Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in San Clemente

Top 13 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

13 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

92% 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).

San Clemente has 13 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 13 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

92% 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 13 Preschools in San Clemente

Bright Horizons San Clemente

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Clemente

Capacity: 144 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Capistrano Unified School District-clarence Lobo

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Clemente

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Capistrano Usd/las Palmas State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Clemente

Capacity: 16 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Gratitude Garden Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Clemente

Capacity: 55 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

La Cristianita Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Clemente

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

Las Olas Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Clemente

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

Our Savior's Lutheran Preschool and Infant Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Clemente

Capacity: 170 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Pacific Coast Church

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Clemente

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Serra Parent Participation Pre School

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Clemente

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

The Goddard School

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Clemente

Capacity: 144 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

The San Clemente Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Clemente

Capacity: 75 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Capstone Montessori School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Clemente

Capacity: 132 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Montessori School of San Clemente

Good

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Clemente

Capacity: 189 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in San Clemente?

San Clemente has 13 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 Clemente?

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.