Understanding the SF Preschool Landscape
When I was a first-time mom, one of the most surprising and overwhelming experiences was preschool admissions. I thought I had time—but in San Francisco, many private preschools begin their admissions process in September for enrollment the following fall. That means the process may start sooner than you think.
It felt like everyone else had a secret manual. I was cobbling together advice from playground chats, moms’ WhatsApp groups, and spreadsheets passed between friends. That’s exactly why I created this guide: to save you time, stress, and second-guessing.
San Francisco offers a wide range of preschool options—from private programs with distinct educational philosophies to the new universal public Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for all four-year olds.
But choosing a preschool is about much more than just finding an open spot. It’s about what aligns with your child’s personality and your family’s rhythms, values, and logistics.
Factors to Consider
Location: Think about your daily life. Do you want something near home, work, or on your commute?
Ages & Potty Training: Many preschools start between 2 and 4, and applying at the earliest possible age can increase your chance of acceptance. Some schools may require kids to be potty trained, so consider that when thinking about readiness and your timeline.
Schedule: You'll find a wide variety of schedule options from half days and part time to full-time care. Think about what works best for your child’s energy and routine, as well as what your family needs for work and caregiving.
Cost & Financial Aid: Tuition varies anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000/month in SF. Some schools offer financial aid or sliding scales. Co-ops tend to be more affordable but often require parent participation.
Educational Philosophy: Preschools vary widely in teaching style. Think about what kind of environment your child will thrive in. From play-based to Montessori to Reggio Emilia, it’s worth exploring the many different approaches to find the best fit.
Language Immersion: Whether you're a bilingual household or want your child to learn a foreign language, there are several schools that offer language immersion programming.
Preschool & Beyond: Some programs are standalone, while others feed into elementary or even K–8 schools or have infant and toddler programs. Think about whether you want a preschool-only experience or a longer-term school community.
Meals, Culture, & Extras: Some schools provide all meals while others provide snacks. Some schools are nut or allergen-free, and some schools do not have allergen policies. Be sure to think about how the parent community, adult/child ratios, and physical setting align.
Private Preschool Admissions Timeline and Tips
The timeline for private school admissions starts early:
September-October: Admissions cycles typically kick off a full year before your child would start. That’s when you’ll want to begin researching and attending info sessions, as applications often open early—even before tours.
November: Many competitive schools have deadlines around November 1, and late applications can land you on a waitlist.
December to February: schools host adult-only tours, interviews, and sometimes child playdates. If you're applying for financial aid, those forms are usually due in January.
March: Most schools send out admission decisions in early March. In the weeks leading up, follow up with your top-choice school(s) to express strong interest. Letting them know they’re your preferred option can make a difference. If your child is offered a spot, you’ll typically need to confirm and submit a deposit quickly.
Maximize your chances by applying to as many schools as realistically fit your family’s needs. More options mean a better chance at finding a great fit. And if you don’t get in right away, don’t lose hope! Waitlists can move, so it’s worth checking in regularly.