Admissions
Affording Pacific Primary
We believe a high-quality early education should be accessible to all families, regardless of income.
Please don’t let cost stop you from applying. About a quarter of our families receive tuition assistance, and we work hard to make a Pacific Primary education possible for families across a wide range of incomes.
Tuition
Tuition for the 2026–2027 school year is $37,560 ($3,130/month) and is set by the Board of Directors each February. Tuition covers the full-day, year-round program, including breakfast, hot lunch and snacks, with flexible hours and no pro-rating.
Pacific Primary uses the Brightwheel platform to offer three payment options: pay in full, semi-annually, or in 12 payments. All initial tuition payments are due at the start of September.
At Pacific Primary, your tuition directly supports the caring teachers and enriching environment that make our program special. It covers staff compensation, classroom materials, meals, facility upkeep, and safety requirements, ensuring high-quality programming and a nurturing space for children to learn and grow.
What tuition includes
One tuition covers the whole day and the whole year, with no add-on fees:
- The full day, 7:45 AM to 5:30 PM, with no extra charge for early drop-off or late pickup
- Breakfast, a hot lunch, and morning & afternoon snacks, made from scratch
- Our year-round program, including the summer field-trip season
- Daily music, movement & expressive arts with dedicated specialists
- Weekly field trips around San Francisco
There are no separate charges for extended care, meals, or summer. It is all included.
Tuition Assistance
We offer tuition assistance to help make our program more affordable for families who demonstrate financial need. Awards are based on a confidential review of each family’s financial situation, and applications are considered separately from admissions decisions. We encourage any family who may benefit from support to apply; our goal is to support a strong, inclusive community where every child can thrive.
How to apply
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Complete the Tuition Assistance application
Applications are due in early January each year.
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Submit a current paystub
Provide a recent paystub for each parent by email or mail, by the same early-January deadline.
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Submit your tax documents
Submit your most recent W-2(s) and/or 1099(s) and federal tax return by mid-February. Tax and earnings information from earlier years will not be accepted.
Submit tax returns, W-2(s) and/or 1099(s) by email to info@pacificprimary.org or by mail to: Pacific Primary Business Office, 1501 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94117.
Early Learning For All (ELFA)
In addition to our own Tuition Assistance program, Pacific Primary is a qualified provider in Early Learning For All (ELFA), a City initiative run by the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood (DEC). ELFA helps San Francisco families afford high-quality early care and education for children ages 0 to 5, which aligns closely with our own commitment to keeping Pacific Primary accessible.
In 2026, Mayor Daniel Lurie’s Family Opportunity Agenda significantly expanded ELFA, raising the income limits so that many more middle-income families now qualify for free or reduced tuition. The City estimates that up to 12,000 children under age 5 are eligible under the expanded program.
ELFA funding levels
Benefits depend on your household income relative to the Area Median Income (AMI). The table below is illustrative, showing approximate annual income limits for a family of four; the actual ceilings scale up or down with family size.
| Income (family of four) | Share of Area Median Income | What ELFA provides |
|---|---|---|
| Up to about $171,000 | Up to 110% of AMI | Fully funded: free enrollment, with no tuition charges. |
| About $171,000 to $233,000 | 111% to 150% of AMI | A tuition credit equal to 100% of the City’s full-time ELFA rate, making care free or nearly free. |
| About $233,000 to $311,000 | 151% to 200% of AMI | A tuition credit equal to 50% of the City’s full-time ELFA rate. Begins July 1, 2026. |
Income figures are approximate, are set by the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood, and change with family size. Please see the Department of Early Childhood for current eligibility details.
Families must be San Francisco residents and meet the income guidelines for their tier. ELFA benefits are portable and stay in place until a child ages out of early education. Once your child is enrolled, we’ll guide you through the ELFA application; proof of income, residency, and family size is required.
The importance of giving
While tuition covers the majority of our operating expenses, as a nonprofit preschool we rely on community support to bring the full Pacific Primary experience to life. Each year, our Fund for All campaign provides essential support beyond tuition revenue. Learn how to support the school.