Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in San Rafael

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

61 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Marin County

2022 median

$2,374

/ month

infant

$1,705

/ month

toddler

$1,876

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $1,026/month).

San Rafael has 61 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 Rafael

Abbey Montessori Children's Center - Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Rafael

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Acqua Montessori School

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Rafael

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Aura Marina Guedez

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · San Rafael

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Bright Horizons at Marin Commons-preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Rafael

Capacity: 102 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

C.a.m. (cfs) -canal Child Care Center (ps)

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Rafael

Capacity: 44 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

C.a.m. (cfs) San Pedro (ps)

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Rafael

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

C.a.m. Short School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · San Rafael

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Camila R. De Oliveira

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · San Rafael

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

City of San Rafael - Pickleweed P/s

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Rafael

Capacity: 44 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Creart Early Education & Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Rafael

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Cristiane D. Ferreira

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · San Rafael

Capacity: 12 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Dalia Chan-rosado

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · San Rafael

Capacity: 12 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Devora Gonzalez Ortega

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · San Rafael

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Edina Morales

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · San Rafael

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Edna Saman

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · San Rafael

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Ehab & Enas Hawwash

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · San Rafael

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Elizabeth Valdivia

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · San Rafael

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Ericka A. Barillas Corado

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · San Rafael

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Gan Israel Nursery School

Excellent

Child Care Center · San Rafael

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $1,400 – $1,850/mo

Genisis Aguilar

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · San Rafael

Capacity: 12 Est. preschool tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in San Rafael?

San Rafael has 61 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 Rafael?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Marin County is about $1,624 at a center and $1,568 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.