FAQs about San Domenico
How many students attend SD? There are 125 girls.
What is the average class size and the student to faculty ratio? The average class size is 12 students, and the student to faculty ratio is 9 to 1.
Are students all from Marin County? Our day students come from Marin County, San Francisco, and the East Bay. We have school buses, including late buses so you can be involved in after-school activities. Our boarding students come to us from a number of different states and countries.
Since San Domenico is girls-only, what is the social life like at San Domenico? How do students meet boys?
First of all it's great to be an all girls' school! San Domenico friendships last a lifetime, and our students love the benefits of a girls-only education. You will feel more like yourself here, where you can take more risks intellectually and athletically. We want our students to have many opportunities for a balanced and active social life. We sponsor two or three informal dances each year, as well as a Winter Semi-formal and the Junior/Senior Prom. Our students are also invited to attend dances at Bay Area schools and to attend events at local coed public and private high schools. In addition, our students meet local students in community outreach service projects, for example, the coastal beach cleanup day, the Marin Cancer Project, The Human Race and Special Olympics. Every week offers some opportunity off campus.
Do San Domenico students participate in Bay Area community events? YES! Our students are actively engaged in the greater Bay Area community through a required service learning project, our annual Spring Discovery program, class trips, and clubs such as Social Justice and Free to Grow (Environmental Club).
What is unique about the curriculum? The curriculum is a unique blend of the traditional and the innovative. We strongly believe in the active engagement of students in the classroom through discussion, questioning, and writing. Our curriculum is designed to teach the way girls learn best—through collaboration, reflection, and by fostering leadership and life-long learning. Many courses are taught in seminar style where participation and questioning are critical to developing independent thinkers. The “Writing Across the Curriculum” program ensures that every student is continually challenged to think as she writes and to become a proficient stylist. Scientific thinking and the application of real-world mathematical challenges are significant aspects of a strong science and math program across all four years. Our Global Forum, with a series of dynamic speakers, is one way we address our commitment to global understanding and seeking truth.
What else is special about San Domenico? Our faculty are amazing! They specialize in their passions, yet team-teach and collaborate across disciplines. They respond to our students’ interests through inquiry-based discussions. Our faculty have led kayaking trips to Baja and fun trips to Disneyland, and annually take group of students to Bosnia in the summer! We are committed school-wide to sustainability, the arts, and service learning. Our international students and talented Virtuoso Program students enrich our diverse student body. Finally, we have the best food! The Epicurean Food Service prepares delicious meals from fresh, local ingredients, including lots of organic produce.
Are students required to wear a uniform? No. We have a dress code, as well as free dress days.
What is the average amount of homework a freshman might have? While a student's homework load will vary, freshman students typically have from two to three hours of homework per night.
San Domenico is the oldest independent Catholic school in California. Are all the students Catholic? Many students are Catholic and many are not. The Dominican tradition is to welcome students of all faiths, and San Domenico is a very inclusive community, where girls are encouraged to explore their spirituality.
Where do San Domenico graduates attend college? Our graduates attend a wide variety of schools, including highly selective colleges and universities throughout the world. Click here to see our College Acceptances (pdf).
How can parents get involved in the San Domenico community? San Domenico is about community and partnerships among our students, faculty and parents. Each year we sponsor a Mother/Daughter Tea in San Francisco and Father/Daughter events held on campus. Parents attend evening conferences with the Division Head and faculty; they visit classes during Parents' Day; they learn about the college acceptance process from the college counselor; and, they participate in a variety of activities from working in the “Garden of Hope” to volunteering for social justice projects. Moreover, our very active Parents Service Association provides many ways to be involved.
Admissions FAQs:
Are interviews required?
All applicants are required to interview with a member of the Admissions Committee. While in-person interviews are strongly recommended, international applicants to our Boarding Program may be interviewed over the phone.
Who participates in the Admissions Committee?
The Admission Committee includes members of the Admissions Office, the High School Division Head and others.
Do you accept transfer students?
We welcome applications from students applying to transfer into the 10th or 11th grade.
Which standardized tests are required when students apply?
All 9th grade applicants (excluding international applicants) must submit results from the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test), the HSPT (High School Placement Test), or the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) to be considered for admission. International applicants must submit results from either the TOEFL or IELTS exams.
