
Compare 372 child daycare & preschools in San Diego. Average rating: 4.57/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
San Diego has 372 licensed child daycare & preschools with 1,914 parent reviews averaging 4.57/5.121 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 72% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 92107 (avg 5 stars), while 92113 has the largest selection (21 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
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.
4754 Sea Tern Court, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 14 children
Montessori Child Development LLC receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and effective Montessori curriculum. Parents report significant improvements in their children's confidence, independence, academic skills, and social development. The school is highlighted for its welcoming environment, strong communication with families, and dedicated leadership.
3078 L Street, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 72 children
Little Angels Academy receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the caring and attentive staff, smooth transitions for children of all ages, educational activities, and communication through their parent app. Children show strong development and look forward to attending.
4895 Saratoga Avenue, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 137 children
Sacred Heart Academy Preschool in San Diego receives universally positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, dedicated staff and comprehensive curriculum that balances play-based learning with kindergarten readiness skills. Parents consistently highlight the school's effectiveness with potty training, social-emotional development, and strong teacher-parent communication through the Brightwheel app.
12285 B World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 49 children
Manna's Martial Arts is a highly-rated martial arts studio in San Diego with consistent 5/5 star reviews. Parents praise the quality instruction, strong emphasis on discipline and life skills, and community atmosphere that extends beyond martial arts training. Multiple families report long-term enrollment (8-13 years) and significant positive impacts on their children's confidence, self-defense abilities, and character development.
3743 Front Street, San Diego, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 95 children
Parents consistently praise Fleur de Lis as an exceptional preschool that fosters individual growth, confidence, and a love of learning through a dedicated, play-based curriculum. Staff members are described as caring, professional, and genuinely invested in each child's cognitive, emotional, and physical development. The beautiful natural setting, diverse and welcoming community, and strong preparation for kindergarten are frequently highlighted.
1752 Via Las Cumbres, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children
Manchester Family Child Development Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise its caring, professional staff, safe and welcoming environment, and focus on child development and learning through play. Parents highlight excellent communication through daily apps and photos, strong parent community engagement, and successful preparation for kindergarten and school transitions. The center has a long-standing positive reputation in the San Diego community.
9855 Erma Road Ste. 128, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 36 children
Parents consistently praise Scripps Exploring Academy for exceptional childcare with attentive, caring staff who genuinely bond with children. Families report their children are happy, well-prepared for kindergarten, and experience smooth transitions. The facility is described as clean, welcoming, and homey with strong parent communication.
5075 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 90 children
Chinese Bilingual Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its bilingual Mandarin-English curriculum, caring and patient teachers, and strong sense of community. Parents highlight the school's commitment to child development, flexible scheduling, and on-site prepared meals. Children show advanced academic preparation and develop lasting friendships.
8999 Activity Road, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children
Wee Wisdom Preschool receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, knowledgeable staff, clean facility, and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Parents highlight strong teacher-child relationships, innovative teaching methods including yoga and meditation, and children's enthusiasm for attending school.
7183-A Saranac Street, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 23 children
AL-RRIBAT Academy appears to be an Islamic center (masjid) rather than a daycare facility. Reviews praise it as a welcoming community space with clean facilities, active programming including classes and events, and knowledgeable religious leadership. Parents describe feeling a strong sense of belonging and community support.
Based on 168 daycares with Google ratings in San Diego
Top qualities mentioned across 1,914 reviews, analyzed by AI
Average ratings by facility type in San Diego, based on parent reviews
San Diego zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92107 | 16 | 5 | 6 | |
| 92104 | 12 | 4.85 | 6 | |
| 92103 | 18 | 4.85 | 10 | |
| 92102 | 17 | 4.85 | 5 | |
| 92110 | 14 | 4.83 | 5 | |
| 92121 | 9 | 4.8 | 2 | |
| 92119 | 11 | 4.8 | 2 | |
| 92127 | 19 | 4.77 | 5 | |
| 92129 | 19 | 4.76 | 5 | |
| 92113 | 21 | 4.74 | 6 |
Capacity distribution of daycares in San Diego (12–251 children)
Small
up to 30 children
125
Medium
31–75 children
184
Large
76–150 children
105
Very Large
150+ children
11
Highest rated daycares in San Diego based on parent reviews
4754 Sea Tern Court, San Diego, CA
Montessori Child Development LLC receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and effective Montessori curriculum. Parents report significant improvements in their children's confidence, independence, academic skills, and social development. The school is highlighted for its welcoming environment, strong communication with families, and dedicated leadership.
3078 L Street, San Diego, CA
Little Angels Academy receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the caring and attentive staff, smooth transitions for children of all ages, educational activities, and communication through their parent app. Children show strong development and look forward to attending.
4895 Saratoga Avenue, San Diego, CA
Sacred Heart Academy Preschool in San Diego receives universally positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, dedicated staff and comprehensive curriculum that balances play-based learning with kindergarten readiness skills. Parents consistently highlight the school's effectiveness with potty training, social-emotional development, and strong teacher-parent communication through the Brightwheel app.
12285 B World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA
Manna's Martial Arts is a highly-rated martial arts studio in San Diego with consistent 5/5 star reviews. Parents praise the quality instruction, strong emphasis on discipline and life skills, and community atmosphere that extends beyond martial arts training. Multiple families report long-term enrollment (8-13 years) and significant positive impacts on their children's confidence, self-defense abilities, and character development.
1752 Via Las Cumbres, San Diego, CA
Manchester Family Child Development Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise its caring, professional staff, safe and welcoming environment, and focus on child development and learning through play. Parents highlight excellent communication through daily apps and photos, strong parent community engagement, and successful preparation for kindergarten and school transitions. The center has a long-standing positive reputation in the San Diego community.
9855 Erma Road Ste. 128, San Diego, CA
Parents consistently praise Scripps Exploring Academy for exceptional childcare with attentive, caring staff who genuinely bond with children. Families report their children are happy, well-prepared for kindergarten, and experience smooth transitions. The facility is described as clean, welcoming, and homey with strong parent communication.
San Diego offers a robust landscape of 372 childcare and preschool options, catering to diverse family needs across the region. Parents frequently highlight the importance of clean facilities and attentive staff when evaluating these centers. For those seeking top-tier performance, the 92114 zip code stands out with an impressive average rating of 5/5 stars.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in San Diego have an average rating of 4.57 out of 5 across 168 rated facilities, with 72% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.7 stars. Our analysis covers 1,914 parent reviews. Parents in San Diego most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, clean facilities, and caring and attentive teachers.
When choosing a daycare in San Diego, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
Showing 372 results
Montessori Child Development LLC receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and effective Montessori curriculum. Parents report significant improvements in their children's confidence, independence, academic skills, and social development. The school is highlighted for its welcoming environment, strong communication with families, and dedicated leadership.
Montessori School of Mira Mesa receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents, with consistent praise for teacher Anahita's dedication, passion, and personalized approach to education. Parents report significant academic, social, and emotional progress in their children, along with reasonable pricing and regular parent-teacher communication. The Montessori method and individualized instruction are highlighted as key strengths.
Newbreak Playschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its loving, patient staff and child-led, play-based curriculum. Parents highlight the warm, nurturing environment where children flourish academically and emotionally, with staff willing to support developmental milestones. The center successfully integrates faith-based lessons in a creative way while remaining affordable and flexible with scheduling.
Little Angels Academy receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the caring and attentive staff, smooth transitions for children of all ages, educational activities, and communication through their parent app. Children show strong development and look forward to attending.
THE MAXWELL H. & MURIEL GLUCK CCC LLC receives consistently excellent reviews with all 5-star ratings. Parents praise the caring, experienced staff, safe environment, and focus on child development through play and academics. Multiple families report multi-year enrollment and high child satisfaction.
One parent describes the facility as an awesome school with bilingual programs. This single review provides a positive assessment of the center.
One parent highlights the school's Head Start program, noting they have enrolled both their first and second children. They describe the teachers as fantastic, lovable, and caring.
Parents describe a positive transition experience for their children, highlighting the staff's caring nature and the engaging curriculum. Reviewers note that students learn new songs and make friends in a supportive environment.
Parents highlight the welcoming, enriching environment and highly engaged staff who prepare children well for school transitions. Reviewers note the joyous atmosphere, flexible hours, and strong community building opportunities as key benefits.
World of Wonders Preschool receives consistently perfect 5-star reviews from parents who praise the attentive, caring staff and small class sizes. Parents highlight the clean, safe, gated facility, strong academic preparation for elementary school, and Director Julia's compassionate leadership and accessibility. Families report their children have thrived socially, emotionally, and academically during their time at the school.
Coastal Christian Academy receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise its faith-based curriculum, small class sizes, and individualized attention. Parents consistently highlight the welcoming community, caring staff, and the school's ability to nurture both academic and spiritual development. The facility is noted for accommodating special needs, offering flexible enrollment options, and making children excited to attend.
Parents highlight the full-day program's engaging environment, noting special art classes and ample outdoor playtime. Reviewers appreciate the small school size, caring staff, and strong sense of community fostered through parent involvement.
One parent describes a structured after-school program for TK-8 students that includes attendance, news discussions, and supervised game periods with snacks. The facility offers alternative snacks for allergies and provides entertainment options like Xbox and computers for older children.
All Saints' Episcopal School Pre-School in San Diego receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring and engaging teaching staff. Parents highlight the school's warm, safe environment, strong teacher commitment, and effective preparation for elementary school. The facility is noted for its inclusive approach and reasonable costs.
One parent describes a positive experience with the teachers and the program, noting that their son enjoys attending and learns basic social skills.
Ascension Lutheran Children's Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with reviewers highlighting caring, professional staff and a nurturing environment. Parents report their children are excited to attend, develop independence skills through the Montessori model, and make successful transitions to kindergarten. The center is noted for strong communication, engaging curriculum, and administrative leadership that supports both children and families.
One parent notes a quick adjustment period and strong teacher relationships, while another highlights the owner's dedication, safe home-like environment, and innovative activities.
Parents highlight the center's excellent care, noting low teacher turnover and a balanced approach to structure, flexibility, and hands-on learning. Specific staff members are commended for creating a wonderful environment for both infants and toddlers.
Parents highlight exceptional care from specific staff members, noting a smooth transition from infant to toddler and preschool programs. Reviewers appreciate the balance of structure and flexibility, emphasizing hands-on learning and low teacher turnover as key strengths.
One parent highlights a specific teacher's exceptional care and the professional nature of the staff, while another notes the compassionate teachers and the positive impact of the curriculum on their children's growth.
Parents highlight the Reggio Emilia approach and a loving, homey atmosphere that fosters child thriving through collaborative learning and outdoor activities. Reviewers appreciate the respectful communication style and enrichment opportunities like hiking and bike days, noting the school sets a high standard for early childhood education.
Parents describe KIDS CORNER/LARK STREET CENTER as a highly rated after-school program with structured activities including games, news discussions, and supervised free play. Reviewers appreciate the provision of snacks, including alternatives for allergies, and the availability of technology like Xbox and computers for older students. The facility is noted for having separate areas for different grade levels and offering a variety of engaging activities.
Chinese Bilingual Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its bilingual Mandarin-English curriculum, caring and patient teachers, and strong sense of community. Parents highlight the school's commitment to child development, flexible scheduling, and on-site prepared meals. Children show advanced academic preparation and develop lasting friendships.
One parent highlights the school as an affordable Montessori option featuring kind staff that creates a welcoming home-like environment, while another notes significant growth in their daughter's social and academic development.
One parent highlights the staff's meaningful relationships with children and families, noting a strong sense of community where kids knew each other and families engaged in genuine events. Another review simply states a high recommendation, with a child enjoying the preschool experience.
Parents highlight a smooth transition for children relocating from other areas, noting helpful staff and positive social integration. Children are reported to enjoy learning new songs and making friends within the program.
Parents highlight the center's ability to support children with specific needs, such as nap difficulties or speech delays, through personalized plans and a calm environment. Families report high satisfaction with the caring, well-trained staff and the resulting positive behavioral changes and academic progress in their children.
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