
Compare 358 daycare centers in San Francisco. Average rating: 4.57/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
San Francisco has 358 licensed daycares with 1,030 parent reviews averaging 4.57/5.134 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 74% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 94105 (avg 5 stars), while 94115 has the largest selection (27 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Based on 182 daycares with Google ratings in San Francisco
Top qualities mentioned across 1,030 reviews, analyzed by AI
Average ratings by facility type in San Francisco, based on parent reviews
San Francisco zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94105 | 12 | 5 | 3 | |
| 94109 | 7 | 4.9 | 4 | |
| 94118 | 23 | 4.77 | 12 | |
| 94132 | 18 | 4.76 | 9 | |
| 94117 | 13 | 4.76 | 6 | |
| 94115 | 27 | 4.76 | 14 | |
| 94121 | 17 | 4.75 | 7 | |
| 94114 | 8 | 4.73 | 5 | |
| 94129 | 7 | 4.72 | 4 | |
| 94123 | 5 | 4.67 | 2 |
Capacity distribution of daycares in San Francisco (12–400 children)
Small
up to 30 children
121
Medium
31–75 children
164
Large
76–150 children
56
Very Large
150+ children
17
Highest rated daycares in San Francisco based on parent reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
San Francisco offers a diverse landscape of childcare options, ranging from specialized speech and hearing support to standard preschool environments. Parents consistently highlight the warmth of the staff and the nurturing atmosphere as key factors in their positive experiences. The directory includes facilities across various neighborhoods, with the 94105 zip code standing out for its consistently high ratings.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in San Francisco have an average rating of 4.57 out of 5 across 182 rated facilities, with 74% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Before or After School Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.76 stars. Our analysis covers 1,030 parent reviews. Parents in San Francisco most frequently praise daycares for friendly staff, nurturing environment, and caring and loving staff.
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.
Showing 358 results
One parent reports that their daughter enjoys the program, noting the school's success in delivering an enriching curriculum and maintaining strong communication through weekly email updates with photos. Another review highlights the importance of the service without providing specific details about the childcare experience.
One parent describes the facility as a cozy preschool with bilingual English and Cantonese instruction, featuring Halloween neighborhood walks and end-of-year performances. Another review notes that the program provides good training for children.
Reviewers highlight the exceptional staff stability and deep care at The Learning Bridge, noting long-tenured teachers like Jane, Evelyn, and Queenie who create a nurturing environment. Parents appreciate the thoughtful community building, such as surprise birthday celebrations, and report high satisfaction with their children's development and experience.
One parent highlights the wonderful preschool environment, noting kind and caring teachers who facilitate activities such as art, mathematics, and mindfulness. The review specifically praises staff members for fostering a nurturing and loving atmosphere that supports children's growth.
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.
One reviewer highlights the staff and the rewarding experience of working with children, while another notes the school's suitability for early childhood education student observations. A third review consists solely of a name.
A few parents describe Pacific Primary as an exciting environment with a quirky and caring staff that fosters child growth. Reviewers highlight the strong sense of community within the center.
One parent describes the school and its staff, including teachers and cleaning personnel, as very kind and friendly. Another reviewer notes that the teachers are very amiable, characterizing the school as very good.
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.
One parent describes Phoebe Hearst as an awesome and well-run preschool where their son enjoyed his time, noting the availability of extra services like speech and occupational therapy. Another reviewer simply mentions that there is ample parking in the area.
Parents describe the center as a fantastic, engaging environment with ideal student-to-teacher ratios and diverse, caring staff. Reviewers highlight the bilingual curriculum, nutritious in-house cooking, and comprehensive safety precautions as key benefits for their children's social and cultural development.
A parent with multiple children attending the center highlights the staff's deep knowledge of individual children and their ability to provide loving care during both good and difficult days. The review specifically praises the director and co-director for revitalizing the center and commends specific teachers for their effectiveness in areas like potty training.
Parents describe the curriculum and teaching staff as exceptional, noting significant improvements in subjects like math, language, and botogy compared to other Montessori schools. Families also highlight the supportive parent community and extended operating hours from 8am to 6pm as key benefits.
Reviewers highlight the school's ability to balance structure with flexibility, noting welcoming teachers and a strong sense of community. Parents appreciate the daily park access, diverse activities, and responsive staff, though specific operational complaints are not detailed.
One parent who has known the school since 2007 describes it as a nice and great institution, noting that while changes have occurred over the last decade, the quality remains positive. No specific complaints or negatives were identified in the available feedback.
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.
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.
Parents highlight the center's spacious, well-lit classrooms and extensive outdoor and indoor play areas, including a dedicated toddler zone and mud kitchen. Reviewers appreciate the on-site chef providing healthy meals, year-round availability, and the enhanced security provided by the facility's location within a government building.
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.
One parent highlights the center for its wonderful teacher, Tonia, noting that their children are learning a lot and expressing strong satisfaction with the experience. A second review briefly describes the location and staff as great without providing further detail.
One parent describes the after-school program as an amazing experience and expresses gratitude for discovering the location. The single review highlights a highly positive interaction without citing specific operational details or complaints.
Parents highlight a nurturing environment with loving staff, engaging learning activities, and reasonable tuition, noting that children are eager to attend and develop new skills. Families appreciate the detailed daily communication, convenient parking, and proximity to a playground for after-care socializing. No negative aspects were reported in the available feedback.
Parents highlight the school's effective Montessori approach, noting that children develop strong independence, confidence, and academic readiness in reading, math, and science. Families appreciate the transparent communication through daily photo updates and responsive teacher messaging, as well as the inclusion of free language immersion programs.
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