Playful, community-powered preschool where children thrive through exploration.
Laurel Hill Nursery School in San Francisco offers a play-based preschool where attentive teachers foster social, emotional, and early learning skills. Reviews highlight a warm, inclusive community and a cooperative program that invites parent involvement. Its outdoor space—with multiple decks, sandpits, climbing structures, and water play—supports self-directed exploration and joyful learning.
401 Euclid Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
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A curriculum focused on free play and child-led games to develop emotional regulation, social skills, and kindergarten readiness.
Parents volunteer weekly shifts and participate in school activities, fostering community involvement and family connections.
Extensive outdoor space with decks, sandpits, climbing structures, water play, and nature activities for imaginative learning.
Programs designed to build confidence, kindness, and academic foundations for a smooth transition to kindergarten.
Opportunities for families to connect through supportive events and collaborative activities within the school.
Overall rating
brittney
Incredibly happy to have found this school for our daughter. Every teacher and caregiver is attentive and patient. The play based model allows for kids to learn how to regulate their emotions through free play and imaginative child-led games. Our daughter is confident, kind and prepared for kindergarten next year.
Julie Collins
I highly recommend Laurel Hill Nursery School! My child attended Laurel Hill for two years, and we have had a wonderful experience. The teachers at Laurel Hill are truly exceptional. They are caring, knowledgeable, and passionate about early childhood education. They created a warm and supportive environment where my child thrived. Laurel Hill's play-based curriculum is perfect for young learners. My child loves spending thier days exploring, creating, and learning through play. They developed their social, emotional, and academic skills in a fun and engaging way. I was also impressed with Laurel Hill's parent community. Everyone was welcoming and supportive, and I quickly made friends with other parents. I also appreciated the opportunity to participate in the school's cooperative program. It been a great way to get involved in my child's education and meet other families.
Natalie Savicke
Enrolling my son at Laurel Hill has been an incredible decision for our family. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were warmly welcomed into a nurturing and inclusive community that has truly started to become an extension of our family. The teachers and volunteers are absolutely incredible. Their genuine care for each child's development and well-being is evident in every interaction. My son, who is naturally reserved and hesitant in new environments, formed a special bond with a few of the teachers within just a few weeks. They have a unique talent for understanding his needs and encouraging his participation in activities at his own pace. I wholeheartedly recommend Laurel Hill to any parent seeking out a play based preschool. It's been a transformative experience for my son and our entire family.
Christine Cantwell
Our family has been a part of Laurel hill in both the afternoon program and the preK and it is a wonderful and home-ly place. Meaning it feels like a home and a place kids can experience wonder and excitement and enthusiasm for their discoveries and I think it is very beneficial to all the family members to experience the co-op nursery school thing if it can work logistically for you. (You have to work one 3 hour shift a week and do other volunteer hours throughout the year). The staff is all caring and thoughtful and I see how the kids just grow more and more into themselves and shine with the Love that everyone (Meaning the other parents workers too) gives to the program because they really care and want the best for all the children.
Micaela Davis
I cannot recommend Laurel Hill enough for families with young children. It is truly a special place and we have had an incredible time here with our kids. The teachers and staff are loving, experienced and professional. The outdoor space at the school is unmatched in the city with multiple levels of decks, sandpits and play areas, climbing structures, a 'cafe' area for cooking sand stew, slides, a biking zone, redwood trees and plenty of water play, digging, art, swinging, imaginary play and any other activities the kids dream up in their self-directed day. And working alongside the teachers and other parents at the school is truly an invaluable learning and community-building experience!
