ELS San Francisco, USA
Dominican University of California 190 Palm Avenue San Rafael - CA 94901 San Francisco - see on mapPay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
- Indoor swimming pool
- Outdoor swimming pool
- E-learning platform.
- Tennis courts.
What we dislike about the school
- Nationality mix could be more balanced. 60% of students are from Japan
- Cancellation fees for students having to cancel due to visa rejection.
Location: ELS San Francisco North Bay is located on the campus of the Dominican University of California, in San Rafael, California, about twenty miles north of the city of San Francisco. San Rafael is a small, safe city, popular among families, with many parks and nature reserves in the area, including the coastline. It is a great alternative to living in the city, offering a tranquil environment for study purposes and it is near enough to San Francisco that there is plenty to do and see. The Dominican University of California campus is not far from the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Preserve, a favourite spot among the locals for hiking, scenic views of San Francisco Bay and for encounters with the local fauna.
The school: ELS runs English language programmes for international students, particularly those who might be considering continuing their studies at an English speaking HEI, though not exclusively. They also have lower intensity English programmes which allow students more time to discover the surrounding area.
Accommodation: Students with ELS can choose between living with a local family in homestay accommodation or staying in a student residence, off-campus in San Rafael, a short bike ride from the school.
Getting there: The closest airport to ELS San Francisco North Bay is Oakland International Airport (OAK) though the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is only very slightly further away. Travel time to either airport can vary greatly depending on the traffic conditions, and in that regard, Oakland may be the better option. For getting around in San Rafael, a bicycle or a car would be very useful.
ELS Schools: ELS offers students a chance to experience university life by situating their schools directly on university campuses in different locations around the United States. They form agreements with local universities and colleges and in many cases successful completion of their English programmes can ensure students conditional acceptance at a partner institution.
English Courses
General Language
Semi-Intensive Course
20 lessons per week | 18 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$510$485 / week More
Semi-Intensive Course
20 lessons per week | 18 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$510$485 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 510 485 | 1,020 969 | 1,530 1,454 | 2,040 1,938 | 3,060 2,907 | 4,080 3,876 | 5,100 4,845 | 7,520 7,144 | 9,400 8,930 | 10,560 10,032 | 15,840 15,048 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- For all levels except of absolute beginners:Every MondaySee starting dates for absolute beginnersStarting dates for absolute beginners who have not taken an English course before:
26 Jan 2026, 23 Feb 2026, 23 Mar 2026, 20 Apr 2026, 18 May 2026, 15 Jun 2026, 13 Jul 2026, 10 Aug 2026, 08 Sep 2026, 05 Oct 2026, 02 Nov 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 28 Dec 2026
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:20 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 14 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 18 / Average: 14
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Intensive Course
30 lessons per week | 18 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$570$542 / week More
Intensive Course
30 lessons per week | 18 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$570$542 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 570 542 | 1,140 1,083 | 1,710 1,625 | 2,280 2,166 | 3,420 3,249 | 4,560 4,332 | 5,700 5,415 | 8,480 8,056 | 10,600 10,070 | 12,000 11,400 | 18,000 17,100 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- For all levels except of absolute beginners:Every MondaySee starting dates for absolute beginnersStarting dates for absolute beginners who have not taken an English course before:
26 Jan 2026, 23 Feb 2026, 23 Mar 2026, 20 Apr 2026, 18 May 2026, 15 Jun 2026, 13 Jul 2026, 10 Aug 2026, 07 Sep 2026, 05 Oct 2026, 02 Nov 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 28 Dec 2026
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 6 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:20
Afternoon: 13:30 - 15:45 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 14 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 18 / Average: 14
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
American Explorer15 lessons per week | 18 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$450$428 / week More
American Explorer
15 lessons per week | 18 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$450$428 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 450 428 | 900 855 | 1,350 1,283 | 1,800 1,710 | 2,250 2,138 | 2,700 2,565 | 3,150 2,993 | 3,600 3,420 | 4,050 3,848 | 4,500 4,275 | 5,040 4,788 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- For all levels except of absolute beginners:Every MondaySee starting dates for absolute beginnersStarting dates for absolute beginners who have not taken an English course before:
26 Jan 2026, 23 Feb 2026, 23 Mar 2026, 20 Apr 2026, 18 May 2026, 15 Jun 2026, 13 Jul 2026, 10 Aug 2026, 07 Sep 2026, 05 Oct 2026, 02 Nov 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 28 Dec 2026
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 3 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 11:20 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 14 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 18 / Average: 14
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Private
Super Intensive One-to-One 1515 lessons per week | 1 student (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$1,500$1,425 / week More
Super Intensive One-to-One 15
15 lessons per week | 1 student (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$1,500$1,425 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 1,500 1,425 | 3,000 2,850 | 4,500 4,275 | 6,000 5,700 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
This course includes round-trip airport transfers, medical insurance, private tuition and materials.
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 3 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 11:20 - Possible course durations
- 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 14 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Super Intensive One-to-One 2020 lessons per week | 1 student (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$2,000$1,900 / week More
Super Intensive One-to-One 20
20 lessons per week | 1 student (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$2,000$1,900 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 2,000 1,900 | 4,000 3,800 | 6,000 5,700 | 8,000 7,600 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
This course includes round-trip airport transfers, medical insurance, private tuition and materials.
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:20 - Possible course durations
- 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 14 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Super Intensive One-to-One 3030 lessons per week | 1 student (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$3,000$2,850 / week More
Super Intensive One-to-One 30
30 lessons per week | 1 student (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$3,000$2,850 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 3,000 2,850 | 6,000 5,700 | 9,000 8,550 | 12,000 11,400 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
This course includes round-trip airport transfers, medical insurance, private tuition and materials.
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 6 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:20 - 12:20
Afternoon: 13:30 - 16:20 - Possible course durations
- 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 14 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Business
English for Executives Course35 lessons per week | 18 students (max)Offer!from$1,710$1,625 / week More
English for Executives Course
35 lessons per week | 18 students (max)
Offer!from
$1,710$1,625 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 2 | 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 3,420 3,249 | 6,840 6,498 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- 2026: 26 Jan 2026, 23 Feb 2026, 23 Mar 2026, 20 Apr 2026, 18 May 2026, 15 Jun 2026, 13 Jul 2026, 10 Aug 2026, 08 Sep 2026, 05 Oct 2026, 02 Nov 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 28 Dec 2026
This course is 20 group lessons with other students from the school in the morning and 15 private lessons.
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 7 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:20
Afternoon: 13:30 - 16:20 - Possible course durations
- 2, 4 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 18 / Average: 14
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Our prices for ELS include
- INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
- INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
- INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
- INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
- INCLUDED Free consultation about suitable college/university programs by a qualified consultant
- INCLUDED Elearning platform
Student theatre1/10
Birthday 2/10
San Francisco Bridge3/10
Dominican University of California 4/10
Downtown San Francisco5/10
Students hanging out in the garden6/10
Students exploring7/10
Pacifc Ocean8/10
9/10
Students10/10
ELS
- Accreditations and Quality seals
- English teacher qualifications
- 100% hold a university degree100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
- Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
- Student gender mix
- 45% male / 55% female
- Offer for returning students
- When you book here, you will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you have already attended a course previously at ELS.
- Year of school foundation
- 1961
General school facilities
Restaurant
Microwave for student use
Fridge for student use
Cafeteria
Snack vending machine
Drink vending machine
Lounge
Garden
Games room
Free after-class access to language learning software
Library
Computer lab
Indoor swimming pool
Self-study areas
Lockers
Outdoor swimming pool
Table soccer / football
Soccer field / football pitch
Basketball court
Volleyball court
Copy machine
Tennis courts
Gym
Billiards
Printer for student use
Free coffee
Free water dispenser
Free WIFI
Free parking
Smoking zones (outdoors)
Tourist information
Assistance with entrance ticket purchases
Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs
Assistance with organizing transportation
Guidance for further higher education (free)
Internship placement guidance service (free)
Facilities for islamic students
Facilities to wash feet before praying
Available area to pray at the school
Classroom equipment
Heating in all classrooms
Ample natural light in most classrooms
- Number of classrooms: 8
- Number of public PC workstations: 40
Facilities for disabled students
Wheelchair access to classroom
Wheelchair access to cafeteria
Additional comment about facilities of school
Excellent fitness center, free Zumba classes during the academic year
Student Age / Nationality
Top student nationalities
| Student Nationality | Percentage of students |
|---|---|
| Japan | 60% |
| China | 10% |
| Brazil | 7% |
| Vietnam | 7% |
| Saudi Arabia | 6% |
| Other nationalities | 10% |
Age of students
| Percentage of students | |
|---|---|
| 1-18 years | 5% |
| 18-24 years | 85% |
| 25-34 years | 8% |
| 35-50 years | 1% |
| >50 years | 1% |
- Average number of students
- In summer: 40Throughout the year: 60
- Minimum age of students
- 14 years
- Average number of levels
- Adult courses In summer: 7Adult courses Throughout the year: 7
- Average age of students
- In summer: 19 yearsThroughout the year: 19 years
Information for all courses offered by ELS
- Lesson duration
- 50 minutes
- School's administrative fee
- $200
- Course material
- Generally, course material has to be purchased by all students at the school. The costs of course material will be approximately $28 per week.
- Comments about courses
Extra fees:
Student Health Insurance: USD 50 per week.
Facility Fee: USD 20 per week.
Recommended Start Dates:
26 Jan, 23 Feb, 23 Mar, 20 Apr, 18 May, 15 Jun, 13 Jul, 10 Aug, 08 Sep, 05 Oct, 02 Nov, 30 Nov and 28 Dec.
Each ELS level takes 4-weeks to complete so, where possible the school recommends coming for 4, 8, 12, etc. weeks starting on a main start date (every 4-weeks). The school strongly advise against starting in the fourth week of a 4-week session.- Days without class
- In 2026 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2026, 19 Jan 2026, 16 Feb 2026, 03 Apr 2026, 25 May 2026, 19 Jun 2026, 06 Jul 2026, 07 Sep 2026, 26 Nov 2026, 27 Nov 2026, 24 Dec 2026, 25 Dec 2026.In 2027 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2027, 19 Jan 2027, 16 Feb 2027, 03 Apr 2027, 25 May 2027, 19 Jun 2027, 06 Jul 2027, 07 Sep 2027, 26 Nov 2027, 27 Nov 2027, 24 Dec 2027, 25 Dec 2027. - Level test
- A test to assess your exact language level takes place before the start of the course via email.
Lessons needed per English language level
The data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.
Airport transfer
- San Francisco International Airport:
- $210 one way
$420 return (both ways)
Leisure activities
Examples of leisure activities organized by the school
Adults - Free activities
- - Baseball field,
- Basketball Course,
- Fitness Centre,
- Gymnasium,
- Music Practice Room,
- Soccer Field,
- Swimming Pool (outdoor) and Tennis Court.
Accommodation
Homestay Single room, Breakfast & 1 meal 
Shared bathroom
from
$470/ week Show more
Homestay
Single room, Breakfast & 1 meal
Shared bathroom
from
$470/ week
Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week | One-time fee (charged by school) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ | 470 | 940 | 1410 | 1880 | 2350 | 2820 | 3290 | 3760 | 4700 | 5640 | 470 | 200 |
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ |
Minimum stay: 1 week
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
- Check-in
- Sunday
- Check-out
- Saturday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
- One-time fee
- The school/accommodation provider will charge a non-refundable one-time fee of 200US$.
- Room Occupancy
- Single room
- Includes
- TV, Phone, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Shared bathroom.
- Meals
- Breakfast & 1 meal.
- Minimum age of students
- 18
- Maximum age of students
- 30
No extra nights bookable
San Rafael Student Home Double room (only for 2 people travelling together), No meals
Shared bathroom
from
$360/ week Show more
San Rafael Student Home
Double room (only for 2 people travelling together), No meals
Shared bathroom
from
$360/ week
Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week | One-time fee (charged by school) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ | 360 | 720 | 1080 | 1440 | 1800 | 2160 | 2520 | 2880 | 3600 | 4320 | 360 | 200 |
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ |
Minimum stay: 1 week
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
- Check-in
- Sunday
- Check-out
- Saturday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
- One-time fee
- The school/accommodation provider will charge a non-refundable one-time fee of 200US$.
- Room Occupancy
- Double room (only for 2 people travelling together)
- Includes
- Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Shared bathroom.
- Meals
- No meals.
- Minimum age of students
- 18
- Maximum age of students
- 30
No extra nights bookable
FAQ about ELS, San Francisco
What is the best price for a course at ELS, San Francisco?
“English courses at ELS start at 428 US$ for a American Explorer course with 15 lessons per week. When booking here you benefit from an exclusive discount.”
Is it possible to take a course at ELS as an absolute beginner?
“Yes. The following courses can be attended as an absolute beginner: Semi-Intensive Course, Intensive Course, American Explorer”
Is airport pickup offered by ELS?
“Yes. The school offers pickup from San Francisco International Airport (210 US$)”
What is the number of students per class at ELS?
“Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at ELS varies from 1 (Super Intensive One-to-One 15) to 18 students (Semi-Intensive Course)”
Which countries are students of ELS from?
“The highest Nationality percentage at ELS comes from Japan with a 60% representation, followed by students from China (10%) and Brazil (7%).”
ELS offers courses for which ages?
“ELS offers courses from 14 years to 99. The average age is 19 during the summer and 19 the rest of the year.”
Terms of ELS
- First day of course
- Students should arrive at 8:30
- Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
- Legal name/parent company
- Tax registration ID: 52-0822348
Visa Documents
Nationals from USA do not require a visa for travelling to USA and attending a language course.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
- Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
- No
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ELS San Francisco English School USA | Pay Less
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San Francisco
San Francisco city attractiveness as rated by our students:
4.7
Find more information about San Francisco, including climate data and events, on our San Francisco page, which includes a list of all 11 English schools in San Francisco.
Class times are as follows;
Monday to Friday: 08:30 to 12:20.
Monday to Thursday: 13:30 to 14:35 and 14:45 to 15:45.