Holly Family Home

Pros

• The school is really nice, with spacious classrooms and a great yard.
• Francisco is described as a very nice person, and Holy Family is lucky to have him.
• It is an amazing institution that's been around for over 100 years.
• The staff are amazing - supportive, kind, compassionate, caring, and sincere.
• The school is a hidden rare gem and a model for how every school should be.
• The environment is safe and secure, with a gated entrance.
• The school is worth every penny, offering quality education and a positive, nurturing experience.
• Many families have fond memories of Holy Family and speak highly of it.

Cons

• The director Setareh was described as very businesslike, with the child treated as a dollar sign, leading to the decision not to enroll.
• The school was said to feel too businesslike for a preschool, with children seen as money rather than welcome guests.
• The service was described as horrible, informal, and unprofessional, and the child reportedly started saying bad words after being dropped off.
• The new director and assistant director were labeled shady and terrible, prioritizing money and publicity over the children.
• Administrators were accused of cross-contamination and disregard for regulations, with bugs and grime present on premises.
• There were claims of a COVID-19 outbreak in the kitchen and alleged lies by management about it, along with licensing violations and intimidation of staff.

Review

A wide range of experiences emerges from the various reviews about Holy Family and the related HFDH institution. Taken together, they sketch a school community that some families revere for its long-standing history, caring staff, and strong sense of safety, while others caution about a more transactional atmosphere, leadership concerns, and intermittent quality issues. It's a tapestry of nostalgia, praise, and sharp critique, all centered on what it feels like to bring a child into the school's doors.

Several readers describe the tour experience with a mix of admiration for facilities and disappointment in how interactions were handled. One parent recalls a tour where the director, Setareh, came across as very businesslike. The child, understandably anxious and attached to a parent, appeared to be viewed more as a potential "dollar sign" than as a learner in need of gentle onboarding. This parent felt the approach suggested that dropping off a toddler would be difficult to manage, and, after discussions by email hours later, decided not to enroll. The impression was that the environment was more about the business of enrollment than about welcoming a child and easing a family through the transition. The same encounter included a positive note about Francisco, who was described as very kind, but the overall takeaway was that the atmosphere did not feel inviting for a family seeking a warm preschool experience. In the end, that family opted for another program that treated their child with more immediate warmth during the tour process.

In contrast, other families share enduring, positive memories of Holy Family. One couple notes that their children attended from nine months through preschool, describing the setting as a "great environment" for growth and development. This perspective highlights how a well-structured program and a nurturing environment can leave lasting, favorable impressions on families who stay for several years. It underscores that, for some, the school provides a stable, positive foundation during the crucial early years.

However, not all feedback aligns with that warmth. A different reviewer issues a blunt critique of the service, calling it horrible, informal, and unprofessional. This parent describes dropping their child off only to have the child begin to pick up negative language, signaling a rough experience that led to a firm decision not to return. The tone suggests a breakdown in consistency or staff responsiveness that can undermine trust during the already challenging transition into preschool life. This is a stark contrast to the more affectionate testimonials and serves as a reminder that experiences can diverge dramatically within the same institution.

Positive endorsements occasionally appear in shorter form, offering a counterbalance to the more critical notes. One reviewer simply states, "It's a great school. Wonderful staff!" This kind of endorsement reinforces that, for some families, the strengths of the program - whether in classroom instruction, caretaker relationships, or school culture - are clear and compelling enough to merit recommending the school to others.

A more troubling and comprehensive critique targets leadership and operational practices. This reviewer alleges that the new director and assistant director are "shady and terrible," accusing them of prioritizing money and publicity over the children's needs. The review escalates into a sweeping accusation of cross-contamination by administration, disregard for regulations, and pervasive grime and bugs around the school. It goes further, alleging a COVID-19 outbreak in the kitchen, misattribution of the cause, and a pattern of corner-cutting that jeopardizes health and safety. The reviewer claims licensing violations have occurred multiple times since January and alleges that staff are intimidated into silence. Framing the school's history as having an "amazing and honorable reputation" that has since gone downhill, this perspective strongly discourages sending children there, painting a picture of a facility that prioritizes expediency and image over the welfare of students.

Other voices touch on the religious dimension with a note of skepticism. One reviewer notes that, despite Holy Family's Catholic identity, the experience feels disconnected from Catholic values in practice, implying an overarching disconnect between stated beliefs and day-to-day operations. This adds another layer to the complex perceptions families hold about the school's ethos and approach.

Nostalgia and long-term attachment also surface in these reviews. A former attendee, now reflecting as an adult, shares fond memories of Holy Family from childhood and describes how those early experiences helped form enduring friendships. The sentiment is not merely about a childhood classroom but about a formative period that left a positive impact on personal development. This perspective contributes to the sense that the school's legacy can be meaningful and lasting for families who experienced it.

A final cluster of reviews emphasizes the school's longevity and ongoing appeal. A parent who attended in their own preschool years and later saw their child enrolled again notes the institution's long history (over a century) and cautions prospective families to get on the waitlist. The message speaks to a time-tested presence in the community and the enduring appeal of a program that has supported generations of families. It suggests that the school's reputation, built over many years, remains a significant draw for those seeking a trusted place to educate and care for young children.

A highly positive, almost promotional tone resurfaces in another glowing review that casts Holy Family as a "hidden rare gem." This account lauds the school as a model for excellence, praising the staff from reception through the classrooms and including the directors' roles as genuinely sincere and supportive. It stresses a safe, secure, gated environment where safety is treated as a top priority. The reviewer emphasizes a well-established system for safeguarding children, positions the school as a private institution worth every penny, and highlights a nurturing, memorable educational experience backed by strong services and a commitment to child welfare. The final exhortation is to take a tour and see for oneself, underscoring confidence in the school's quality and inviting others to form their own judgments.

Taken together, these reviews paint a picture of Holy Family and HFDH as a place with a storied history and a core of devoted families who cherish the community's warmth, safety, and stability. Yet they also reveal significant concerns among other families about leadership style, safety practices, and the degree to which the environment feels family-centered versus businesslike. For some, the school's strengths - long-standing tradition, caring staff, and a secure campus - shine clearly and justify recommendation and pride. For others, leadership, administrative priorities, and consistency of care raise red flags that lead them to seek alternatives. In the end, the experiences span the spectrum, reflecting a community where the same institution can evoke deeply held positive memories for some and serious doubts for others, depending on the individual child, the family's expectations, and the particular moments of interaction that shape their impression.

This area of Daly City, California offers a convenient location with easy access to essential amenities. There are several pharmacies within a short distance, ensuring easy access to medication and healthcare needs. Additionally, there is a variety of dining options ranging from fast food to more upscale restaurants for enjoyable meals. The area also features parks and recreational spaces for outdoor activities and relaxation. Transportation options are readily available with nearby MUNI Metro stations and the San Francisco International Airport within close proximity. Healthcare facilities such as hospitals and physicians' offices are also easily accessible for medical care. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking for convenience and comfort in their daily lives.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)

Restaurants

• In-N-Out Burger (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.3 miles)
• McDonald's (3.7 miles)
• Twin Peaks (4.5 miles)
• Hook Fish Co (5 miles)
• Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant (5.5 miles)
• Garden Creamery (5.7 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Stonestown Galleria Screenx, 4Dx, & RPX (2.5 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse New Mission (5.6 miles)
• Alamo Square (6.3 miles)
• AMC Kabuki 8 (6.9 miles)

Parks

• Fort Funston (2.9 miles)
• Stern Grove Dog Park (2.9 miles)
• Glen Canyon Park (3.9 miles)
• Upper Douglass Dog Park (4.4 miles)
• Douglass Playground (4.5 miles)
• Holly Park (4.5 miles)
• Bernal Heights Park (5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of the Epiphany (3 miles)

Transportation

• West Portal MUNI Metro Station (3.5 miles)
• Rental Car Center (6.3 miles)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) (6.7 miles)
• United Global First Lounge (7.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Laguna Honda Hospital & Rehabilitation Center (4 miles)
• San Francisco VA Medical Center (6.3 miles)

Cafes

• Andytown Coffee Roasters (4.6 miles)
• Neighbor's Corner (4.9 miles)
• Stow Lake Boathouse (5.4 miles)
• Le Marais Bakery (5.5 miles)
• SPRO Coffee Lab (5.6 miles)
• Sightglass Coffee (6 miles)
• Sightglass Coffee (6 miles)

Physicians

• Noe Valley Pediatrics (5.1 miles)
• One Medical (6.5 miles)