Creative Arts Charter School
Our Mission

Admissions Procedures

Creative Arts Charter School (CACS) is non-sectarian in its programs, admissions policies, employment practices, and all other operations, does not charge tuition, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. Admission is for children whose ages meet the current California Education Code requirements and who reside in California.

Priority application period: Begins the date of the first school tour and continues through the last school day of February at 2:00 p.m.

Subsequent application period: First school day of March through mid-June.

Application submission: Applications should be mailed with copies of documentation to 1601 Turk Street, San Francisco, 94115, or dropped into our mail slot at the same address. Offices hours are school days from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (Tuesdays 8:30 to 1:30 p.m) if you need assistance. Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be processed.

School tours: A school tour is a required. Visit creativeartscharter.org for dates and times.

Placement offers: Initial Offers will be mailed mid-March. Subsequent Offers will be made on a space available basis.

Student selection: A random public lottery will be scheduled, with the date posted to the public. Initial Offers will be made based on lottery number order and student selection priority factors.

Student selection priority factors: The school shall grant priority in admissions according to the following factors:

  • Gender Balance: CACS shall maintain a gender balance of 50% (+/-10%) in each classroom.
  • Advancement/Retention: Enrolled students being considered for grade advancement or retention.
  • Children of Staff: Children related by blood, marriage or legal adoption of current full-time staff.
  • Siblings: Siblings of offered/enrolled students. Siblings are children related by one or more of the same parents by blood or legal adoption, or legal guardianship.
  • San Francisco Residents: Admission shall be open to all students in California, with admission preference given to residents of San Francisco. Student Demographics: Under-represented student populations may be a consideration in Subsequent Offers subject to the limitations of the law.

Diversity statement: CACS will actively recruit a diverse student population whose families support the school's mission and educational philosophy. CACS will strive to attain a racial and ethnic balance reflective of the City of San Francisco.

Waiting lists: Applicants will remain on the waiting list until enrolled, or until a request is made to be removed. Once an offer is declined, applicants will be removed from the waiting list unless it is requesting to remain on the waiting list. Applicants who request to remain on the waiting list will forfeit their lottery number and will receive a new number in a subsequent lottery.

Required documentation: The following documentation must be submitted with your application. For verification of birth date, one (1) document is required for all applicants. Provide a legible copy of your child's birth certificate, hospital record, passport or baptismal certificate. (If document does not contain the parent/guardian name, additional guardianship verification is required.) For verification of address, two (2) documents are required for all applicants. Provide legible copies of the following documents. (The parent or guardian's name and home address must be listed.)

  • Valid California Driver License
  • Utility bill dated within 90 days
  • Property tax statement or current lease
  • Automobile insurance policy
  • Homeowner's or renter's insurance policy
  • Property tax statement
  • Letter from a social services/governmental agency dated within 90 days.

For verification of special education services, a copy of the most recent IEP or other applicable documentation is required.