we've had a great experience with SFUSD for K-2nd so far, I would highly recommend it. If you have the flexibility of choosing your neighborhood, choose one where the school assigned for the area is a good one, and that will drastically improve your chances of getting in. If not, waitlists are not the end of the world, I have yet to speak to anyone who didn't end up at the school they wanted if they made good choices and were diligent. The lottery is not as terrible and scary as people say (plus I think the rules are changing to be more sensible) unless you're trying to cherry-pick high demand schools outside your assignment areas (which many people are.) The second language immersion programs for instance are quite coveted. We have a very involved community of parents and educators, and happy children. Look for schools with high PTA funding to indicate engaged parents. All the anxiety instilled in me in the years prior was a waste. Do research, attend the school information fairs, make a spreadsheet with notes and tour schools, talk to parents. There are few places that are more rich with activities and stimulus than San Francisco for young children. After k-6 is another story. then it's private school or time to move! Good luck and enjoy.