Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Atherton

Top 9 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

9 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

89% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in San Mateo County

2022 median

$2,401

/ month

infant

$1,720

/ month

toddler

$1,893

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $964/month).

Atherton has 9 licensed childcare providers serving preschool-age children (2–5), combining Child Care Centers and qualifying Family Child Care Homes. California caps preschool ratios at 1:12 (one caregiver per twelve kids). This guide ranks the top 9 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

89% of the ranked programs have a clean inspection record with zero citations on file. Each facility's page shows the full inspection and complaint history so you can dig deeper before scheduling a tour.

Programs vary widely in philosophy — Montessori, Reggio Emilia, play-based, and academic models are all represented. Click any listing to see the teaching style (when the owner has published it), tuition ranges, and the latest CCLD inspection summary.

Top 9 Preschools in Atherton

Champions-las Lomitas Elementary (ps)

Excellent

Child Care Center · Atherton

Capacity: 26 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Kce Champions Llc @ Sacred Heart Schools

Excellent

Child Care Center · Atherton

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Menlo Park City School District Early Learning

Excellent

Child Care Center · Atherton

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Menlo School Child Care Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Atherton

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Playschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Atherton

Capacity: 80 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Sacred Heart Preschool and Kindergarten (psk)

Excellent

Child Care Center · Atherton

Capacity: 96 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Yiting Wang

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Atherton

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,800/mo

Yongli Chen

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Atherton

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,800/mo

Rcsd-adelante-selby Spanish Immersion Cdc

Good

Child Care Center · Atherton

Capacity: 50 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Atherton

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Atherton?

Atherton has 9 licensed childcare programs that serve preschool-age children (ages 2–5). This includes dedicated preschool centers and family child care homes whose licenses cover this age group.

What's the difference between a preschool and a daycare center?

In California licensing terminology the two overlap significantly — most "preschools" are licensed as Child Care Centers that happen to serve children ages 2–5 with a structured curriculum. Dedicated preschool programs tend to emphasize school readiness, early literacy, and social-emotional development.

How much does preschool cost in Atherton?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in San Mateo County is about $1,688 at a center and $1,550 at a family child care home (based on 2022 benchmark data). Part-day and half-day programs cost less.

What should I look for when choosing a preschool?

Look for a published curriculum or teaching philosophy, low teacher turnover, outdoor play space, a clean inspection history on the facility's page, and caregivers who engage warmly with children during your tour. Ask about ratio (state maximum is 1:12 for preschoolers), transition plans to kindergarten, and how behavior and conflict are handled.