Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Gilroy

Top 16 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

16 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

94% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Santa Clara County

2022 median

$2,283

/ month

infant

$1,614

/ month

toddler

$1,776

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $912/month).

Gilroy has 16 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 16 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

94% 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 16 Preschools in Gilroy

Christopher Ranch Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Creative Play Learning Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 59 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Footsteps Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 50 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Gilroy Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Gilroy Unified School District Rod Kelley Pre.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Glenview Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 43 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Hearts and Hands Christian Childcare & Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 62 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Pacific Point Christian Schools Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 66 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Sjb Gateway Child Development Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 64 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

State Preschool at Antonio Del Buono

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 22 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

State Preschool at Glen View

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Vineyard Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 50 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Los Arroyos Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 96 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Ochoa Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 36 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

One World

Good

Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 38 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Happy Hearts Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Gilroy

Capacity: 116 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Gilroy

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Gilroy?

Gilroy has 16 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 Gilroy?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Santa Clara County is about $1,581 at a center and $1,336 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.