Children at daycare

372 Child Daycare & Preschools in San Diego, California

Browse all 372 child daycare & preschools in San Diego, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in San Diego

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

    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.

    Caring and attentive staffeffective Montessori curriculumhe
  2. 2
    Little Angels Academy
    4.8 score
    5(20)

    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.

    Loving and nurturing staffbilingual teachers availablesmooth transitions for infants and toddlerseducational activities (art
  3. 3

    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.

    Caring and dedicated teachersstrong kindergarten preparationplay-based learning approachpotty training success
  4. 4

    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.

    Excellent instruction qualityemphasis on safety and respectpersonal attention to studentsflexible class scheduling with unlimited monthly classes
  5. 5

    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.

    Individualized attention to each childwarm and caring staffdedicated curriculumbeautiful canyon setting with playgrounds
  6. 6

    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.

  7. 7

    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.

    Caring and attentive teachershappy childrensmooth transition to kindergartenacademic preparation (reading and writing)
  8. 8

    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.

    Bilingual Mandarin-English immersioncaring and patient teacherson-site fresh meals (breakfastlunch
  9. 9
    Wee Wisdom Preschool
    4.72 score
    5(13)

    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.

    Caring and knowledgeable staffclean and well-organized facilityindividualized attention to each childdevelopmentally appropriate activities
  10. 10
    Al-Rribat Academy
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    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.

    Clean facilitieswelcoming and friendly communityactive programming (classeslectures

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in San Diego based on parent reviews

Montessori Child Development LLC

5(20)

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.

Caring and attentive staffeffective Montessori curriculumhe

Little Angels Academy

5(20)

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.

Loving and nurturing staffbilingual teachers availablesmooth transitions for infants and toddlers

Sacred Heart Academy Preschool

5(20)

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.

Caring and dedicated teachersstrong kindergarten preparationplay-based learning approach

Manna'S Martial Arts INC.

5(20)

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.

Excellent instruction qualityemphasis on safety and respectpersonal attention to students

Manchester Family Child Development Center

5(16)

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.

Scripps Exploring Academy-Infant

5(14)

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.

Caring and attentive teachershappy childrensmooth transition to kindergarten

Map

Child Daycare & Preschools in San Diego, California

There are 372 child daycare & preschools in San Diego, California, making up 88% of the 425 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego

Showing 372 results

Little Sprouts Academy Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools

Little Sprouts Academy Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from parents praising the caring and knowledgeable staff, engaging curriculum with art and outdoor activities, and secure facilities. One negative review cites poor accessibility, unresponsive communication, and maintenance concerns.

Dedicated and caring teachersengaging educational program including art and musicsecure facility
Address
3844 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 301-7025
Los Penasquitos Elementary Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
14125 Cuca Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 762-1738
Maranatha Christian Schools
Child Daycare & Preschools

Maranatha Christian Schools receives consistently positive feedback from parents, with all reviews rating 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring, intimate environment where children develop academically and socially while feeling genuinely excited to attend school.

Friendly and loving staffbeautiful and well-maintained facilitiesstrong leadership
Address
10752 Coastwood Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 613-7803
Miramar College Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
10440 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 536-7851
Mission Bay Montessori Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2640 Soderblom Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 457-5895
Montessori School House
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4544 Pocahontas Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 270-9350
Morse Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
6905 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 262-5676
Mt. Erie Trolley Day Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
280 47th Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 262-4747
Nazareth Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
10728 San Diego Mission Rd., San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 641-7954
Next Generation Educational Center
Child Daycare & Preschools

NEXT GENERATION EDUCATIONAL CENTER receives polarized reviews. Five parents gave 5-star ratings praising caring staff, communication, and organization. However, six parents gave 1-2 star ratings citing serious concerns including unsafe sleep practices (blankets over children's faces), poor hygiene, unprofessional director behavior, staff immaturity, and administrative disorganization.

Kind and caring staffprompt communication with parentsdetailed daily logs
Address
8989 Mira Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 536-8800
Normal Heights State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3750 Ward Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 584-6000
North Park Community Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3030 Thorn St, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 284-1978
Notre Dame Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4345 Del Mar Trails Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 509-2300
Ocean Beach Child Care Project
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2031 Chatsworth Blvd., San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 222-6242
Ocean Beach State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4741 Santa Monica Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 223-1631
Ocean View Christian Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2460 Palm Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 424-7873
Ocean View Hills Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4919 Del Sol Boulevard, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 661-0457
San Diego Jewish Academy Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
11860 Carmel Creek Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 704-3700
Say-Balboa Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1844 South 40th Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 263-8151
Rowan State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1755 Rowan Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 344-3415
School Of The Madeleine Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1930 Illion St, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 276-6545
R.J.'S Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
6845 University Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 269-1580
Saint David'S Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
5050 Milton Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 276-7048
Saint Patrick Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3583 30th Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 487-9538
Santa Sophia Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
9800 San Juan St, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 668-5464
Sandburg State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
11230 Avenida Del Gato, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 566-0510
Scripps Ranch Swim & Racquet Club Child Care Ctr.
Child Daycare & Preschools

Scripps Ranch Swim & Racquet Club is a private membership facility with generally positive reviews praising its amenities, community atmosphere, and programs. Parents appreciate the summer camps, swim lessons, fitness classes, and well-maintained facilities. However, one parent had a negative experience with swim team instruction quality and staff behavior.

Summer campsswim lessonsmini golf
Address
9875 Aviary Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 271-6222
Rolando Park State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
6620 Marlowe Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 344-3600
Rosa Parks State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4510 Landis Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 282-6803
Pacific View Leadership Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
6196 Childs Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 430-1600

Page 10 of 13· 372 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 372 child daycare & preschools daycares in San Diego, California, out of 425 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 San Diego, 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
San Diego offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 372 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 29 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 7 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 17 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 San Diego for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in San Diego 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.