Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Encinitas

Top 20 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

25 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

95% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in San Diego County

2022 median

$1,642

/ month

infant

$1,166

/ month

toddler

$1,051

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $739/month).

Encinitas has 25 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 20 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

95% 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 20 Preschools in Encinitas

A Children's Garden - Leucadia

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 44 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Blooming House Montessori Schools

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 42 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Bright Horizons at Encinitas

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 130 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Central Montessori School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 78 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Central Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 141 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Easter Seals Child Development Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 94 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Kids by the Sea

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 36 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Kids by the Sea Olivehain

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Leucadia Children's School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 44 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Lighthouse Christian Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Lingua Natal & Jardin International Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Magdalena Ecke Family Ymca - Flora Vista Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 26 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Saint John the Evangelist Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 89 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

San Dieguito United Methodist Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 67 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

St. Mark Lutheran Church & Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 47 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

The Academy at Bright Horizons

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 154 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Village Bloom Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Montessori School of Encinitas

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Rhoades Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 80 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

A Children's Garden - Encinitas

Good

Child Care Center · Encinitas

Capacity: 42 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Encinitas

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Encinitas?

Encinitas has 25 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 Encinitas?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in San Diego County is about $1,070 at a center and $954 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.