Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Carmel

Top 6 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

6 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Monterey County

2022 median

$1,745

/ month

infant

$1,092

/ month

toddler

$856

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $717/month).

Carmel has 6 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 6 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

100% 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 6 Preschools in Carmel

Agape Academy Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Carmel

Capacity: 41 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Bardis Family Preschool - All Saints' Day School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Carmel

Capacity: 16 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Carmel Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Carmel

Capacity: 130 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Potrero Canyon School Llc

Excellent

Child Care Center · Carmel

Capacity: 32 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

St. Dunstan's Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Carmel

Capacity: 70 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Stevenson School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Carmel

Capacity: 22 Est. preschool tuition: $750 – $1,000/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Carmel

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Carmel?

Carmel has 6 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 Carmel?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Monterey County is about $868 at a center and $956 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.