacher Evaluation Form (grades 4-8) and Teacher Recommendation Forms (grades 9-12) through Ravenna. Then, teachers electronically submit forms through Ravenna directly to Sterne School. 

*Please give the teachers plenty of time to complete these recommendations before the application deadline.

Our program gives students the foundational tools to succeed in any high school, however, many choose to continue their education at Sterne. The majority of our 8th grade graduates matriculate to our 9th grade, while between 30-40% opt to go to either other independent or public high schools.

At Sterne, the college counseling journey begins the first year of high school, with families participating in an informative Zoom session outlining the College Planning and Application timeline. Moving into sophomore year, families engage in personalized meetings with our dedicated college counseling team to tailor plans according to the unique goals of both the student and their family. Individual counseling continues through Junior and Senior year, with more frequent meetings.

Sterne is a college preparatory school. Our high school curriculum adheres to the California Colleges-approved course map (A-G), ensuring that every student aspiring for college has the opportunity to pursue higher education. We pride ourselves on having a 100% “best fit” rate, and over the past five years, all of our graduates have been accepted to more than 100 national and international four-year colleges—see for yourself.

There are many opportunities throughout the year that bring the Sterne community together. See list below for some of our annual events, and visit our social media feeds for additional highlights.

• All School Back to School Picnic
• Back to School Night for Parents & Guardians
• Winter and Spring Drama performances
• Winter and Spring Concerts
• Winter and Spring Student Film Festivals
• Fall Full Circle Cocktail Party
• Quarterly School Dances for Middle School and High School
• Volleyball, Basketball, Handball games
• Off-Campus Expedition Days
• The Annual Spring Gala
• Grandparents & Special Friends Day
• Spring Art & Maker Faire
• Spring Donor & Volunteer Appreciation
• Local, National, and International Experiential Trips
• High School Prom
• Eighth Grade and High School Graduation Ceremonies
• Participation in the Annual SF Pride Parade
• ...and much, much more!