48 Child Daycare & Preschools in San Mateo, California
Browse all 48 child daycare & preschools in San Mateo, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in San Mateo
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.
- 1Welcome Amigos Spanish Immersion Ed.Ctr.4.63 score4.8(18)
2825 Alameda Del Las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 24 children
Welcome Amigos Spanish Immersion Education Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the school's effective Spanish immersion program, caring and dedicated teachers, and supportive community environment. Parents consistently report their children becoming fluent in Spanish, developing strong social skills, and being well-prepared for kindergarten. The center is noted for its creative curriculum, parent involvement opportunities, and flexible scheduling options including camps and after-school programs.
Spanish language fluencycaring and dedicated teachersstrong social-emotional developmenteffective potty training support - 2Building Kidz (Ps)4.55 score5(6)
39 E. 39th Avenue, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 70 children
Building Kidz San Mateo receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring staff, educational activities, and safe environment. Parents highlight the director Miss Lourdes' leadership and the teachers' dedication to child development and individual attention. The facility's on-site meal service and extended hours until 6pm are noted as outstanding features.
Kind and patient staffwelcoming environmenteducational and fun activitiessocial and academic learning - 3Building Kidz (Inf)4.55 score5(6)
39 E. 39th Avenue, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 16 children
Building Kidz San Mateo receives uniformly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, patient staff and director Lourdes for creating a safe, nurturing environment. Parents highlight the educational activities, outdoor play, structured routines, and on-site meal preparation as standout features that support their children's learning and development.
Kind and attentive staffsupportive director (Lourdes)safe and stimulating environmenteducational and fun activities - 4San Mateo Parent'S Nursery School4.51 score4.8(9)
1732 Monte Diablo Ave, San Mateo, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 38 children
San Mateo Parent's Nursery School is a highly regarded play-based co-op preschool with 70 years of experience. Parents consistently praise the caring, creative teachers, flexible scheduling, reasonable pricing, and strong community atmosphere. The school offers diverse activities and encourages child development through play and social interaction.
Experienced teachers who are loving and caringflexible hoursreasonable pricesplay-based learning approach - 5Kinder Academy Montessori4.5 score5(5)
300 E. Santa Inez Avenue, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 24 children
Kinder Academy Montessori receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, particularly Ms. Sophia, and the nurturing Montessori environment that fosters both academic learning and social development. Parents highlight the school's organization, curriculum quality, cultural activities, and strong community atmosphere that extends to parent friendships.
Caring and patient teachersMontessori curriculumself-directed learning environmentacademic progress - 6Early Bird Preschool4.49 score4.7(12)
120 Lindbergh Street, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 34 children
Building Kidz of San Mateo is highly praised by parents for its caring, family-like atmosphere and strong leadership under Director Kay. The center offers excellent value with reasonable tuition, provided meals, and a well-rounded curriculum featuring performing arts, music, and dance. Parents consistently report that their children thrive socially and academically in this welcoming environment.
Caring and engaged staffDirector Kay's involvement and communication - 7Playgroups Unlimited - Universe Of Colors4.48 score4.7(11)
178 South Boulevard, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children
Parents consistently praise Universe of Colors as an excellent Spanish immersion preschool with warm, nurturing teachers and a well-balanced curriculum combining play-based learning with academics. Families report strong language development, smooth kindergarten transitions, and high staff retention creating a stable, loving environment.
Spanish immersion programexperienced and caring teacherslow teacher turnoverbalanced play-based and academic curriculum - 8San Mateo-Foster City Schl Dist - Turnbull Sch-Age4.43 score4.7(8)
715 Indian Avenue, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 28 children
Turnbull School's preschool programs, particularly the fee-based Mandarin immersion option, receive nearly universal praise from parents. Most reviewers highlight caring, dedicated staff, strong teacher-student ratios, play-based learning, and effective kindergarten preparation. One negative review indicates a child experienced poor treatment.
Caring and enthusiastic stafflow teacher-student ratios (1 teacher and 2 assistants per 18-22 students)Mandarin immersion programplay-based curriculum - 9Highlands Recreation District4.43 score4.7(8)
1851 Lexington Avenue, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 38 children
Highlands Recreation District is a recreation center in San Mateo with consistently positive feedback. Parents praise the friendly and accommodating staff, quality facilities including a gym and pool, and excellent customer service. The facility is noted as safe, accessible, and suitable for family events and swim lessons.
friendly and helpful staffaccessible for disabled visitorssafe environmentquality swim lessons - 10Highlands Recreation Center4.43 score4.7(8)
1851 Lexington Avenue, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 86 children
Highlands Recreation Center in San Mateo is highly rated for its friendly and accommodating staff, quality facilities including a gym and pool, and excellent customer service. Parents praise the safe environment and versatility of spaces for activities like swim lessons, parties, and recreational programs. The center is noted for being inclusive and welcoming to families with diverse needs.
Friendly and helpful staffaccommodating to disabled visitorsinformative front desk servicesafe facility
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in San Mateo based on parent reviews
Welcome Amigos Spanish Immersion Ed.Ctr.
2825 Alameda Del Las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA
Welcome Amigos Spanish Immersion Education Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the school's effective Spanish immersion program, caring and dedicated teachers, and supportive community environment. Parents consistently report their children becoming fluent in Spanish, developing strong social skills, and being well-prepared for kindergarten. The center is noted for its creative curriculum, parent involvement opportunities, and flexible scheduling options including camps and after-school programs.
Building Kidz (Ps)
39 E. 39th Avenue, San Mateo, CA
Building Kidz San Mateo receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring staff, educational activities, and safe environment. Parents highlight the director Miss Lourdes' leadership and the teachers' dedication to child development and individual attention. The facility's on-site meal service and extended hours until 6pm are noted as outstanding features.
Building Kidz (Inf)
39 E. 39th Avenue, San Mateo, CA
Building Kidz San Mateo receives uniformly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, patient staff and director Lourdes for creating a safe, nurturing environment. Parents highlight the educational activities, outdoor play, structured routines, and on-site meal preparation as standout features that support their children's learning and development.
Kinder Academy Montessori
300 E. Santa Inez Avenue, San Mateo, CA
Kinder Academy Montessori receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, particularly Ms. Sophia, and the nurturing Montessori environment that fosters both academic learning and social development. Parents highlight the school's organization, curriculum quality, cultural activities, and strong community atmosphere that extends to parent friendships.
Early Bird Preschool
120 Lindbergh Street, San Mateo, CA
Building Kidz of San Mateo is highly praised by parents for its caring, family-like atmosphere and strong leadership under Director Kay. The center offers excellent value with reasonable tuition, provided meals, and a well-rounded curriculum featuring performing arts, music, and dance. Parents consistently report that their children thrive socially and academically in this welcoming environment.
Playgroups Unlimited - Universe Of Colors
178 South Boulevard, San Mateo, CA
Parents consistently praise Universe of Colors as an excellent Spanish immersion preschool with warm, nurturing teachers and a well-balanced curriculum combining play-based learning with academics. Families report strong language development, smooth kindergarten transitions, and high staff retention creating a stable, loving environment.
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Daycare types in San Mateo
Browse by type in San Mateo
Child Daycare & Preschools in San Mateo, California
There are 48 child daycare & preschools in San Mateo, California, making up 76% 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 San Mateo, 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 Mateo
Showing 48 results
- Address
- 30 W. 39th Avenue, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 292-0817
- Address
- 30 Hobart Avenue, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 571-0343
Building Kidz San Mateo receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring staff, educational activities, and safe environment. Parents highlight the director Miss Lourdes' leadership and the teachers' dedication to child development and individual attention. The facility's on-site meal service and extended hours until 6pm are noted as outstanding features.
- Address
- 39 E. 39th Avenue, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 212-5439
- Address
- 137 North San Mateo Drive, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 345-2424
- Address
- 115 Monte Diablo, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 483-8350
- Address
- 319 E. Santa Inez Avenue, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 347-8510
Kinder Academy Montessori receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, particularly Ms. Sophia, and the nurturing Montessori environment that fosters both academic learning and social development. Parents highlight the school's organization, curriculum quality, cultural activities, and strong community atmosphere that extends to parent friendships.
- Address
- 300 E. Santa Inez Avenue, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 340-8819
- Address
- 217 N Grant Street, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (415) 990-1354
- Address
- 315 Tulane Road, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 342-0447
Building Kidz San Mateo receives uniformly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, patient staff and director Lourdes for creating a safe, nurturing environment. Parents highlight the educational activities, outdoor play, structured routines, and on-site meal preparation as standout features that support their children's learning and development.
- Address
- 39 E. 39th Avenue, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 291-7370
Welcome Amigos Spanish Immersion Education Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the school's effective Spanish immersion program, caring and dedicated teachers, and supportive community environment. Parents consistently report their children becoming fluent in Spanish, developing strong social skills, and being well-prepared for kindergarten. The center is noted for its creative curriculum, parent involvement opportunities, and flexible scheduling options including camps and after-school programs.
- Address
- 2825 Alameda Del Las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 455-5330
Turnbull School's preschool programs, particularly the fee-based Mandarin immersion option, receive nearly universal praise from parents. Most reviewers highlight caring, dedicated staff, strong teacher-student ratios, play-based learning, and effective kindergarten preparation. One negative review indicates a child experienced poor treatment.
- Address
- 715 Indian Avenue, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 312-7766
Foster City Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its nurturing environment, quality teachers, and comprehensive curriculum. Parents report their children thrive academically and socially, with strong preparation for kindergarten. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children and recommend the center highly.
- Address
- 1685 Eishenhower Street, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 341-2041
Parents consistently praise Universe of Colors as an excellent Spanish immersion preschool with warm, nurturing teachers and a well-balanced curriculum combining play-based learning with academics. Families report strong language development, smooth kindergarten transitions, and high staff retention creating a stable, loving environment.
- Address
- 178 South Boulevard, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 401-8368
Highlands Recreation District is a recreation center in San Mateo with consistently positive feedback. Parents praise the friendly and accommodating staff, quality facilities including a gym and pool, and excellent customer service. The facility is noted as safe, accessible, and suitable for family events and swim lessons.
- Address
- 1851 Lexington Avenue, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 341-4251
Building Kidz of San Mateo is highly praised by parents for its caring, family-like atmosphere and strong leadership under Director Kay. The center offers excellent value with reasonable tuition, provided meals, and a well-rounded curriculum featuring performing arts, music, and dance. Parents consistently report that their children thrive socially and academically in this welcoming environment.
- Address
- 120 Lindbergh Street, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 344-8295
Highlands Recreation Center in San Mateo is highly rated for its friendly and accommodating staff, quality facilities including a gym and pool, and excellent customer service. Parents praise the safe environment and versatility of spaces for activities like swim lessons, parties, and recreational programs. The center is noted for being inclusive and welcoming to families with diverse needs.
- Address
- 1851 Lexington Avenue, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 341-4251
Muslim Children's Garden is a highly-rated Islamic preschool for ages 2-5 in San Mateo that teaches English, Arabic, and Islamic values. Parents consistently praise the caring, welcoming teachers, strong curriculum, and nurturing family-like environment. Multiple families report long-term enrollment and high satisfaction with their children's academic and spiritual development.
- Address
- 225 Tilton Avenue, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 572-0222
Little Bloom is highly rated by parents who praise the quality education, warm and attentive teachers, and well-designed facility. Parents consistently highlight the curriculum's focus on age-appropriate learning, daily communication, and preparation for kindergarten. The center is described as a welcoming community that has earned strong loyalty from families.
- Address
- 1911 Elkhorn Court, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 638-9300
- Address
- 65 Tower Road, Room 8, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 804-5923
- Address
- 65 Tower Road, Room 10, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 578-3440
- Address
- 3080 La Selva Street, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 212-2352
- Address
- 3080 La Selva Street, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 212-2352
Reviews praise the organization as an excellent community resource providing shelter, food, and support services to families in need. Staff and volunteers are consistently described as friendly and helpful. The facility is well-maintained with secure play areas and an organized structure that encourages client participation.
- Address
- 325 Villa Terrace, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 619-7198
- Address
- 24 Second Avenue, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 403-4300
- Address
- 715 Indian Avenue, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 312-7766
Papillon Preschool receives mixed reviews. The majority of parents (6 five-star reviews) praise the caring staff, structured curriculum, child development, and safe environment, though noting higher tuition costs. However, four one-star reviews cite unprofessional staff interactions, inadequate injury response, poor customer service, and transportation issues.
- Address
- 1311 So. El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 340-7241
- Address
- 1301 Cypress Avenue, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 312-7588
- Address
- 130 San Miguel, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 312-7533
- Address
- 1001 Bermuda Drive, San Mateo, CA
- Phone
- (650) 312-7737
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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 — 48 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 1 facilities
- Church Daycare — 1 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 13 facilities