We’re so glad you’re here.

A school for children between the ages of 2½ and 5 with a play-based curriculum in the heart of San Francisco since 1974.

Pacific Primary offers full-day, year-round programming grounded in play, curiosity, and belonging. Our caring teachers, expressive arts, and strong family community help children thrive, today and for life.

What makes Pacific Primary special

About Pacific Primary

Nurturing children through play, relationships, creativity, and community.

Our play-based, emergent curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and support the whole child. Children explore art, music, movement, nature, and storytelling while developing confidence, independence, and a love of learning.

The skills children practice here every day (solving problems, working through conflict peacefully, making friends, and caring for others) are skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives.

Learn more about our approach
A teacher and children exploring together in the classroom A child wearing a hand-made Peace Parade hat Children building together with colorful blocks

Explore the school

Summer bus field trips out of the city, a cherished tradition! 

#pacificprimary #earlychildhoodeducation #preschool #ba
Summer bus field trips out of the city, a cherished tradition! #pacificprimary #earlychildhoodeducation #preschool #bayareadiscoverymuseum #bayareaparents
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Our annual all-school pride march.

We always kick off the school year learning about how love makes a family, and learn
Our annual all-school pride march. We always kick off the school year learning about how love makes a family, and learn this song: Love makes a family So many ways we can be I want the world to see That love makes a family — “Love Makes a Family” by Jenny and David Heitler-Klevans #pacificprimary #earlychildhoodeducation #pridemonth #earlychildhoodeducator
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Penguins (2-3YO) make a Pride Flag! The children have been very interested in working with tape as an art medium.

#paci
Penguins (2-3YO) make a Pride Flag! The children have been very interested in working with tape as an art medium. #pacificprimary #earlychildhoodeducation #preschool #earlychildhoodeducator #pridemonth
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Summer is here! That means extra special yellow bus field trips out of the city, “water days,” and the return of our bel
Summer is here! That means extra special yellow bus field trips out of the city, “water days,” and the return of our beloved alums as they join us as volunteers and teaching assistants.
Today we celebrated the start of summer with “suikawari” (the traditional Japanese game of watermelon splitting). The Gr
Today we celebrated the start of summer with “suikawari” (the traditional Japanese game of watermelon splitting). The Gray Whales (3-4YO) and Sandpipers (2-3YO) took turns whacking their watermelons with a stick until they split open and we could enjoy them for afternoon snack! #pacificprimary #earlychildhoodeducation #preschool #earlychildhoodeducator #earlychildhooddevelopment
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@citybookworms (founded by PP alums!) has gifted us a beautiful new Little Free Library. Let the book sharing begin!

#p
@citybookworms (founded by PP alums!) has gifted us a beautiful new Little Free Library. Let the book sharing begin! #pacificprimary #littlefreelibrary #earlychildhoodeducation
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Three young friends with their arms around each other

Alumni

Once a Pacific Primary child, always part of our community.

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A Pacific Primary teacher working with children

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