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Boarding

515 acres you can call home.

San Domenico Campus

The residential life program (a.k.a. boarding) is a dynamic part of student life at San Domenico.

Each year, we welcome 140 international and regional high school boarding students, from across the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.

Ranked as one of the top ten boarding schools in all of California, our close-knit and vibrant community honors diverse perspectives and provides a nurturing environment to grow and learn. Whether studying together, sharing meals, celebrating successes, or supporting one another during challenging times, our boarding and day students describe SD as their “home away from home!”

The International Student Experience

What’s it like to leave your home country and step foot on the SD campus? 

Student Perspectives

Don’t just take our word for it. See what our students have to say about boarding at SD.

Home Away from Home

Located near the center of campus, our residential halls are just steps from our new aquatic center, turf field, and dining hall. Iconic redwood trees and rolling hills surround the area offering a view of nature from every window. Our expansive 515-acre campus is a constant source of spontaneous fun. With most facilities open until 10:00 pm nightly, you can enjoy a movie and popcorn in our student lounge, late-night snacks around our outdoor firepit and BBQ grill, or take advantage of our digital and visual art studios, music conservatory, and athletic facilities… all located just outside your backdoor.

“The resident faculty here are so caring and helpful. From moving in to homework help, they're really here for you. I really missed them over the summer!”Rikako K., Japan

Boarding at San Domenico
Boarding Students on an outing

Weekend Activities

Off-campus activities are held multiple times during the week and on weekends. In addition to exploring San Francisco and the greater Bay Area, we offer bus shuttles into San Anselmo, San Rafael, or Fairfax for students who want to grab a bite to eat, replenish supplies, or shop with friends.

“At SD, I've had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and to become a better person because I have expanded my understanding and perspectives.”Zhou L., China

Become a Better You

As they work together in community to foster respect for new ideas, cultures and ways of life, boarding students develop skills around responsibility and independence.

“The boarding program at San Domenico really taught me how to take care of myself, respect others and how to become a part of a community.”Hevicka S., Czech Republic

Boarding Students
Boarding at SD

Develop Healthy Relationships

With health and safety as our top priority, our campus nurse and a school counselor offer social and emotional support as well as daily programming to help students grow and navigate adolescence and boarding life.

“You are not just another student at SD.  I can personally assure you that every day, every single faculty member is focused on helping you become the best version of yourself.”Zayetsky G., Mexico

Residential Faculty

Our expertly trained residential faculty (RF) support students academically with our nightly study halls and provide rich programming for students beyond the school day.

“It’s not like it is just one boarding community and one day community. Everyone is friends with everyone.”
Gareth H., Seattle

Boarding at SD

Meet the Team

Mark Churchill

Mark Churchill

Athletic Director, Resident Faculty, Men & Women's Varsity Track & Field and Cross Country Coach
Alexis-Amber Gerlach

Alexis-Amber Gerlach

Interim Director of Residential Life
Jennifer Ablay

Jennifer Ablay

On Campus Resident Faculty, Head Coach - Women's JV Basketball
Charis Adams

Charis Adams

Director of Alumni Engagement, Residential Faculty
Mary Churchill

Mary Churchill

Science, Biology 10th grade, Human Biology 12th grade, Biomedical Ethics 12th grade, Field Studies 12th grade, Coach - Upper School Cross Country, Lower School Cross Country, Lower School Track & Field, On-campus Resident Faculty
Jane Cort

Jane Cort

Resident Life Administrative Assistant
Katie Drake

Katie Drake

Off-Campus Resident Faculty
Jessica Farley

Jessica Farley

Resident Faculty Supervisor, Dorm Head - West Building
Rachel Greenmyer

Rachel Greenmyer

On Campus Resident Faculty
Crystal Jimenez

Crystal Jimenez

Resident Dorm Head, Assistant Coach - Badminton
Beau Keeve

Beau Keeve

Resident Faculty, Middle School Flag Football Coach
Emily Polsinello

Emily Polsinello

On Campus Resident Faculty
Matt Polsinello

Matt Polsinello

On Campus Resident Faculty, Assistant Coach - Men's Varsity Basketball
Chad Rockwell

Chad Rockwell

On-Campus Resident Faculty
Chad Sigler

Chad Sigler

Off-Campus Resident Faculty
Ian Slaughter

Ian Slaughter

Off Campus Resident Faculty
Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor

Director of Residential Life
Derek Yiu

Derek Yiu

On Campus Resident Faculty

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an International Student Application fee?

No, there is no additional application fee for international students to apply to San Domenico. However, San Domenico does charge annual service fee to international families to cover extra costs associated with the International student living experience.i.e, airport pickup services, etc.

If I plan to ship some of my belongings, where do I send them?

Please ship your items to the following address:

YOUR NAME c/o San Domenico School
1500 Butterfield Road,
San Anselmo, CA 94960 USA
 

Are international families required to visit San Domenico for their interviews? / Can international students conduct their interviews via phone or Zoom?

International students are not required to visit San Domenico for their interviews. While we would love to meet you and give you a tour of the campus, those who are unable to visit our campus can schedule their interview via Zoom. Students must have completed a student inquiry and be in the “started” mode of their application, on either SAO or Ravenna, to schedule an interview. 

What score do I need on my TOEFL exam to be eligible for admission?

During the 2021-22 admission season, the average incoming 9th grade applicant's TOEFL score was 85+. Please note that we look at all application materials as well as a student’s personal characteristics, talents, and potential when assessing applicants.

Does San Domenico provide English Language Support?

Yes. We offer English Language Learning Academic Skills courses for international students. These courses are included in student tuition.