Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Tustin

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

27 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

100% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Orange County

2022 median

$1,705

/ month

infant

$1,220

/ month

toddler

$1,099

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $795/month).

Tustin has 27 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 Tustin

Aldersgate Untied Methodist Church Day Care Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 65 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Congregation B'nai Israel Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 61 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Edgewood Pre-primary Academy

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 60 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Maof/ssa Tustin Family Campus Ecec

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 16 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Red Hill Evangelical Lutheran Church

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 103 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

St. Cecilia School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 30 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

St. Jeanne De Lestonnac School

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 100 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Tusd Kindergarten Readiness Academy-beswick

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Tusd Kindergarten Readiness Academy-estock

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Tusd Kindergarten Readiness Academy-heideman

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Tusd Kindergarten Readiness Academy-heritage

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 22 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Tusd Kindergarten Readiness Academy-ladera

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Tusd Kindergarten Readiness Academy-sycamore

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Tusd Kindergarten Readiness Academy-tustin Ranch

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Tusd Kindergarten Readiness-nelson

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Tustin Community Pre School, Inc

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 24 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Tustin Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 45 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Yeimi Villa De Valdovinos

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Tustin

Capacity: 14 Est. preschool tuition: $1,000 – $1,300/mo

Great Foundations Montessori-tustin

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 140 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Salvation Army, Tustin Ranch-creator's Corner, the

Excellent

Child Care Center · Tustin

Capacity: 112 Est. preschool tuition: $950 – $1,300/mo

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Tustin

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Tustin?

Tustin has 27 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 Tustin?

Typical monthly tuition for a preschool program in Orange County is about $1,136 at a center and $1,152 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.