Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in San Francisco, CA
The Goddard School of San Francisco – Northern Waterfront is a private preschool center with highly qualified teachers. We offer a range of programs including preschool, toddler care,...
Pre-Kindergarten
As children prepare for Kindergarten, our Pre-K classroom offers exciting opportunities for them to develop the skills they will need while making friends and exploring the world around them. Our Pre-Kindergarten program helps your child learn more about themselves, others and the world around them. Teachers engage in play with students, helping them to develop their social skills and learn more about effective communication. Our Wonder of Learning™ curriculum emphasizes a child-led, teacher-guided approach, encouraging interactive, purposeful learning experiences that allows students to grow their math and literacy skills, preparing them for Kindergarten and beyond.
Preschool Classroom
In our Preschool classroom, children start their journeys into a cooperative learning environment where they can discover interests and learn in a more structured setting. At The Goddard School®, we recognize that classrooms are made up of many unique children and teachers work to create engaging, innovative, play-based lessons with the interests and needs of every child in mind. Through the power of asking a question, your child will learn how to seek answers and advocate for themselves in the classroom. The Wonder of Learning™ curriculum takes your child's natural curiosity and encourages them to ask even more questions because asking questions fuels learning. When children want to know something, they learn faster and learning becomes an understanding that lasts a lifetime.
Responds quickly
Mission Montessori in San Francisco provides a warm, authentic Montessori environment where children feel known, supported, and inspired to learn. Through hands-on Montessori experiences, children...
Responds quickly
Speaks Spanish
Welcome to Building Kidz! We are a small preschool serving families in the Richmond District of San Francisco. Our philosophy is to develop the “whole child”. We focus on 6 key areas of development:...
Pre-K
Our super star explorers have already developed their Confidence, Commitment and Character and are now getting ready for the next phase in their preschool endeavors as future Kindergartners. These children will continue to be lifelong learners and will foster the love for exploration by further building on their existing knowledge base from getting additional exposure to science, math and technology. We implement many opportunities for growth and will continue to build on their emotional, social, cognitive, physical, communication, and academic skills. When the children leave our program, they will be ready to embark on their next journey and will be prepared to take on new challenges confidently!
Preschool
This classroom provides an enriched and challenging hands-on curriculum that continues to ignite children’s inner curiosity enabling realistic learning opportunities through a solid routine that brings out their creativity. Exploring world geography, reading multicultural literature, researching world cultures, playing traditional games are just some of the ways we are building a community of global learners. Throughout the learning process, our students are able to watch their teacher model, or demonstrate, each step in the task or strategy multiple times. Such modeling and repetition allows students to understand both how to perform each step and why each step is important. In this phase our children are practicing by applying their knowledge and developing it further by learning about the world and its food, music and clothing. Children will get to explore and experience various cultures Around the World.
Responds quickly
Speaks Spanish
Spanish immersion preschool program for toddler and preschool-age children operating as small neighborhood campuses throughout the Bay Area. Teachers provide early childhood education in a multi-age,...
Responds quickly
Speaks Spanish
Play based preschool that strives toward a child-centered curriculum. Teachers put play at the heart of curriculum and help support children through activities, materials, and thoughtful teaching....
Responds quickly
Speaks Spanish
Serra is a developmentally appropriate, play-based preschool with a spiritual framework. We believe that play – spontaneous, self-initiated, and joyful – is at the heart of a child’s development,...
Pre-K Program
Our teachers create a stimulating, challenging environment that fosters self-competence and supports the child’s developing self-image. Because children need to experience success, we work within each child’s developmental ability. Children learn to clarify, organize, and extend their exploration.
Older Preschoolers
Our program consists of experiential learning designed specifically to enhance a child's social skills and growing autonomy. Field trips take our children into the surrounding forests. We delve further into social and emotional development with deepening friendships and collaborative play.
Responds quickly
Give them the BEST start in life. Authentic MONTESSORI education, HIGH ACADEMICS, and hands-on STEAM in a warm, NURTURING environment where your child is seen and supported. Our school is TOP-RATED...
Responds quickly
Speaks Spanish
Preschool program offers full curriculum of Dr. Maria Montessori's philosophy and principles of education for older toddlers and school-age children up to age 6. Activities encourage curiosity,...
Pre-K Program
Rainbow Montessori of San Francisco
We are a Montessori preschool serving fourteen to sixteen children, 2.4-5.9. We offer a TK program as well.
Responds quickly
Speaks Spanish
Preschool in Bernal Heights with a family-like environment. Curriculum promotes social and emotional development through age-appropriate activities and mixed-age peer interactions. Daily routine...
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Chinese immersion preschool center located in the heart of the Inner Richmond District. Program offers developmentally based Mandarin immersion preschool while providing children with an educational...
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Mandarin immersion preschool Center located Russian Hill.. Children enjoy a learning environment with an engaging preschool curriculum that emphasizes kindness and personal responsibility in addition...
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Childcare center offering early education and enrichment with a focus on literacy, art, early academics, physical education, and social skills. Site utilizes a play-based curriculum designed to...
Prekindergarten Program
Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.
Preschool Program
Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.
Responds quickly
Early education program serving infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. Program is divided into five age-appropriate classrooms and derives its philosophy from three core values which are...
Responds quickly
Dolphin Stars Childcare and Preschool is your trusted destination for exceptional early education and care. The director and teachers have over decade of experience working in childcare field. We...
Whale
Children play via exploration, hand-on experience, and active engagement of play. Children will start to develop ideas and share their thoughts to the teachers. Creative curriculum to help children express their minds.
Daycare Program
Responds quickly
Childcare program where kids learn through play. Children explore the environment through self-direction and teacher-directed projects and games. Students learn in a mixed-age environment and program...
Speaks Spanish
Mandarin-immersion preschool and daycare program where children develop skills in critical thinking and problem solving in preparation for kindergarten. Children are encouraged to make discoveries and...
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We offer a variety of educational and developmentally appropriate programs for toddlers and preschoolers. Our curriculum centers on the whole child through creating a balance of both guided...
Pre-K/TK Preschool Class
In TK, we prepare students for kindergarten and beyond. Our desire is for our students to enter kindergarten with excitement and confidence. We work on the forms and functions of pre-academics while developing a strong sense of self.
4's Preschool Class
Here, we focus on social and emotional learning and peer scaffolding. We begin to explore how we can learn from our friends, and how we can communicate how we feel. We will also delve into academics designed to prepare students for pre-kindergarten, while instilling a lifelong love of learning.
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Glenridge Cooperative Nursery School, founded in 1970, is a private preschool located within San Francisco’s only natural canyon in Glen Park. Our school provides child-centered, naturalistic, and...
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Seabird Preschool is conveniently located a short walk from the Transamerica building (entrance next to 750 Pacific Ave). It has a modern facility with an integrated sound system and air conditioning....
Speaks Spanish
Our mission is to provide quality childcare and bilingual preschool education that promotes the healthy growth of the whole child: mind, body, and spirit. At Little Robles, we believe that play is...
Speaks Spanish
Mandarin-immersion preschool and daycare program where children develop skills in critical thinking and problem solving in preparation for kindergarten. Children are encouraged to make discoveries and...
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A joyful, play-based cooperative preschool just steps from George Christopher Playground and Glen Canyon. Here, children learn and grow through stories, songs, hands-on exploration, and plenty of...
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Non-profit childcare program dedicated to the development of the whole child within a bilingual Cantonese and English framework. Child-centered, inquiry-based curriculum encourages an appreciation of...
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Large Mandarin immersion preschool with separate classrooms for 2, 3, and 4 year olds. Utilizes a Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum where learning emerges naturally from the ideas, curiosities and...
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At La Scuola International School, we believe our complex, interconnected society demands a new model of education that opens minds, expands hearts, and fills our spirits with joy. Our curiosity-first...
Speaks Spanish
Bilingual preschool providing education in both English and Russian. Children are encouraged to progress at an individual pace through structured curriculum and hands-on learning activities. Lessons...
Speaks Spanish
Preschool in the Fillmore district with a large playground where children learn through activities like art, music, free play, yoga, and outdoor play. Wood shop class is offered for age 4 and over.
Speaks Spanish
Mixed-age preschool in the Glen Park area. Utilizes a Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum where children are given a safe and encouraging environment to learn through inquiry and exploration. Daily...
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At Starlight, we believe learning should be joyful, meaningful, and engaging. Through purposeful play, interactive experiences, and caring relationships, children are encouraged to explore, discover,...
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Preschool and daycare center offering Catholic preschool and Pre-K programs and an early education journey. Academic programs, including Spanish, Chinese, and soccer lessons, ensure a well-rounded...
Speaks Spanish
Montessori preschool serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
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Family-owned and operated Montessori preschool with a three-year, mixed-age program. Mission is to provide a well-rounded education that supports social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Learning...
Speaks Spanish
Mandarin immersion infant and preschool center that recognizes the human desire to learn and promotes self-expression. Program provides an educational environment where each child's individual...
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We are a child-led, play-based, all-outdoor preschool in Golden Gate Park. We offer half day and full day programs, following the SFUSD calendar.
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Preschool welcoming children to learn, play, and grow since the program’s founding in 1952. Curriculum supports learning through play experiences in an environment where children are free to explore...
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Play-based preschool providing the opportunity to connect with nature. Program focuses on the belief that children have the capacity to learn and develop through play, sensory experiences, and...
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Preschool community rooted in Jewish values and San Francisco culture. Curriculum provides children with the freedom to discover surrounding world through play. School features spacious classrooms,...
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Full-time preschool in the Mission District for toddlers and preschool-age children. Program includes Spanish and English program options. Children are provided with a STEAM-based, hands-on curriculum...
Speaks Spanish
Completely immersive Montessori preschool and pre-kindergarten program in the Presidio Terrace area. Children are encouraged to independently pursue learning activities while building important...
Speaks Spanish
Parent cooperative nursery school providing children with an environment that encourages learning through play and connection. Members gain parenting support by working with early childhood educators...
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French Immersion preschool program providing a French-language education for children in a mixed age group setting. Curriculum allows children to learn French with an emphasis on art, science and...
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Our Montessori-inspired preschool combines play-based learning with hands-on activities that spark curiosity, independence, and a love of learning. With a low teacher-to-student ratio of 2:9, each...
Speaks Spanish
Preschool center offering flexible educational daycare for children. Curriculum is designed to build confidence in a comfortable learning atmosphere. Dedicated educators ensure every engaging activity...
Speaks Spanish
Non-profit child development center in the SoMa neighborhood at the Yerba Buena Gardens. Center offers early childhood education for infant, toddlers and preschoolers, along with with free...
Speaks Spanish
Preschool community rooted in Jewish values and San Francisco culture. Curriculum provides children with the freedom to discover surrounding world through play. Set inside the historic landmark...
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Early education program featuring an arts-integrated curriculum using extended learning projects. Children are encouraged to interact with peers of differing abilities and work together to solve...
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Diversity-focused preschool providing educational experiences to preschool-age children. Daily activities include circle time, free play, early academics, arts & crafts and time outdoors. Children are...
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Reggio Emilia and Montessori-inspired preschool offering a creative environment where children build and transform objects daily. Students are provided with open-ended materials that are carefully...
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Little Sun Preschool provides a play-based learning environment for young children in San Francisco's Sunset District. The center focuses on creative expression, social development, and early...
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Non-profit Head Start preschool that provides free full-day full-year and full-day part-year services to eligible children in San Francisco. Features a rooftop playground, easy public transit access,...
Speaks Spanish
Guides
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The Cost of Childcare in California
Curious how much daycare or preschool really costs in California? We break down average childcare rates by city, age, and program type—based on real data from local providers.
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What is the difference between preschool, Pre-K, and TK?
Preschool, Pre-K, and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) are all great options for children, depending on their ages and academic needs. Learn the difference.
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What is Universal Pre-K?
Universal Pre-K is a free, state-funded program for four-year-olds designed to introduce children to the pre-academic skills needed for Kindergarten.
FAQs About San Francisco Pre-K Programs
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What is Pre-K?
- Pre-K, or Pre-Kindergarten, is an educational program for children typically around four years old. It prepares them for kindergarten by introducing basic skills in language, math, and social interaction.
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At what age should I enroll my child in Pre-K?
- In most states, children start Pre-K around age four. Depending on when you live, appllications may be due months before they're eligible to attend.
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Do public schools have Pre-K?
- Many public schools offer free Pre-K programs for eligible families. These public preschool programs vary by state in terms of age requirements and classroom hours. Check with your local school district to see if public Pre-K is available near you.