Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Stockton

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

107 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in San Joaquin County

2022 median

$1,674

/ month

infant

$1,023

/ month

toddler

$802

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $653/month).

Stockton has 107 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 Stockton

Adams Elementary School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Annunciation Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 36 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Ansel Adams

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

August Elementary School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 23 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Bright Minds Montessori

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 61 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Capc - Building Futures Academy 2

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Capc - Emerald Point

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 22 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Capc - Great Valley

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Capc - Main

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 34 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Capk - Kennedy

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 18 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Casa De Esperanza

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Central Methodist Church Day Nursery School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 49 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Chavez High School (ps)

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 44 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Chiminike's Learning Center Llc

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 57 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Chiminike's Learning Center Llc

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 40 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Clairmont State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Colonial Heights State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Community of All Nations - Susd Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Creekside State Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Diamond Cove Ii - Susd Head Start

Excellent

Child Care Center · Stockton

Capacity: 20 Est. preschool tuition: $700 – $950/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Stockton

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Stockton?

Stockton has 107 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 Stockton?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in San Joaquin County is about $830 at a center and $969 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.