Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Nevada City

Top 8 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

8 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

88% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Nevada County

2022 median

$1,371

/ month

infant

$920

/ month

toddler

$870

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $707/month).

Nevada City has 8 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 8 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

88% 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 8 Preschools in Nevada City

Ananda Living Wisdom School Pre-school

Excellent

Child Care Center · Nevada City

Capacity: 12 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Kentucky Flat Community Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Nevada City

Capacity: 15 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Little Acorns Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Nevada City

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Our Playhouse Too

Excellent

Child Care Center · Nevada City

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Sonshine Pre-school

Excellent

Child Care Center · Nevada City

Capacity: 100 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Terrence K. Mcateer Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Nevada City

Capacity: 27 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Little Friends Cdc (ps)

Excellent

Child Care Center · Nevada City

Capacity: 63 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

Iron and Pine Preschool

Poor

Child Care Center · Nevada City

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $1,000/mo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Nevada City?

Nevada City has 8 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 Nevada City?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Nevada County is about $852 at a center and $831 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.