
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
The Scandinavian School in San Francisco offers online and in-person language classes for adults in Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish. Reviewers praise the qualified native-speaking instructors, effective teaching methods, affordable pricing, and strong community building through classes and cultural events. All reviews are 4-5 stars with consistently positive feedback about language progress and student engagement.
One parent highlights the staff's ability to help children learn to be themselves and have fun, while another notes their child enjoys the program so much they do not want to leave. A third reviewer appreciates the egalitarian treatment of Latino children in the rooftop setting.
The reviews provided are not for a daycare center but for Dharma Treasure Temple, a Buddhist meditation and learning facility. There is a significant mismatch between the stated daycare name/purpose and the actual review content.
Parents consistently praise University Child Care at Mission Bay for its friendly, knowledgeable staff who show genuine care for the children. The facility features new amenities as of June with expanded classes and improved play areas. Parents report their children are enjoying their time there.
Star of the Sea Preschool receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the exceptional, caring teachers and well-rounded curriculum combining Montessori, Spanish immersion, and faith-based education. Parents consistently report their children are happy, feel safe, and thrive both academically and emotionally in this nurturing community environment.
Families highlight the center's expansive outdoor facilities, flexible hours catering to working parents, and a deeply supportive, community-oriented staff. Parents report high satisfaction with the stimulating environment and safety protocols, noting that children thrive in this inclusive setting.
One parent expresses strong satisfaction with the service, describing it as excellent. The limited feedback highlights a positive experience with the care provided.
Parents consistently praise Buen Dia Family School for its caring, long-tenured teachers, creative and play-based learning environment, and inclusive community. The school is noted for successfully supporting children with diverse needs and backgrounds while fostering social-emotional development and cultural celebration. Multiple reviewers highlight the school's 30+ year history and special learning spaces.
Reviewers highlight the center's loving, gentle, and low-key atmosphere, noting that staff actively involve parents in a community-focused environment. While the small class sizes and physical space are mentioned, parents report that the center manages these groups effectively and successfully supports children, including those learning English.
Parents highlight the kindness and professionalism of specific staff members, with one family noting their child's enjoyment in the Transitional Kindergarten program. Another reviewer offers brief positive feedback, describing the experience as 'God'.
St. James Episcopal Church Nursery School is highly rated by reviewers who praise its welcoming community and spiritual environment. Parents appreciate the inclusive atmosphere that welcomes families of all faiths. The facility is noted for its quality and long-standing presence in the San Francisco community.
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive with a 4.7/5 rating. Parents praise the facility's beautiful green space, imaginative environment, and world-class campus design. The location in San Francisco's Presidio is highlighted as a major attraction.
Mission Childcare Consortium receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring and professional staff, strong curriculum, and supportive approach to families. However, one reviewer reported witnessing staff speaking disrespectfully to toddlers. The facility appears to offer enriching programs and activities that help children thrive academically and emotionally.
My Little Learning Tree receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the nurturing, caring staff and well-balanced curriculum that supports academic, social, and emotional development. Parents highlight the school's convenience for working families, including year-round operation, extended hours until 6 PM, provided meals, and included enrichment activities. Many report their children were well-prepared for kindergarten and experienced significant academic and personal growth.
Angela's Children Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with staff described as loving, caring, and intentional caregivers. Parents praise the center's educational activities, regular photo/video updates, outdoor play, and Mandarin language immersion. The facility maintains strong communication with families and facilitates smooth transitions to preschool.
Reviews are extremely positive with all ratings of 3-5 stars. Parents praise the facility's beautiful green space, imaginative environment, and world-class campus design. The location in San Francisco's Presidio with Star Wars-themed elements is highlighted as a unique feature.
Reviews praise the Women's Building's stunning exterior murals and artistic features as a landmark in San Francisco's Mission District. Reviewers highlight the building's beauty, community impact, and support services for women. However, most reviews focus on the building's architecture and community programs rather than daycare services specifically.
A few parents highlight the facility's quality and engaging neighborhood activities, with one noting significant learning progress for their child over two years. Some families find the center-based approach superior to home-based alternatives, though specific operational details remain limited in the current feedback.
These reviews appear to be for a community college campus, not a daycare center. Reviewers praise the clean facilities, knowledgeable instructors, and welcoming atmosphere. Students highlight quality instruction, campus cleanliness, and supportive learning resources.
These reviews do not evaluate the daycare program at The Community Preschool-Grace Cathedral. Instead, they describe visitors' experiences with Grace Cathedral itself, including its architecture, tours, and special events. No information about preschool services, curriculum, staff, or child care quality is provided in any review.
The reviews do not appear to be from parents evaluating CCFC-30TH AVENUE as a daycare center. Instead, they describe a community service center or food bank with community events, mentioning staff friendliness and neighborhood programs rather than childcare services.
A few parents report high satisfaction with the staff and describe the center as an awesome place for their children. One reviewer specifically highlights the program's expertise in tea ceremony and cultural knowledge.
Portola Family Connections receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring and patient staff, educational programs, and community support. Parents highlight that children enjoy attending and benefit from socialization, skill development, and kindergarten preparation. The center is noted for offering additional parent education classes and weekly activities beyond childcare.
Rocky Mountain Participation Nursery School receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise its focus on child development, emotional safety, and community engagement. Parents consistently highlight the quality of the experience and welcoming atmosphere, though one reviewer noted concerns about playground infrastructure.
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