Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Los Gatos

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

15 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

60% 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 Gatos 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.

60% 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 Los Gatos

Bamrec Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Gatos

Capacity: 28 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Bright Horizons at Los Gatos

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Gatos

Capacity: 106 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Building Blocks Cooperative Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Los Gatos

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Los Gatos Parent Nursery School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Los Gatos

Capacity: 27 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Mariposa Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Gatos

Capacity: 70 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Stratford School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Gatos

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

Venture Christian Academy Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Los Gatos

Capacity: 100 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Growing Footprints & Growing Footsteps-los Gatos

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Los Gatos

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

Shir Hadash Early Childhood Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Los Gatos

Capacity: 79 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Kiddie Kampus Day Care Center

Good

Child Care Center · Los Gatos

Capacity: 171 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Addison Penzak Jewish Community Center

Good

Child Care Center · Los Gatos

Capacity: 180 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Grace Preschool

Fair

Child Care Center · Los Gatos

Capacity: 69 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Peppertree Schools Cottage House

Fair

Child Care Center · Los Gatos

Capacity: 43 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Peppertree Schools Ranch House

Fair

Child Care Center · Los Gatos

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Stratford School

Good

Child Care Center · Los Gatos

Capacity: 264 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Los Gatos?

Los Gatos 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 Los Gatos?

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.