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

Children'S Growing Center-Infant-1st United Meth
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
2111 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 295-1915
Kids' Care Club-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Parents consistently praise Kids' Care Club Infant for its caring, patient staff, nurturing environment, and strong educational curriculum. Children show significant academic progress (reading, writing, math skills ahead of peers) and develop strong social-emotional skills. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children over many years, citing trust, safety, and genuine staff dedication.

Caring and patient teacherswarm welcoming environmentstrong academic curr
Address
10414 Craftsman Way, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 675-7000
Rancho Bernardo Community Church Presbyterian Pre
Church Daycare
4.7

This is a Presbyterian church facility that serves as a community gathering place rather than a traditional daycare center. Reviews consistently praise the welcoming congregation, quality pastoral leadership, and strong community involvement, with visitors highlighting the beautiful campus and supportive atmosphere.

Warm and welcoming congregationBible-centered sermonsquality music programs
Address
17010 Pomerado Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 487-0824
Price Family Preschool Of Temple Emanu-El
Church Daycare
4.7

Note: Reviews appear to be for Temple Emanu-El synagogue and its programs rather than the preschool specifically. Reviewers praise the facility as a warm, welcoming, and inclusive religious community with diverse programming including senior centers, family events, and educational activities.

Welcoming and inclusive communityLGBT friendlycaring and knowledgeable rabbis
Address
6299 Capri Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 286-2999
The Vine Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Parents consistently praise The Vine Learning Center for exceptional infant care, with teachers described as loving, attentive, and nurturing. The facility is noted for cleanliness, detailed daily communication through a mobile app, and strong support for child development. Parents report feeling confident and at ease leaving their children in this environment.

Caring and patient teachersexcellent communication and daily updates via appclean facility
Address
6705 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 715-1720
The Vine Learning Center #2
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

The Vine Learning Center #2 receives consistently excellent feedback from parents of infants and toddlers. Parents praise the caring and attentive teachers, cleanliness, developmental support, and daily communication through the facility's app. The center is noted for staff consistency, individual attention to each child's needs, and creating a welcoming environment for families.

Caring and nurturing teachersClean facilityDaily photo and activity updates via app
Address
6705 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 715-1720
The Vine Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

The Vine Learning Center receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring and attentive staff, nurturing environment, strong communication through the Brightwheel app with daily photo updates, and positive developmental outcomes for their children.

Caring and patient staffstrong communication and daily photo/video updatesnurturing and safe environment
Address
2130 Ulric Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 974-1222
Congregation Beth Israel / Sid Rubin Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Congregation Beth Israel's Sid Rubin Preschool is consistently praised as a warm, welcoming Jewish community with exceptional staff and clergy. Parents highlight the strong musical programming, inclusive atmosphere, and child development professionals, though one reviewer noted it feels less personalized despite its quality. The facility is commended for fostering spiritual growth and community connection for families of all ages.

Warm and welcoming communityexcept
Address
9001 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 900-2530
The French Montessori Preschool Of San Diego
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

The French Montessori Preschool of San Diego receives mostly positive reviews, with parents praising the bilingual and trilingual education, caring teachers, and supportive environment. However, one parent raised concerns about high teacher turnover and limited owner communication after enrollment.

Bilingual/trilingual instruction (EnglishSpanishFrench)
Address
4011 Ohio Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 501-3787
Abc Children'S Center At San Diego
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

ABC Children's Center receives consistently high praise from parents across all reviews. Parents highlight exceptional teacher care, strong communication through a family app, balanced academics and play-based learning, and smooth transitions for children from infancy through preschool. Families report their children are excited to attend daily and show significant growth in academic, social, emotional, and life skills.

Caring and attentive teachersexcellent parent
Address
12145 Alta Carmel Ct., #270, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 451-1663
College Ave Pre-School
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

College Ave Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the dedicated staff, experienced director Lara Blouin, secure facilities, and strong child development outcomes. However, one parent reported concerns about a teacher's behavior, including yelling and physical handling of their child.

Experienced and attentive directordedicated and caring staffchild development and learning
Address
4747 College Ave, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 583-7111
Die Rasselbande Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Die Rasselbande Preschool is a highly-regarded bilingual German-English preschool that uses a play-based learning approach. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, strong community atmosphere, and the school's effectiveness in teaching German immersion while fostering social-emotional development. Children reportedly develop confidence, peer interaction skills, and problem-solving abilities that benefit them in elementary school.

Play-based learning philosophyGerman language immersion with native speakerscaring and attentive teachers
Address
6747 Amherst Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 465-4420
Early Learners Children'S Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Early Learners Children's Academy receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with the vast majority praising attentive and caring staff, clean facilities, strong security measures, and positive child development outcomes. Most parents report their children are happy, engaged, and look forward to attending. One negative review mentions poor owner communication and inspector violations.

Attentive and caring teachersclean and bright facilitysecure acces
Address
9585 Candida Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 530-8200
Grace Kids Christian Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Grace Kids Christian Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents who appreciate its warm, faith-based environment and caring staff. Parents report their children are happy, engaged, and developing well socially and academically. The facility is described as safe, secure, and clean with strong leadership.

loving and patient staffwarm welcoming environmentfaith-based curriculum
Address
2716 Madison Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 269-8080
International Pre-School
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

International Pre-School in San Diego receives overwhelmingly positive reviews (6 five-star ratings) praising the caring staff, strong academic preparation, and performing arts curriculum. However, one parent reported their child with behavioral and emotional regulation issues was unenrolled without proper accommodations or evaluation, alleging the school failed to follow California disability law.

Caring and seasoned teaching staffstrong academic curriculumchild
Address
5940 Winchester Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 479-2410
Kids' Care Club
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Kids' Care Club receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the caring, experienced staff and strong focus on child development across social, emotional, and academic areas. Parents repeatedly mention positive transitions, excellent communication, and a warm, nurturing environment with engaging activities including STEAM curriculum and special community experiences. Children show notable growth in confidence, social skills, and school readiness.

Caring and patient staffexperienced teachers with long tenurestrong communication with families
Address
9995 Carmel Mountain Rd, Ste B8, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 538-5437
Lifetime Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Parents consistently praise Lifetime Montessori for its authentic implementation of Montessori philosophy, strong leadership under Director Kristin, and nurturing teachers who foster academic growth alongside personal development. Families report their children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically, with long-term enrollment common due to satisfaction with the program's approach and staff commitment.

Authentic Montessori methodologyexperienced and passionate teachersstrong leadership and administration
Address
14727 Camino De La Luna, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 759-0631
Ridge City Preschool And Daycare
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Ridge City Preschool and Daycare in San Diego receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with nine 5-star reviews praising the loving, caring staff and clean facilities. One 3-star review noted the daycare lacks modern communication technology and raised concerns about how staff handled certain behavioral situations.

Caring and loving staffclean facilitiesstructured curriculum
Address
6866 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 277-1442
Hillcrest Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Hillcrest Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced teachers, nurturing environment, and strong educational curriculum. Parents highlight the small, intimate community feel, affordable pricing, convenient hours, and new facilities as major strengths. The leadership and staff are consistently described as genuinely invested in children's development and family partnerships.

Caring and experienced teacherssmall community feel where staff know all children and familiesnurturing and safe environment
Address
3900 Cleveland Ave, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 295-4147
St. Andrew'S Lutheran Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Unable to provide accurate daycare review summary. The reviews provided are for St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, not the preschool program. All 10 reviews focus on church services and community rather than childcare quality, curriculum, or preschool operations.

None relevant to daycare operations
Address
8350 Lake Murray Boulevard, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 469-3531
Congregation Beth Israel/Sid Rubin Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Congregation Beth Israel/Sid Rubin Infant Center is highly regarded as a welcoming Jewish community with exceptional staff and clergy. Parents praise the warm, inclusive atmosphere, quality programming including music and Torah study, and professional child development services. The facility serves as both a spiritual center and preschool with strong community engagement.

Welcoming and inclusive communityexceptional rabbis and staffprofessional child development
Address
9001 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 900-2530
Kids Care Club-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Parents consistently praise Kids Care Club for its caring, experienced staff, strong communication, and nurturing environment that supports children's social, emotional, and academic growth. The facility is clean and well-maintained with engaging activities, outdoor play, and structured curriculum. Multiple families report their children thrived at the center and were well-prepared for elementary school.

Experienced and caring staff with low turnoverexcellent parent communicationindividualized attention to each child's needs
Address
9995 Carmel Mountain Road, #B8, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 538-5437
Northminster Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Northminster Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its warm, nurturing environment and exceptional staff who genuinely care for each child. Parents highlight the school's small class sizes, personalized attention, strong arts programs, and successful transitions to kindergarten. Multiple families report significant growth in their children's confidence, social skills, and academic readiness.

Caring and patient teacherssmall class sizes with l
Address
4324 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 270-3760
Saint Michael Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Saint Michael Preschool receives predominantly positive reviews (7 five-star ratings) praising the dedicated staff, family-like environment, and STEM-focused Catholic curriculum. One negative review criticized the director's unprofessional conduct during a tour and harsh enrollment policies.

Dedicated and well-trained stafffamily-oriented environmentSTEM-focused curriculum
Address
2637 Homedale Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 472-5437
The Children'S Paradise
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5
Address
6038 Cumberland St, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 475-0683
Children Of The Rainbow INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Children of the Rainbow Inc has mostly positive reviews praising staff quality, individualized attention, developmental progress, and safety improvements. However, one detailed 1-star review documents a serious 2019 incident where a 2-year-old child left the facility unnoticed through an unarmed door for approximately 5 minutes, with delayed parent notification and concerns about inadequate follow-up corrective actions.

Attentive and caring teachersspecialized supp
Address
690 Beardsley St., #101, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 578-2974
Childrens Creative & Performing Arts Acad. Of Sd
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Parents consistently praise CHILDRENS CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS ACAD. OF SD for combining strong academics with exceptional performing arts programs in a supportive, inclusive environment. Teachers are described as passionate, caring mentors who know students personally and foster confidence and self-expression. The school creates a tight-knit community where children feel valued and eager to learn.

Rigorous academics with supportive teachingoutstanding performing
Address
3051 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 584-2454
Cda - Finney Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5
Address
3950 Byrd Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 690-0147
Mesa College Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5
Address
7250 Mesa College Dr, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 388-2812
St. Paul'S Lutheran Church And School
Church Daycare
4.5

Parents consistently praise St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School as a welcoming, faith-centered community with strong academics and excellent music programs. Families appreciate the nurturing environment, personalized attention from caring teachers, and abundant opportunities for spiritual growth and community involvement. The facility is described as family-friendly with engaging activities for children of all ages.

Christ-centered educationsmall class sizes with
Address
1376 Felspar Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 272-6282

Page 4 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.