Why we need
Dragon Gate Academy
Our Vision
Dragon Gate Academy (DGA) is a proposed K-8 charter school dedicated to providing a culturally immersive, bilingual education in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, preparing students to become global citizens with an appreciation for Chinese culture. As we work toward charter approval, DGA aims to establish a tuition-free Mandarin Immersion program that blends academic excellence with cultural understanding, ensuring accessibility for all families in San Francisco. Our vision is to empower students with the linguistic and cultural skills to thrive in an interconnected world while fostering inclusivity and community engagement.
Why It Matters
San Francisco, a city renowned for its cultural diversity, lacks sufficient access to centrally located, tuition-free Mandarin Immersion programs that can serve families across the entire city. With only two MI schools currently offered by SFUSD—Starr King Elementary and Jose Ortega Elementary—many families face geographic barriers, as these schools are not centrally located and often have limited capacity. A centrally located K-8 MI school like DGA will bridge this gap, providing equitable access to bilingual education for families from all neighborhoods, ensuring that the growing demand for Mandarin language skills is met in a city with a rich history of Chinese heritage.
A Dream Within Reach
San Francisco families, this is our moment! Imagine a tuition-free K-8 Mandarin Immersion school where every child, no matter their background, can learn, grow, and dream in a language that opens doors to the world. The SFUSD Board of Education is holding a public hearing to decide the future of Dragon Gate Academy, and your voice can make this dream real.
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When: July 30th 6:30pm
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Where: SFUSD Board of Education, 555 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
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Why: To show the Board that our families need Dragon Gate Academy—where no child is turned away or priced out.
Parents have shared their struggles: crushing rejections from oversubscribed programs, long commutes tearing families apart, or private school costs that feel like a betrayal of hope. Dragon Gate Academy is our answer—a school where kids learn Mandarin and English side by side, celebrating our city’s vibrant heritage and preparing them for a boundless future.
Who It Will Impact
DGA’s establishment will have a transformative impact on a diverse range of stakeholders in San Francisco. Families seeking a tuition-free MI education will gain access to a high-quality program that prepares their children for global opportunities, particularly those who cannot afford the rising costs of private MI schools. Students will benefit from a robust K-8 curriculum that fosters fluency in Mandarin and Cantonese, alongside academic excellence in subjects like Math, Science, and Social Studies. Educators passionate about bilingual education will find a supportive environment to innovate and grow, while the broader San Francisco community will be enriched by a school that celebrates cultural diversity and strengthens ties to the city’s Chinese heritage, fostering greater cross-cultural understanding.
Expansion, Innovation, and Accessibility Challenges
In recent years, private MI schools in San Francisco have seen significant expansion and innovation, with institutions like Chinese American International School (CAIS) moving to a larger campus in 2024 and Presidio Knolls School growing from 300 to 400 students amid rising demand. Additionally, Hiba Academy, a new K-8 MI school, is set to launch in Fall 2026, further highlighting the growing interest in bilingual education with its focus on project-based learning and global partnerships. While these schools offer cutting-edge programs, their tuition—up to $45,000 annually—remains out of reach for many families. Meanwhile, parents who cannot afford private options struggle to secure spots in SFUSD’s two MI schools, Starr King Elementary and Jose Ortega Elementary, which have limited seats (approximately 380 slots across both schools as of 2023) and long waitlists. DGA will address this disparity by providing a tuition-free MI alternative, ensuring that all families, regardless of financial means, can access the benefits of bilingual education.
A Central K-8 Location for Continuity and Sustainability
A central K-8 location for DGA will ensure continuity for students, allowing them to progress seamlessly from kindergarten through 8th grade without the disruption of transitioning between schools, a common challenge in SFUSD’s MI programs where middle school options are limited and often lack content classes in Mandarin past 5th grade. This continuity will foster sustained language development and academic growth, creating a stable foundation for fluency and cultural understanding. Moreover, this model will enhance the sustainability of tuition-free MI education in San Francisco and building a cohesive community of learners, educators, and families committed to the long-term success of bilingual education in the city.
Community Leaders Endorse Dragon Gate Academy
We know our vision—to provide equitable, tuition-free bilingual education for San Francisco’s diverse students. As a community leader, your voice matters! By showing your support, you help us demonstrate a community mandate for DGA, ensuring all students, not just those who can afford private options, thrive in a globalized world.
Click "Endorse" to show your support for Dragon Gate Academy.