Best Preschools in San Jose, California (2026)

Maintained by the California Daycares editorial team Last updated November 5, 2026

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Santa Clara County

2022 median

$2,283

/ month

infant

$1,614

/ month

toddler

$1,776

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $912/month).

San Jose has 214 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 Jose

3d Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 91 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

A Place to Grow

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Abc Learning Montessori

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Action Day Nurseries & Primary Plus Inc

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 25 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Action Day Schools

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 78 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Agape Christian Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 67 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Alka Montessori

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Bellgrad Steam Academy - Hacienda

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Blackford Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Bright Little Minds Preschool & Daycare

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Bright Minds Montessori Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 35 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Bright Sunrise Preschool Evergreen

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Brighter Tomorrow Montessori Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 104 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Brightstar Christian Academy

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 58 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Brilliant Minds Early Learning

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 41 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Building Block Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Building Kidz of South San Jose

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 88 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Calvary Chapel Christian School

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 90 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Carter Avenue Christian Preschool and Daycare

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Catalyst Kids - Bachrodt

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Jose

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in San Jose?

San Jose has 214 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 Jose?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Santa Clara County is about $1,581 at a center and $1,336 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.