San Francisco, CA – Hiba Academy Bay Area, the first U.S. location from one of the world’s most respected international educational institutions, announced its bilingual Chinese-English school is pursuing legislation to rezone 99 Rhode Island to align with several nearby properties and allow for a school on the site. The zoning legislation is expected to be introduced at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. A Planning Department application to establish the new school use will be submitted concurrently. 

Hiba Academy also announced it has hired CA Architects, a well-respected Bay Area Architecture firm known for its educational projects, to transform its recently acquired building in Showplace Square into a state-of-the-art educational space serving Bay Area Pre-K to 5th grade students. While 99 Rhode Island’s exterior is anticipated to remain largely the same, Hiba and CA are exploring improvements, such as converting the existing parking lot to a surface play area. 

Last week, Hiba Academy held a community meeting at the California College of the Arts to provide project information to local individuals and businesses. Hiba Academy will continue to conduct outreach as the planning process moves forward. 

“With San Francisco being the gateway to the Asia-Pacific region, we’re incredibly excited to invest in the city’s future and provide a high-quality bilingual educational experience to Bay Area students,” said Joy Qiao, Founder and Chairman Wellington College China and Hiba Academy. “Our team is eager to meet with our new neighbors and learn how Hiba can be a leader in the community we are now proud to call home.” 

Hiba Academy is the newest member of Wellington College Education, a global network of schools united by a 160-year history of excellence with roots in the UK. Opening in Fall 2026, Hiba Academy will serve 100-200 students up to 2nd grade, growing to 470 students up to 5th grade by 2029.  

Joy Qiao founded Wellington College China (WCC) in 2009. Under her leadership, WCC has become one of the most reputable international education groups in China and globally. Hiba Academy will provide Bay Area children with a supportive learning environment that fosters personal and academic growth. Its holistic approach to learning will blend rigorous academics, multicultural experiences, and well-being, equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly complex world.  

During the first three years, when enrollment is growing, the school will monitor all operations with a particular focus on transportation. The official school day will start at 8 am and end at 3:30 pm. The school will offer before- and after-school care for a reduced number of students from 7:30 am until 6 pm. 

To learn more, please visit https://bayarea.hibaacademy.org/en