Lick-Wilmerding High School campus in San Francisco, CA

Lick-Wilmerding High School

San Francisco, CADay · Co-edGrades 9 – 12Est. 1905
Grades
9 – 12
Enrollment
563
Day Tuition
$62,250/yr
Class Size
17 students
Medium classes
Student : Teacher
8:1
Excellent
Founded
1905
Gender Policy
Co-ed

About Lick-Wilmerding High School

A private school with public purpose, Lick-Wilmerding High School develops the head, heart, and hands of highly motivated students from all walks of life, inspiring them to become lifelong learners who contribute to the world with confidence and compassion.

Lick-Wilmerding High School is a private, co-educational day school in San Francisco, California, serving grades 9 through 12. Established in 1895, the school emphasizes a 'Head, Heart, Hands' curriculum that integrates academic rigor with technical and artistic education, fostering lifelong learning and civic engagement.

Core Values

IntegrityExcellence

Teaching Philosophy

LWHS has a long tradition of valuing and integrating the liberal arts, sciences, technical arts, visual arts and performing arts. The rigorous head, heart, hands curriculum provides students with a “toolbox” with which to build lives of consequence and fulfillment. In order to prepare students to assume responsible, ethical adult roles in the world. Additionally, problem solving and collaborative skill building, including learning when to lead and when to listen, are integral to a LWHS education. Fostering innovative thought across all disciplines, most distinctively through the integration of science, technology and design, LWHS encourages students to marshal the courage to make mistakes in order to learn and become more resilient. LWHS further believes that mindfulness and healthy ways of being, including seeking balance in one’s life, are essential to living a life of care—for self, family, community, and environment.

What Makes Lick-Wilmerding High School Special

  • Private school with public purpose.
  • Focus on social justice and equity.
  • Diverse student body from various backgrounds.

Academics

Curriculum

Lick-Wilmerding High School offers Traditional and Other curriculums, with specializations in STEM, Arts, and Languages.

Academic Environment

Academic Culture
Rigorous

Languages of Instruction

English

Programs & Extracurriculars

Arts Programs

6 programs
ActingDanceDrama/TheatreMusic (instrumental)Music (vocal)Visual arts

Sports

5 programs
BasketballBadmintonFootballSoccerVolleyball

Clubs & Activities

15 programs
Student governmentDramaChoirBandEnvironmental clubService clubSTEM clubBook clubPhotography clubFilm clubDebateModel UNRoboticsYearbookNewspaper

Campus & Facilities

Lick-Wilmerding High School features a campus with Gymnasium, Science lab, Library, Theatre, and Art studio.

Photo Gallery

Tuition & Financial Aid

Day Tuition

$62,250

per year

Financial Aid
Available

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Admissions

Day Student Deadline
January 8, 2026

Requirements

  • Application form
  • Report cards
  • Interview
  • Reference letters
  • Essay
  • Shadow day

Community & Culture

Lick-Wilmerding cultivates a vibrant, engaged community where students from over 150 middle schools and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds come together. The school emphasizes a "head, heart, hands" philosophy that integrates rigorous academics with technical arts, performing arts, and civic engagement. Campus energy centers on collaboration, curiosity, and compassion—from student-led clubs and leadership opportunities at the Center for Civic Engagement to performances ranging from jazz concerts to the spring musical. Students consistently cite the people and diverse perspectives as their favorite aspect of attending LWHS.

Diversity & Inclusion

LWHS is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as core to its mission. The school explicitly states it does not discriminate based on race, color, ancestry, national/ethnic origin, citizenship status, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. The Community Vision Statement commits to upholding anti-racism and interrupting all forms of bias and discrimination. Currently, 73% of students identify as students of color, and the school intentionally enrolls from over 150 middle schools across five Bay Area counties. LWHS defines diversity broadly to include gender, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic circumstances, geography, life experiences, interests, and values, with the Flexible Tuition program allocating over $7.6 million annually to ensure access fo

Parent Involvement

Parent involvement details are not prominently featured on the website. The site mentions parent-focused events such as Open Houses, Frosh/Junior Parent Receptions, and a Parenting Adults Hiking Club, as well as opportunities for parents to attend performances and campus events. However, specific information about parent committees, volunteer opportunities, or ongoing engagement structures is not clearly outlined in the available materials.

Accreditations & Recognition

NAISCAIS

Contact Lick-Wilmerding High School

Address

755 Ocean Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

Phone

(415) 333-4021

Email

admissions@lwhs.org

Website

Visit School Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Lick-Wilmerding High School

Lick-Wilmerding High School serves students in grades 9-12.

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