Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in La Mesa

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

22 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

85% 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 Mesa has 22 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.

85% 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 La Mesa

Abc Barn Children's Place

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 87 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

An- Nur Academy Child Care Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Bunnybears Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 73 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Childtime Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Christ Lutheran Early Childhood Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 75 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

La Mesa Dale Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

La Mesa United Methodist Children's Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 127 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Learning Jungle School - La Mesa Campus

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Lmsvsd-maryland Avenue Smart Steps

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Parent Care Family Recovery Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 28 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

St Andrews Episcopal Parish Day School

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Mesa

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

St. Martin Early Childhood Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 32 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Taproot Montessori Preschool - La Mesa

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 34 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Woods Montessori Preschool,llc, the

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 71 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Cozy Cubs 2 - Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 38 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Cozy Cubs 3 - Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 28 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Learning Jungle Rancho San Diego - Preschool

Good

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Foothills Faith Academy

Fair

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 95 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Kindercare Learning Center - Via Mercado

Excellent

Child Care Center · La Mesa

Capacity: 83 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Aka Head Start - La Mesa

Good

Child Care Center · La Mesa

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in La Mesa?

La Mesa has 22 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 Mesa?

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.