Best Preschools in Novato, California (2026)

Maintained by the California Daycares editorial team Last updated November 5, 2026

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).

Novato has 29 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 Novato

Aleph Preschool of Marin

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Novato

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

All Saints Preschool & Childrens Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Novato

Capacity: 58 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Alpha Kids Academy Llc

Excellent

Child Care Center · Novato

Capacity: 29 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

C.a.m. (cfs) Hamilton (ps)

Excellent

Child Care Center · Novato

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

C.a.m. (cfs) Marin Head Start Lynwood (ps)

Excellent

Child Care Center · Novato

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

Carlos & Rosa Amalia Garcia

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

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

Deysi Castiblanco Penuela

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

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

Elma E. Reyes Vasquez

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

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

Elvia G Ayala

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

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

Good Shepherd Lutheran School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Novato

Capacity: 122 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Grazielle Quinto-Freitas

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

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

Hamilton Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Novato

Capacity: 90 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Hummingbirds Collaborative School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Novato

Capacity: 39 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Iana Fitzpatrick

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 12 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Josephine Nicolas

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

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

Livia De Arruda Sebba

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

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

Miss Sandie's School-Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Novato

Capacity: 197 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Montessori School of Novato

Excellent

Child Care Center · Novato

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

Nirosha De Silva

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

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

North Bay Children's Center Lu Sutton

Excellent

Child Care Center · Novato

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Novato

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Novato?

Novato has 29 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 Novato?

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.