Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Los Altos

Top 14 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

14 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

93% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Santa Clara County

2022 median

$2,283

/ month

infant

$1,614

/ month

toddler

$1,776

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $912/month).

Los Altos has 14 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 14 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

93% 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 14 Preschools in Los Altos

Baby World/babiesntots Llc

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Altos

Capacity: 21 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Children's House of Los Altos

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Altos

Capacity: 160 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Los Altos Chinese School Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Altos

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Los Altos United Methodist Church Cc.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Altos

Capacity: 140 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Monarch Christian School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Altos

Capacity: 84 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Montecito Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Altos

Capacity: 91 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Mountain View Parent Nursery School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Altos

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Sanyu Learning Center-early Learning Program

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Altos

Capacity: 44 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

St. Simon Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Altos

Capacity: 66 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

University Oaks Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Altos

Capacity: 32 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Ventana School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Altos

Capacity: 80 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Waldorf School of the Peninsula

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Altos

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Los Altos-mountain View Children's Corner, Inc.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Altos

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Stepping Stones Preschool & Infant Care

Good

Child Care Center · Los Altos

Capacity: 64 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Los Altos

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Los Altos?

Los Altos has 14 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 Los Altos?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Santa Clara County is about $1,581 at a center and $1,336 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.