San Francisco – September 16, 2026 -- The International School of San Francisco has completed a full renovation of its 177,000-square-foot Hayes Valley campus, marking the project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 9. The 64-year-old institution, the largest secular independent school in the city, converted a former Caltrans structure built in 1948 into a modernized educational facility spanning an entire city block.
Over 300 windows replaced to boost energy efficiency and natural light
The renovation included the replacement of more than 300 windows, installation of a modernized HVAC system, and redesigned lower and middle school classrooms. Faculty and staff workspaces were also reconfigured as part of the overhaul.
School opens first dedicated high school entrance and new labs
The project delivered a standalone high school wing with its own entrance, a first in the school's history. New science and design technology labs were built to support expanded academic programming.
New commercial kitchen launches school's first on-site food program
A newly constructed commercial kitchen anchors the school's first food service program, providing on-site prepared meals for preschool, lower, and middle school students, alongside a grab-and-go bistro for high schoolers. A new playground was also added to the campus.
Head of School Eric Thuau said the renovation outcome "exceeded our expectations in every way,