Best Headstart Programs in San Francisco, CA
Compare 16 headstart programs 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
- Programs
- 16
- Avg rating
- 4.57/5
- Parent reviews
- 1,030
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 134
San Francisco has 16 licensed headstart programs 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
Mission Head Start-Women'S Building Center
3543 18th Street, San Francisco, CA
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.
Mission Head Start-Bernal Dwellings Childcare Ctr.
3125 - 3141 26th Street, San Francisco, CA
Alemany Center-Head Start (Ps)
956 Ellsworth Street, San Francisco, CA
Mission Head Start - Valencia Gardens
380 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA
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.
Map
Daycare types in San Francisco
Browse by type in San Francisco
Headstart Programs in San Francisco, California
There are 16 headstart programs in San Francisco, California, making up 4% of the 358 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.
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 Headstart Programs in San Francisco
Showing 16 results
- Address
- 3125 - 3141 26th Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 826-1653
- Address
- 956 Ellsworth Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 635-0904
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.
- Address
- 3543 18th Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 701-1995
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
Kai Ming Head Start receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and nurturing environment. Parents report their children have shown improvements in confidence, social skills, language development, and independence. The curriculum is described as balanced, engaging, and age-appropriate with strong emphasis on cultural awareness and safety.
- Address
- 1755 Clay Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 690-1014
One parent highlights the friendly teachers and attentive staff, noting they never have to worry about their children's care, while another praises the top management, cleanliness, and efficiency. In contrast, a single review describes the facility and staff as extremely bad.
- Address
- 2800 Taraval Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 759-8980
One parent describes the program as excellent with nice teachers, while another strongly warns about inappropriate teacher behavior that negatively altered their son's attitude and actions. The reviews present a sharp contrast between high satisfaction with staff friendliness and serious concerns regarding child safety and supervision.
- Address
- 1330 Stevenson Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 252-7008
- Address
- 950 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 982-4777
Kai Ming Head Start-Geary Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with six 5-star reviews praising the nurturing teachers, educational environment, and strong community communication. Children reportedly feel welcomed, respected, and show significant growth in independence, social skills, and academics. One 1-star review provided no details.
- Address
- 6221 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 387-3133
- Address
- 1170 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 931-1088
- Address
- 426 33rd Avenue 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 386-3096
- Address
- 820 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 982-4570
- Address
- 152 Berry Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 856-0650
- Address
- 362 Capp Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 206-7752
- Address
- 459 Vienna Street, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 469-2162
- Address
- 1337 Evans Avenue, San Francisco, CA
- Phone
- (415) 920-7000
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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