Ages 2–5

Best Preschools in Walnut

Top 14 licensed programs serving children ages 2–5, ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

14 preschool-capable facilities

0 top rated

79% 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).

Walnut has 14 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 14 by inspection record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

79% 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 14 Preschools in Walnut

Creekside Montessori Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Walnut

Capacity: 105 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Kid Junction

Excellent

Child Care Center · Walnut

Capacity: 69 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Options - Early Learning Center - Ybarra

Excellent

Child Care Center · Walnut

Capacity: 48 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Options-state Preschool-ybarra

Excellent

Child Care Center · Walnut

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

Preschool Cross & the Kindergarten

Excellent

Child Care Center · Walnut

Capacity: 148 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Tutor Time Child Care/learning Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Walnut

Capacity: 132 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Walnut International Montessori Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Walnut

Capacity: 118 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Walnut Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Walnut

Capacity: 134 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Walnut United Methodist Preschool

Excellent

Child Care Center · Walnut

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

Bright Star Montessori Academy

Excellent

Child Care Center · Walnut

Capacity: 126 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Child Development Center

Excellent

Child Care Center · Walnut

Capacity: 182 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Montessori of Walnut

Good

Child Care Center · Walnut

Capacity: 178 Est. preschool tuition: $900 – $1,200/mo

Walnut Valley Preschool and Early Learning Center

Fair

Child Care Center · Walnut

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

Little Seed Child Development Center

Fair

Child Care Center · Walnut

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

Browse all preschool-capable facilities View all facilities in Walnut

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed preschools are in Walnut?

Walnut has 14 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 Walnut?

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.