Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Grass Valley

Top 15 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

15 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Nevada County

2022 median

$1,371

/ month

infant

$920

/ month

toddler

$870

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $707/month).

Grass Valley has 15 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 15 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 15 Preschools in Grass Valley

Bearcat Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Grass Valley

Capacity: 83 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Care Campus Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Grass Valley

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Forest Lake Christian, Inc. (ps)

Excellent

Child Care Center · Grass Valley

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Grass Valley Little Learners

Excellent

Child Care Center · Grass Valley

Capacity: 28 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Kinderland Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Grass Valley

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Little Blooms Preschool & Childcare

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Grass Valley

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Little Creek Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Grass Valley

Capacity: 12 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Montessori House of Children

Excellent

Child Care Center · Grass Valley

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Mt. St. Mary Academy

Excellent

Child Care Center · Grass Valley

Capacity: 22 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Our Kids' Place

Excellent

Child Care Center · Grass Valley

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Sierra College Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Grass Valley

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Tall Pines Nursery School Inc

Excellent

Child Care Center · Grass Valley

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

The Country Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Grass Valley

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Wild Ducks & Duckies (ps)

Excellent

Child Care Center · Grass Valley

Capacity: 15 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Little Duckies Daycare

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Grass Valley

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Grass Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Grass Valley?

Grass Valley has 15 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 Grass Valley?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Nevada County is about $852 at a center and $831 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.