Welcome from the Head of School

Welcome to Children’s Day School, a thriving, inclusive, and progressive preschool through eighth grade community located in the vibrant Mission neighborhood of San Francisco. It is an incredible privilege to represent this community as the Head of School, and I am proud to work with the students, parents, educators, and community members who make up the CDS family.

When I arrived at CDS in 2018, my family and I had just returned to the Bay Area after seven years out of the country. This provided a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on growth, change, and tradition. We embraced our memories and also went on new adventures exploring how San Francisco has changed while still remaining the city we love. We came to CDS because of the way the school lives up to its ideals of inclusion and social justice, as well as its deep commitment to valuing children on their individual journey.

At CDS, we believe that what you learn and who you become are equally important. As educators, we constantly look ahead, asking how we can best prepare our students for a world full of uncertainty and possibility. That's why we recently crafted and implemented a schoolwide Competency Framework that uniquely prepares our students for a future full of uncertainty and possibility. As we move confidently toward the future, I am proud to be a part of a school that nurtures students’ joy and optimism by giving them the confidence, knowledge, and skills they need to thrive.

We believe in preparing children not just to succeed in an unpredictable world, but to shape it for the better. Our inquiry-based curriculum challenges students to think critically, ask deep questions, and explore the world with curiosity. Here, we help students grow not just in what they know, but in how they use that knowledge to challenge injustice, build equity, and speak up for what they see as right. As a school, we care deeply about the world around us, from the neighborhood right outside our doors to global issues. Our students learn to engage meaningfully with their local communities, grapple with big ideas, and become global citizens.

Whether you are a parent looking at CDS as a fit for your child, a neighborhood business that shares our values, or a fellow educator with an interest in our program, we welcome your inquiries because we know that partnerships and connections are part of what make a wonderful community.

Warmly,
Shelly Luke Wille
Head of School

Welcome HOS

HOS Welcome

Children's Day School