As parents, you want to provide a safe and nurturing environment where your child can explore, learn, and grow. Thus, it is deemed necessary for you to choose an early childhood learning program that can provide a positive and motivating atmosphere for the child. If you are thinking about how and where to find the best private preschool programs for your kids, well, don’t worry! We offer you our top choices of the best private preschool in San Francisco.
San Francisco private preschool provides a developmentally appropriate curriculum that addresses the multi-faceted educational needs of your child, either through play-based programs, in-depth learning, innovative arts, or a project-based curriculum. They are known to deliver an intense curriculum tailored to every child’s needs.
This kind of educational institution focuses on programs that develop your kid’s math, literacy, social, and fine motor skills. More so, these private preschool programs are designed to help your child advance through meaningful play and various academic activities.
To identify the best private preschool, we reviewed rankings for all private schools from the 2024 Best Private Preschools in San Francisco list released by school and neighborhood data clearinghouse Niche. The rankings below have been compiled based on parent reviews and pre-K statistics from the U.S. Department of Education, a comparison of pre-K cost, part-time and full-day PK options, and independent school ratings.
To make choosing the best private preschool for your child easier, we have picked our top 10 best private schools in San Francisco.
6565 Skyline Blvd., Hillsborough, CA 94010
Phone Number: (650) 350-4600
#1 Best Private K-12 Schools in San Francisco Bay Area
Grade: A+
Students: 853
Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: —
Nueva is a place that brings together preschool students from across the San Francisco Bay Area to engage in a rigorous PreK program anchored by a community that is caring and compassionate. The excitement of discovery and exploration comes to life within the classroom and across the sprawling Hillsborough campus. With teachers as their guides, preschool students are offered intellectual challenges that ignite their passion for learning.
At Nueva, the amount of support and encouragement that students share with each other is one of the key ingredients of the magic in the community. Learning occurs through thematic studies, and faculty shape the student-centered curriculum aligned with The Nueva Way philosophy. They encourage students’ questions and inquiries and foster their curiosity.
1155 Page St., San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone Number: (415) 558-2000
#11 in Best Private K-12 Schools in San Francisco Bay Area
Grade: A+
Students: 1,067
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $31,930
Maternelle is a unique bilingual immersion environment beginning at age 2 for PK2, PK3, PK4, and kindergarten students. Initially, students benefit from classes conducted in French 80%-90% of the time. As younger children have a distinct capacity to learn another language, they watch their students go from zero French to age-appropriate ability by the end of kindergarten.
At Maternelle, children transition from home security and begin a journey toward independence in a loving and nurturing environment. Their program is hands-on and child-centered and teaches children to work together while developing their own personalities. Classrooms are bright and colorful, opening into expansive, shared spaces that blur the lines between work and play.
755 Ashbury St., San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone Number: (415) 661-5232
#13 in Best Private K-12 Schools in San Francisco Bay Area
Grade: A+
Students: 858
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $32,000
At Lycée Français de San Francisco, preschool can start at age 2. The 3 to 4-year cycle, referred to as “Maternelle” in French, plays a key role in the development of children and their successful transition into thriving students. It builds the foundations children will later use during their entire schooling and inspires them to create and explore while allowing them to develop their individual personalities.
The class represents a learning community that lays the foundations for building social skills. Diversity and inclusion are a focus of the nurturing LFSF Preschool program. Understanding and respecting differences is key, and adults must ensure that all children are treated equitably. It builds the confidence they need to trust their own power to act and think responsibly.
25 Whittier Street San Francisco, CA 94112
Phone Number: (415) 586-1117
#141 Best Private K-12 Schools in California
Grade: A-
Students: 247
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $12,000
As one of the best private preschool, San Francisco Christian School has many success stories for which to praise the Lord. They have an enthusiastic and capable student-body with endless potential. Their international program reaches these students with the message of Jesus Christ, so they can return to their home countries and families with the Gospel.
At San Francisco Christian School, they strive to make private preschool Christian education an affordable option for families throughout San Francisco and the entire Bay Area. From routine coursework and innovative teaching models to their in-depth English immersion program, their faculty is well versed to best prepare your son or daughter for life in and outside the classroom.
3801 Balboa St., San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone Number: (415) 906-2220
Grade: A+
Students: 100
Student-Teacher Ratio: 3:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $29,500
Terra San Francisco preschool is a Reggio Emilia-inspired, nature-based program offering immersion in Mandarin or Spanish language and culture for ages 2-4.5. Their preschools offer children the opportunity to investigate the world around them and create meaning through play and project-based learning. Experiential projects and lessons are catered to each child.
Weekly outdoor excursions, led by our experienced Earth Education teachers, inspire a love for the natural world, while Social Emotional Learning is infused throughout the curriculum to encourage empathy and respect for others. With small class sizes, every child receives personalized attention and support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
1550 Treat Ave., San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone Number: (415) 226-9504
Grade: A+
Students: 62
Student-Teacher Ratio: 4:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $18,000
At Donum Dei, they are dedicated to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. This dedication extends to its preschool program and strengthens its commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education.
Under the leadership of its Early Childhood Education Director and Lead Preschool Teacher, The Nest is well-positioned to spark wonder, wisdom, and worship as it undertakes the mission of creating a love of learning in its youngest students.
728 20th St., San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone Number: (415) 558-9006
Grade: A+
Students: 430
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: —
The La Scuola preschool program is rooted in Reggio Emilia, an approach emphasizing autonomy and collaboration as children build self-esteem and respect for one another in a play-based environment. They believe children are robust learners who actively construct theories about their world. They test their hypotheses through play and social interactions.
In a small class setting (ratios of 1:7 for Piccoli and Grandi and 1:8 for Grandissimi), teachers offer materials to help children develop a deep and connected understanding of the world. Art, music, drama, and sculpture/construction are a part of every day at our preschool, as pre-academic skills are smoothly integrated into the children’s play.
645 14th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone Number: (415) 446-1537
Grade: A+
Students: 103
Student-Teacher Ratio: 4:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $28,440
Stratford School’s preschool program lays the foundation for students to develop core competencies of collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Their teachers create a warm and nurturing learning environment that allows students to flourish.
Its program cultivates their natural curiosity and wonder by encouraging inquiry and teaching lessons through hands-on learning. At the same time, they balance academic learning with socialization and lots of fun to inspire a love of learning at a young age.
One Carey School Lane, San Mateo, CA 94403
Phone Number: (650) 345-8205
Grade: A+
Students: 295
Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $34,415
At Carey, students sprint onto campus each day, excitedly and eager to engage. As a school centered on early childhood education, they marshal all of their resources to these developmental stages because they believe where you’re educated first matters most. The result is a distinctive Carey magic that sparks across campus from the amphitheater to the Hall of Feathers.
Their unique eight-year learning path blends the best of traditional methods with the most innovative ideas to achieve a just-right, developmentally appropriate balance for all ages and stages. Their students graduate with confidence and are well‐prepared for the next school and beyond. They relish the moments when the curriculum comes to life and learning is palpable.
301 De Montfort Ave., San Francisco, CA 94112
Phone Number: (415) 324-6658
Grade: A+
Students: 159
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $27,250
The Stratford pre-kindergarten curriculum teaches students to ask questions and think critically. Students begin their day with imaginative STEAM play, designed to develop their natural curiosity and problem-solving skills. They enjoy Spanish class several times a week, and progress at a faster rate than other pre-K students because of Stratford’s focus on English language fundamentals.
You’ll find that your child’s teachers care deeply about each student and about their families. The relationships and friendships your child develops here will shape their future success. Their beautiful campus offers a full-size gymnasium for our P.E. program and after-school sports, along with a library, science lab, performance stage, and two playgrounds.
Now that you’ve discovered our top choices, your next step is to assess which academic institution will cater to your child’s educational needs. Your choice of private preschool programs can impact the foundation of your child’s future learning. Each of these early childhood institutions can provide a comprehensive curriculum that can help your preschool-age child get a head start.
Undeniably, the best private preschool in San Francisco aims to deliver high-quality education and help them reach their fullest potential – preparing them to become concerned, independent, and active citizens.
San Francisco offers so many opportunities for kids to enjoy and have fun all year round! Check out our list of resources, or browse through our things to do in San Francisco with kids. Still looking for more activities for kids in San Francisco? No problem! Check out our comprehensive listing of places to go in the region and our highly recommended education blog posts.
Our 10 Best Private Preschools in San Diego
Our 10 Best Private Preschools in Los Angeles
Our 10 Best Private Preschools in San Jose
Our 10 Best Private Preschools in Sacramento
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