Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Sacramento

Top 20 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

331 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Sacramento County

2022 median

$1,502

/ month

infant

$959

/ month

toddler

$1,128

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $633/month).

Sacramento has 331 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 Sacramento

4th R - Leonardo Da Vinci

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sacramento

Capacity: 150 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo

Abraham Lincoln Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sacramento

Capacity: 25 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo

Acorn to Oak

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sacramento

Capacity: 36 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo

Acorn to Oak

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sacramento

Capacity: 32 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo

Acorn to Oak

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sacramento

Capacity: 84 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo

Al-arqam Islamic School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sacramento

Capacity: 12 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo

Alefe Bilingual Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Sacramento

Capacity: 96 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo

Amel Raouahi

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Sacramento

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Amy Gutierrez

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Sacramento

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Ana Perdomo

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Sacramento

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Angel's Nest Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sacramento

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo

Angelina Kubrakov

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Sacramento

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Beanstalk -regency Park Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sacramento

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo

Beanstalk-crest Drive Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sacramento

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo

Beanstalk-ridgepoint State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sacramento

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo

Bergamo Montessori School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Sacramento

Capacity: 84 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo

Beth Del Real

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Sacramento

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Bibi Gul Hanifi

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Sacramento

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Bowling Green Chacon Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sacramento

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo

Bowling Green Mccoy Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sacramento

Capacity: 28 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,150/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Sacramento

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Sacramento?

Sacramento has 331 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 Sacramento?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Sacramento County is about $1,018 at a center and $844 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.