How to Apply to Preschool

 
Preschool is such a precious time in your child’s development, and their first introduction to school is so important. At CDS, we cherish this amazing stage of childhood, honoring the way your little one learns best with our program that prioritizes play, curiosity, and community.

Here's what makes our preschool unique:

    List of 3 frequently asked questions.

    • Expert Teachers, Lasting Relationships

      With an 8:1 student-teacher ratio and three teachers per classroom, your child gets the attention they deserve from educators who truly understand child development. Our preschool teachers average 21 years of experience in early childhood education and 15 years teaching preschool at CDS. The experience, professionalism, and dedication of our preschool teachers make our program truly unique!

    • A Space Purposefully Designed for Little Ones

      Our new Early Childhood Center, aka the Treehouse, was designed specifically for how preschoolers learn. From our rooftop playground with the city's biggest sandbox to indoor and outdoor space for multiple learning areas, every detail was created for curious 3-5-year-olds to explore in a safe, secure environment in the heart of the city. Plus, they'll feed chickens and visit our sheep in the Farm & Garden right outside their classrooms!

    • Preschool Today, Ready for Tomorrow

      From their earliest years, CDS students learn to investigate with curiosity, navigate conflict with compassion, and engage meaningfully with their community. These skills, part of our unique curriculum that nurtures nine key competencies, are developed and nurtured as they grow, connecting their learning from age 3 through grade 8. Download our eBook, Learning for the Future, to learn more!
    Get started on your application

    To begin your application, first create an account on Ravenna. In Ravenna, you can manage school applications, register for events, and track your admissions progress. If you have any issues navigating Ravenna, please contact Erin McHale, our Assistant Director of Admissions, at erinm@cds-sf.org.

    .
    .
    Important Dates: 
    • January 13, 2026 Preschool & TK applications due
    • January 20, 2026 Sliding Scale Tuition applications due
    Learn more about Sliding Scale Tuition.

    Application Process

    See our three-step application process below. Log in or create a Ravenna account here, and see our visit page for upcoming tour dates!
    Notification of Decision

    Admission decisions are emailed in mid-March. We craft each class looking for a balance in ages as well as socio-economic, racial, cultural, and family diversity. Read our nondiscrimination policy.


    How old does my child need to be to enroll in preschool or kindergarten?
    CDS preschoolers must be three years old by September 1, 2026 and fully potty trained to enroll for the 2026-27 school year. Kindergartners must be five years old by September 1, 2026. Children who will turn five years old between May 1 and December 1, 2026 are eligible for our Transitional Kindergarten program.

    See more admissions FAQs.
    Contact Us
    Questions? Contact our enrollment team or see our FAQ page.

    Kristina Berman
    Director of Enrollment Management
    (415) 861-5432 x322
    kristinab@cds-sf.org

    Erin McHale
    Assistant Director of Enrollment Management
    (415) 861-5432 x337 
    erinm@cds-sf.org

    Applicants and their family members who require reasonable accommodations to participate in the admission process should contact the Enrollment Management Team at admissions@cds-sf.org.

    Read our nondiscrimination statement. 

    Children's Day School

    Preschool-Grade 8
    333 Dolores Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
    (415) 861-5432
    Children's Day School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.  Learn More
    ©2022 Blackbaud Inc. All Rights Reserved