Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Mill Valley

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

23 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Marin County

2022 median

$2,374

/ month

infant

$1,705

/ month

toddler

$1,876

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $1,026/month).

Mill Valley has 23 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.

100% 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 Mill Valley

Angelina F. Duarte

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Mill Valley

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Jcc Preschool Mill Valley

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Mill Valley

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Kumara Day School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mill Valley

Capacity: 50 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Le Petit Jardin

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Mill Valley

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Linda Bates

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Mill Valley

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Little School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mill Valley

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Marianne C. Silva

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Mill Valley

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Marin Day School - the Cottage Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mill Valley

Capacity: 21 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Marin Day Schools - Hillside Campus - Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mill Valley

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Marin Horizon School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mill Valley

Capacity: 110 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Marin Horizon School- Toddler Bldg.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mill Valley

Capacity: 18 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Mary Cashman-daniels

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Mill Valley

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Naima Beykpour

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Mill Valley

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Nicole Paulsen

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Mill Valley

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Old Firehouse School Mill Valley-preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mill Valley

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Rosana S. & Athos Oliveira

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Mill Valley

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Ross Academy Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mill Valley

Capacity: 94 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Solange Arantes Da Silviera

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Mill Valley

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Tamalpais Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mill Valley

Capacity: 65 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Wendy Xa

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Mill Valley

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Mill Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Mill Valley?

Mill Valley has 23 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 Mill Valley?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Marin County is about $1,624 at a center and $1,568 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.