Best Daycare Centers in Pasadena, CA
Compare 68 daycare centers in Pasadena. Average rating: 4.58/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Pasadena, California at a glance
- Daycares
- 68
- Avg rating
- 4.58/5
- Parent reviews
- 295
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 26
Pasadena has 68 licensed daycares with 295 parent reviews averaging 4.58/5.26 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 70% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 91106 (avg 4.83 stars), while 91107 has the largest selection (23 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Pasadena
Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.
- 1Altadena Nursery School INC.4.8 score5(20)
789 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children
Altadena Nursery School is a highly-regarded co-op preschool where parents consistently praise the warm, experienced teachers and play-based learning approach. Parents highlight the strong sense of community among families and staff, with children showing enthusiasm for attending and developing confidence and social-emotional skills.
Experienced and caring teachersplay-based curriculumstrong parent community and involvementchild-led learning approach - 2Ability First4.69 score5(11)
201 South Kinneloa Avenue, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 47 children
Ability First in Pasadena receives consistently positive feedback from parents and community members. Reviewers praise the caring and respectful staff, inclusive environment, and quality programming for children, teens, and adults. The director is credited with creating memorable experiences and special events.
Caring and trustworthy staffinclusive and welcoming environmentquality after-school programsphysical activity focus - 3B'Nai Simcha Jewish Community Preschool4.67 score5(10)
1434 N. Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 55 children
B'Nai Simcha Jewish Community Preschool in Pasadena receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as a nurturing, play-based learning environment with strong community values. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, extensive outdoor space, Hebrew language instruction, and Jewish cultural education as standout features.
Caring and loving teachersplay-based learning approachextensive outdoor spaceJewish education and Hebrew language instr - 4Happy Sunshine Kids4.58 score4.8(13)
169 North Halstead Street, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 87 children
Parents consistently praise Happy Sunshine Kids (also known as Kiddie Academy of Pasadena) for its caring, attentive staff and strong educational curriculum. The center is noted for accepting infants as young as 3.5 months, implementing Montessori and play-based learning approaches, and providing daily communication with parents through updates and photos.
Caring and attentive staffstrong early childhood education with Montessori principlesaccepts infants from 3. - 5Cottage Nursery School4.55 score5(6)
169 West Arlington Drive, Pasadena, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 40 children
Parents consistently praise Cottage Nursery School for its play-based, social-emotional learning approach and caring community atmosphere. Multiple families report their children thriving and feeling safe, with long-term enrollment spanning years. Teachers are highlighted as exceptional professionals who treat children with respect and intentionality.
Play-based learning approachsocial-emotional development focuscaring and engaged teacherssafe environment - 6Mothers Club Family Learning Center4.53 score4.9(7)
980 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 63 children
Parents consistently praise Mothers Club Family Learning Center with perfect 5-star ratings. They highlight excellent teacher care, particularly teacher Susanna, and note that their children love attending. Parents express gratitude for the supportive environment and beautiful facility.
Excellent teacherscaring staffbeautiful facilitychildren enjoy attending - 7Hastings Ranch Nursery School4.52 score4.7(14)
3740 E Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 65 children
Hastings Ranch Nursery School is a play-based, co-op preschool in Pasadena that parents consistently praise for its warm, engaged teaching staff, strong community atmosphere, and excellent outdoor facilities. All reviewers highlight the school's child-centered approach, meaningful parent involvement through required volunteer hours, and supportive environment that helps children develop socially and emotionally. Parents emphasize the affordability of the co-op model and the lasting friendships formed within the school community.
Warm and patient teachersplay-based learning approachlarge and well-designed outdoor play areasstrong sense of community - 8Sundance Childcare Center4.5 score5(5)
700 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children
Sundance Childcare Center receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, affordable tuition, and nutritious in-house meals. Parents highlight the integrated Korean language education and cultural programming as major strengths, with children showing strong social, emotional, and academic development.
Caring and competent teachersaffordable tuitionhealthy in-house mealsengaging activities and cultural celebrations - 9Chalk Of Pasadena LLC4.44 score4.6(14)
700 E Green St, Pasadena, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 74 children
Parents consistently praise The Academy at Bright Horizons for its warm, nurturing environment and caring staff led by Director Kara. Children reportedly enjoy daily activities including learning, arts, crafts, and play, with strong parent-teacher communication and transparent updates. The facility maintained safety protocols throughout the pandemic and parents report their children thrived academically and emotionally before kindergarten.
Loving and knowledgeable teachersfun-based learning curriculumwarm and nurturing atmospherestrong parent-teacher communication - 10Enchanted Castle San Marino Montessori School4.35 score4.5(12)
444 S Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 90 children
Enchanted Castle San Marino Montessori School receives unanimous 5-star praise from parents who report their children are happy, engaged, and thriving academically and socially. Parents consistently highlight exceptional, caring teachers, effective Montessori instruction, language immersion programs (Mandarin and Spanish), and strong parent-teacher communication.
Caring and attentive teacherschild-centered Montessori approachlanguage immersion programs (Mandarin
Rating Distribution
Based on 37 daycares with Google ratings in Pasadena
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 295 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Pasadena, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Pasadena zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91106 | 9 | 4.83 | 3 | |
| 91107 | 23 | 4.63 | 10 | |
| 91103 | 11 | 4.63 | 3 | |
| 91101 | 8 | 4.63 | 5 | |
| 91104 | 8 | 4.58 | 2 | |
| 91105 | 7 | 4.1 | 2 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Pasadena (17–181 children)
Small
up to 30 children
15
Medium
31–75 children
39
Large
76–150 children
12
Very Large
150+ children
2
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Pasadena based on parent reviews
Altadena Nursery School INC.
789 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA
Altadena Nursery School is a highly-regarded co-op preschool where parents consistently praise the warm, experienced teachers and play-based learning approach. Parents highlight the strong sense of community among families and staff, with children showing enthusiasm for attending and developing confidence and social-emotional skills.
Ability First
201 South Kinneloa Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Ability First in Pasadena receives consistently positive feedback from parents and community members. Reviewers praise the caring and respectful staff, inclusive environment, and quality programming for children, teens, and adults. The director is credited with creating memorable experiences and special events.
B'Nai Simcha Jewish Community Preschool
1434 N. Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA
B'Nai Simcha Jewish Community Preschool in Pasadena receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as a nurturing, play-based learning environment with strong community values. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, extensive outdoor space, Hebrew language instruction, and Jewish cultural education as standout features.
Happy Sunshine Kids
169 North Halstead Street, Pasadena, CA
Parents consistently praise Happy Sunshine Kids (also known as Kiddie Academy of Pasadena) for its caring, attentive staff and strong educational curriculum. The center is noted for accepting infants as young as 3.5 months, implementing Montessori and play-based learning approaches, and providing daily communication with parents through updates and photos.
Cottage Nursery School
169 West Arlington Drive, Pasadena, CA
Parents consistently praise Cottage Nursery School for its play-based, social-emotional learning approach and caring community atmosphere. Multiple families report their children thriving and feeling safe, with long-term enrollment spanning years. Teachers are highlighted as exceptional professionals who treat children with respect and intentionality.
Mothers Club Family Learning Center
980 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Parents consistently praise Mothers Club Family Learning Center with perfect 5-star ratings. They highlight excellent teacher care, particularly teacher Susanna, and note that their children love attending. Parents express gratitude for the supportive environment and beautiful facility.
Map
Daycare types in Pasadena
Browse by type in Pasadena
Daycare Centers in Pasadena, California
Finding the right childcare in Pasadena means exploring a diverse mix of Montessori-inspired programs, play-based centers, and licensed facilities spread across the city. Parents consistently highlight caring teachers, clean environments, and a focus on learning through play when making their decisions. For those seeking the highest satisfaction, the 91106 zip code stands out with an impressive average rating across its local options.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Pasadena have an average rating of 4.58 out of 5 across 37 rated facilities, with 70% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Headstart Programs facilities lead with an average of 5 stars. Our analysis covers 295 parent reviews.
When choosing a daycare in Pasadena, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
All Daycare Centers in Pasadena
Showing 68 results
Reviews are largely positive, with parents highlighting the center's community involvement and spiritual focus. However, most recent reviews appear to be off-topic or unclear, making it difficult to assess actual daycare quality and services.
- Address
- 1599 Navarro Avenue, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 798-7431
NOTE: The reviews provided are for Lake Avenue Church, not a daycare facility. There are no parent reviews about daycare services at this location. The facility appears to be primarily a religious institution offering church services and programs.
- Address
- 393 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 844-4755
Current parents praise Pasadena Christian Preschool as a warm, loving, play-based environment with experienced, caring teachers and strong emphasis on social-emotional development and spiritual growth. The school offers diverse activities, good staff-to-student ratios, and preparation for kindergarten. Two negative reviews from the 1970s describe harsh discipline practices at the school's former name, though it is unclear if these reflect current operations.
- Address
- 1485 N. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 791-1277
One parent highlights the school's certified Montessori teachers, one-on-one transition care, and diverse enrichment activities like Spanish and yoga, noting their children's strong social and academic preparation. Another review praises the supportive staff and focus on independence, while separate complaints describe a mean staff member and a hostile, moody environment involving aggressive behavior.
- Address
- 355 Green St., Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 792-4505
Sunrise Pre-School receives highly positive feedback from parents about classroom teachers and educational quality, with children showing enthusiasm for learning and development. However, there are significant complaints about administrative practices, including enrollment policy miscommunication, unprofessional phone staff, and lack of organization.
- Address
- 3700 E Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 351-9899
Parents highlight the center's gentle, child-focused approach and diverse activities, noting significant improvement in children's comfort levels after previous negative experiences elsewhere. Reviewers appreciate the clean, affordable facility, experienced staff, and community involvement, though one parent notes a location change.
- Address
- 72 W. Bellevue Drive, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 510-6033
Parents highlight the center's gentle, child-focused approach using Reggio Emilia and R.I.E. philosophies, noting significant improvements in children's behavior and happiness after switching from other facilities. Reviewers also appreciate the diverse extracurricular activities, clean environment, and strong sense of community among staff and families.
- Address
- 72 W. Bellevue Drive, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 510-6033
- Address
- 1090 Nithsdale, Rm #5, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 793-4189
- Address
- 450 North Garfield Avenue, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 449-6220
- Address
- 67 W. Bellevue, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 792-5940
- Address
- 2034 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 204-8900
- Address
- 42 Chestnut St, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 796-7697
- Address
- 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 229-9957
- Address
- 2038 E. Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 460-0468
- Address
- 3600 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 351-8812
- Address
- 693 S. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 793-3741
- Address
- 2089 Rosa Villa St., Rm. 102, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 793-0678
- Address
- 1065 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 797-6927
- Address
- 1065 E. Washington Blvd. K-4, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 794-1134
- Address
- 30 N. Marion Avenue, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 793-0943
- Address
- 750 N. Los Robles, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 793-1181
- Address
- 391 North Sierra Bonita, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 796-8845
- Address
- 1500 E. Villa, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 793-0656
- Address
- 981 No. Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 798-2151
- Address
- 626 Cypress Ave., Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 759-5186
- Address
- 1200-1212 N. Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 345-9929
- Address
- 1840 North Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 858-0527
One parent highlights the simple enrollment process and engaging activities, while another appreciates the free preschool option for children aged 3-5. A single negative review contains only the word 'Sraer' without further explanation.
- Address
- 595 N. Lincoln Avenue, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 204-8900
- Address
- 2101 E. Washington Bl. Blg. B, Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 798-7866
- Address
- 2215 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA
- Phone
- (626) 578-1343
Page 2 of 3· 68 results
Frequently asked questions
- Licensing status with California's regulatory agency
- Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in California)
- Safety measures and cleanliness
- Daily routines and educational curriculum
- Parent reviews and ratings
- Location and hours that fit your schedule
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 52 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 3 facilities
- Church Daycare — 1 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 12 facilities