At The International School of San Francisco, the Arts and Athletics programs are more than extracurricular activities—they are fully embedded in the curriculum and integral to the school’s mission of promoting excellence, inclusivity, and a deep sense of community.
The programs empower students to develop their talents, engage in meaningful collaboration, and experience the transformative power of sportsmanship and artistic expression, shaping them into well-rounded global citizens.
Inclusivity and Excellence in Athletics
Fresh from the Men’s+ Varsity Basketball Team’s landmark victory at the State Championship, Director of Athletics Sara Shaughnessy shared with us what makes the school’s Athletics program unique and what this win means for the school community at large.
“Sports are a vehicle for community and connection, and they teach important life lessons. Our goal is to ensure every student has the opportunity to participate and to grow in skill, confidence, and character” explains the Upper School Athletics Director.
At The International School of San Francisco, the Athletics program is designed to be a space where every student, regardless of experience or skill level, can thrive. Whether a student is stepping onto the court for the first time or preparing for collegiate athletics, the program emphasizes participation, teamwork, and personal growth.
Community at the Core
Beyond competition, the athletics program fosters a deep sense of community and school spirit. With “Fan Jam” watch parties that invite all school community members to cheer on the Jaguars teams, everyone is part of “JAG Nation”. This collective experience makes each game a shared celebration and contributes to a vibrant school culture.
“The recent Men’s+ Varsity Basketball Team’s landmark victory at the State Championship is a testament to this spirit—demonstrating not only athletic excellence but also the school’s ability to cultivate perseverance, teamwork, and community pride at the highest level.” emphasized Sara Shaughnessy.
The Athletics Director added that this success didn’t happen overnight. “We’ve spent over a decade building this program, and most of the players have been playing together since lower school,” she noted, underscoring the long-term commitment and strong sense of community that define the athletics program.
Building Character Through Sports
The Athletics program prioritizes character development over a win-at-all-costs mentality. Student-athletes learn discipline, responsibility, and respect, ensuring they are not only strong competitors but also positive teammates.
“Even the most talented athletes must demonstrate commitment and sportsmanship to earn playing time”, notes Sara, reinforcing the school’s core values.
Additionally, the program supports students aspiring to compete at the collegiate level by providing guidance and resources. Several students have gone on to play college athletics, showcasing the program’s ability to nurture athletic talent while maintaining strong academic standards.
As students progress through the school, the program evolves with them. Lower & Middle school athletics focus on exploration and inclusivity, while high school introduces a more competitive edge, with increased practice schedules and merit-based participation. This structured progression ensures that students develop both their athletic abilities and personal confidence.
Creative and Cultural Expression in the Arts
Fresh off the successful finale of Evita musical theater performance, Michelle Haner, Head of the Upper School Arts Department and Artistic Director of its Theater Program, shared her insights on what makes the program a full reflection of the school’s commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and global awareness.
“The program offers a robust and rigorous PK-12 curriculum in Arts, which encompasses music, visual arts, theater and film, and provides students with the skills to express themselves artistically while engaging with diverse cultural perspectives”, explains Michelle Haner.
In the Lower School, students participate in weekly Visual Arts, Music, and Theater classes conducted in French, integrating language learning with artistic expression. “Le Printemps des Arts,” an annual exhibition, showcases student artwork in a campus-wide celebration of creativity. Additionally, an in-house Conservatory Program allows students to take instrumental lessons with expert instructors directly on campus. Many of the program’s instructors come from the neighboring San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Middle School students deepen their artistic knowledge through courses that emphasize art history, technique, and conceptual thinking. They analyze and create works that engage with global artistic traditions, fostering both skill and cultural appreciation. They can also take “explore classes” in the arts, through which they can take part in bands or perform in a fully-produced play.
A Legacy of Artistic Excellence
In the High School, the Arts Program challenges students with advanced coursework and performance opportunities. They can study film, visual arts, theater and music at a very high level. This has allowed many to go on to prestigious conservatory programs such as NYU, Julliard, USC, UCLA, Northwestern and Cooper Union.
The music program includes opportunities to travel nationally and internationally, and also to perform at prestigious local venues, like SFJazz. Students take part in classical, jazz and rock groups as well as an intergenerational chorus. They also organize a fund-raising concert for our sister school in Senegal.
The school’s theater company, Back à Dos, has staged productions for over 40 years, giving students hands-on experience in acting, directing, and behind-the-scenes production.
Students engage with challenging material and the recent performances of “Evita,” Molière’s “The Hypochondriac” and Anouilh’s “Antigone” highlight the program’s international influence.
Collaborations with French artists like Moïse Touré (a French artist, originally from the Ivory Coast, and now based in Grenoble) and bilingual productions, such as “Hamlet Mashup,” further enrich students’ experiences by incorporating global perspectives into their artistic education.
“In the framework of our French Baccalaureate and International Baccalaureate programs, the Arts are a tool to talk about very important issues and provide a path to global citizenship by encouraging critical reflection and cross-cultural dialogue”, emphasizes Michelle Haner.
Shaping Well-Rounded, Global Citizens
Through its commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and community, the Arts & Athletics Programs at the International School of San Francisco equip students with the skills and values needed to succeed both in and beyond the classroom. Whether through the discipline of sports or the creativity of the arts, students graduate as well-rounded individuals prepared to make meaningful contributions to the world.
Published in partnership with The International School of San Francisco
