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Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Santa Monica

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

53 preschool-capable facilities
0 top rated
100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Los Angeles County

2022 median
$1,113
/ month
infant
$956
/ month
toddler
$974
/ month
preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $732/month).

Santa Monica has 53 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 Santa Monica

1

Beach Moms Cdc Infant Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 6 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
2

Beth Sholom Temple Nursery School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
3

Bright Horizons at the Water Garden-preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 42 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
4

Cassidy Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 84 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
5

Circle of Children Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
6

Edison Language Academy Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
7

Evergreen Community School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 56 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
8

First Presbyterian Chc of Santa Monica Nursery Sc

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 120 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
9

First School, Ocean Park, the

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 63 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
10

First United Methodist Church Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 128 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
11

Gan Israel Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
12

Growing Place Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 68 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
13

Growing Place, Ocean Park, the

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 100 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
14

Hill an Dale Family Learning Center Colorado Plac

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 43 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
15

Hill An' Dale Family Learning Ctr. - Old Firehous

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 26 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
16

John Adams Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 65 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
17

Kidz Korner Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 26 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
18

Kigala Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
19

Little Dolphins by the Sea Dba Seven Arrows, Inc.

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 85 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
20

Maple Tree

Excellent

Child Care Center · Santa Monica

Capacity: 80 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo
Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Santa Monica

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica has 53 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 Santa Monica?
Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Los Angeles County is about $1,063 at a center and $943 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.

Nearby Cities

Culver City
57 facilities
El Segundo
21 facilities
Inglewood
116 facilities
Manhattan Beach
28 facilities
Hawthorne
72 facilities

Related Guides

Best Infant Daycares in Santa Monica
Ages 0–2
Best School-Age Care in Santa Monica
Ages 5–17
Best Daycares in Santa Monica
All ages

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