Chinese American International School

Chinese American International School (CAIS) is a nonsectarian independent day school in San Francisco, California, serving between 500 and 700 students across preschool, elementary, and middle school grades. Mandarin immersion runs through every level, from the earliest classrooms to eighth grade. Very few independent day schools in the United States build Chinese language and culture this deeply into daily instruction.

Teaching at CAIS means working in two languages every day. Faculty deliver content in both English and Mandarin, which drives continuous language development for teachers as much as for students. The school invests in bilingual professional development — a concrete benefit for educators building dual-language skills over time.

CAIS is a financially stable employer. Net assets exceeded $53 million in 2023, with annual revenue near $30 million and steady fundraising growth. That stability supports competitive faculty salaries and program investment. San Francisco's cost of living is high, so candidates should ask directly about salary bands and supplemental benefits when applying.

Chinese American International School is currently recruiting for a Head of School, a role covering curriculum leadership, faculty oversight, and community partnerships. Teaching and staff positions arise regularly, especially in Mandarin instruction, early childhood education, and student support. The school's flourishing hiring trajectory points to continued openings each academic year.

For bilingual educators, CAIS offers a day school environment in San Francisco where language instruction is the core program, not an add-on. Faculty carry real influence over how Mandarin immersion evolves — a distinct draw for teachers who want their expertise at the center of school life rather than on its edges.