Presidio Knolls School was founded on the idea that a progressive educational model can be combined with rigorous Mandarin immersion to create a vibrant, innovative school where children will thrive.

In 2008, Presidio Knolls opened as a two-room preschool near the Presidio, embraced by a small group of families. As the idea took hold, the children blossomed, and demand for the Reggio Emilia-inspired Mandarin immersion program grew even faster than expected. Enrolled families soon sought to extend their children’s education at PKS beyond the preschool years into an equally inspiring elementary school.

In 2011, the Board of Trustees voted to open a K-8 program. We relocated to a spacious facility in the heart of San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood that would allow us to build a world-class school. Since that time we have added one grade per year along with an exceptional team of specialist teachers and experienced administrators to guide our continued growth.

In 2016, we purchased the entire multi-parcel property where our school is currently located, setting the stage for a large-scale renovation and master plan to be completed in the coming years. We expect our vision of a full preschool through eighth grade school to be realized by Fall 2020. As of the 2016-2017 school year, we serve approximately 300 students from 2.5 years old through fourth grade.