Best Child Daycare & Preschools in La Mesa, CA
Compare 28 child daycare & preschools in La Mesa. Average rating: 4.81/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
La Mesa, California at a glance
- Programs
- 28
- Avg rating
- 4.81/5
- Parent reviews
- 133
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 14
La Mesa has 28 licensed child daycare & preschools with 133 parent reviews averaging 4.81/5.14 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 88% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 91941 zip code, averaging 4.82 stars across 23 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in La Mesa
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.
- 1Abc Barn Children'S Place-Extended Day4.58 score5(7)
10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 34 children
ABC Barn Children's Place receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff and family-like atmosphere. Parents consistently report their children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically while feeling safe and loved by dedicated teachers and directors who are actively involved.
Experiencedcaringand dedicated teachers; warm family atmosphere; strong director involvement and communication; outdoor play space; reasonable pricing; individualized attention; diverse learning activities; safe environment; welcoming staff; app-based communication with parents - 2Abc Barn Children'S Place4.58 score5(7)
10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 87 children
ABC Barn Children's Place receives universal praise from parents for its warm, family-like atmosphere and dedicated, long-tenured staff. Parents consistently highlight the caring teachers, safe environment, quality outdoor facilities, and positive developmental impact on their children. Leadership is described as professional, communicative, and deeply involved in the community.
caring and dedicated teachersfamily atmosphereexperienced staff (20+ years)involved and approachable directors - 3La Mesa United Methodist Childrens Ctr. School Age4.55 score5(6)
4690 Palm Ave, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 35 children
Parents consistently praise LA MESA UNITED METHODIST CHILDRENS CTR for its caring, communicative staff and supportive learning environment. Children reportedly enjoy attending, show improvements in behavior and social skills, and families appreciate the community connection and convenient downtown location.
Caring and kind teachersgood communication from staffsupportive of child development and learningfun community events - 4Parent Care Family Recovery Center4.5 score5(5)
4990 Williams Avenue, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 28 children
Parent Care Family Recovery Center is a specialized facility that combines childcare with addiction recovery and parenting support services. Parents consistently praise the compassionate staff, therapeutic counseling, and comprehensive programs that have helped them achieve sobriety and reunify with their children. Reviewers highlight the non-judgmental, welcoming environment that has transformed their lives.
Compassionate and supportive staffeffective addiction recovery programsparenting skills trainingpersonal development and self-esteem building - 5Little Sprouts Academy - Infant4.4 score4.5(20)
3605 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 48 children
Parents consistently praise Little Sprouts Academy (also referenced as Learning Jungle) for its caring and attentive staff, clean and well-maintained facilities, and strong communication through daily updates and photos. Multiple reviews highlight the director's professionalism and individual teachers' patience and dedication to child development. Parents report their children show significant growth and development while feeling safe and loved at the center.
Caring and attentive staffClean and well-maintained facilitiesLarge outdoor play space with shadeAmple parking - 6Little Sprouts Academy INC.4.4 score4.5(20)
3605 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 72 children
Parents consistently praise Little Sprouts Academy (also known as Learning Jungle) for its clean, well-maintained facilities, caring and attentive staff, and strong communication through daily updates and photos. The center receives high marks for child development, welcoming atmosphere, and responsive leadership, with multiple parents noting significant positive changes in their children's behavior and learning.
clean and recently renovated facilitieslarge outdoor - 7Learning Jungle School-La Mesa Campus4.39 score4.6(9)
7484 University Ave. Ste. 100, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 42 children
Learning Jungle School-La Mesa Campus receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring staff, strong communication, and child development outcomes. However, one parent reported dissatisfaction with illness management, refund policies, and perceived lack of empathy during their brief enrollment.
Caring and attentive staffstrong child development and learning outcomesexcellent director (Alexa) leadershipconvenient location - 8Charley Brown Children'S Ctr4.21 score4.3(11)
5921 Jackson Dr, La Mesa, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 75 children
Charley Brown Children's Center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring staff, strong communication, and quality programming. One parent reported their child was dismissed after struggling on their first day, citing insufficient support during adjustment. The center maintains high staff retention and focuses on developmental learning with outdoor play and nutritious meals.
Caring and passionate staff with high retentionexcellent c
Rating Distribution
Based on 16 daycares with Google ratings in La Mesa
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 133 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in La Mesa, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
La Mesa zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91941 | 23 | 4.82 | 10 | |
| 91942 | 9 | 4.78 | 4 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in La Mesa (15–95 children)
Small
up to 30 children
9
Medium
31–75 children
20
Large
76–150 children
3
Very Large
150+ children
0
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in La Mesa based on parent reviews
Abc Barn Children'S Place-Extended Day
10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa, CA
ABC Barn Children's Place receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff and family-like atmosphere. Parents consistently report their children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically while feeling safe and loved by dedicated teachers and directors who are actively involved.
Abc Barn Children'S Place
10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa, CA
ABC Barn Children's Place receives universal praise from parents for its warm, family-like atmosphere and dedicated, long-tenured staff. Parents consistently highlight the caring teachers, safe environment, quality outdoor facilities, and positive developmental impact on their children. Leadership is described as professional, communicative, and deeply involved in the community.
La Mesa United Methodist Childrens Ctr. School Age
4690 Palm Ave, La Mesa, CA
Parents consistently praise LA MESA UNITED METHODIST CHILDRENS CTR for its caring, communicative staff and supportive learning environment. Children reportedly enjoy attending, show improvements in behavior and social skills, and families appreciate the community connection and convenient downtown location.
Parent Care Family Recovery Center
4990 Williams Avenue, La Mesa, CA
Parent Care Family Recovery Center is a specialized facility that combines childcare with addiction recovery and parenting support services. Parents consistently praise the compassionate staff, therapeutic counseling, and comprehensive programs that have helped them achieve sobriety and reunify with their children. Reviewers highlight the non-judgmental, welcoming environment that has transformed their lives.
The Grey Rabbit Preschool
4542-4532 Palm Avenue, La Mesa, CA
Parents describe the Grey Rabbit Preschool as a loving, well-organized environment with excellent staff that fosters independence and academic growth. Reviewers highlight the traditional curriculum, engaging activities, and a safe atmosphere that keeps children happy and eager to learn.
Little Sprouts Academy - Infant
3605 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA
Parents consistently praise Little Sprouts Academy (also referenced as Learning Jungle) for its caring and attentive staff, clean and well-maintained facilities, and strong communication through daily updates and photos. Multiple reviews highlight the director's professionalism and individual teachers' patience and dedication to child development. Parents report their children show significant growth and development while feeling safe and loved at the center.
Map
Daycare types in La Mesa
Browse by type in La Mesa
Child Daycare & Preschools in La Mesa, California
There are 28 child daycare & preschools in La Mesa, California, making up 88% of the 32 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in La Mesa have an average rating of 4.81 out of 5 across 16 rated facilities, with 88% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Child Daycare & Preschools facilities lead with an average of 4.81 stars. Our analysis covers 133 parent reviews.
When choosing a daycare in La Mesa, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
All Child Daycare & Preschools in La Mesa
Showing 28 results
Parents highlight the nurturing and patient teaching staff, noting that the Reggio Emilia approach fosters creativity and independent exploration. Reviewers describe the facility as clean and well-designed to encourage curiosity, with one parent noting their older child wished they had attended as well.
- Address
- 5358 Jackson Drive, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (310) 913-0466
One parent reports that their child enjoys attending this center and eagerly anticipates returning after a pandemic-related absence. The reviewer highlights the staff's loving, caring, and compassionate nature, noting that the facility is flexible and reasonably priced.
- Address
- 4885 Harbinson Avenue, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 461-5408
- Address
- 4031 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 670-4024
Parents highlight the center's wonderful staff, fair pricing, and strong family atmosphere, noting that their children developed into well-rounded individuals through the experiences provided. Reviewers express gratitude for the caring and professional teachers who supported their children from toddlerhood through preschool.
- Address
- 8475 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 460-0393
Parent Care Family Recovery Center is a specialized facility that combines childcare with addiction recovery and parenting support services. Parents consistently praise the compassionate staff, therapeutic counseling, and comprehensive programs that have helped them achieve sobriety and reunify with their children. Reviewers highlight the non-judgmental, welcoming environment that has transformed their lives.
- Address
- 4990 Williams Avenue, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 668-4210
ABC Barn Children's Place receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff and family-like atmosphere. Parents consistently report their children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically while feeling safe and loved by dedicated teachers and directors who are actively involved.
- Address
- 10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 670-3898
Parents consistently praise LA MESA UNITED METHODIST CHILDRENS CTR for its caring, communicative staff and supportive learning environment. Children reportedly enjoy attending, show improvements in behavior and social skills, and families appreciate the community connection and convenient downtown location.
- Address
- 4690 Palm Ave, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 466-8407
Parents describe the Grey Rabbit Preschool as a loving, well-organized environment with excellent staff that fosters independence and academic growth. Reviewers highlight the traditional curriculum, engaging activities, and a safe atmosphere that keeps children happy and eager to learn.
- Address
- 4542-4532 Palm Avenue, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 697-1551
- Address
- 5173 Guava Avenue, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 698-2903
- Address
- 4816 Glen Street, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 469-5330
ABC Barn Children's Place receives universal praise from parents for its warm, family-like atmosphere and dedicated, long-tenured staff. Parents consistently highlight the caring teachers, safe environment, quality outdoor facilities, and positive developmental impact on their children. Leadership is described as professional, communicative, and deeply involved in the community.
- Address
- 10842 Fury Lane, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 670-3898
Learning Jungle School-La Mesa Campus receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring staff, strong communication, and child development outcomes. However, one parent reported dissatisfaction with illness management, refund policies, and perceived lack of empathy during their brief enrollment.
- Address
- 7484 University Ave. Ste. 100, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 589-9196
Parents consistently praise Little Sprouts Academy (also referenced as Learning Jungle) for its caring and attentive staff, clean and well-maintained facilities, and strong communication through daily updates and photos. Multiple reviews highlight the director's professionalism and individual teachers' patience and dedication to child development. Parents report their children show significant growth and development while feeling safe and loved at the center.
- Address
- 3605 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 569-7607
Parents consistently praise Little Sprouts Academy (also known as Learning Jungle) for its clean, well-maintained facilities, caring and attentive staff, and strong communication through daily updates and photos. The center receives high marks for child development, welcoming atmosphere, and responsive leadership, with multiple parents noting significant positive changes in their children's behavior and learning.
- Address
- 3605 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 569-7607
Charley Brown Children's Center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring staff, strong communication, and quality programming. One parent reported their child was dismissed after struggling on their first day, citing insufficient support during adjustment. The center maintains high staff retention and focuses on developmental learning with outdoor play and nutritious meals.
- Address
- 5921 Jackson Dr, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 463-5126
- Address
- 4351 Parks Avenue, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 460-6432
Childtime Children's Center in La Mesa receives consistently high praise from parents across all reviews (10/10 five-star ratings). Parents highlight exceptional staff care, strong safety measures, developmental learning activities, and a welcoming environment where children feel secure and thrive academically and socially.
- Address
- 5565 Lake Park Way, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 460-0310
- Address
- 7915 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 462-6004
- Address
- 4207 Spring Garden Road, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 665-1264
- Address
- 4370 Parks Avenue, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 668-5740
- Address
- 5777 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 465-3916
- Address
- 5400 Maryland Avenue, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 668-5744
- Address
- 8475 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 460-0393
Parents consistently praise KinderCare Learning Center - Via Mercado for exceptional care, educational programming, and staff dedication. Children show strong developmental progress in academics and social skills, with parents appreciating the clean facility, good teacher-to-student ratios, and daily communication. The center is noted for compassionate support during transitions and difficult circumstances.
- Address
- 3655 Via Mercado, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 670-9388
- Address
- 3900 Violet Street, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 825-5720
- Address
- 11330 Campo Road, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 415-5485
- Address
- 4031 Avocado Boulevard, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 670-4024
- Address
- 7714 El Cajon Boulevard, La Mesa, CA
- Phone
- (619) 698-8462
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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 — 28 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 2 facilities