San Francisco Private School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Compensation for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Private High Schools in San Francisco

Abuse can leave invisible wounds that echo for decades. At Injury Lawyer Team, we help survivors turn those echoes into a powerful voice for accountability. When allegations surface, such as in the San Francisco private school sexual abuse lawsuit against San Francisco Waldorf School and a local tutoring company, survivors often carry years of trauma. 

Sadly, each school sexual abuse lawsuit underscores how educational institutions repeatedly ignored clear warning signs and failed to take proper action. Survivors of childhood sexual assault deserve justice, compensation, and our unwavering advocacy.

Former Students’ Allegations of Abuse Against San Francisco Waldorf School

Two former students have filed a lawsuit claiming San Francisco Waldorf High School and the tutoring company One Smart Kid enabled years of abuse. 

The lawsuit details that the abuse began in the 2001–2002 school year, when Jason Davis, then a tutor and former teacher, used private tutoring sessions on school grounds to groom and sexually assault Jane Doe 1, then a sophomore.

Davis blurred professional boundaries by discussing sexual experiences with Jane Doe 1, conduct that escalated into sexual acts and repeated sexual abuse.

The San Francisco sexual abuse lawsuit details how Jane Doe 1 endured this misconduct even after an administrator allegedly discovered her disheveled with Davis. Instead of acting decisively, school administrators allowed him continued access to students, enabling the abuse throughout her junior year.

During the 2003–2004 school year, Waldorf gave Davis a theater role. The complaint asserts that he targeted Jane Doe 2, then a sophomore, and sexually assaulted her multiple times, both on campus and during rides to his apartment. Years later, Jane Doe 1 reported the misconduct to a teacher, but the school officials again failed to act. 

On May 14, 2025, a lawsuit was filed in San Francisco Superior Court by Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, naming the Waldorf School Association, One Smart Kid, and Jason Davis, accusing the school of ignoring warning signs, negligently retaining Davis, and failing to protect students, which allowed the abuse to continue unchecked.”

What California Laws Govern Private School Sexual Abuse Cases?

Survivors of abuse rely on both state and federal protections. The Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA)requires mandated reporters to notify authorities of suspected abuse. The California Education Code mandates background checks and fingerprinting for staff and contractors at private schools.

In some cases, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 applies. While Title IX generally applies to schools that receive federal funds, many private schools fall under its scope if they benefit from federal programs.

Together, these laws create overlapping duties. When administrators fail to act, educational institutions may be held liable for the harm caused.

What Damages Can Sexually Abused Victims Recover?

In any sexual assault or abuse case, survivors may seek compensation for therapy, medical care, lost opportunities, and the emotional toll of the trauma they endured. Victims can also pursue damages for pain, suffering, and lasting harm to their well-being.

California law permits the award of punitive damages, particularly when schools demonstrate a reckless disregard for student safety. Under § 340.1, courts may award treble damages if a school fails to report or cover up abuse.

How Long Do Child Sexual Abuse Victims Have to Take Legal Action?

For many survivors of childhood sexual abuse, coming forward takes years. California now recognizes this. Under Assembly Bill 452, the civil statute of limitations for childhood assault claims under § 340.1 has been abolished for incidents occurring on or after January 1, 2024.

For earlier abuse, older rules may apply. Survivors 40 or older must also submit certificates of merit signed by both their attorney and a licensed mental health professional.

If you are considering a sexual abuse lawsuit in California, it is important to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

At Injury Lawyer Team, we know how overwhelming it feels to pursue justice after assault in a private school or high school. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling sex abuse lawsuits, guiding survivors with compassion and determination.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a recovery. Every case begins with a free consultation where we listen, explain your rights, and outline options. 

From investigating school grounds incidents to collaborating with experts and filing court cases, we strive to hold negligent schools and abusers accountable.

If you or someone you love has suffered abuse, reach out today. Together, we can seek justice, protect students, and make sure your voice is heard. 

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.