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Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Lemon Grove

Top 7 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

7 preschool-capable facilities
0 top rated
86% 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).

Lemon Grove has 7 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 7 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

86% 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 7 Preschools in Lemon Grove

1

Christian Church of Lemon Grove Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lemon Grove

Capacity: 90 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo
2

Lgsd Early Childhood Education Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lemon Grove

Capacity: 96 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo
3

Merry Go Round Learning Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lemon Grove

Capacity: 49 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo
4

St. John of the Cross Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lemon Grove

Capacity: 50 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo
5

Sunshine's Preschool Academy

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lemon Grove

Capacity: 43 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo
6

Lemon Grove Childcare Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Lemon Grove

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo
7

Christian Creative Learning Academy

Good

Child Care Center · Lemon Grove

Capacity: 70 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo
Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Lemon Grove

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Lemon Grove?
Lemon Grove has 7 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 Lemon Grove?
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.

Nearby Cities

La Mesa
56 facilities
El Cajon
294 facilities
National City
59 facilities
Santee
50 facilities
Chula Vista
259 facilities
San Diego
1,018 facilities

Related Guides

Best Infant Daycares in Lemon Grove
Ages 0–2
Best School-Age Care in Lemon Grove
Ages 5–17
Best Daycares in Lemon Grove
All ages

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