Best Daycare Centers in San Francisco, CA
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, California at a glance
- Daycares
- 358
- Avg rating
- 4.57/5
- Parent reviews
- 1,030
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 134
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.
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.
- 1Moldovan Academy INC.4.78 score5(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 - 2Laurel Hill Nursery School4.77 score5(17)
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 - 3Little Star Preschool Too4.77 score5(17)
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 - 4Montessori Children'S House Of The West Coast4.77 score5(17)
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 - 5Montessori School Of The Bay Area INC.4.76 score5(16)
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 - 6Montessori School Of The Bay Area INC. - Infant4.76 score5(16)
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 - 7Telegraph Hill Parent Participation Nursery4.67 score5(10)
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 - 8St. Anne Preschool4.67 score5(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 - 9Little Bee4.67 score5(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 - 10Little People Preschool4.67 score5(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
Rating Distribution
Based on 182 daycares with Google ratings in San Francisco
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 1,030 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in San Francisco, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
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 |
Facility Sizes
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
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in San Francisco based on parent reviews
Moldovan Academy INC.
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.
Laurel Hill Nursery School
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.
Little Star Preschool Too
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.
Montessori Children'S House Of The West Coast
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.
Montessori School Of The Bay Area INC.
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.
Montessori School Of The Bay Area INC. - Infant
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.
Map
Daycare types in San Francisco
Browse by type in San Francisco
Daycare Centers in San Francisco, California
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.
All Daycare Centers in San Francisco
Showing 358 results
Reviews appear to be mislabeled and primarily address a community center rather than a daycare facility. The facility is praised for community programs and staff friendliness, but some reviewers note concerns about food options, facility condition, and changes to senior services.
- Address
- 50 Raymond Avenue, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 921-7019
Parents praise CCFC-VV Heritage Center for its friendly and helpful staff, clean and safe environment, and positive impact on children's development. Most reviews are highly positive, though one parent expressed frustration with long wait times for enrollment.
- Address
- 245 Rey Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 921-7019
Jewish Family Preschool-Congregation Beth Sholom receives mixed reviews. Most reviewers praise the preschool and daycare program as great and welcoming, but two low ratings cite traffic and parking safety concerns in the neighborhood and an uncomfortable membership solicitation experience.
- Address
- 301 14th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 221-8736
- Address
- 300 Seneca Avenue, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 469-4756
Parents praise CCFC-VV Heritage Center for its friendly and helpful staff, clean and safe environment, and commitment to children's development. Most reviews are highly positive, though one parent expressed frustration with long wait times for enrollment.
- Address
- 245 Rey Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 921-7019
Parents highlight the facility's bilingual programming, extensive enrichment classes like capoeira and karate, and sliding-scale pricing. While some appreciate the indoor gym and specific teachers, one reviewer reports maintenance issues with water filtration systems.
- Address
- 2095 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 252-8059
One parent describes the staff as friendly and caring, noting that their child enjoys the program. Another review simply labels the institution as a wonderful preschool.
- Address
- 1021 Sanchez Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 525-4917
- Address
- 2830 Baker Street- 1 Miley St, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 310-1335
Feedback for Child's Time is limited, with one parent expressing strong satisfaction and another describing the facility as very nice. The small number of reviews makes it difficult to draw broad conclusions about the program's overall quality.
- Address
- 3061 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 656-0380
- Address
- 301 Euclid Avenue, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 310-1335
Mother Goose School is a well-established, long-running preschool with strong teacher continuity and a caring environment. Parents consistently praise the quality of education, safe facilities, engaging activities, and positive outcomes for kindergarten readiness. The school has earned high regard from kindergarten admissions directors.
- Address
- 334 28th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 221-6133
Telegraph Hill Nursery Schools is a nonprofit center-based daycare in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood that receives strong praise for its caring staff, small class sizes, and engaging programs. Parents highlight the home-like environment, variety of activities, affordable tuition, and holiday/break care options. One reviewer reported unprofessional staff behavior.
- Address
- 660 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 421-6443
One parent highlights positive childhood experiences, while another criticizes a school tour for unprofessional leadership, poor facility conditions, and lack of transparency. The conflicting feedback contrasts long-term satisfaction with immediate concerns about staff conduct and environment.
- Address
- 1775 44th-Avenue, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 759-2853
Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center is a non-profit daycare in San Francisco's North Beach with strong parent satisfaction. Parents praise the caring staff, small class sizes, open-concept layout, and variety of activities. One parent reported unprofessional staff behavior, contrasting with the overall positive feedback.
- Address
- 660 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 421-6443
This YMCA facility receives mixed reviews averaging 3.8/5 stars. While many users praise the equipment, cleanliness, and friendly staff, there are significant complaints about billing practices and customer service issues. The facility appears to function more as a gym/community center than a traditional daycare program.
- Address
- 1250 Waller Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 452-7582
Note: Reviews provided are for YMCA fitness center, not daycare services. Reviewers praise the renovated facility, helpful staff, and diverse classes/programs. However, some criticize overcrowding during peak hours, equipment issues, limited hours, and poor etiquette enforcement among members.
- Address
- 50 Darien Way, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 850-2228
This YMCA facility receives mostly positive reviews for its friendly staff, clean renovated space, and variety of classes and programs. However, some members criticize overcrowding during peak hours, equipment issues, limited hours, and poor enforcement of gym etiquette.
- Address
- 399 San Fernando Way, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 452-9622
Several parents highlight the center's professional staff, strong teacher-child interactions, and inclusive approach to dietary needs, describing the environment as family-like and supportive. Conversely, one review cites unprofessional teachers, inadequate support for specific child needs, and poor communication with parents.
- Address
- 950 Gilman Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 822-1699
- Address
- 3161 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 647-7524
One parent describes the program as excellent with nice, great teachers, while another reports negative behavioral changes in their child attributed to specific staff members. The few reviews so far highlight a stark contrast between positive educational experiences and serious concerns regarding inappropriate exposure by certain employees.
- Address
- 380 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 552-0169
This facility receives predominantly positive reviews praising its friendly staff, clean renovated space, and variety of programs. However, some recent reviewers express concerns about overcrowding during peak hours, maintenance issues, and limited operating hours.
- Address
- 1011 Garfield Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 242-7135
Parents describe a professional and loving environment where staff interact well with both children and families, accommodating specific needs like dietary restrictions. Conversely, one review highlights significant concerns regarding unprofessional conduct, inadequate support for individual child needs, and poor parent communication.
- Address
- 950 Gilman Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 822-1699
One parent highlights a positive experience with the teachers and their daughter's growth, while others criticize the center for opaque tuition practices and unfriendly staff. The lack of transparency regarding total monthly costs led to significant financial loss and a decision to withdraw a child after just one week.
- Address
- 810 Illinois Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 550-3300
Holy Family Day Home has deeply divided reviews. Long-time families and alumni praise the facility's 100+ year history, safety measures, staff kindness, and nurturing environment. However, recent reviews cite serious concerns about new leadership prioritizing profit over child welfare, alleged licensing violations, cleanliness issues, and lack of transparency regarding health incidents.
- Address
- 299 Dolores Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 861-5361
Holy Family Day Home has a long-standing reputation with many parents praising its safe environment, caring staff, and quality education. However, recent reviews indicate significant concerns about current management, citing prioritization of profit over child welfare, safety violations, and unprofessional conduct.
- Address
- 299 Dolores St., Rms, #1 & #2, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 861-5361
- Address
- 1501 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 749-3548
- Address
- 777 Stockton St., Rm. 201, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 956-4207
- Address
- 3155 Vicente Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 564-8313
One parent reports a highly unprofessional and disorganized experience during a scheduled tour, citing poor communication and staff behavior as major safety and trust concerns. The reviewer describes being dismissed by management while staff were distracted, leading to a complete loss of confidence in the center's ability to care for their child.
- Address
- 300 Leland Avenue, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 474-7310
- Address
- 2235 Judah Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 682-9490
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Frequently asked questions
- 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
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 294 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 16 facilities
- Church Daycare — 9 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 39 facilities