San Francisco School
300 Gaven St, San Francisco 94134
The San Francisco School Preschool is a child-centered, play-based program that encourages children to become more independent, responsible, and compassionate. Over the years, The San Francisco School has blended traditional Montessori materials and approaches with the best of other early childhood approaches such as Reggio-Emilia, play, and inquiry-based. All philosophies are grounded in the belief of children’s abilities and utilization of their natural curiosity. Children are busy, engaged, and social. SFS provides a safe yet challenging environment where children learn to make friends, work together, and resolve conflicts.
At a glance
Extended care: 8 - 6pm
What this means
Montessori mixes children by age and uses hands-on, self-correcting materials so kids learn at their own pace with lots of independence. Reggio Emilia is a child-led approach where learning grows out of children's own questions and projects, with teachers as guides rather than instructors.
This school teaches primarily in English.
Tuition shown is as of 2024 and may have changed — confirm with the school.
Good questions to ask on a tour
- 1How do children's interests shape the projects you do, and can you share a recent example?
- 2What are the exact drop-off and pickup times, and is there any flexibility?
- 3Beyond the listed tuition, what other fees should I expect (application, deposit, materials, field trips)?
- 4How do you handle the transition for children starting mid-year or moving up from a younger classroom?
- 5What is your potty-training policy, and how do you support children who are still learning?
- 6How do you handle discipline, conflict between children, and big feelings?
- 7How does the transition to kindergarten work, and which elementary schools do graduates typically attend?
- 8What is your application timeline, and when do families typically hear back?
- 9How large is each class, and what is the teacher-to-child ratio?
- 10What does parent communication look like — updates, conferences, opportunities to be involved?