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San Francisco! A city that pulsates with innovation, culture, and…adorable toddlers? For parents seeking the perfect launchpad for their little learner’s journey, the City by the Bay offers many preschools, daycares, and kindergartens. From Montessori havens to play-based paradises, there’s a program brimming with potential to match every unique child’s personality. But with so many incredible options, the challenge for parents quickly becomes navigating this bountiful landscape.
This guide will be your compass, helping you identify the perfect one from the top 10 preschools in San Francisco, CA. From curriculum, care, and location, to cost and schedule, we cover everything you need to know about them.
Top 10 preschools in San Francisco
1. Señoritas Preschool
Señorita’s Preschool & Child Care is a home-based preschool in San Francisco that offers a play-based curriculum for toddlers and kindergarten-age children. With a focus on social, emotional, and intellectual development, it’s a nurturing environment that feels like a second home. Led by Ms. Gricelia Castillo, a passionate early childhood educator, Señoritas provides a loving and stimulating atmosphere where children can learn through play. Small class sizes and a tailored curriculum ensure each child receives the attention they deserve.
Location: San Francisco, CA 94158
Age Range: 2 years – 6 years old
Educational Approach: Play-based learning
Cost: $2900 to $3900 monthly
2. Children’s Day School
Children’s Day School (CDS) isn’t your typical preschool. Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, it’s a vibrant island of learning that fosters academic prowess, and well-rounded, compassionate citizens. Learning is an active adventure at CDS. Students delve into real-world issues, from local challenges to global concerns, igniting curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. Celebrating differences is a core value at CDS. Their welcoming community embraces families from all walks of life, creating a rich tapestry of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. CDS students don’t just learn, they lead. The school fosters a strong moral compass, empowering them to advocate for themselves and others.
Location: Dolores Street (heart of San Francisco)
Age Range: Preschool through 8th Grade
Educational Approach: Constructivist – Learning by doing and collaborating
Cost: Sliding scale tuition available (average around $10,000 per year). Financial aid can significantly reduce costs for qualifying families.
3. Guidepost Montessori
Guidepost takes the Montessori Method a step further by fostering a strong sense of self, social-emotional skills, and the joy of learning alongside academics. Children flourish with a project-based curriculum that fosters advanced language and math skills. Many students achieve remarkable results, exceeding grade-level expectations. Younger children learn from older peers, fostering collaboration and mentorship. The capstone year of the Children’s House program (3-6 years old) functions as kindergarten. Here, children excel in literacy, and math, and develop skills to tackle academic challenges with confidence.
Location: 3741 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94123 US (Fort Mason)
Age Range: 18 months – 12 years (Picco, Children’s House, Elementary)
Educational Approach: Guidepost Montessori – A twist on the traditional Montessori Method with a focus on joy and social-emotional well-being.
Cost: Contact the school for details.
4. Montessori Children’s House
MCHSF honors the individuality of each child, fostering a love of learning through exploration and discovery. The program cultivates independence and confidence, equipping children with the skills to become self-assured learners.The school also believes in strong partnerships with families. Parents are offered workshops and classes to deepen their understanding of Montessori principles and contemporary parenting approaches. MCHSF also offers various programs with options for full-day and extended care to meet your family’s needs.
Location: 25 Lake Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
Age Range: 2 years 10 months – 5 years old
Educational Approach: Montessori Method – Focuses on self-discovery and exploration at a child’s own pace.
Cost: $18,540 – $32,090 per year (varies by program and includes extended day options). Financial aid is available.
5. Munchkinland Preschool & Family Daycare
Munchkinland is a daycare and preschool program designed to nurture your child’s love for learning through creativity, exploration, and fun. They use an eclectic approach that blends elements of Kumon, Montessori, and hands-on learning to cater to a variety of learning styles. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, language skills, math, creativity, and exploration through play. They prioritize building strong relationships with each child, ensuring they feel safe, secure, and loved. Background checks, CPR certifications, and immunizations are mandatory for all staff. They provide organic meals and snacks, ensuring your child receives proper nutrition throughout the day. They also provide daily reports and photos/videos to keep you updated on your child’s activities and progress.
Location: 4710 Cabrillo Street, San Francisco, CA 94121
Age Range: 2 years old and over (with occasional spots for 12-month-olds)
Educational Approach: Eclectic, play-based, with elements of Kumon, Montessori, and hands-on learning
Cost: Varies, call for details (415.386.2006)
6. Creative Montessori Preschool
Creative Montessori Preschool offers a beautiful, harmonious environment filled with Montessori materials and child-sized furnishings. Their child-centred approach allows children freedom to move around and make their own choices, fostering independence and a love for learning.
Location: 3101 Vicente Street, San Francisco, CA 94116
Age Range: 2 to 5 years old (mixed-age classrooms)
Educational Approach: The Montessori curriculum
Cost: Contact the school for details.
7. Rainbow Montessori of San Francisco
Rainbow Montessori offers a full Montessori curriculum in a beautiful setting at McCoppin Square Park. The school emphasises a love for learning, respect for all, and inner peace. The school is surrounded by trees, grass, and an outdoor playground, with access to the Parkside Library for weekly visits. Extended care is available from 7:30 am to 8:30 am and 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
Location: 2358 24th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94116 (McCoppin Square Park, Parkside District)
Age Range: 2.5 to 5.9 years old
Educational Approach: Montessori curriculum
Cost: Contact the school for details
8. The Little School
The Little School is a private non-profit preschool founded to provide young children in San Francisco with a developmental, child-centred preschool experience. The Little School’s educational philosophy is based on the belief that relationships are the foundation for all learning and growth. The school’s program is designed to foster strong relationships between children, teachers, and families.
Location: 1520 Lyon Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
Age Range: 2 years old to 5 years old
Educational Approach: Play-based and child-centred
Cost: $34,200 for a full-day program. The school also offers financial aid to families who qualify.
9. TelHi Co-op
TelHi Co-op is a non-profit, parent-participation preschool serving children ages 2 to 5 in San Francisco. Founded in 1954, the school provides a safe and stimulating environment where children can develop socially, physically, emotionally, and intellectually through play-based learning. Parents actively participate in the classroom, working alongside teachers and helping with administrative tasks.
Location: Helen Wills Clubhouse, 1401 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94109
Age Range: 2 to 5 years old
Educational Approach: Play-based learning
Cost: $725/month with scholarships available. There is also a classroom cleaning fee of $213 per semester.
10. Little Bee Daycare And Preschool
Little Bee Daycare and Preschool is designed for kids aged 2 to 4. The preschool practices progressive education by encouraging children to make mistakes, take risks and find answers from experiences and discovery. Children develop social and language skills through interaction with peers and teachers. The school also provides a variety of hands-on projects like field trips to help children explore the world around them.
Location: 2733 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123 b/t Baker St & Lyon St, Marina/Cow Hollow, Presidio
Age: 2 to 4 years old
Educational Approach: Montessori, Reggio Emilia and play based learning.
Cost: $2835 for preschool full day program and $2985 for full day toddler program.
How to choose the right preschool in San Francisco, CA?
Finding the perfect San Francisco daycare can feel like climbing a hill – exciting, but with some challenges along the way. Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate the journey:
Here’s how:
- Treasure Hunt: San Francisco boasts a rich tapestry of preschool options, each with its own philosophy and approach. Embrace the search as an opportunity to discover a program that aligns with your child’s unique needs and your family’s values.
- Focus on the Fit: The best preschool isn’t necessarily the most prestigious. It’s about finding a place where your child feels comfortable, safe, and stimulated to learn and grow.
- Long-term Vision: Preschool is the foundation for your child’s educational journey. Consider if the program aligns with your long-term vision for their development.
- Waitlists: Popular preschools in San Francisco can have long waitlists. Start your research early, ideally during pregnancy or before your child turns one.
- Competition: With high demand and limited spots, securing a place can feel competitive. Be prepared to act quickly once you find a program that resonates with you.
- Cost: San Francisco preschool tuition can vary widely. Factor in costs like registration fees, meals, and additional programs when making your decision.
- Location & Schedule: Consider the commute and how it fits with your work schedule. Does the program offer full-day or half-day options?
- Research & Visits: Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Tour schools, interview directors, and get a feel for the environment.
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