Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in San Carlos

Top 15 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

15 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

73% 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).

San Carlos has 15 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 15 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

73% 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 15 Preschools in San Carlos

Challenge School San Carlos

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Carlos

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

Happy Campers Preschool Daycare, Inc.

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Carlos

Capacity: 122 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Learn and Play Montessori San Carlos

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Carlos

Capacity: 118 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Scsd Arundel Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Carlos

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

Scsd Heather Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Carlos

Capacity: 100 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Scsd White Oaks Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Carlos

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

Shu Academy San Carlos

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Carlos

Capacity: 55 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

The Childrens Place

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Carlos

Capacity: 38 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Trinity Presbyterian Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Carlos

Capacity: 64 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Wonder Years San Carlos-managed by Bright Horizons

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Carlos

Capacity: 79 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Sora Intnl Preschool of San Carlos

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Carlos

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

Harville, Ana M.& Reusche Lari, M

Good

Family Child Care Home · San Carlos

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

Aida Virginia Carballo Ramos

Good

Family Child Care Home · San Carlos

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

Building Kidz School

Fair

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Carlos

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

Scsd Brittan Acres Preschool

Poor

Child Care Center · San Carlos

Capacity: 66 Est. preschool tuition: $1,450 – $1,950/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in San Carlos

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in San Carlos?

San Carlos has 15 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 San Carlos?

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.