Children at daycare

358 Daycare Centers in San Francisco, California

Browse all 358 daycare centers in San Francisco, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in San Francisco

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1
    Moldovan Academy INC.
    4.78 score
    5(18)

    1270 Sanchez Street, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children

    Moldovan Academy receives consistent 5-star reviews from parents who praise the school's warm, caring environment and strong focus on social-emotional development. Parents report significant developmental gains in their children's speech, emotional regulation, and social skills, along with enthusiasm for attending school daily. The facility is noted for its small class sizes, engaging curriculum, and dedicated leadership under owner Kathleen.

    Warm and caring teachersstrong social-emotional development focussmall class sizesengaging hands-on curriculum (science
  2. 2

    401 Euclid Avenue, San Francisco, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 59 children

    Laurel Hill Nursery School is a play-based cooperative preschool in San Francisco with consistently excellent ratings. Parents praise the caring teachers, nurturing community atmosphere, exceptional outdoor space, and the co-op model that encourages parental involvement and education. Families report significant positive impacts on their children's development and their own parenting skills.

    Experienced and caring teachersplay-based learning approachlarge and well-equipped outdoor spacecooperative model with parent involvement
  3. 3

    1105 Quintara Street, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 104 children

    Little Star Preschool Too receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the warm, welcoming environment and dedicated teachers. Parents consistently report significant child development across academic, social, and emotional areas, with children eager to attend daily. The school is commended for quality facilities, engaging activities, community involvement, and strong parent communication.

    Caring and dedicated teachersindividual attention to each child's needsstrong child development (academic/social/emotional)warm and welcoming community atmosphere
  4. 4

    25 Lake Street, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

    Parents consistently praise MCH as an exceptional Montessori school with highly experienced, long-tenured teachers (many with 25+ years), a calm and nurturing environment, and strong community. Children are reported to thrive developmentally with increased independence, confidence, and love of learning. The school is described as well-run, welcoming to working families, and fostering genuine friendships among parents.

    Experienced teaching staff with long tenureauth
  5. 5

    1550 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 48 children

    Parents universally praise Montessori School of the Bay Area for its loving, attentive care and experienced leadership under Ms. Vasi. Children consistently show enthusiasm about attending, and parents report strong developmental progress across academics and life skills. The school fosters a warm, welcoming environment where children feel accepted and families feel supported.

    Caring and loving teachersexperienced leadership (Ms. Vasi)clean and well-maintained facilitiesstrong communication with parents
  6. 6

    1550 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 18 children

    Parents consistently praise Montessori School of the Bay Area for its loving, attentive care and nurturing environment. Director Ms. Vasi and her experienced teaching staff are highlighted as deeply invested in children's development and highly communicative with families. Children show genuine enthusiasm for attending school and demonstrate strong developmental progress across academic and social-emotional skills.

    Experiencedcaringand loving staff; Director Ms. Vasi's involved leadership and mentorship; Cleanwell-maintained facilities; Extended hours (7:30am-6pm); Montessori curriculum emphasizing exploration and learning; Strong communication with parents about daily activities and developmental milestones; Continuity from infant through pre-K; Bilingual exposure; Staff longevity (15-20+ years); Family partnership approach to challenges like potty training
  7. 7

    1401 Broadway, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 28 children

    Telegraph Hill Parent Participation Nursery (TelHi) receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as a nurturing, community-focused cooperative preschool. Parents highlight the play-based learning model, exceptional teachers, strong sense of belonging, and diverse, inclusive environment. The parent participation component is valued for building lasting friendships and providing insight into their child's development.

    Cooperative model with parent invol
  8. 8
    St. Anne Preschool
    4.67 score
    5(10)

    1362a 14th Avenue, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 25 children

    St. Anne Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its experienced, caring staff and strong educational program. Parents highlight the school's balanced approach combining academics with developmental and social-emotional learning, along with excellent communication from director Judy. The facility fosters a strong sense of community among families.

    Experienced and dedicated teaching staff with high retention rateswarm and welcoming environmentstrong curriculum balancing academics and life skillslow student-teacher ratio
  9. 9
    Little Bee
    4.67 score
    5(10)

    2733 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 32 children

    Parents consistently praise Little Bee as an excellent preschool with caring, attentive staff and strong communication. The bilingual immersion program (Mandarin and English), outdoor exploration in the Presidio, organized curriculum, and active community are frequently highlighted as major strengths. All reviewers report positive experiences with their children's development and adjustment.

    Warm and attentive staffbilingual immersion (Mandarin)outdoor exploration in Presidiodaily photo/video updates
  10. 10

    3595 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children

    Little People Preschool receives consistently positive reviews from parents whose children attended. Parents praise the nurturing staff, educational curriculum combined with engaging activities, and the director Galina's leadership. Children are reported to thrive academically and socially while enjoying the program daily.

    Caring and patient teachersclean and organized facilitybalanced mix of academics and hands-on activitiesquality meals provided

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in San Francisco based on parent reviews

Moldovan Academy INC.

5(18)

1270 Sanchez Street, San Francisco, CA

Moldovan Academy receives consistent 5-star reviews from parents who praise the school's warm, caring environment and strong focus on social-emotional development. Parents report significant developmental gains in their children's speech, emotional regulation, and social skills, along with enthusiasm for attending school daily. The facility is noted for its small class sizes, engaging curriculum, and dedicated leadership under owner Kathleen.

Warm and caring teachersstrong social-emotional development focussmall class sizes

Laurel Hill Nursery School

5(17)

401 Euclid Avenue, San Francisco, CA

Laurel Hill Nursery School is a play-based cooperative preschool in San Francisco with consistently excellent ratings. Parents praise the caring teachers, nurturing community atmosphere, exceptional outdoor space, and the co-op model that encourages parental involvement and education. Families report significant positive impacts on their children's development and their own parenting skills.

Experienced and caring teachersplay-based learning approachlarge and well-equipped outdoor space

Little Star Preschool Too

5(17)

1105 Quintara Street, San Francisco, CA

Little Star Preschool Too receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the warm, welcoming environment and dedicated teachers. Parents consistently report significant child development across academic, social, and emotional areas, with children eager to attend daily. The school is commended for quality facilities, engaging activities, community involvement, and strong parent communication.

Caring and dedicated teachersindividual attention to each child's needsstrong child development (academic/social/emotional)

Montessori Children'S House Of The West Coast

5(17)

25 Lake Street, San Francisco, CA

Parents consistently praise MCH as an exceptional Montessori school with highly experienced, long-tenured teachers (many with 25+ years), a calm and nurturing environment, and strong community. Children are reported to thrive developmentally with increased independence, confidence, and love of learning. The school is described as well-run, welcoming to working families, and fostering genuine friendships among parents.

Experienced teaching staff with long tenureauth

Montessori School Of The Bay Area INC.

5(16)

1550 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA

Parents universally praise Montessori School of the Bay Area for its loving, attentive care and experienced leadership under Ms. Vasi. Children consistently show enthusiasm about attending, and parents report strong developmental progress across academics and life skills. The school fosters a warm, welcoming environment where children feel accepted and families feel supported.

Caring and loving teachersexperienced leadership (Ms. Vasi)clean and well-maintained facilities

Montessori School Of The Bay Area INC. - Infant

5(16)

1550 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA

Parents consistently praise Montessori School of the Bay Area for its loving, attentive care and nurturing environment. Director Ms. Vasi and her experienced teaching staff are highlighted as deeply invested in children's development and highly communicative with families. Children show genuine enthusiasm for attending school and demonstrate strong developmental progress across academic and social-emotional skills.

Experiencedcaringand loving staff; Director Ms. Vasi's involved leadership and mentorship; Clean

Map

Daycare Centers in San Francisco, California

There are 358 daycare centers in San Francisco, California. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

When choosing a daycare in San Francisco, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Daycare Centers in San Francisco

Showing 358 results

Russian Hill School
Before or After School Daycare
5
Address
2026 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 202-0525
Happy Day Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
809 Taraval Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 564-7999
The Learning Bridge Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1050 Kirkham Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 753-1802
St. Philip The Apostle Preschool Day Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
725 Diamond Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 282-0141
Mission Head Start-Bernal Dwellings Childcare Ctr.
Headstart Programs
5
Address
3125 - 3141 26th Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 826-1653
Moldovan Academy INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Moldovan Academy receives consistent 5-star reviews from parents who praise the school's warm, caring environment and strong focus on social-emotional development. Parents report significant developmental gains in their children's speech, emotional regulation, and social skills, along with enthusiasm for attending school daily. The facility is noted for its small class sizes, engaging curriculum, and dedicated leadership under owner Kathleen.

Warm and caring teachersstrong social-emotional development focussmall class sizes
Address
1270 Sanchez Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 549-7470
Montessori Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
80 Juan Bautista Circle, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 333-4410
Pacific Primary
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1500 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 346-0906
Sfusd-Jefferson Early Education School-Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1350 25th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 759-2852
Sfusd-Commodore Stockton Early Ed School (Ps)
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1 Trenton St., Rms 1/2/3/4, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 291-7932
Telegraph Hill Parent Participation Nursery
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Telegraph Hill Parent Participation Nursery (TelHi) receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as a nurturing, community-focused cooperative preschool. Parents highlight the play-based learning model, exceptional teachers, strong sense of belonging, and diverse, inclusive environment. The parent participation component is valued for building lasting friendships and providing insight into their child's development.

Cooperative model with parent invol
Address
1401 Broadway, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 421-3313
Phoebe A. Hearst Preschool Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1315 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 931-1018
Chinatown Community Children'S Center-North Beach
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
715 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 986-2528
Compass Children'S Center - Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
144 Leavenworth Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 644-0504
Friends Of Potrero Hill Nursery School
Before or After School Daycare
5
Address
1060-A Tennessee Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 864-5464
Glen Park Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
647 Chenery Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 585-7701
Alta Plaza Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
2140 Pierce Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 928-6483
Ccfc-Vv Leland Center (P)
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
325 Leland Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 921-7019
Centro Las Olas
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
3737 26th Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 821-6527
Chibi-Chan Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Chibi Chan Preschool receives universal praise from parents for its caring, diverse community and attentive staff. Parents highlight excellent teacher-to-student ratios, strong communication, comprehensive programming including extracurricular activities, and successful preparation of children for kindergarten. Families report smooth transitions and lasting friendships formed at the school.

Kind and thoughtful staffhigh teacher-to-student ratios (at least 3 per class)diverse and inclusive community
Address
2507 Pine Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 351-0955
Soma Daycare & Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

SOMA Daycare & Preschool receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as an exceptional learning environment with caring, dedicated staff. Parents highlight the small size, individualized attention, creative curriculum, and smooth transitions for young children. Multiple families describe it as a nurturing community where children thrive socially, emotionally, and intellectually.

Dedicated and well-trained teacherssmall class sizes with low teacher-to-student ratiosindividualized attention
Address
1112 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 418-4834
Kids By The Bay - Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
90 Seventh Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 554-8100
St. Anne Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

St. Anne Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its experienced, caring staff and strong educational program. Parents highlight the school's balanced approach combining academics with developmental and social-emotional learning, along with excellent communication from director Judy. The facility fosters a strong sense of community among families.

Experienced and dedicated teaching staff with high retention rateswarm and welcoming environmentstrong curriculum balancing academics and life skills
Address
1362a 14th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 731-2355
Teremok
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
2460 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 441-3866
Maureen & Craig Sullivan Youth Services
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
801 Jessie Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 863-1171
Up On Top After School
Before or After School Daycare
5
Address
1187 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 225-6558
1st Place 2 Start
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1252 Sunnydale Ave, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 333-2659
Alemany Center-Head Start (Ps)
Headstart Programs
5
Address
956 Ellsworth Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 635-0904
Alpha Kids Academy LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
175 Junipero Serra Blvd, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 664-8080
Bambini Montessori School
Before or After School Daycare
5
Address
2042 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 668-8828

Page 1 of 12· 358 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 358 all daycares in San Francisco, California. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
When choosing a daycare in San Francisco, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with California's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in California)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
San Francisco offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 294 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 16 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 9 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 39 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in California typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in San Francisco for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in San Francisco must be licensed by California's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.