Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in National City

Top 17 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

17 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% 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).

National City has 17 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 17 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 17 Preschools in National City

Ecs - Highland Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Ecs - St. Matthew's Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

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

Ecs Harbison Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 78 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Ees Parks Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

El Toyon State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Episcopal Community Services - Boys & Girls Club

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

John Otis Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Kimball State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Las Palmas State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Little Lambs Preschool - National City

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 80 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Little Schoolhouse Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Miracle Moments Christian Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 25 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Olivewood State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Palmer Way State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Way Childcare and Preschool Center, the

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 70 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Dino Daycare & Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Adventure Point Early Learning Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · National City

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in National City

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in National City?

National City has 17 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 National City?

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.