San Francisco Schools: A New Elementary and a High School Closure
San Francisco’s educational landscape is set for a significant shift, with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) announcing the opening of its first new school in two decades alongside the closure and transition of one of its high schools. These changes, taking effect in 2026, reflect evolving community needs and strategic adjustments aimed at optimizing educational resources across the city.
Mission Bay Elementary: A Landmark Opening for a Growing Community
In a landmark development for the district, Mission Bay Elementary is slated to open its doors in August 2026. This marks SFUSD’s first new school in two decades, strategically positioned to serve one of San Francisco’s most rapidly expanding areas, including the Embarcadero, SoMa, Potrero Hill, Dogpatch, and Mission Bay neighborhoods.
The new 2.5-acre campus at 1415 Owens St. represents a substantial $129 million investment, approved by voters through a $744 million bond measure (Proposition A) in 2016. Construction is on track for completion by January 2026, featuring a modern 79,000-square-foot building that includes a four-story classroom wing and a single-story multipurpose room. A live construction camera details recent progress, including ceiling finishes, light fixtures, colorful entryways, and concrete for play areas.
Initially, Mission Bay Elementary will welcome students in pre-kindergarten, transitional kindergarten (TK), and kindergarten, alongside a combined K-TK program for students with disabilities. The school plans to expand to pre-K through fifth grade by 2032. Upon completion of elementary studies, students will feed into either Everett Middle School or Francisco Middle School. The district plans to actively recruit and hire staff, including the principal, in spring 2026 to ensure a smooth inaugural year.
The Academy at SFUSD: Evolving High School Opportunities
In a concurrent announcement, SFUSD revealed that The Academy, its smallest high school located in Diamond Heights, will close by the end of the current school year, June 2026. This ninth-12th grade institution’s academic program and most of its students are set to transition to Wallenberg High School in Anza Vista for the 2026-2027 academic year.
SFUSD states that this consolidation aims to enhance and expand academic opportunities for more students, offering a wider range of courses such as additional Advanced Placement (AP) classes and electives within a structured small school environment. While The Academy was known for its rigorous curriculum and college credit opportunities, its modest enrollment of fewer than 100 students reportedly made it challenging to sustain a full breadth of programs and extracurricular activities. A district spokesperson clarified that this closure isn’t a direct consequence of the district’s broader declining enrollment, an ongoing concern.
Navigating SFUSD’s Changing Enrollment Landscape
Beyond these specific school actions, SFUSD continues to grapple with a significant trend of declining enrollment. Over the past decade, the district has seen a loss of more than 4,000 students since the 2012-2013 academic year, with projections indicating a continued decrease of thousands more by 2032-2033. While an earlier district plan to close or merge several schools was put on hold following the appointment of new superintendent Maria Su, these latest announcements signal a strategic reevaluation of how SFUSD allocates resources and structures its educational offerings to meet the needs of its community amidst shifting demographics.
Key School Changes at a Glance
| Feature | Mission Bay Elementary | The Academy (High School) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | New Opening | Closure & Program Transition |
| School Type | Elementary (Pre-K to 5th Grade) | High School (9th-12th Grade) |
| Key Date | Opening August 2026 | Closing June 2026; Program to Wallenberg HS for 2026-27 |
| Location | 1415 Owens St., Mission Bay Area | Diamond Heights (Program relocating to Anza Vista) |
| Initial Offerings | Pre-K, TK, K; full P-5 by 2032 | N/A (Students transition to Wallenberg) |
| Primary Rationale | Address growth in new neighborhoods, provide modern facilities | Consolidate resources, expand curriculum options for students |
| Funding / Cost | $129M from 2016 Prop A bond | N/A (Operational shift) |
Frequently Asked Questions About SFUSD’s Changes
- When will Mission Bay Elementary officially open?
Mission Bay Elementary is set to open in August 2026. - Why is The Academy high school closing and what happens to its students?
The Academy is closing to allow for the expansion of academic opportunities, including a wider range of AP classes and electives, by integrating its program and most students into Wallenberg High School for the 2026-2027 school year. Resource allocation for its small student body was a contributing factor. - Is The Academy’s closure directly linked to SFUSD’s declining enrollment?
No, a district spokesperson clarified that this specific closure is not directly related to the district’s overall declining enrollment crisis. - Which San Francisco neighborhoods will be served by Mission Bay Elementary?
The school’s attendance area includes the Embarcadero, SoMa, Potrero Hill, Dogpatch, and Mission Bay neighborhoods. - What is the broader context of enrollment in SFUSD?
SFUSD has experienced a decline of over 4,000 students since 2012-2013 and expects further decreases, prompting ongoing strategic reviews of school operations.
For San Francisco Bay Area families and residents, these upcoming school changes signify a period of adaptation and growth within the local education system. Staying informed about attendance zones, enrollment procedures, and curriculum details will be essential for successfully navigating SFUSD’s evolving landscape.
SF schools to open elementary close high
