Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in La Jolla

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

15 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

87% 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).

La Jolla 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.

87% 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 La Jolla

Beth Montessori

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Jolla

Capacity: 108 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Gillispie School

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Jolla

Capacity: 140 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Jewish Community Center; M. Larry Lawrence Branch

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · La Jolla

Capacity: 235 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

La Jolla Country Day School

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Jolla

Capacity: 74 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

La Jolla Montessori School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · La Jolla

Capacity: 162 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

La Jolla Presbyterian Church Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Jolla

Capacity: 64 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

La Jolla United Methodist Church - Yellow Cottage

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Jolla

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

La Jolla United Methodist Church Nursery School

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Jolla

Capacity: 90 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

La Jolla Village Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Jolla

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

Montessori by the Sea

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Jolla

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

San Diego French American School

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Jolla

Capacity: 134 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

T Children's School for Child-centered Education

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Jolla

Capacity: 112 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Ucsd Early Childhood Education Center - Main Site

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Jolla

Capacity: 232 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Mckinney Family Ymca La Jolla Preschool

Good

Child Care Center · La Jolla

Capacity: 96 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Montessori by the Sea

Good

Single Licensed Child Care Center · La Jolla

Capacity: 105 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in La Jolla

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in La Jolla?

La Jolla 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 La Jolla?

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.