Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Torrance

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

48 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).

Torrance has 48 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 Torrance

Ascension Lutheran Preschool & Child Care Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 66 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Bread of Life Christian Children's Center

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 157 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Cdc, Inc. Friendship Academy Children's Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 119 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

First Lutheran Early Education Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 74 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Good Shepherd Pre-school

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 73 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Hickory Tree Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

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

La Primera Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 140 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Momentum Ptn

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Montessori of Torrance Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 38 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Nhbubble Preschool - Torrance

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

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

Noah's Ark

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 59 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Pacific Explorer Montessori

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 50 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Saint Abraam Preschool Academy Child Care Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

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

Seaside Ranchos Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 46 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Sing in Chinese Bilingual Preschool - South Bay

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 72 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Sing in Chinese Preschool North Torrance

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 27 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Southwood Pre-school

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 156 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 36 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Tfpc Tebah Preschool

Excellent

Single Licensed Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 36 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

The Children's Place

Excellent

Child Care Center · Torrance

Capacity: 59 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Torrance

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Torrance?

Torrance has 48 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 Torrance?

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.