Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Santa Cruz, CA
Compare 41 child daycare & preschools in Santa Cruz. Average rating: 4.78/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Santa Cruz, California at a glance
- Programs
- 41
- Avg rating
- 4.78/5
- Parent reviews
- 70
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 21
Santa Cruz has 41 licensed child daycare & preschools with 70 parent reviews averaging 4.78/5.21 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 91% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 95065 (avg 5 stars), while 95060 has the largest selection (23 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Santa Cruz
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.
- 1Midtown Montessori Santa Cruz4.74 score5(14)
818 North Branciforte Ave, Santa Cruz, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 26 children
Midtown Montessori Santa Cruz receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring, experienced teaching staff and well-rounded Montessori curriculum. Parents report their children show significant growth, independence, and enthusiasm for learning, while appreciating the strong sense of community and stable environment.
Experienced and stable teaching staffcaring and patient teacherswell-rounded curriculum with diverse activitiesfield trips - 2Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center4.67 score5(10)
1738 16th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children
Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center receives perfect 5-star ratings across all reviews, with parents praising the staff's warmth, responsiveness, and child-centered approach. Parents consistently highlight the outdoor-focused curriculum, RIE/Montessori philosophy emphasizing toddler agency and respect, and the center's positive impact on both children's development and parental growth.
Exceptional and dedicated staffoutdoor-focused learning environmenttoddler agency and respect emphasizedexperiential play and activities (cooking - 3Bridges To Kinder Parent And E.C.E. Program4.55 score5(6)
1000 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 18 children
Parents consistently praise Bridges to Kinder as an exceptional preschool program with highly dedicated teachers who create an inclusive, joyful learning environment. Children show enthusiasm for attending and develop strong social-emotional skills and school readiness. The program's integration of positive discipline, parent education classes, and access to Westlake Elementary resources (library, life lab, buddy classes) receive particular appreciation.
Caring and passionate teachersinclusive classroom environmentstrong school readiness preparationexcellent parent communication with photos and updates - 4Emeline Preschool Center4.4 score4.8(5)
1030 Emeline Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 23 children
Parents consistently praise Emeline Preschool for its nurturing, patient teachers and small class sizes (approximately 8 children per classroom). Children reportedly thrive developmentally and gain confidence in this safe, enriching environment that features outdoor play areas, a garden, and live animals.
Patient and nurturing teacherssmall class sizessafe and comfortable facilityoutdoor play yard with garden and animals - 5Coastal Community Preschool4.4 score4.6(10)
900 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 43 children
Coastal Community Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents praising the caring staff, play-based curriculum, nature-focused activities, and strong child development outcomes. One negative review raises serious concerns about communication, staff conduct, inclusion practices, and how a child with behavioral challenges was handled. The facility maintains consistently low student-to-teacher ratios and employs credentialed ECE staff.
Caring and at
Rating Distribution
Based on 23 daycares with Google ratings in Santa Cruz
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Santa Cruz, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Santa Cruz zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95065 | 5 | 5 | 1 | |
| 95060 | 23 | 4.94 | 10 | |
| 95062 | 17 | 4.63 | 10 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Santa Cruz (12–125 children)
Small
up to 30 children
23
Medium
31–75 children
20
Large
76–150 children
3
Very Large
150+ children
0
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Santa Cruz based on parent reviews
Midtown Montessori Santa Cruz
818 North Branciforte Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Midtown Montessori Santa Cruz receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring, experienced teaching staff and well-rounded Montessori curriculum. Parents report their children show significant growth, independence, and enthusiasm for learning, while appreciating the strong sense of community and stable environment.
Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center
1738 16th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center receives perfect 5-star ratings across all reviews, with parents praising the staff's warmth, responsiveness, and child-centered approach. Parents consistently highlight the outdoor-focused curriculum, RIE/Montessori philosophy emphasizing toddler agency and respect, and the center's positive impact on both children's development and parental growth.
Bridges To Kinder Parent And E.C.E. Program
1000 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Parents consistently praise Bridges to Kinder as an exceptional preschool program with highly dedicated teachers who create an inclusive, joyful learning environment. Children show enthusiasm for attending and develop strong social-emotional skills and school readiness. The program's integration of positive discipline, parent education classes, and access to Westlake Elementary resources (library, life lab, buddy classes) receive particular appreciation.
Emeline Preschool Center
1030 Emeline Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Parents consistently praise Emeline Preschool for its nurturing, patient teachers and small class sizes (approximately 8 children per classroom). Children reportedly thrive developmentally and gain confidence in this safe, enriching environment that features outdoor play areas, a garden, and live animals.
Coastal Community Preschool
900 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Coastal Community Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents praising the caring staff, play-based curriculum, nature-focused activities, and strong child development outcomes. One negative review raises serious concerns about communication, staff conduct, inclusion practices, and how a child with behavioral challenges was handled. The facility maintains consistently low student-to-teacher ratios and employs credentialed ECE staff.
Kinder Cottage
3834 Gross Road, Santa Cruz, CA
Parents highlight the small class sizes and highly engaged teachers who create a personalized, family-like atmosphere. Reviewers appreciate the creative, theme-based curriculum and the stimulating outdoor environment with various play structures and animals.
Map
Daycare types in Santa Cruz
Browse by type in Santa Cruz
Child Daycare & Preschools in Santa Cruz, California
There are 41 child daycare & preschools in Santa Cruz, California, making up 89% of the 46 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.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Santa Cruz have an average rating of 4.78 out of 5 across 23 rated facilities, with 91% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Headstart Programs facilities lead with an average of 5 stars. Our analysis covers 70 parent reviews.
When choosing a daycare in Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz
Showing 41 results
- Address
- 327 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 426-3655
- Address
- 420 Melrose Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 425-7580
- Address
- 135 Leibrandt Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 426-1276
- Address
- 427 Capitola Road Ext, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 476-9684
- Address
- 2190 Empire Grade-Rosebud Clrm, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 425-0519
- Address
- 3205 Salisbury Drive, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 479-7790
- Address
- 191b Harvey West Boulevard, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 469-9358
Parents highlight the small class sizes and highly engaged teachers who create a personalized, family-like atmosphere. Reviewers appreciate the creative, theme-based curriculum and the stimulating outdoor environment with various play structures and animals.
- Address
- 3834 Gross Road, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 475-0899
- Address
- 801 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 423-8330
Midtown Montessori Santa Cruz receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring, experienced teaching staff and well-rounded Montessori curriculum. Parents report their children show significant growth, independence, and enthusiasm for learning, while appreciating the strong sense of community and stable environment.
- Address
- 818 North Branciforte Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 423-2273
- Address
- 255 Swift Street, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 234-8796
- Address
- 904 Western Drive, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 423-9073
- Address
- 2500 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 462-4453
Parents highlight the staff's caring and professional nature, noting that children thrive academically and socially in a clean, safe environment. Reviewers appreciate the excellent daily communication with directors and teachers, which helps parents feel connected to their child's day.
- Address
- 2560 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 477-0584
Parents consistently praise Bridges to Kinder as an exceptional preschool program with highly dedicated teachers who create an inclusive, joyful learning environment. Children show enthusiasm for attending and develop strong social-emotional skills and school readiness. The program's integration of positive discipline, parent education classes, and access to Westlake Elementary resources (library, life lab, buddy classes) receive particular appreciation.
- Address
- 1000 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 429-3878
- Address
- 1225 Brommer St, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 462-2535
Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center receives perfect 5-star ratings across all reviews, with parents praising the staff's warmth, responsiveness, and child-centered approach. Parents consistently highlight the outdoor-focused curriculum, RIE/Montessori philosophy emphasizing toddler agency and respect, and the center's positive impact on both children's development and parental growth.
- Address
- 1738 16th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 476-4120
Parents consistently praise Emeline Preschool for its nurturing, patient teachers and small class sizes (approximately 8 children per classroom). Children reportedly thrive developmentally and gain confidence in this safe, enriching environment that features outdoor play areas, a garden, and live animals.
- Address
- 1030 Emeline Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 459-8866
Coastal Community Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents praising the caring staff, play-based curriculum, nature-focused activities, and strong child development outcomes. One negative review raises serious concerns about communication, staff conduct, inclusion practices, and how a child with behavioral challenges was handled. The facility maintains consistently low student-to-teacher ratios and employs credentialed ECE staff.
- Address
- 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 462-5437
Parents share widely divergent views, with one describing the center as a happy, second home where teachers support child development, while others report the director is rude and invasive. Some families feel their children learn awful manners, leading to strong warnings against enrollment, whereas others express deep affection for the lovely environment.
- Address
- 720 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 476-2000
Feedback for this center is sharply divided, with some parents describing it as a lovely, happy environment where teachers support their child's development, while others report a hostile atmosphere. One parent cites the director's rudeness and invasive behavior as reasons to avoid the school, whereas another highlights the positive impact of long-term staff on their daughter's growth.
- Address
- 720 Seventeenth Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 476-2000
- Address
- 1000 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 458-2259
- Address
- 1492 Pine Flat Road, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 459-7795
- Address
- 532 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 425-1332
- Address
- 987 Bostwick Lane, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 475-2151
- Address
- 8005 Winkle Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 465-6587
- Address
- 208 Rankin Street, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 427-1316
- Address
- 121 Sycamore Street, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 454-9920
- Address
- 1145 Morrissey Boulevard, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 426-7402
- Address
- 984-5 Bostwick Lane, Santa Cruz, CA
- Phone
- (831) 462-1116
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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 — 41 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
- Church Daycare — 1 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 2 facilities