How do I choose the right preschool in San Francisco?

When selecting a preschool in San Francisco, consider: Visit the facility in person to observe the environment Ask about teacher qualifications and experience Check licensing status with California's regulatory agency Review the curriculum and daily schedule Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities

Preschools in San Francisco, California (95 Results)

Q: How much does preschool cost in San Francisco, California?

Preschool costs in San Francisco typically range from $600 to $1,500 per month for full-time programs. Half-day programs are usually less expensive. Some preschools offer financial aid, and California may have state-funded pre-K programs for qualifying families. Contact individual facilities for current tuition rates.

Best Preschools in San Francisco

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — preschools with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

Little Star Preschool Too

4.77 score

5(17)

1105 Quintara Street, San Francisco, CA · 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

St. Anne Preschool

4.67 score

5(10)

1362a 14th Avenue, San Francisco, CA · 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

Little People Preschool

4.67 score

5(10)

3595 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA · 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

Soma Daycare & Preschool

4.64 score

5(9)

1112 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA · Capacity: 21 children

SOMA Daycare & Preschool receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as an exceptional learning environment with caring, dedicated staff. Parents highlight the small size, individualized attention, creative curriculum, and smooth transitions for young children. Multiple families describe it as a nurturing community where children thrive socially, emotionally, and intellectually.

Dedicated and well-trained teacherssmall class sizes with low teacher-to-student ratiosindividualized attentioncreative and engaging curriculum

Star Of The Sea Preschool

4.62 score

4.9(11)

360 Ninth Avenue, San Francisco, CA · Capacity: 30 children

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 instructionfaith-based education

Color Me French Preschool LLC

4.58 score

5(7)

125 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA · Capacity: 19 children

Color Me French Preschool is a highly regarded French immersion preschool in San Francisco with outstanding reviews praising its creative, enriching curriculum and strong community. Parents highlight the school's focus on arts, outdoor exploration, music, and hands-on learning that fosters curiosity and language development. The school's leadership, particularly Karine and Fabienne, is consistently credited with creating a nurturing environment where children thrive academica

Chibi-Chan Preschool

4.55 score

5(6)

2507 Pine Street, San Francisco, CA · Capacity: 56 children

Chibi Chan Preschool receives universal praise from parents for its caring, diverse community and attentive staff. Parents highlight excellent teacher-to-student ratios, strong communication, comprehensive programming including extracurricular activities, and successful preparation of children for kindergarten. Families report smooth transitions and lasting friendships formed at the school.

Kind and thoughtful staffhigh teacher-to-student ratios (at least 3 per class)diverse and inclusive communitystrong parent-teacher communication (app

Jccsf Helen Diller Family Preschool

4.5 score

5(5)

3200 California Street, San Francisco, CA · Capacity: 175 children

Parents consistently praise JCCSF Helen Diller Family Preschool for its strong community atmosphere, outstanding teachers led by director Karla, and enriching educational programs. Families report their children experience joyful learning through diverse activities including art, music, nature exploration, and cooking, while building meaningful connections with other families.

Welcoming communitycollaborative approach to child developmentexceptional teachers and specialistsengaging curriculum with art/music/nature programs

Little Angels Japanese Preschool

4.5 score

5(5)

1457 Ninth Avenue, San Francisco, CA · Capacity: 30 children

Little Angels Japanese Preschool is a highly-regarded center offering an immersive Japanese language and cultural learning environment. Parents report significant language development, caring teachers, and a balanced curriculum incorporating both Japanese and American cultural traditions. Multiple parents recommend it as the best Japanese preschool option in San Francisco.

Immersive Japanese environmentrapid language acquisition and vocabulary developmentcaring and dedicated teacherscultural education (Japanese and American holidays/traditions)

Marin Day Schools - Hills Plaza Campus (Preschool)

4.5 score

5(5)

2 Harrison St., #150, San Francisco, CA · Capacity: 31 children

Parents consistently praise Marin Day Schools - Hills Plaza Campus for exceptional staff warmth, creative activities, and strong communication with families. The facility is noted for excellent health and safety protocols, beautiful outdoor space, and a welcoming community atmosphere where children thrive developmentally.

Caring and responsive teachersengaging creative activitiesoutdoor play spacereal-time parent communication with photos/videos

Preschools in San Francisco, California

San Francisco has 95 preschool programs designed to prepare children ages 3-5 for kindergarten. These programs focus on early literacy, social skills, and structured learning in a nurturing environment.

When choosing a preschool in San Francisco, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 95 preschools in San Francisco, California. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.

Most preschool programs in San Francisco accept children between ages 2.5 and 5. Many children start at age 3 or 4, about one to two years before kindergarten. Look for signs of readiness such as being comfortable away from parents, ability to follow simple instructions, and interest in playing with other children.

While both provide childcare, preschools in San Francisco typically focus more on structured educational activities to prepare children for kindergarten. Preschool programs often run half-day or school-year schedules, while daycare centers offer full-day, year-round care. Many facilities combine both, offering preschool curriculum within a full-day daycare setting.

Preschool costs in San Francisco typically range from $600 to $1,500 per month for full-time programs. Half-day programs are usually less expensive. Some preschools offer financial aid, and California may have state-funded pre-K programs for qualifying families. Contact individual facilities for current tuition rates.

When selecting a preschool in San Francisco, consider:

Visit the facility in person to observe the environment
Ask about teacher qualifications and experience
Check licensing status with California's regulatory agency
Review the curriculum and daily schedule
Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences
Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities

95 Preschools in San Francisco, California

Best Preschools in San Francisco

Browse by type in San Francisco