
Browse all 372 child daycare & preschools in San Diego, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Showing 372 results
International Pre-School in San Diego receives overwhelmingly positive reviews (6 five-star ratings) praising the caring staff, strong academic preparation, and performing arts curriculum. However, one parent reported their child with behavioral and emotional regulation issues was unenrolled without proper accommodations or evaluation, alleging the school failed to follow California disability law.
Kids' Care Club receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the caring, experienced staff and strong focus on child development across social, emotional, and academic areas. Parents repeatedly mention positive transitions, excellent communication, and a warm, nurturing environment with engaging activities including STEAM curriculum and special community experiences. Children show notable growth in confidence, social skills, and school readiness.
Parents consistently praise Lifetime Montessori for its authentic implementation of Montessori philosophy, strong leadership under Director Kristin, and nurturing teachers who foster academic growth alongside personal development. Families report their children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically, with long-term enrollment common due to satisfaction with the program's approach and staff commitment.
Ridge City Preschool and Daycare in San Diego receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with nine 5-star reviews praising the loving, caring staff and clean facilities. One 3-star review noted the daycare lacks modern communication technology and raised concerns about how staff handled certain behavioral situations.
Hillcrest Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced teachers, nurturing environment, and strong educational curriculum. Parents highlight the small, intimate community feel, affordable pricing, convenient hours, and new facilities as major strengths. The leadership and staff are consistently described as genuinely invested in children's development and family partnerships.
Unable to provide accurate daycare review summary. The reviews provided are for St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, not the preschool program. All 10 reviews focus on church services and community rather than childcare quality, curriculum, or preschool operations.
Congregation Beth Israel/Sid Rubin Infant Center is highly regarded as a welcoming Jewish community with exceptional staff and clergy. Parents praise the warm, inclusive atmosphere, quality programming including music and Torah study, and professional child development services. The facility serves as both a spiritual center and preschool with strong community engagement.
Parents consistently praise Kids Care Club for its caring, experienced staff, strong communication, and nurturing environment that supports children's social, emotional, and academic growth. The facility is clean and well-maintained with engaging activities, outdoor play, and structured curriculum. Multiple families report their children thrived at the center and were well-prepared for elementary school.
Northminster Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its warm, nurturing environment and exceptional staff who genuinely care for each child. Parents highlight the school's small class sizes, personalized attention, strong arts programs, and successful transitions to kindergarten. Multiple families report significant growth in their children's confidence, social skills, and academic readiness.
Saint Michael Preschool receives predominantly positive reviews (7 five-star ratings) praising the dedicated staff, family-like environment, and STEM-focused Catholic curriculum. One negative review criticized the director's unprofessional conduct during a tour and harsh enrollment policies.
Children of the Rainbow Inc has mostly positive reviews praising staff quality, individualized attention, developmental progress, and safety improvements. However, one detailed 1-star review documents a serious 2019 incident where a 2-year-old child left the facility unnoticed through an unarmed door for approximately 5 minutes, with delayed parent notification and concerns about inadequate follow-up corrective actions.
Parents consistently praise CHILDRENS CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS ACAD. OF SD for combining strong academics with exceptional performing arts programs in a supportive, inclusive environment. Teachers are described as passionate, caring mentors who know students personally and foster confidence and self-expression. The school creates a tight-knit community where children feel valued and eager to learn.
Toby Wells YMCA is highly praised for its comprehensive facilities, quality instruction, and friendly staff. Parents highlight excellent preschool programming with intentional activities, strong teacher-student relationships, and included amenities like swimming and gymnastics. The facility is clean, well-maintained, and offers diverse programs for children and families year-round.
Reviews appear to be for Grace Lutheran Church's worship services rather than the preschool program itself. Most reviewers praise the liturgical experience, theology, community, and worship environment. One reviewer reported a negative interaction with leadership.
Kid Ventures receives consistently excellent reviews with all 5-star ratings. Parents praise the warm, caring staff, engaging curriculum that balances learning and play, and strong communication with families. Children reportedly transition easily, show excitement about attending, and make significant developmental progress.
Sorrento Valley Children's Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the warm, family-like environment, attentive teachers, small class sizes, and effective educational approach. However, one parent reported serious safety concerns including injuries from furniture, inadequate supervision relative to advertised ratios, and unaddressed hazards.
These reviews appear to be about Grace Lutheran Church's worship services rather than the child development center itself. Reviews overwhelmingly praise the liturgical experience, theology, and community atmosphere, though one reviewer reported a negative interaction with a pastor.
Parents universally praise Baldwin Academy for its caring, professional staff and welcoming environment. Families report smooth transitions, strong communication, structured curriculum with outdoor play, and a sense of community. Multiple parents describe the daycare as feeling like a second home and highly recommend it.
Baldwin Academy Infant in San Diego receives consistently excellent ratings from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and welcoming environment. Parents highlight strong communication, structured curriculum with outdoor activities, and successful transitions to kindergarten. Multiple families have attended for several years, indicating high satisfaction and loyalty.
Baldwin Academy-Infant receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the staff's warmth, professionalism, and genuine care for children. Parents highlight strong communication, structured curriculum with educational activities, and a family-like community atmosphere. Many families have enrolled multiple children and remained for several years, indicating high satisfaction and trust.
Early Learners Children's Academy receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the caring staff, clean facilities, and quality educational programs. One parent reported a negative experience with front desk staff professionalism during their initial inquiry and visit.
SAY-DOYLE Extended Day Program is a center-based facility in San Diego with extensive outdoor and indoor recreational amenities. Parents praise the spacious grounds, multiple sports facilities, and overall cleanliness. However, reviews focus primarily on park and gym facilities rather than daycare services.
Barrio Logan Child Development Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring and empathetic staff, strong parent-teacher communication, and nurturing environment. However, one critical review raises serious safety concerns about pickup procedures and staff management issues.
Magic Hours Children's Center receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the warm, caring staff and strong academic preparation. However, some parents report high costs, inconsistent waitlist communication, and occasional staff attitude issues.
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