We had our child go to camp here and he came back so happy to discuss what happened. He learned so…read moremuch and was excited to tell me about it. We decided to then have his younger brother's birthday party there and it was the easiest birthday party I've ever thrown. All I did was order pizza and have it delivered to the place. Was such a great experience

After a number of years, our family we will not be returning to Stemful…read more This decision is based on my recent interaction with David. During the first day of a holiday camp, the front door was unfortunately vandalized. Not their fault! Was is in their control is how they handled it. 1. We received no communication about the incident until we arrived for drop off. They should have sent an email as soon as they discovered the vandalism so we don't show up in person! 2. When I did arrive for drop off, I asked about the status of the glass replacement, code compliance, and timing for completion. The questions I asked were reasonable and directly tied to safety and planning as a working parent. Instead of receiving clear information or empathy, I was met with condescension and a dismissive attitude. At no point was there acknowledgment of the very real constraints families are navigating--jobs, schedules, and the need for reliable, high-quality educational programs like the ones Stemful provides. The conversation centered almost entirely on David's personal stress in managing the situation, rather than on transparent communication with parents who are impacted by it. He essentially told me to go away and stop asking questions. 3. When I called back later to inquire about the status of the glass, he doubled down on his attitude, said "aren't you the person that was here before?" and demanded the name of my camper so we can "get this taken care of". It was incredibly threatening in language and tone and I didn't even feel comfortable giving my child's name. While we eventually got a refund, I'm not confident that me or my camper will be treated with respect and care in David's presence.

Our 6 year old daughter just completed a 2 week summer camp with Tree Frog Treks at the Christopher…read morePlayground location, and we were very impressed with the entire experience! The camp counselors - Najia, David, and Zita - were awesome. The kids were outdoors and active all day, learning about nature and the environment. Our daughter really enjoyed the field trips to Ocean Beach and Marin. As a 2 working parent family, we also appreciated the 9-5pm full day coverage (the only thing better would be an 8:30am start)! I'd highly recommend this summer camp, and look forward to returning next year.

My 6 yo daughter attended Tree Frog Treks at the McClaren Park location for two weeks this summer…read moreand absolutely loved it! She specifically asked to go to a camp where she could look at bugs, climb trees, and collect leaves all day long-- TFT delivered and then some! My daughter came home every day with a huge smile on her face, messy hair, dirty clothes, and lots of new facts about bugs and animals. It is exactly what you picture when you think of summer camp. The camp is well-organized. Good communication before and during camp sessions. The counselors are incredibly nice and you can tell that they love their jobs. I would happily re-enroll her at TFT next summer. Note: my daughter is fairly independent and responsible for her age. She enjoys imaginative play, makes friends easily, and speaks up when she needs help. Kids who need structure or hand-holding may not do as well in this camp.

If you've got some rock-star child who loves to write and is perfectly well-behaved, well, this is…read morethe camp for your kid. I'd even give it a five-star. If you've got a rock-star child who is a reluctant writer, and isn't always well-behaved, well, think twice before signing up your kid. One-star in that a case, and hence the over-all three-star review. My son, then just finishing second-grade didn't want to go to the camp. But I pulled the somewhat tiger-mom move, and forced him to go because good writing skills are important (and I have this arguably misguided notion that good writing skills are essential to being a successful human being). The writing stuff was great, and his finished story was adorable. But he had some conflicts with another boy, and the staff just didn't know how to deal with it. Not their fault. They're trained to help kids with their writing skills, not their social skills, and not to manage conflict in a healthy way. Well, partially not their fault. Letting one kid play with an i-Pad at times and not others was problematic, and led to numerous problems. A couple years later, my kid still complains about this camp. He is a better writer, though I'm not sure that was related to his two fairly miserable weeks there.

My kid loves to write stories about talking vegetables, gingerbread cookies who ice skate, and…read morestuffies that come to life and talk at night. It's all super fun and inventive except for that last one which is terrifying and gives me nightmares. Putting all of that interest in writing to use is challenging over the summer, when things slow down and routines change out of an academic focus and more into a "panic because I have to get a hair cut and a manicure and I have my kid with me all summer long." Adventures in Writing camp will allow you to get your hair did, your eyebrows waxed, and your frito lays nails done, all without a first grader pulling on your skirt. BONUS: They learn how to write, and have fun while doing it. Before the summer session begins, they call and check in, which is terrific for those of us who have tons of questions and want to know every detail of what their little angel will be doing in the two weeks they will spend with the writing counselors. Although honestly, my questions are more geared toward, "Do they have to be fully dressed when we arrive in the morning?" and, "Do I need to be fully dressed when we arrive in the morning?" AIW is one of those camps kids love, despite the academic focus. It will push them towards better writing habits, stronger writing skills, and more creative thinking when producing written work. All that, and you get two weeks of grown up time. Score!

This is my daughter's 4th year at The San Francisco School (we started in preschool 3), and we have…read morebeen very happy here so far! The teachers and staff are warm and nurturing, and the community is very down to earth and kind. We especially love the strong SEL program and excellent music program. We also very much appreciate the school's Extended Day (aftercare and summer camp offerings) as a family with two parents who work full-time. SFS rocks!

We have two kids at The San Francisco School (SFS) and couldn't be happier. Incredible teachers, a…read morewelcoming community, and a well run organization that includes great extended day and summer offerings. Would recommend to anyone looking for a great place for their preschooler to middle schooler!

I am so sad that my kids had to leave this program, because it truly made such a positive impact on…read moreour family. Both of my children attended, and I cannot express enough gratitude for the amazing care, love, and attention the teachers and staff provided. From day one, it felt less like childcare and more like building a relationship with people who genuinely cared for my kids. I always felt at ease dropping them off each morning from 8 to 3, which is not something that comes easily these days. The teachers were not only involved but also incredibly communicative. Any time I had a question, needed support, or even just reached out with a call or text, they were quick to respond and always helpful. The program has truly helped prepare my children for kindergarten, giving them a strong foundation in academics, social skills, and independence. They grew so much here, and I know they will carry those lessons with them. The YMCA provides a safe and welcoming environment. There's a large playground, separate classrooms for different ages, and restrooms that accommodate children at all stages (even those still working on potty training). Meals and snacks are provided daily, and the children have nap time on cots,The staff also keep the kids engaged with a variety of activities, from learning numbers, colors, and early reading skills to building friendships and learning how to socialize. Most importantly, the teachers treat the children as if they were their own. They go above and beyond every single day. My kids loved being there, and we will miss everyone so much. If you are considering enrolling your child here, I highly recommend this YMCA. It is a place where children are truly cared for, supported, and prepared for the next stage of their lives.

I truly love YMCA Mission. Both my son and daughter were enrolled in this preschool, where they…read morewere nurtured, supported, and prepared for the next chapter in their lives. My son still remembers his teachers, Lorena and Navila, who became such an important part of our daily lives--we are so grateful to them. My daughter also attended Mission before transferring to Alice Chalmer. We are forever thankful to the Y for giving us peace of mind, knowing our children were safe and secure in such a caring environment.

The staff is friendly and helpful. Most importantly, no pickleball noise. I'm glad I was invited to…read moreplay at this location.

Stay away if possible. They are running on an ultra lean staff, and trying to cut costs wherever…read morepossible. If you have a billing question, good luck. (and you will, because they will load up your bills with extraneous costs, charge you late fees if you don't pay, and literally never ever respond to help) If you want a towel, take your chances. You're probably going to be air drying. If you like poor client service - you're definitely in the right place. There's no number to call. No one will ever answer you. You'll also find in your membership terms that they can raise rates at their discretion, and boy have they lived up to this. by the latest estimate they've raised dues over 50% over the last 4 quarters. They're trying to build a monopoly in the Bay Area, and make sure we have no other options. The class schedule continues to dwindle. They book paid camps and lessons over the basketball and tennis courts, so there's minimal availability over primetime. The recipe for Bay Club is clear. Charge people more while giving them less and less for their money.

The hidden gem of the Bay Area---SO WORTH IT! My son has been there at age 6 and now at age 8…read more Picture this-- you drive your child into an easy to reach part of Golden Gate Park. Super friendly and super competent staff round up just 2 SMALL GROUPS of nice kids at a playground (Mother's Meadow right near 19th) then they go 5 DAYS A WEEK OF FUN FIELD TRIPS or do special outings in GG park. REALLY REALLY GREAT. Amazingly this is one of the few camps in this area that is not booked to the gills-- you can get a slot!!! THE BEST. Susan Edwards ROCKS!!!!

My son loves this summer camp and is looking forward to going back this summer. The camp is an…read moreoutdoor camp and the younger children get to explore all the wonderful places in and around The Golden Gate Park. The older children get to explore the wonders of the Bay area with many cool outings to places I had never heard of. My child returned home tired, dirty and very happy, always excited about the next day. I can highly recommend this summer camp.

My son has been going to this camp since he's 2.5 He…read moreabsolutely loves it. He's in nature all day and practices Spanish. If you are looking for a Spanish immersion camp for younger children- this one is an absolute gem.

Mi Escuelita is truly a hidden gem of a preschool and camp. My 3 year old and 5 year old often do…read morethe outdoor camps in Glen Park Canyon with Ines, and I can honestly say I have never seen bigger smiles, sweeter arts and crafts projects (making lanterns, Valentine heart "kiss" necklaces, pinecone turkeys), or more adventure stories (being brave crossing over a stream together and climbing mountains)! They adore being together and adventuring in the canyon and practicing their Spanish! Mi Escuelita is our go-to camp in the city now, and Ines is an inspiring educator who loves being creative with the kids. Highly recommend!

We're a Stratford family with an 8th grader, and our experience has been extremely…read morepositive--especially in high school preparation and the overall school culture. The academics are strong and thoughtfully designed, and the teachers genuinely care about student growth. We've seen our child become more confident, independent, and ready for the increased expectations of high school. The support during the high school application process really stood out. The Principal and staff were engaged, responsive, and incredibly supportive throughout the process. Their experience and guidance helped reduce a lot of stress, and it's clear that Stratford students are well prepared and competitive when applying to some of the best high schools in San Francisco. We also truly value the diversity at Stratford. The school community includes students from many different backgrounds, which creates an inclusive and respectful environment. Our child has benefited from learning alongside peers with different perspectives, and it adds real depth to the overall experience. Communication has always been clear, and the school feels well-run and supportive. Looking back at our child's middle school years, we feel Stratford provided an excellent foundation for both academic success and personal growth.

Our daughter is an 8th grader at Stratford Middle School in SF, and we are grateful for the…read moreincredible role the school played in preparing her for high school. What stood out most was the strong academic foundation, strong teachers/staff, and like-minded students who wanted to excel in academics and activities. Stratford helped our daughter build strong study habits, discipline, independence, and the ability to manage a demanding workload. The teachers pushed her academically, but also supported her and helped her grow in communication, writing, public speaking, leadership, and overall confidence. The principal was also a major strength. He set high expectations around discipline, character, and behavior, which we believe are especially important in middle school. During the high school admissions process, his guidance was incredibly valuable, from parent presentations to interview prep, school prioritization, and being available to families. His relationships with high school admissions offices across San Francisco also came in handy. Overall, we are grateful for Stratford and would highly recommend it to families.

I booked a party here and all went well. My kids and their friends had a blast…read more The young ladies they have on staff were all so kind, attentive, and helpful. Appreciate their positive energy. I'd like to note that their policy allows for entrance 10m before party time, but not after? Strange. I had a 2-hour party and I believe it should have been strongly discouraged for a party of my size. I didn't anticipate how rushed it would feel, nor that overage time would be charged by the minute at the end. While I understand their policy and did read about it beforehand, I would have appreciated a clearer recommendation during our initial communications. Given the size of my party (and I had extra people I didn't expect to show up come), more time was realistically needed for setup and breakdown, and a heads-up from peek a boo team would have been helpful, as they are the professionals.

I frequent this place because it's nearby, parking is convenient, and there is enough to do for a…read morecouple of hours in a safe indoor place. It costs $18 per child for a full day with ins and outs (only weekdays) which is great if you have freedom during the week. It''s $14 per child under 1 years old which is pricey in my opinion however they are free if they are accompanied by a paid sibling. Really no reason to bring a kid under one here unless you're trying to entertain an older sibling. They say there's only 1 adult per child playing but me and my husband have come with just one kid before. Need to have peek-a-boo factory socks which are $3. Here's what they list on their website along with my comments: Junior Play Area (3 - 12 yrs old)- I'd say 12 is a little on the older side for what they have. Ideally 3-8 although I'm sure 8+ kids will have fun. Just hard when there are mostly younger kids around. Toddler/Baby Play Area (0 - 3 yrs old): here there are a couple of slides which kids like, a wood train set that doesn't have correct pieces to piece together (but not many kids will notice), a magnetic wall with gears that adults have to fix for the kids since they are usually pulled apart, very little food for the play kitchen which looks a little dirty, some velcro shapes that don't stick very well to the wall, and the glow up pegs you can stick into the board. It's hard to tell that they light up since the area is well lit in general. There are some duplos with a small lego table and some large cushion lego pieces you can help the kids play with if you are hands on. There's also a music section but sometimes the wall pieces are broken, as well as a large mat piano. Overall, not the best area for 0-3 year olds but it will keep them busy while their older siblings play. Rock Wall- I've never seen anyone on this and wonder if it's just for parties. It's a fairly narrow climb so straightforward. Interactive Games- they are setting up more and more of these money makers and making them flashy and loud to get kids attention. I don't really enjoy these but they include a whack-a-mole, a mini air hockey table, a motorcycle ride that they've had forever with tom from tom and jerry, a stomping game, and a couple of aiming type games. It's overpriced and I'd rather see other options that don't dig into pockets. Huge Party Room- I haven't had a party here so can't say much. Snack Bar- nice to have an option for rushed parents but everything is marked well up. Includes apple sauce pouches, honest juice, and bunch of other packaged snacks from $1+ Parents Seating Area- ample seating on cushions or chairs with small circular tables. Water Fountains- near bathrooms which are large and tidy single rooms. Free WiFi- works fine. Free Indoor Parking Lot- one of the hugest perks of this place. Overall, we like this place and come monthly for its convenience. I think it would be better if they revamped the toddler section and considered something other than the dollar arcade machines. They also have a section of treats/coin machines near the bathrooms, but I would rather see an interactive wall or something educational/interesting.