Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Sonoma

Top 11 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

11 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

82% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Sonoma County

2022 median

$1,053

/ month

infant

$867

/ month

toddler

$883

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $827/month).

Sonoma has 11 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 11 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

82% 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 11 Preschools in Sonoma

4cs Flowery Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sonoma

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

4cs Sonoma Child Developement Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sonoma

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Crescent Montessori School

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Sonoma

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

El Verano Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sonoma

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Lpj Kids, Llc (dba "le Petit Jardin")

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sonoma

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Montessori School of Sonoma

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sonoma

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

North Bay Children's Center Sassarini

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Sonoma

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Valley of the Moon Nursery School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sonoma

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

North Bay Children's Center Prestwood

Excellent

Child Care Center · Sonoma

Capacity: 32 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Sonoma Preschool Academy

Fair

Child Care Center · Sonoma

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Sunshine Nursery School

Good

Child Care Center · Sonoma

Capacity: 105 Est. preschool tuition: $850 – $1,100/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Sonoma

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Sonoma?

Sonoma has 11 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 Sonoma?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Sonoma County is about $977 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.