Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Mission Viejo

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

22 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

75% 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).

Mission Viejo has 22 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.

75% 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 Mission Viejo

Bathgate Elementary

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Capistrano Usd/viejo Elementry School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Creative Minds Children's House

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 156 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Kindercare Learning Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 71 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Marguerite Christian School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 116 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Mission Montessori

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 112 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Mission Viejo Christian Pre School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

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

Mission Viejo Montessori

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 68 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Presbyterian Church of the Master Pre School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 96 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Stratford School - Mission Viejo

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Sunflower Montessori

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 47 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Village Montessori Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 76 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Laguna Parent Participation Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Heritage Christian Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 68 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Pillars Academy

Excellent

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 56 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Appletree Montessori

Good

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 109 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Robert H. Preschool Lange

Good

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

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

Saddleback College Children's Center

Good

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 100 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Robin Hood Montessori School

Good

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 47 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Happy Minds Kids Academy

Good

Child Care Center · Mission Viejo

Capacity: 116 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Mission Viejo

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Mission Viejo?

Mission Viejo has 22 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 Mission Viejo?

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.