Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Pacifica

Top 19 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

19 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

84% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in San Mateo County

2022 median

$2,401

/ month

infant

$1,720

/ month

toddler

$1,893

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $964/month).

Pacifica has 19 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 19 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

84% 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 19 Preschools in Pacifica

Adela Sandino

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Pacifica

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,800/mo

Building Kidz Pacifica

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

City of Pacifica - Oceanshore Child Care Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 25 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

City of Pacifica - Sunset Ridge Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

City of Pacifica - Vallemar Child Care Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 25 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

City of Pacifica-fairmont State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

City of Pacifica-fairmont West Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Dana Lynn Allen

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Pacifica

Capacity: 12 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,800/mo

Happy Hall Schools-ortega

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 121 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Happy Hall Schools-sunset Ridge

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Kids Konnect Pacifica

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 46 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Montessori School of Linda Mar, Inc.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 75 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Neo Immersion Montessori School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 21 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Grace Sobieski

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Pacifica

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,300 – $1,800/mo

Pacifica Nursery School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 35 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Terra Nova Christian Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Pacifica Playschool

Good

Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 44 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

We Play We Learn

Good

Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Building Kidz

Fair

Child Care Center · Pacifica

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Pacifica

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Pacifica?

Pacifica has 19 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 Pacifica?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in San Mateo County is about $1,688 at a center and $1,550 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.