Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Manhattan Beach, CA
Compare 22 child daycare & preschools in Manhattan Beach. Average rating: 4.57/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Manhattan Beach, California at a glance
- Programs
- 22
- Avg rating
- 4.57/5
- Parent reviews
- 133
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 12
Manhattan Beach has 22 licensed child daycare & preschools with 133 parent reviews averaging 4.57/5.12 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 67% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 90266 zip code, averaging 4.57 stars across 24 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Manhattan Beach
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.
- 1Manhattan Beach Nursery School INC4.64 score5(9)
1520 Nelson Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children
Parents consistently praise Manhattan Beach Nursery School for its child-led, play-based approach emphasizing freedom, creativity, and natural learning. The school is noted for its beautiful outdoor campus with natural elements, caring and experienced staff, and strong sense of community among families. Multiple parents with multi-year experiences report significant child development across emotional, social, cognitive, and physical domains.
Child-led and play-based learningoutdoor nature-based environmentmud/dirt/water playmixed-age groupings - 2Chalk Of Manhattan Beach4.62 score4.8(17)
1114 22nd Street, Manhattan Beach, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 125 children
The Academy at Manhattan Beach (Bright Horizons) receives consistently excellent reviews with all 5-star ratings. Parents praise the caring, patient teachers, clean modern facilities, strong curriculum, and genuine investment in children's development and safety. Families report their children thrive academically and emotionally, with excellent communication from administration.
Caring and engaging teachersclean and modern facilitystrong academic curriculumsafe environment - 3First Lutheran Circle Of Love Preschool4.62 score5(8)
1100 Poinsettia Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 125 children
First Lutheran Circle of Love Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, loving staff and warm community environment. Parents highlight the school's balance of play-based learning, academic instruction, and faith-based values, along with reasonable pricing for the area.
Caring and kind teacherssafe environmentstrong moral and values instructioneffective communication - 4Manhattan Country Club Preschool4.56 score4.7(20)
1330 Parkview Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 43 children
Manhattan Country Club Preschool receives consistently high praise, with reviews highlighting exceptional aquatics instruction through the Junior Guard Prep program led by Kyle Flanders. Parents emphasize strong coaching, significant skill improvement, supportive staff, and a welcoming family-friendly environment with quality facilities and dining.
Excellent aquatics coaching and Junior Guard Prep programdedicated instructors who provide personal supportmeasurable improvement in swim skills and confidencebeautiful facilities - 5Community Baptist Child Enrichment Center4.56 score4.7(20)
1243 Artesia Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 165 children
This facility is actually a church, not a daycare center. Reviews consistently praise the welcoming and spiritual community, with parents/attendees noting significant personal spiritual growth and strong pastoral leadership. The organization is described as family-oriented with engaging worship, Bible study, and community involvement.
Warm and knowledgeable pastoral staffengaging and relatable sermonsstrong sense of community and belongingspiritual growth opportunities - 6Der Kindergarden Preschool4.48 score4.7(11)
1843 10th. Street, Manhattan Beach, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children
Der Kindergarden Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff led by Ms. DJ and their family-like environment. Parents highlight the center's clean organization, creative learning approach without screens, and detailed daily communication about their children's activities and development.
caring and loving teachersfamily-like atmospherereasonable pricingclean and organized facility - 7Der Kinder Garden Infant Center4.48 score4.7(11)
1843 10th St., Manhattan Beach, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children
Parents consistently praise Der Kinder Garden Infant Center for its caring, family-like atmosphere and attentive staff. The facility emphasizes creative learning, developmental activities, and daily communication with parents. Children are reported to be happy, well-cared for, and prepared for kindergarten.
Caring and loving teachersfamily-like environmentreasonable pricingno TVs - 8Shalem Early Childhood Learning Community4.2 score4.4(5)
1829 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 15 children
Parents consistently praise Shalem as an exceptional early childhood learning center with exceptionally caring, patient, and invested teachers who create a nurturing, supportive environment. Families highlight the strong sense of community among staff and families, with children feeling safe, loved, and eager to attend daily. Multiple parents describe it as a life-changing experience and best decision for their families.
Caring and invested teacherswarm and welcoming environmentstrong community among familiessafe facility with security measures
Rating Distribution
Based on 18 daycares with Google ratings in Manhattan Beach
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 133 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Manhattan Beach, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Manhattan Beach zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90266 | 24 | 4.57 | 12 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Manhattan Beach (15–390 children)
Small
up to 30 children
7
Medium
31–75 children
7
Large
76–150 children
5
Very Large
150+ children
5
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Manhattan Beach based on parent reviews
Manhattan Beach Nursery School INC
1520 Nelson Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA
Parents consistently praise Manhattan Beach Nursery School for its child-led, play-based approach emphasizing freedom, creativity, and natural learning. The school is noted for its beautiful outdoor campus with natural elements, caring and experienced staff, and strong sense of community among families. Multiple parents with multi-year experiences report significant child development across emotional, social, cognitive, and physical domains.
Chalk Of Manhattan Beach
1114 22nd Street, Manhattan Beach, CA
The Academy at Manhattan Beach (Bright Horizons) receives consistently excellent reviews with all 5-star ratings. Parents praise the caring, patient teachers, clean modern facilities, strong curriculum, and genuine investment in children's development and safety. Families report their children thrive academically and emotionally, with excellent communication from administration.
First Lutheran Circle Of Love Preschool
1100 Poinsettia Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA
First Lutheran Circle of Love Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, loving staff and warm community environment. Parents highlight the school's balance of play-based learning, academic instruction, and faith-based values, along with reasonable pricing for the area.
Manhattan Country Club Preschool
1330 Parkview Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA
Manhattan Country Club Preschool receives consistently high praise, with reviews highlighting exceptional aquatics instruction through the Junior Guard Prep program led by Kyle Flanders. Parents emphasize strong coaching, significant skill improvement, supportive staff, and a welcoming family-friendly environment with quality facilities and dining.
Der Kindergarden Preschool
1843 10th. Street, Manhattan Beach, CA
Der Kindergarden Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff led by Ms. DJ and their family-like environment. Parents highlight the center's clean organization, creative learning approach without screens, and detailed daily communication about their children's activities and development.
Der Kinder Garden Infant Center
1843 10th St., Manhattan Beach, CA
Parents consistently praise Der Kinder Garden Infant Center for its caring, family-like atmosphere and attentive staff. The facility emphasizes creative learning, developmental activities, and daily communication with parents. Children are reported to be happy, well-cared for, and prepared for kindergarten.
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Daycare types in Manhattan Beach
Browse by type in Manhattan Beach
Child Daycare & Preschools in Manhattan Beach, California
There are 22 child daycare & preschools in Manhattan Beach, California, making up 92% of the 24 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 Manhattan Beach have an average rating of 4.57 out of 5 across 18 rated facilities, with 67% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.7 stars. Our analysis covers 133 parent reviews.
When choosing a daycare in Manhattan Beach, 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 Manhattan Beach
Showing 22 results
Parents consistently praise Manhattan Beach Nursery School for its child-led, play-based approach emphasizing freedom, creativity, and natural learning. The school is noted for its beautiful outdoor campus with natural elements, caring and experienced staff, and strong sense of community among families. Multiple parents with multi-year experiences report significant child development across emotional, social, cognitive, and physical domains.
- Address
- 1520 Nelson Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 376-1910
One parent highlights the director and staff as friendly, kind, and caring, noting they are inwardly motivated and serve as outstanding examples for the children they clearly love. The review does not mention any specific negatives or areas for improvement.
- Address
- 1705 Laurel Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 802-8149
Reviewers highlight the nurturing, home-like atmosphere and experienced staff, noting that children enjoy both indoor and outdoor play while gaining vocabulary and educational knowledge. Parents appreciate the safety, creative enrichment programs, and the active involvement of the director, with multiple families returning for successive children. No specific negatives were mentioned in the available feedback.
- Address
- 1203 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 546-6540
First Lutheran Circle of Love Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, loving staff and warm community environment. Parents highlight the school's balance of play-based learning, academic instruction, and faith-based values, along with reasonable pricing for the area.
- Address
- 1100 Poinsettia Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 545-5653
- Address
- 1159 Aviation Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 376-7556
- Address
- 1826 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 374-1804
- Address
- 1340 11th St., Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 379-7413
The Academy at Manhattan Beach (Bright Horizons) receives consistently excellent reviews with all 5-star ratings. Parents praise the caring, patient teachers, clean modern facilities, strong curriculum, and genuine investment in children's development and safety. Families report their children thrive academically and emotionally, with excellent communication from administration.
- Address
- 1114 22nd Street, Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 546-1700
Manhattan Country Club Preschool receives consistently high praise, with reviews highlighting exceptional aquatics instruction through the Junior Guard Prep program led by Kyle Flanders. Parents emphasize strong coaching, significant skill improvement, supportive staff, and a welcoming family-friendly environment with quality facilities and dining.
- Address
- 1330 Parkview Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 698-1842
Der Kindergarden Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff led by Ms. DJ and their family-like environment. Parents highlight the center's clean organization, creative learning approach without screens, and detailed daily communication about their children's activities and development.
- Address
- 1843 10th. Street, Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 318-3838
Parents consistently praise Der Kinder Garden Infant Center for its caring, family-like atmosphere and attentive staff. The facility emphasizes creative learning, developmental activities, and daily communication with parents. Children are reported to be happy, well-cared for, and prepared for kindergarten.
- Address
- 1843 10th St., Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 318-3838
Parents consistently praise Shalem as an exceptional early childhood learning center with exceptionally caring, patient, and invested teachers who create a nurturing, supportive environment. Families highlight the strong sense of community among staff and families, with children feeling safe, loved, and eager to attend daily. Multiple parents describe it as a life-changing experience and best decision for their families.
- Address
- 1829 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (914) 224-5882
One parent highlights the school's nurturing environment, individualized care, and strong staff involvement across all age groups, while another reports a severe negative experience involving a teacher who used public shaming and punitive measures. A separate comment notes the center's proactive health safety measures, including offering COVID-19 vaccines to families.
- Address
- 1740 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 374-1804
Parents highlight the school's nurturing environment, individualized care, and strong teacher-student relationships, particularly noting the Infant and Toddler programs' focus on developmental milestones and communication. Conversely, one reviewer reports a negative experience involving a teacher who used punitive measures such as yelling and public shaming.
- Address
- 1544 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 406-0644
- Address
- 1431 15th Street, Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 546-7655
One parent reports a negative experience involving a refusal to accommodate high-risk pregnancy complications and a partial refund despite prior assurances. The review also cites concerns about understaffing, cleanliness, and rigid scheduling policies.
- Address
- 115 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 372-2974
- Address
- 115 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 372-2974
One parent reports a highly positive three-year experience, highlighting the staff's loving and caring nature alongside an impressive curriculum that makes their daughter feel special. The reviewer expresses peace of mind regarding childcare quality while working, noting that their child is happy and learning effectively.
- Address
- 540 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 546-4622
Beach Babies receives mixed reviews with strong polarization. Five-star reviews praise warm, caring teachers, security features, and child development, while one-star and two-star reviews cite inflexible policies, high costs, cold staff interactions, and lack of accommodation for individual family needs.
- Address
- 1765/1775 Artesia Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 376-9533
- Address
- 315 S. Peck, Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 379-9462
- Address
- 2617 Bell Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 545-8104
- Address
- 1700 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA
- Phone
- (310) 376-1223
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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 — 22 facilities
- Church Daycare — 2 facilities