Children at daycare

14 Child Daycare & Preschools in Lake Forest, California

Browse all 14 child daycare & preschools in Lake Forest, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Lake Forest

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

    23532 El Toro Rd. Suite, #1, Lake Forest, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children

    The Red Apple Preschool in Lake Forest receives universally positive feedback from parents. Parents consistently praise the caring, passionate teachers and directors (Maryam and Amir), strong academic curriculum, and warm, safe environment that supports children's academic, social, and emotional development. Multiple parents report significant improvements in their children's learning and confidence since enrolling.

    Caring and passionate teachersattentive and responsive directorsstrong academic focus with age-appropriate learningsmall class sizes
  2. 2

    23184 El Toro Frontage Road, Lake Forest, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 44 children

    Parents consistently praise Milestones Academy for its educational curriculum, caring staff, and positive developmental outcomes for their children. Multiple reviews highlight significant improvements in children's speech, social skills, and academic readiness. The center is noted for creating a welcoming environment that helps children overcome separation anxiety.

    Excellent educational curriculumcaring and attentive staff (particularly Miss Fay and team)fresh daily mealsdevelopmental progress in speech and language
  3. 3

    24602 Raymond Way Suite, #1, Lake Forest, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 90 children

    Parents consistently praise Montessori Lake Forest Preschool for its nurturing Montessori curriculum, highly attentive teachers, and strong focus on both academic and social-emotional development. Children show significant growth in independence, confidence, practical life skills, and academic achievement. The school is noted for excellent communication with parents and a warm, well-organized learning environment.

    Montessori curriculum approachteacher dedication and attentivenessdaily photo/video updatespersonalized attention
  4. 4

    23262 El Toro Road, Lake Forest, CA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 75 children

    Parents praise Abiding Savior for its small class sizes, experienced and supportive staff, and strong academics. The school is noted for effectively serving neurodivergent learners and preparing students well for public school and honors classes. Parents appreciate the religious curriculum integrated without being intrusive.

    Small class sizesexperienced and dedicated teachersstrong academic preparationsupportive and loving staff
  5. 5
    Woodcrest Pre-School
    3.93 score
    3.9(13)

    21772 Lake Forest Drive, Lake Forest, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 144 children

    Woodcrest Preschool receives consistently positive feedback from parents. Parents praise the caring and experienced staff, developmental progress of children, enrichment activities, and the KidsReports app for daily updates. Multiple families report children are happy, confident, and thriving in a nurturing environment.

    Caring and loving teacherschild development and growthenrichment activities (animal visitsmusicians

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Lake Forest based on parent reviews

The Red Apple Preschool

5(15)

23532 El Toro Rd. Suite, #1, Lake Forest, CA

The Red Apple Preschool in Lake Forest receives universally positive feedback from parents. Parents consistently praise the caring, passionate teachers and directors (Maryam and Amir), strong academic curriculum, and warm, safe environment that supports children's academic, social, and emotional development. Multiple parents report significant improvements in their children's learning and confidence since enrolling.

Caring and passionate teachersattentive and responsive directorsstrong academic focus with age-appropriate learning

Milestones Academy Childcare Center INC.

4.7(12)

23184 El Toro Frontage Road, Lake Forest, CA

Parents consistently praise Milestones Academy for its educational curriculum, caring staff, and positive developmental outcomes for their children. Multiple reviews highlight significant improvements in children's speech, social skills, and academic readiness. The center is noted for creating a welcoming environment that helps children overcome separation anxiety.

Excellent educational curriculumcaring and attentive staff (particularly Miss Fay and team)fresh daily meals

Fulbright Montessori Academy

5(3)

20411 James Bay Circle, Lake Forest, CA

Montessori Lake Forest Preschool

4.4(20)

24602 Raymond Way Suite, #1, Lake Forest, CA

Parents consistently praise Montessori Lake Forest Preschool for its nurturing Montessori curriculum, highly attentive teachers, and strong focus on both academic and social-emotional development. Children show significant growth in independence, confidence, practical life skills, and academic achievement. The school is noted for excellent communication with parents and a warm, well-organized learning environment.

Montessori curriculum approachteacher dedication and attentivenessdaily photo/video updates

Bella Montessori

4.2(4)

20602 Prism Place, Lake Forest, CA

Lakeview Learning Center Preschool

5

22921 Ridge Route, Lake Forest, CA

Map

Child Daycare & Preschools in Lake Forest, California

There are 14 child daycare & preschools in Lake Forest, California, making up 74% of the 19 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.

When choosing a daycare in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest

Showing 14 results

The Red Apple Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

The Red Apple Preschool in Lake Forest receives universally positive feedback from parents. Parents consistently praise the caring, passionate teachers and directors (Maryam and Amir), strong academic curriculum, and warm, safe environment that supports children's academic, social, and emotional development. Multiple parents report significant improvements in their children's learning and confidence since enrolling.

Caring and passionate teachersattentive and responsive directorsstrong academic focus with age-appropriate learning
Address
23532 El Toro Rd. Suite, #1, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 460-9221
Lakeview Learning Center Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
22921 Ridge Route, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 837-6100
Fulbright Montessori Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
20411 James Bay Circle, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 583-9292
Milestones Academy Childcare Center INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Parents consistently praise Milestones Academy for its educational curriculum, caring staff, and positive developmental outcomes for their children. Multiple reviews highlight significant improvements in children's speech, social skills, and academic readiness. The center is noted for creating a welcoming environment that helps children overcome separation anxiety.

Excellent educational curriculumcaring and attentive staff (particularly Miss Fay and team)fresh daily meals
Address
23184 El Toro Frontage Road, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 290-0735
Montessori Lake Forest Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Parents consistently praise Montessori Lake Forest Preschool for its nurturing Montessori curriculum, highly attentive teachers, and strong focus on both academic and social-emotional development. Children show significant growth in independence, confidence, practical life skills, and academic achievement. The school is noted for excellent communication with parents and a warm, well-organized learning environment.

Montessori curriculum approachteacher dedication and attentivenessdaily photo/video updates
Address
24602 Raymond Way Suite, #1, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 735-2905
Bella Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2
Address
20602 Prism Place, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 900-2420
Woodcrest Pre-School
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Woodcrest Preschool receives consistently positive feedback from parents. Parents praise the caring and experienced staff, developmental progress of children, enrichment activities, and the KidsReports app for daily updates. Multiple families report children are happy, confident, and thriving in a nurturing environment.

Caring and loving teacherschild development and growthenrichment activities (animal visits
Address
21772 Lake Forest Drive, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 859-0805
Child'S Kingdom
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
24442 Muirlands Blvd., Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 330-0026
Grace Christian Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
26052 Trabuco Road, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 951-8683
Montessori On The Lake
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
24291 Muirlands Suites 1 & 2, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 855-5630
Montessori On The Lake Too
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
23311 Muirlands, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 855-5630
New Thought Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools

New Thought Montessori receives consistently high praise from parents for its authentic Montessori approach, caring and attentive staff, and clean, peaceful learning environment. Parents report significant developmental growth in their children across social, emotional, and academic areas, with children eagerly attending school. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, nature-based activities, and strong parent communication.

Authentic Montessori curriculum and philosophycaring and warm teacherssmall class sizes
Address
20651 Lake Forest Dr. A-101, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 328-0541
Montessori On The Lake Infant Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
24291 Muirlands, Suite 4, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 855-5630
The Goddard School
Child Daycare & Preschools

The Goddard School in Lake Forest receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the nurturing environment, dedicated staff, and comprehensive curriculum. Parents consistently highlight warm, caring teachers who provide excellent communication through daily updates and photos, along with engaging activities like gardening, yoga, and splash days. Families emphasize the clean facilities, strong sense of community, and exceptional management of the school operations.

Address
20455 Alton Parkway, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 393-1220

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Frequently asked questions

There are 14 child daycare & preschools daycares in Lake Forest, California, out of 19 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
When choosing a daycare in Lake Forest, 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
Lake Forest offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 14 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 1 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 4 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 Lake Forest for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Lake Forest 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.