Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Lake Forest

Top 17 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

17 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

65% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Orange County

2022 median

$1,705

/ month

infant

$1,220

/ month

toddler

$1,099

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $795/month).

Lake Forest has 17 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 17 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

65% 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 17 Preschools in Lake Forest

Abiding Savior Lutheran Church & School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 85 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Fulbright Montessori Academy

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 135 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Grace Christian Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 150 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Heritage Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Lake Forest Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 80 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Lakeview Learning Center Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 42 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Montessori Children's School House

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 52 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

The Goddard School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 115 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Heritage Hill Kindercare

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 108 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

The Red Apple Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

The Children's Courtyard

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 134 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Montessori on the Lake Too

Good

Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 105 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Milestones Montessori of Lake Forest

Good

Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 189 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Bella Montessori

Fair

Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 150 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

New Thought Montessori

Good

Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Montessori on the Lake

Fair

Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 77 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Milestones Academy Childcare Center, Inc.

Fair

Child Care Center · Lake Forest

Capacity: 44 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Lake Forest

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Lake Forest?

Lake Forest has 17 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 Lake Forest?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Orange County is about $1,136 at a center and $1,152 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.