Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in San Diego

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

277 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in San Diego County

2022 median

$1,642

/ month

infant

$1,166

/ month

toddler

$1,051

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $739/month).

San Diego has 277 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 San Diego

Adams State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Adobe Bluffs Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 22 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Afterschool Achievement Academy

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 119 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Aka Head Start - Darnall

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 76 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Alcott Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Alexa's Playc

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 92 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

All Saints Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 43 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Apple Youchien

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Ascension Montessori Children's Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 70 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Aspen Leaf Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 41 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Associated Students Child Care Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 136 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Au Clair De Lune

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 28 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Baldwin Academy

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 68 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Bay Park Early Learning Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 28 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Bay Park Early Learning Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Bay Point Early Childhood Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 53 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Cabrillo Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Carmel Mountain Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 271 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Central Elementary State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

Chabad Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Diego

Capacity: 140 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,250/mo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in San Diego?

San Diego has 277 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 Diego?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in San Diego County is about $1,070 at a center and $954 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.