
Compare 294 child daycare & preschools 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 294 licensed child daycare & preschools 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.
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.
1401 Broadway, San Francisco, CA
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.
San Francisco offers a diverse landscape of 294 childcare and preschool options, ranging from large centers to intimate home-based programs. Parents consistently highlight the warmth of the staff and the nurturing environments as key factors in their decision-making process. The directory highlights standout areas like the 94105 zip code, which maintains an impressive 5-star average across its facilities.
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 294 results
Family Developmental Center receives mostly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring staff and quality of education. However, one parent reported a serious incident involving their child's allergic reaction and concerns about staff communication regarding the child's condition.
Glide Child Care & Family Support receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the organization's social work impact and helpful staff. One reviewer expressed dissatisfaction, citing false hope. The center is described as supportive for families in need.
Reviews describe Jose Coronado Clubhouse as a well-maintained public park facility with multiple recreational amenities. Parents appreciate the cleanliness, accessibility, and variety of activities available for children. Note: One reviewer clarified there are two distinct locations at different addresses with different facilities.
Parents highlight the warm environment, experienced leadership, and dedicated teachers at Petite Explorer Preschool, noting that the program effectively supports early development through activities like dance. However, a single review warns of poor organization and communication regarding the waitlist process.
Family Developmental Center receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring staff and quality of education. However, one parent reported a serious incident involving a child's allergic reaction and concerns about staff communication regarding their child's condition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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