How many preschools are in San Francisco, California?

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.

What age should my child start preschool?

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.

What is the difference between preschool and daycare?

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.

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.

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

Which San Francisco zip code has the highest average preschool rating?

The 94121 zip code has the best average rating of 5 stars across 3 facilities.

What do parents say about the culture at these schools?

Reviews frequently mention kind teachers, a nurturing environment, and a strong sense of community among families.

Are there highly rated options with few reviews?

HAPPY DAY PRESCHOOL and THE LEARNING BRIDGE PRESCHOOL both hold 5-star ratings, though they currently have 0 reviews.

Best Preschools in San Francisco, CA — Compare 95

Happy Day Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

One parent describes the facility as a cozy preschool with bilingual English and Cantonese instruction, featuring Halloween neighborhood walks and end-of-year performances. Another review notes that the program provides good training for children.

bilingual English and Cantonese instructionengaging staffcommunity events like Halloween walks

Address: 809 Taraval Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 564-7999

The Learning Bridge Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Reviewers highlight the exceptional staff stability and deep care at The Learning Bridge, noting long-tenured teachers like Jane, Evelyn, and Queenie who create a nurturing environment. Parents appreciate the thoughtful community building, such as surprise birthday celebrations, and report high satisfaction with their children's development and experience.

stable and experienced staffpersonalized carestrong community building

Address: 1050 Kirkham Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 753-1802

St. Philip The Apostle Preschool Day Care Center

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

One parent highlights the wonderful preschool environment, noting kind and caring teachers who facilitate activities such as art, mathematics, and mindfulness. The review specifically praises staff members for fostering a nurturing and loving atmosphere that supports children's growth.

kind teacherscaring staffdiverse activities including art

Address: 725 Diamond Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 282-0141

Sfusd-Jefferson Early Education School-Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Address: 1350 25th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 759-2852

Phoebe A. Hearst Preschool Learning Center

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

One parent describes Phoebe Hearst as an awesome and well-run preschool where their son enjoyed his time, noting the availability of extra services like speech and occupational therapy. Another reviewer simply mentions that there is ample parking in the area.

well-run preschoolenjoyable experience for childrenavailable speech and occupational therapy

Address: 1315 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 931-1018

Compass Children'S Center - Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

A parent with multiple children attending the center highlights the staff's deep knowledge of individual children and their ability to provide loving care during both good and difficult days. The review specifically praises the director and co-director for revitalizing the center and commends specific teachers for their effectiveness in areas like potty training.

staff personalizationexperienced teacherssupportive leadership

Address: 144 Leavenworth Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 644-0504

Alta Plaza Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Reviewers highlight the school's ability to balance structure with flexibility, noting welcoming teachers and a strong sense of community. Parents appreciate the daily park access, diverse activities, and responsive staff, though specific operational complaints are not detailed.

flexible schedulingwell-organized yet adaptable curriculumkind and experienced teachers

Address: 2140 Pierce Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 928-6483

Chibi-Chan Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

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 community

Address: 2507 Pine Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 351-0955

Soma Daycare & Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

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 attention

Address: 1112 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 418-4834

St. Anne Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

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 skills

Address: 1362a 14th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 731-2355

Color Me French Preschool LLC

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

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

Address: 125 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 724-3646

Creative Montessori Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Address: 3101 Vicente Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 828-9828

Gates And Bridges Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

One parent highlights the school's nurturing environment and strong community, while another shares a long-term success story of alumni who thrived academically and personally. The few reviews so far mention high satisfaction with the socialization and educational outcomes.

nurturing environmentstrong parent communityeffective socialization

Address: 1601 10th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 664-3005

Slippery Fish Initiative INC.- Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Address: 999 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 585-5300

Golden Gate Guppies Preschool LLC

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Address: 2426 California Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 839-5188

Growing Place Family Preschool And Parenting Ctr.

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Address: 1250 Quintara Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 827-3558

Jccsf Helen Diller Family Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

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 specialists

Address: 3200 California Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 292-1291

Kids By The Bay - Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Parents highlight the facility's spacious, well-lit classrooms and extensive outdoor amenities, including a playground and mud kitchen, while praising the dedicated staff and on-site chef who prepares healthy meals. The location within a federal building provides high security, though this is noted as a specific feature rather than a general complaint.

Dedicated and caring staffon-site chef preparing healthy mealsspacious and well-ventilated classrooms

Address: 90 Seventh Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 554-8100

Kids Kollege Preschool Day Care

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Address: 3939 Lawton Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 753-1869

Little Angels Japanese Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

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 teachers

Address: 1457 Ninth Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 564-6123

Little Footprints Preschool Oceanview

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Address: 308 Randolph Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 200-8607

Little People Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

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 activities

Address: 3595 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 751-1006

Little Star Preschool Too

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

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)

Address: 1105 Quintara Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 731-7933

Little Urbanites Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Address: 1258 20th Ave, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 217-9789

Marin Day Schools - Hills Plaza Campus (Preschool)

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

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 space

Address: 2 Harrison St., #150, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 777-9696

Mio Pre-School

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Address: 4377 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 587-2922

Sfusd-Theresa S. Mahler (Ees) Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Parents highlight the school's patient and supportive teachers, noting that children are happy, learning, and making friends in a nurturing environment. Reviewers appreciate the spacious facility with extensive outdoor and garden space, describing the staff and principal as amazing.

patient and supportive teachersnurturing environmenthappy and engaged children

Address: 990 Church Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 695-5871

Teaching Tots Preschool INC.

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Address: 939 Irving Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 731-9705

Star Light Christian Preschool

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Address: 750 - 26th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 221-8005

Sfusd John Mclaren Early Ed. School (Preschool)

Child Daycare & Preschools

5

Address: 2055 Sunnydale Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 469-4519

Best Preschools in San Francisco, CA