46 Daycare Centers in San Rafael, California

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in San Rafael

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

   Creart Early Education & Preschool

   4.64 score

   5(9)

   1055 Las Ovejas Ave., #9 & #10, San Rafael, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 24 children

   CreArt Early Education & Preschool in San Rafael receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the nurturing, creative environment and dedicated staff led by owner Patricia. Parents consistently highlight their children's happiness, the school's inclusive community, and their peace of mind leaving their children in the center's care.

   Loving and nurturing teacherscreative daily activitiesoutdoor playnatural classroom design
2. 2

   Montessori In Motion

   4.64 score

   5(9)

   3 Wellbrock Heights, San Rafael, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 49 children

   Montessori in Motion is highly praised by parents for its nurturing Montessori approach, skilled and caring staff, and emphasis on fostering independence and confidence in children. Parents consistently report their children thriving academically and socially, with smooth transitions to kindergarten. The program is described as a loving, intimate community with small class sizes and a well-structured curriculum.

   Passionate and caring staffstrong academic preparationindependence and confidence buildingsmall class sizes
3. 3

   Creart Early Education & Preschool-Infant Program

   4.64 score

   5(9)

   1055 Las Ovejas Ave., #9 & #10, San Rafael, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 18 children

   CreArt Early Education & Preschool-Infant Program in San Rafael receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the nurturing environment, dedicated staff led by owner Patricia, and creative curriculum. Parents consistently highlight their children's happiness, safety, and strong attachment to teachers, with many noting their children eagerly return to school.

   Caring and loving teachersowner Patricia's dedication and personal attentioncreative daily activities including artmusic instruction
4. 4

   Trinity Preschool

   4.58 score

   5(7)

   333 Woodland Ave, San Rafael, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 92 children

   Trinity Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its warm, caring environment and well-rounded curriculum that balances learning with play. Parents highlight the dedicated teaching staff, strong academic preparation for kindergarten, and excellent facilities including outdoor spaces. The center is also noted for its flexibility, community atmosphere, and additional offerings like summer camp and extracurricular classes.

   Warm and caring environmentclean and organizedexcellent outdoor play areawell-rounded curriculum
5. 5

   City Of San Rafael - Pickleweed P/S

   4.41 score

   4.6(11)

   40 Canal Street, San Rafael, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 44 children

   Pickleweed is a well-regarded community center with a beautiful location overlooking San Rafael Bay and marshes. Parents appreciate its modern facilities including a gym, sports field, park, and various event spaces. The center is noted for cleanliness and offering diverse recreational activities.

   Beautiful location with bay viewsmodern facilitiesgym with outdoor accessadjacent park
6. 6

   Bright Stars Toddler & Preschool

   4.4 score

   4.6(10)

   1055 Las Ovejas Avenue, San Rafael, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 24 children

   Bright Stars Toddler & Preschool in San Rafael receives consistently high praise from parents. Reviews highlight the clean facilities, caring and experienced staff, hands-on ownership, and strong focus on child safety and development. Parents report their children are happy, engaged, and thriving at the center.

   Clean facilityfriendly and caring staffexperienced teachershands-on owner (Nahid)
7. 7

   Bright Stars Infant Center

   4.4 score

   4.6(10)

   1055 Las Ovejas Avenue, San Rafael, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 15 children

   Bright Stars Infant Center receives uniformly positive reviews from parents who praise the clean, safe facility and caring, experienced staff. Parents consistently highlight the hands-on owner Nahid, engaging activities, and strong sense of community. Children are reported to be happy, thriving, and excited to attend.

   Clean facilityfriendly and compassionate staffexperienced teachershands-on owner
8. 8

   Ice Cream & Shoe Preschool & Kindergarten INC.

   4.31 score

   4.5(8)

   1055 Las Ovejas, San Rafael, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 100 children

   Ice Cream & Shoe Preschool & Kindergarten receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with particular praise for the caring, experienced teaching staff and strong focus on emotional development and individual attention. Parents report significant improvements in their children's social skills, independence, and enthusiasm for school. One unrelated negative review appears to describe an incident with a staff member toward non-students outside of school context.

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