Your family belongs at St. Peter’s

Principal Jimenez shares about what makes St. Peter's School such a special place.

We are a family school rich in faith and love, and since 1878, thousands of children have come to us for a quality Catholic education, one that develops their character and offers them abundant opportunities to succeed.

St. Peter's Director of Academics, Mrs. Ria Fresnoza, shares about our school's unique approach to personalizing instruction for students here.

At St. Peter’s we believe that you, as parents, are the most important teachers for your children, instilling values such as strong faith, hard work, perseverance, kindness, and respect. As educators, we act as your trusted and nurturing partner, doing all we can to enhance your child’s academic, spiritual, and personal growth.

Because we are committed to making a St. Peter’s education affordable to all families who want it, you’ll find our tuition is low and there is generous financial assistance to make your dreams for your children a reality. We’d love to welcome your family to ours.

Or call / o llamar: (415) 647-8662


Our rigorous academic program

Our holistic program is academically rigorous, and we incorporate the latest educational methods as we prepare our students to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

All students have access to Chromebooks or tablets in the classrooms so that they can practice their reading and math skills using various online adaptive programs. In one classroom, you might find a group of students on Chromebooks independently working towards their reading goals, while another group is working with a teacher on a particular writing or research concept. In the science labs, you’ll find kids gathered around a table problem-solving and working on a hands-on science project.

Throughout the day, students get ample time to move their bodies in P.E. and recess, as well as explore their creative sides with weekly art classes. Middle school students have choices in electives, which include classes in coding, cooking, rock-climbing, and acting & improv. All students are challenged daily to enrich their critical thinking skills and every grade is preparing for the future with various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) initiatives.

Because we are rooted in Catholic education traditions, students participate in daily religion lessons and weekly school masses to help them grow in their relationship with God, themselves, and others. We offer sacramental preparation programs for Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation, in addition to opportunities for faith-based retreats in the middle school grades.


what we believe

God is in all things and calls each of us to grow in His love.

Our school nourishes an atmosphere of respect, care, understanding, and patience where all feel safe and loved as precious children of God. 

Every child is capable of success.

When given the tools and resources necessary, from love, care and attention to tangible materials, every child has the means and ability to learn.

We are a family—somos una familia—with parents, students and educators working together.

Parents are the first teachers for their children. Working together with educators, a child’s learning experiences can be enhanced.

All students and educators will learn and grow academically, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially.  

In order for students to grow holistically, their educators must always be open to learning and improving. 

We are called to serve others and our world.

Inspired by the example of our founders, the Sisters of Mercy, we extend God’s compassion to meet the needs of our broken world.


Frequently asked questions

  • “St. Peter’s School, mindful of its mission to be witness to the love of Christ for all admits students of any race, color and nationality and or ethnic origin to all the rights programs and activities generally accorded to or made available to students at this school. St. Peter’s School does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, and nationality and ethnic origin, age, sex or disability in the administration of educational policies, admissions, scholarships and loan programs, athletic and other school administered programs. Likewise, St. Peter’s school does not unlawfully discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of age, sex, disability, race, color and nationality and ethnic origin.”

    • A completed application form 

    • A non-refundable application fee of $25

    • A copy of the Birth Certificate

    • A copy of the Baptisimal Certificate and other sacraments received (if applicable) 

    • Up-to-date copy of Immunization records

    • A copy of the most recent report card and the report card from the year before (If applying to grades 1-7)

    If there is space available in a desired grade, then the application is reviewed. A readiness test is required of all students under consideration for acceptance.

  • The children are tested by the director of academics or school faculty, who are seeking to determine the readiness of the youngster to enter a given grade. This brief testing, along with review of their reports cards, assist St. Peter’s on screening for special needs. If special needs do seem present, the school must then evaluate if these needs can be effectively addressed at St. Peter’s School. 

    Kindergarten testing is based on a developmental approach. A test is administered by the kindergarten teacher or school faculty. The children’s maturity and readiness to learn reading skills are evaluated. 

    Preschool is not required, but very helpful in preparing children for kindergarten.

  • Yes, the application fee is $25 and is non-refundable. If the student is accepted, a non-refundable registration fee is required.

  • The tuition for the year is divided into ten installments due on the 1st prior to the 15th of each month beginning with August until May.

  • Yes! We have several types of financial aid available. Please refer to the documents in this packet about the tuition and the financial aid process for more information. Mrs. Myrna Soberanis in our tuition office is available to help answer any questions about scholarships and financial aid available.

  • Yes, every grade level receives daily religious instruction. St. Peter’s uses an integrated approach to religious instruction. In addition to the set time for religion, Catholic values and faith-based instruction permeates all other academic courses. A Catholic community is lived out at St. Peter’s. Students are encouraged to actively live the Gospel message discussed in the classroom. 

    Students pray and worship together on a daily basis. Children in second grade are prepared for First Reconciliation and First Communion. The eighth graders prepare and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Classes are also offered for children in grades 3-8 who wish to receive their First Reconciliation and First Communion. 

    All religion teachers are required to be certified for religious instruction by the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

  • Yes. Students are required to purchase a full uniform. Uniform information may be obtained at the school office.

  • The first bell rings daily at 7:55 am and students are to be expected in class by 8 am. Students are dismissed at 3 pm Tuesday to Thursday. On Mondays, students are dismissed at 12:30 pm.

  • We do not offer a cafeteria service. All students should bring lunch from home, along with snacks and a reusable water bottle. Water bottles can be refilled throughout the day at our water bottle filling station.

  • Yes, there is an after-school program through the Buena Vista Children's Center (or BVCC). The program is open when kids are dismissed from school, and BVCC offers enrichment activities and field trips. Students must be registered to participate.


Hear from St. Peter’s parents

Mr. Langlois, parent of 2 St. Peter's graduates, talks about what the school has meant to his family.

Monica Leonor, parent of two current students and a St. Peter's School alumna herself, talks about how she's seen her children grow during their time at St. Peter’s School.

Mr. Tienda, father of a recent St. Peter's graduate, speaks about what the school has meant to his family.