
Compare 425 daycare centers in San Diego. Average rating: 4.57/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
San Diego has 425 licensed daycares with 1,914 parent reviews averaging 4.57/5.121 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 72% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 92107 (avg 5 stars), while 92113 has the largest selection (21 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Based on 168 daycares with Google ratings in San Diego
Top qualities mentioned across 1,914 reviews, analyzed by AI
Average ratings by facility type in San Diego, based on parent reviews
San Diego zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92107 | 16 | 5 | 6 | |
| 92104 | 12 | 4.85 | 6 | |
| 92103 | 18 | 4.85 | 10 | |
| 92102 | 17 | 4.85 | 5 | |
| 92110 | 14 | 4.83 | 5 | |
| 92121 | 9 | 4.8 | 2 | |
| 92119 | 11 | 4.8 | 2 | |
| 92127 | 19 | 4.77 | 5 | |
| 92129 | 19 | 4.76 | 5 | |
| 92113 | 21 | 4.74 | 6 |
Capacity distribution of daycares in San Diego (12–251 children)
Small
up to 30 children
125
Medium
31–75 children
184
Large
76–150 children
105
Very Large
150+ children
11
Highest rated daycares in San Diego based on parent reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
San Diego offers a robust selection of 425 childcare facilities, catering to diverse parenting preferences and schedules. Parents frequently highlight the importance of clean environments and attentive staff when evaluating their options. While many centers maintain high standards, the quality can vary by location, with certain neighborhoods like 92107 standing out for consistent excellence.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in San Diego have an average rating of 4.57 out of 5 across 168 rated facilities, with 72% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.7 stars. Our analysis covers 1,914 parent reviews. Parents in San Diego most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, clean facilities, and caring and attentive teachers.
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.
Showing 425 results
Toby Wells YMCA is highly praised for its comprehensive facilities, quality instruction, and friendly staff. Parents highlight excellent preschool programming with intentional activities, strong teacher-student relationships, and included amenities like swimming and gymnastics. The facility is clean, well-maintained, and offers diverse programs for children and families year-round.
Parents highlight the friendly staff and well-organized environment, with one noting the center feels welcoming and blessed. A few reviews specifically praise the teachers and the learning program, though one parent simply described it as a good program for kids.
Reviews appear to be for Grace Lutheran Church's worship services rather than the preschool program itself. Most reviewers praise the liturgical experience, theology, community, and worship environment. One reviewer reported a negative interaction with leadership.
Kid Ventures receives consistently excellent reviews with all 5-star ratings. Parents praise the warm, caring staff, engaging curriculum that balances learning and play, and strong communication with families. Children reportedly transition easily, show excitement about attending, and make significant developmental progress.
Sorrento Valley Children's Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the warm, family-like environment, attentive teachers, small class sizes, and effective educational approach. However, one parent reported serious safety concerns including injuries from furniture, inadequate supervision relative to advertised ratios, and unaddressed hazards.
These reviews appear to be about Grace Lutheran Church's worship services rather than the child development center itself. Reviews overwhelmingly praise the liturgical experience, theology, and community atmosphere, though one reviewer reported a negative interaction with a pastor.
Parents universally praise Baldwin Academy for its caring, professional staff and welcoming environment. Families report smooth transitions, strong communication, structured curriculum with outdoor play, and a sense of community. Multiple parents describe the daycare as feeling like a second home and highly recommend it.
One parent highly recommends the center for its patient and caring staff, noting they feel safe leaving their child there. Conversely, another reviewer reports a negative experience, describing the personnel as rude and unprofessional.
Baldwin Academy Infant in San Diego receives consistently excellent ratings from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and welcoming environment. Parents highlight strong communication, structured curriculum with outdoor activities, and successful transitions to kindergarten. Multiple families have attended for several years, indicating high satisfaction and loyalty.
Baldwin Academy-Infant receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the staff's warmth, professionalism, and genuine care for children. Parents highlight strong communication, structured curriculum with educational activities, and a family-like community atmosphere. Many families have enrolled multiple children and remained for several years, indicating high satisfaction and trust.
Early Learners Children's Academy receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the caring staff, clean facilities, and quality educational programs. One parent reported a negative experience with front desk staff professionalism during their initial inquiry and visit.
One parent praises the staff and facility, noting their child's happiness and learning progress, while another reviewer describes a negative experience involving screaming staff, lack of structure, and unaddressed physical conflicts among children. A third comment indicates long-term satisfaction with the center over many years.
SAY-DOYLE Extended Day Program is a center-based facility in San Diego with extensive outdoor and indoor recreational amenities. Parents praise the spacious grounds, multiple sports facilities, and overall cleanliness. However, reviews focus primarily on park and gym facilities rather than daycare services.
Barrio Logan Child Development Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring and empathetic staff, strong parent-teacher communication, and nurturing environment. However, one critical review raises serious safety concerns about pickup procedures and staff management issues.
Magic Hours Children's Center receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the warm, caring staff and strong academic preparation. However, some parents report high costs, inconsistent waitlist communication, and occasional staff attitude issues.
Seaside Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from current parents, who praise the warm environment, skilled and caring staff, and balanced approach to learning and play. One prospective parent reported difficulty accessing enrollment information due to a long waiting list. The daycare appears to excel at supporting children's social and emotional development in a welcoming setting.
One parent describes the COL. SALOMON CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER as an awesome school they loved. This single positive experience highlights a strong satisfaction with the center-based program. Negative feedback is not present in the current review data.
Montessori School of Kearny Mesa receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the caring staff, strong Montessori curriculum, and child development outcomes. However, two concerning reviews allege serious safety and supervision issues, including physical abuse and inadequate monitoring of children.
Playhouse Preschool receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the staff's warmth and care, noting significant developmental progress in their children. However, one parent reported a negative experience, citing dishonesty, unreliability, and unprofessionalism, though this appears to be an isolated complaint against a specific location.
THE KID'S BAY receives mixed reviews with an average rating of 3.9/5. Most parents praise the caring teachers, quality curriculum, and positive child development experiences, though some parents raised concerns about teacher responsiveness to behavioral issues and staff consistency.
Dot to Dot is a highly-rated center-based daycare in San Diego with exceptional focus on social-emotional development, curiosity, and individual child growth. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, hands-on learning, and outstanding food program. All recent reviews are 5-star ratings reflecting strong parent satisfaction.
Most parents praise Montessori School of Kearny Mesa for its caring, experienced staff, strong Montessori philosophy implementation, and child development outcomes. However, two parents reported serious safety and supervision concerns, including alleged physical abuse and inadequate attention to children's needs.
The Kid's Bay Infant center in San Diego receives mixed reviews. Three parents praised the caring teachers, individual attention, cleanliness, and positive child development experiences. Two parents reported concerns about teacher responsiveness to safety issues and staff turnover affecting their children's experience.
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the facility's cleanliness, friendly staff, and quality amenities. Parents appreciate the well-maintained gym equipment, pools, and family-friendly atmosphere. The location is noted as one of the best among YMCA branches.
Crown Point Junior Music Academy is a highly-rated magnet school serving Pre-K through 5th grade with an exceptional music program. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teachers, caring administration, strong Suzuki violin curriculum, and welcoming community atmosphere. The school recently completed construction renovations and offers multiple after-school enrichment programs.
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