All classes, whether in the EXL, Mandarin Immersion, or Autism-Focused Program, follow the Common Core State Standards for English and math instruction and the Next Generation Science Standards, as mandated by the state of California. Please see SFUSD website for more information.
EXL Academy
Experiential Learning activates learning by doing, reflecting, and applying—so that students grow into empowered learners and leaders. The core of EXL is social justice where kids see themselves in the curriculum, use themselves and their communities as the starting point for learning, have opportunities to explore the world around them and gain access to resources such as technology.
Mandarin DUAL Immersion
The Mandarin immersion (MI) program prepares students to be bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural. For Kinder, 1st, and 2nd grades, the breakdown of instructional time is approximately 80% Mandarin and 20% English. For 2nd and 3rd grades, MI time is 70/30 and by 4th and 5th grades, Mandarin/English instruction throughout the day is roughly 50/50.
Special Education
Starr King offers special education programs including an autism-specific special day program as well as a full inclusion program and RSP (Resource Specialist Program) services. The program consists of three Special Day Classes and students are included in most classrooms. The highly trained staff use PECS and TEACH strategies.
Pre-K Program (to be replaced in 2023-24 with transitional kindergarten program)
Through SFUSD's Early Education Department, Starr King offers a pre-school program for our youngest learners to provide them with the academic and social foundations that will help them succeed in the elementary years.
The 2023-24 academic year will be the inaugural year for Starr King’s Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Program. The program will not be in Mandarin Chinese. Students enrolled in TK will have a preference in the SFUSD lottery if applying to Starr King for Kindergarten (similar to sibling preference).