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Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Rancho Santa Margarita

Top 9 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

9 preschool-capable facilities
0 top rated
33% 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).

Rancho Santa Margarita has 9 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 9 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

33% 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 9 Preschools in Rancho Santa Margarita

1

Rsm Christian School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 52 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo
2

St. Junipero Serra Catholic Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 69 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo
3

Cal Elite Kids-preschool Academy

Excellent

Child Care Center · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 90 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo
4

Guidepost Montessori at Las Flores

Fair

Child Care Center · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 77 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo
5

Everbrook Academy

Good

Child Care Center · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 117 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo
6

Limai Montessori Academy

Good

Child Care Center · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo
7

Saddleback Children's Center

Good

Child Care Center · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo
8

Kindercare Learning Center

Good

Child Care Center · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 64 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo
9

The Rancho Viejo School

Good

Child Care Center · Rancho Santa Margarita

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo
Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Rancho Santa Margarita

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Rancho Santa Margarita?
Rancho Santa Margarita has 9 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 Rancho Santa Margarita?
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.

Nearby Cities

Mission Viejo
63 facilities
Lake Forest
56 facilities
Laguna Hills
13 facilities
Aliso Viejo
21 facilities
San Juan Capistrano
19 facilities
Laguna Niguel
35 facilities

Related Guides

Best Infant Daycares in Rancho Santa Margarita
Ages 0–2
Best School-Age Care in Rancho Santa Margarita
Ages 5–17
Best Daycares in Rancho Santa Margarita
All ages

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