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

The Scandinavian School In San Francisco
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

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.

Qualified native-speaking instructorseffective grammar instructionaffordable pricing
Address
20 Woodside Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 665-3276
Children'S After School Arts
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9
Address
443 Burnett Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 643-2272
Grace Infant Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

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.

None mentioned
Address
3201 Ulloa Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 681-6606
University Child Care At Mission Bay (Inf)
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

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.

Friendly and knowledgeable staffgenuine care from teachersnew facilities
Address
727 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(617) 673-8000
Star Of The Sea Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

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.

Warm and devoted teachersMontessori curriculumSpanish language instruction
Address
360 Ninth Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 221-7449
Yerba Buena Gardens Child Dev Ctr
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9
Address
790 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 820-3500
Sfusd-Las Americas Early Education School (Ps)
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
801 Treat Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 695-5746
Buen Dia Family School
Before or After School Daycare
4.8

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.

caring and committed teacherscreative problem-solving focusplay-based learning
Address
589 Guerrero St., San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 431-3535
Friends Of St. Francis Childcare Center INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
50 Belcher Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 861-1818
Sfsu - Children'S Campus (Preschool)
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
N. State Dr.&Lake Merced Blvd., San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 405-4011
Sfusd-Zaida T. Rodriguez (Ees) Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
2950 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 695-5842
Sfsu - Children'S Campus (Infant)
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
N. State Dr.&Lake Merced Blvd., San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 405-4011
Shalom School
Before or After School Daycare
4.8
Address
862 28th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 831-8399
St. James Episcopal Church Nursery School
Church Daycare
4.8

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.

welcoming communityspiritual connectioninclusive environment
Address
4620 California Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 752-8258
Associated Students Children'S Center - Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
1650 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 338-2403
Letterman Digital Arts Ccc (Preschool)
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

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.

Beautiful green spaceimaginative environmentamazing facilities
Address
1 Letterman Dr., Bldg. B, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 746-5444
Balboa Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
521 Balboa Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 668-5877
Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
200 Cashmere Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 401-1377
Mission Childcare Consortium INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

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.

caring and loving staffprofessional teachersstrong curriculum tailored to in
Address
4750 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 586-6139
My Little Learning Tree
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

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.

Warm and attentive teacherssafe and nurturing environmentbalanced play-based and structured learning
Address
2118 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 387-6558
Angela'S Children Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

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.

loving and caring staffdetailed daily updates via appengaging activities
Address
775 - 7th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 386-0184
Letterman Digital Arts Ccc (Infant)
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

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.

Beautiful green spaceimaginative environmentworld-class facility design
Address
One Letterman Drive, Bldg. B, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 746-5444
Mission Head Start-Women'S Building Center
Headstart Programs
4.6

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.

Beautiful murals and artworkwell-maintained buildingcommunity-focused services
Address
3543 18th Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 701-1995
Our Victorian Schoolhouse
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6
Address
823 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 292-7262
Sfccd-Mission Community College Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

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.

Clean campuspassionate and qualified instructorswell-stocked cafeteria
Address
1125 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 920-6200
The Community Preschool-Grace Cathedral
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

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.

Beautiful Gothic architecturestunning stained glass windowspeaceful atmosphere
Address
1100 California Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 749-6383
Ccfc-30th Avenue
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

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.

Friendly and courteous staffcommunity events and programmingfood bank services
Address
741 30th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 668-6539
Nihonmachi Little Friends
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6
Address
1700 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 346-5064
Portola Family Connections-School Age
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

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.

Friendly and patient teachersstrong socialization opportunitieseducational development
Address
2565 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 715-6746
Rocky Mountain Participation Nursery School
Before or After School Daycare
4.6

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.

child development focusemotional safetycommunity involvement
Address
2475 - 15th Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 552-2929

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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.