
Browse all 55 child daycare & preschools in Palo Alto, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.
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.
575 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children
Palo Alto Montessori School receives universal praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the school's strong Montessori philosophy implementation, caring and experienced staff with low turnover, and individualized attention to each child's development. Children are reported to thrive academically and socially while genuinely enjoying attending school.
3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children
Heffalump Preschool in Palo Alto receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teaching staff (particularly Ms. Barbara and Ms. Meenakshi) for creating a warm, nurturing environment where children thrive academically and emotionally while building confidence and friendships.
3789 Park Blvd, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 17 children
Lilliput Preschool Center receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a warm, nurturing, and family-oriented facility. Parents highlight the genuine care and individual attention their children receive, as well as the staff's ability to support children's development through play-based learning. Multiple families report long-term enrollment and describe the teachers as extensions of their family.
3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 40 children
Country Day Little School is a Waldorf-based preschool in Palo Alto that parents consistently praise for its nurturing, nature-focused environment and highly trained, stable teaching staff. Parents highlight the school's emphasis on outdoor play, organic meals, mixed-age classrooms, and developmentally-attuned individual attention. All reviewers strongly recommend the school for families seeking a play-based, imagination-focused early education.
957 Colorado St, Palo Alto, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 38 children
Palo Alto Friends Nursery School is a highly-regarded, play-based preschool focused on social-emotional development and creativity. Parents consistently praise the nurturing, knowledgeable teachers, flexible scheduling options, and strong community environment. The school has maintained an excellent reputation in the Palo Alto area for generations.
2585 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 17 children
Mustard Seed Learning Center receives mostly positive reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, quality learning environment, and bilingual Chinese language programs. Parents appreciate the reliable after-school care, homework help, and activities like playground time and games. One negative review expresses dissatisfaction with after-school programs generally rather than specific issues with the center.
4000 Middlefield Road T-1, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 112 children
THE CHILDREN'S PRE-SCHOOL CENTER receives overwhelmingly positive reviews praising dedicated teachers, low teacher-to-child ratios, outdoor activities, and strong parent communication. However, one review raises serious concerns about past incidents of child abuse, inappropriate discipline, loss of NAEYC accreditation, staff credentialing issues, and high teacher turnover.
459 Kingsley Ave, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children
The Learning Center in Palo Alto receives mostly positive feedback from parents who praise the engaging curriculum, low staff turnover, and caring teachers. Parents highlight the strong community feel, outdoor activities, and nutritious meals. However, one review raises serious safety concerns about an injury and reporting compliance.
3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 250 children
Note: The reviews provided are for the Oshman Family JCC fitness facility, not the T'ENNA Preschool daycare program. Reviews consistently praise the clean, modern facility with excellent amenities including pools, gym equipment, classes, and locker room services. Most reviewers rate it highly, though a few note pricing concerns and occasional staff friendliness issues.
3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 154 children
NOTE: These reviews are for the Oshman Family JCC gym and fitness facility, not a daycare center. The reviews consistently praise the clean, modern facility with excellent amenities including pools, gym equipment, and classes. Members highlight the welcoming community, professional staff, and good value for the membership price.
Highest rated daycares in Palo Alto based on parent reviews
575 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto Montessori School receives universal praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the school's strong Montessori philosophy implementation, caring and experienced staff with low turnover, and individualized attention to each child's development. Children are reported to thrive academically and socially while genuinely enjoying attending school.
3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto, CA
Heffalump Preschool in Palo Alto receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teaching staff (particularly Ms. Barbara and Ms. Meenakshi) for creating a warm, nurturing environment where children thrive academically and emotionally while building confidence and friendships.
3789 Park Blvd, Palo Alto, CA
Lilliput Preschool Center receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a warm, nurturing, and family-oriented facility. Parents highlight the genuine care and individual attention their children receive, as well as the staff's ability to support children's development through play-based learning. Multiple families report long-term enrollment and describe the teachers as extensions of their family.
3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto, CA
2585 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA
Mustard Seed Learning Center receives mostly positive reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, quality learning environment, and bilingual Chinese language programs. Parents appreciate the reliable after-school care, homework help, and activities like playground time and games. One negative review expresses dissatisfaction with after-school programs generally rather than specific issues with the center.
569 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, CA
There are 55 child daycare & preschools in Palo Alto, California, making up 87% of the 63 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 Palo Alto, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
Showing 55 results
Lilliput Preschool Center receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a warm, nurturing, and family-oriented facility. Parents highlight the genuine care and individual attention their children receive, as well as the staff's ability to support children's development through play-based learning. Multiple families report long-term enrollment and describe the teachers as extensions of their family.
Palo Alto Montessori School receives universal praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the school's strong Montessori philosophy implementation, caring and experienced staff with low turnover, and individualized attention to each child's development. Children are reported to thrive academically and socially while genuinely enjoying attending school.
Heffalump Preschool in Palo Alto receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teaching staff (particularly Ms. Barbara and Ms. Meenakshi) for creating a warm, nurturing environment where children thrive academically and emotionally while building confidence and friendships.
Mustard Seed Learning Center receives mostly positive reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, quality learning environment, and bilingual Chinese language programs. Parents appreciate the reliable after-school care, homework help, and activities like playground time and games. One negative review expresses dissatisfaction with after-school programs generally rather than specific issues with the center.
THE CHILDREN'S PRE-SCHOOL CENTER receives overwhelmingly positive reviews praising dedicated teachers, low teacher-to-child ratios, outdoor activities, and strong parent communication. However, one review raises serious concerns about past incidents of child abuse, inappropriate discipline, loss of NAEYC accreditation, staff credentialing issues, and high teacher turnover.
The Learning Center in Palo Alto receives mostly positive feedback from parents who praise the engaging curriculum, low staff turnover, and caring teachers. Parents highlight the strong community feel, outdoor activities, and nutritious meals. However, one review raises serious safety concerns about an injury and reporting compliance.
Note: The reviews provided are for the Oshman Family JCC fitness facility, not the T'ENNA Preschool daycare program. Reviews consistently praise the clean, modern facility with excellent amenities including pools, gym equipment, classes, and locker room services. Most reviewers rate it highly, though a few note pricing concerns and occasional staff friendliness issues.
NOTE: These reviews are for the Oshman Family JCC gym and fitness facility, not a daycare center. The reviews consistently praise the clean, modern facility with excellent amenities including pools, gym equipment, and classes. Members highlight the welcoming community, professional staff, and good value for the membership price.
Parents praise CHILDREN'S CREATIVE LEARNING CENTERS INC. for its caring, qualified staff and personalized approach to child development. Most reviews highlight positive experiences with attentive teachers, good communication, and a nurturing environment. However, two negative reviews cite administrative issues with waitlist management and an incident involving a director allegedly denying a child bathroom access during nap time.
Abilities United - Milestones receives mixed reviews with strong praise from volunteers and some parents highlighting caring staff and quality programs, but significant complaints from clients about worker turnover, poor service quality, and inappropriate worker conduct. The organization appears to excel in volunteer experiences and fundraising but faces challenges in service delivery and staff professionalism.
Abilities United receives mixed reviews with strong praise from volunteers and some parents highlighting caring staff and quality programs, but significant complaints from clients about worker turnover, lack of respect for individual autonomy, and problematic employee conduct. The organization serves children and adults with developmental disabilities in Palo Alto.
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