Children at daycare

425 Daycare Centers in San Diego, California

Browse all 425 daycare centers in San Diego, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in San Diego

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.

  1. 1

    4754 Sea Tern Court, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 14 children

    Montessori Child Development LLC receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and effective Montessori curriculum. Parents report significant improvements in their children's confidence, independence, academic skills, and social development. The school is highlighted for its welcoming environment, strong communication with families, and dedicated leadership.

    Caring and attentive staffeffective Montessori curriculumhe
  2. 2
    Little Angels Academy
    4.8 score
    5(20)

    3078 L Street, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 72 children

    Little Angels Academy receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the caring and attentive staff, smooth transitions for children of all ages, educational activities, and communication through their parent app. Children show strong development and look forward to attending.

    Loving and nurturing staffbilingual teachers availablesmooth transitions for infants and toddlerseducational activities (art
  3. 3

    4895 Saratoga Avenue, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 137 children

    Sacred Heart Academy Preschool in San Diego receives universally positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, dedicated staff and comprehensive curriculum that balances play-based learning with kindergarten readiness skills. Parents consistently highlight the school's effectiveness with potty training, social-emotional development, and strong teacher-parent communication through the Brightwheel app.

    Caring and dedicated teachersstrong kindergarten preparationplay-based learning approachpotty training success
  4. 4

    12285 B World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 49 children

    Manna's Martial Arts is a highly-rated martial arts studio in San Diego with consistent 5/5 star reviews. Parents praise the quality instruction, strong emphasis on discipline and life skills, and community atmosphere that extends beyond martial arts training. Multiple families report long-term enrollment (8-13 years) and significant positive impacts on their children's confidence, self-defense abilities, and character development.

    Excellent instruction qualityemphasis on safety and respectpersonal attention to studentsflexible class scheduling with unlimited monthly classes
  5. 5

    3743 Front Street, San Diego, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 95 children

    Parents consistently praise Fleur de Lis as an exceptional preschool that fosters individual growth, confidence, and a love of learning through a dedicated, play-based curriculum. Staff members are described as caring, professional, and genuinely invested in each child's cognitive, emotional, and physical development. The beautiful natural setting, diverse and welcoming community, and strong preparation for kindergarten are frequently highlighted.

    Individualized attention to each childwarm and caring staffdedicated curriculumbeautiful canyon setting with playgrounds
  6. 6

    1752 Via Las Cumbres, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

    Manchester Family Child Development Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise its caring, professional staff, safe and welcoming environment, and focus on child development and learning through play. Parents highlight excellent communication through daily apps and photos, strong parent community engagement, and successful preparation for kindergarten and school transitions. The center has a long-standing positive reputation in the San Diego community.

  7. 7

    9855 Erma Road Ste. 128, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 36 children

    Parents consistently praise Scripps Exploring Academy for exceptional childcare with attentive, caring staff who genuinely bond with children. Families report their children are happy, well-prepared for kindergarten, and experience smooth transitions. The facility is described as clean, welcoming, and homey with strong parent communication.

    Caring and attentive teachershappy childrensmooth transition to kindergartenacademic preparation (reading and writing)
  8. 8

    5075 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 90 children

    Chinese Bilingual Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its bilingual Mandarin-English curriculum, caring and patient teachers, and strong sense of community. Parents highlight the school's commitment to child development, flexible scheduling, and on-site prepared meals. Children show advanced academic preparation and develop lasting friendships.

    Bilingual Mandarin-English immersioncaring and patient teacherson-site fresh meals (breakfastlunch
  9. 9
    Wee Wisdom Preschool
    4.72 score
    5(13)

    8999 Activity Road, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children

    Wee Wisdom Preschool receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, knowledgeable staff, clean facility, and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Parents highlight strong teacher-child relationships, innovative teaching methods including yoga and meditation, and children's enthusiasm for attending school.

    Caring and knowledgeable staffclean and well-organized facilityindividualized attention to each childdevelopmentally appropriate activities
  10. 10
    Al-Rribat Academy
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    7183-A Saranac Street, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 23 children

    AL-RRIBAT Academy appears to be an Islamic center (masjid) rather than a daycare facility. Reviews praise it as a welcoming community space with clean facilities, active programming including classes and events, and knowledgeable religious leadership. Parents describe feeling a strong sense of belonging and community support.

    Clean facilitieswelcoming and friendly communityactive programming (classeslectures

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in San Diego based on parent reviews

Montessori Child Development LLC

5(20)

4754 Sea Tern Court, San Diego, CA

Montessori Child Development LLC receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and effective Montessori curriculum. Parents report significant improvements in their children's confidence, independence, academic skills, and social development. The school is highlighted for its welcoming environment, strong communication with families, and dedicated leadership.

Caring and attentive staffeffective Montessori curriculumhe

Little Angels Academy

5(20)

3078 L Street, San Diego, CA

Little Angels Academy receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the caring and attentive staff, smooth transitions for children of all ages, educational activities, and communication through their parent app. Children show strong development and look forward to attending.

Loving and nurturing staffbilingual teachers availablesmooth transitions for infants and toddlers

Sacred Heart Academy Preschool

5(20)

4895 Saratoga Avenue, San Diego, CA

Sacred Heart Academy Preschool in San Diego receives universally positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, dedicated staff and comprehensive curriculum that balances play-based learning with kindergarten readiness skills. Parents consistently highlight the school's effectiveness with potty training, social-emotional development, and strong teacher-parent communication through the Brightwheel app.

Caring and dedicated teachersstrong kindergarten preparationplay-based learning approach

Manna'S Martial Arts INC.

5(20)

12285 B World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA

Manna's Martial Arts is a highly-rated martial arts studio in San Diego with consistent 5/5 star reviews. Parents praise the quality instruction, strong emphasis on discipline and life skills, and community atmosphere that extends beyond martial arts training. Multiple families report long-term enrollment (8-13 years) and significant positive impacts on their children's confidence, self-defense abilities, and character development.

Excellent instruction qualityemphasis on safety and respectpersonal attention to students

Fleur De Lis Nursery School

5(18)

3743 Front Street, San Diego, CA

Parents consistently praise Fleur de Lis as an exceptional preschool that fosters individual growth, confidence, and a love of learning through a dedicated, play-based curriculum. Staff members are described as caring, professional, and genuinely invested in each child's cognitive, emotional, and physical development. The beautiful natural setting, diverse and welcoming community, and strong preparation for kindergarten are frequently highlighted.

Individualized attention to each childwarm and caring staffdedicated curriculum

Manchester Family Child Development Center

5(16)

1752 Via Las Cumbres, San Diego, CA

Manchester Family Child Development Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise its caring, professional staff, safe and welcoming environment, and focus on child development and learning through play. Parents highlight excellent communication through daily apps and photos, strong parent community engagement, and successful preparation for kindergarten and school transitions. The center has a long-standing positive reputation in the San Diego community.

Map

Daycare Centers in San Diego, California

There are 425 daycare centers in San Diego, California. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

When choosing a daycare in San Diego, 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 San Diego

Showing 425 results

Episcopal Community Services-Reo Head Start
Headstart Programs
Address
2602 Reo Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 228-2800
Euclid State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4166 Euclid Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 344-5600
Field State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4375 Bannock Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 800-5900
Finney State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3950 Byrd Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 428-0444
Florence Joyner State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4271 Myrtle Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 640-4000
Florence State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3914 First Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 293-4445
Garfield State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4487 Oregon Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 362-4300
Ymca-Mckinley Elementary
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3045 Felton Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 307-3606
Sam And Rose Stein Education Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
6145 Decena Dr., San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 281-5511
Ku Champions LLC @ Salk Elementary
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
7825 Flanders Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 226-7981
Chabad Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
10785 Pomerado Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 566-1996
Mason Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
10340 San Ramon Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 271-0410
Good Shepherd Catholic School
Before or After School Daycare
Address
8180 Gold Coast Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 693-1522
Grow Smart Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools

Grow Smart Academy receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and nurturing environment where children thrive and enjoy attending. Parents highlight the director's empathetic leadership, regular communication through photos and updates, competitive pricing with included meals, and engaging outdoor play areas. Children show notable developmental progress and strong bonds with their teachers.

Caring and attentive teacherspatient staffregular photo/video updates
Address
6261 Jackson Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 464-0305
Grow Smart Children'S Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools

Grow Smart Children's Academy receives consistently high praise from parents who appreciate the warm, caring staff and nurturing environment. Parents highlight the director's supportive leadership, regular communication through photos and updates, included meals, competitive pricing, and engaging outdoor play areas. Children reportedly transition well, develop confidence, and enjoy attending daily.

Caring and attentive teacherssupportive director (Ms. Maressa)regular photo/video updates
Address
6271 Jackson Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 464-0305
Hamilton State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2807 Fairmount, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 344-6800
Highland Ranch Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
14840 Waverly Downs Way, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 674-4707
Honey Bear Preschool And Childcare Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4426 Mentone Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 224-4733
Horton State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
5050 Guymon Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 264-0171
Ibarra State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4877 Orange Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 641-5400
Johnson State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1355 Kelton Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 264-0103
Juarez-Lincoln State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
849 Twining Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 690-9222
Kce Champions LLC @ Sequoia Elementary Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4690 Limerick Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 972-1425
Kensington Community Church Pre-School
Church Daycare
Address
4773 Marlborough Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 280-1610
Kid Ventures Liberty Station Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools

Kid Ventures Liberty Station Preschool receives exclusively positive feedback from parents who praise the caring staff, strong academic preparation, and balanced curriculum that combines play-based learning with structured education. Parents highlight the school's success in preparing children for kindergarten, fostering social skills, and building community among families.

Caring and attentive staffstrong academic preparation for kindergartenbalanced play-based and structured curriculum
Address
2865 Sims Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 573-9625
Kimbrough State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
321 Hoitt Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 362-4400
Kindercare Agee Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise KinderCare Agee Preschool (University City location) for exceptional care, educational development, and a warm, family-like environment. Staff members are described as highly trained, caring, and genuinely invested in children's growth. The facility maintains high standards for cleanliness, safety, and parent communication through a mobile app.

Caring and well-trained staffstrong child development programsclean and safe facility
Address
6150 Agee Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 453-7530
Kindercare Golfcrest Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise KinderCare San Carlos (note: reviews mention San Carlos location, not Golfcrest) for exceptional staff care, strong curriculum, and supportive leadership. All reviewers rate the facility 5/5 stars and highlight the teachers' genuine engagement, developmental support, and daily communication with parents. Military families particularly appreciate the emotional support and understanding during transitions.

Caring and experienced staffstrong curriculum with creative activitiesdaily communication and photo updates via app
Address
7007 Golfcrest Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 461-5771
Kindercare Learning Center - Paseo Montanoso
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise KinderCare Paseo Montanoso for its caring, family-oriented environment and dedicated staff. Children show strong developmental progress and excitement about attending. The facility maintains clean classrooms, provides on-site meals, uses Montessori methods, and demonstrates excellent crisis management and communication.

Caring and nurturing teachersfamily-like atmospheresmooth transitions for new students
Address
11290 Paseo Montanoso, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 672-1200
Kindercare Learning Center - World Trade
Child Daycare & Preschools

Most parents (7 of 10 reviews) rate this KinderCare location highly, praising caring staff, child development, and communication. However, three negative reviews cite significant staff turnover, billing issues, inadequate support for children with trauma histories, and inconsistent enrichment activities.

Warm and caring teachersstrong child development and social skills growthexcellent parent communication
Address
12135 World Trade Dr., San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 487-6444

Page 10 of 15· 425 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 425 all daycares in San Diego, California. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
When choosing a daycare in San Diego, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • 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
San Diego offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 372 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 29 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 7 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 17 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in California typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in San Diego for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in San Diego must be licensed by California's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.