Who We Are

Founded in 1957, Cathedral School for Boys is a nationally recognized, Kindergarten – Grade 8 school located in the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. Cathedral School remains committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for its students by developing scholars, leaders, and young men of character who are self-aware, confident, and eager to make a difference in the world.

As the conversation about masculinity continues to evolve, we at Cathedral School for Boys believe we must continue to define what it means to educate and raise boys.

 

We devote each day to the spirited dialogue, dynamic lessons, and intentional character building that guide each young boy to engage in the way that best fits him, while he simultaneously develops empathy and respect for the world around him.

 

Boys need time to move during the day; when they don’t, their ability to learn and contribute in school is compromised. Cathedral School teachers understand this and enthusiastically take on the challenge of teaching boys by deftly integrating movement into their classroom and curriculum design. Classroom activities are interactive, kinetic, require collaboration, and are driven by students’ questions. Every boy at Cathedral School has both physical education and recess at least once a day, enabling them to burn off energy and better focus in the classroom. By harnessing boys’ energy into constructive, productive ways, Cathedral School allows them to fully engage in school while remaining true to their best nature.

 

For over 60 years, Cathedral School has been nationally recognized for the quality, strength, and rigor of our educational experience. We set high academic standards for each student, and our small size allows us to support each student to meet and exceed those standards. This approach prepares our students to enter demanding secondary schools, both in the Bay Area and throughout the country, with confidence and success.

 

More than ever, boys need to feel connected to their community and the broader world around them. Our small size allows our teachers to connect deeply with each boy, allowing them to more deeply absorb the empathy, respect, and openhearted compassion that is modeled by our staff. Our weekly Chapel gatherings give us a space to come together and reflect as a community. And our Episcopal foundation guides us to think about how we can show compassion for others and be agents of change for good. With our sense of purpose, the strength of our community, and our spirit of collaboration, boys connect to the idea that opening our hearts and minds gives us all a sense of belonging.

 

It’s not enough to identify injustice and unfairness; boys must develop the tools to stand up for what is right and to learn how to constructively engage and respond. At Cathedral School, teachers care as much about the content of a young man’s character as they do about his academic success, resulting in boys who look out for others, lean in when they see something amiss, and step up with moral courage.