Best Headstart Programs in San Diego, CA
Compare 29 headstart programs 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, California at a glance
- Programs
- 29
- Avg rating
- 4.57/5
- Parent reviews
- 1,914
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 121
San Diego has 29 licensed headstart programs 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.
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.
- 1Montessori Child Development LLC4.8 score5(20)
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 - 2Little Angels Academy4.8 score5(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 - 3Sacred Heart Academy Preschool4.8 score5(20)
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 - 4Manna'S Martial Arts INC.4.8 score5(20)
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 - 5Fleur De Lis Nursery School4.78 score5(18)
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 - 6Manchester Family Child Development Center4.76 score5(16)
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.
- 7Scripps Exploring Academy-Infant4.74 score5(14)
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) - 8Chinese Bilingual Pre-School4.72 score5(13)
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 - 9Wee Wisdom Preschool4.72 score5(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 - 10Al-Rribat Academy4.72 score4.9(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
Rating Distribution
Based on 168 daycares with Google ratings in San Diego
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 1,914 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in San Diego, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
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 |
Facility Sizes
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
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in San Diego based on parent reviews
Nha Urban Village II Head Start
4305 University Avenue, #107, San Diego, CA
Parents consistently praise NHA Urban Village II Head Start for its professional, caring, and well-educated staff. The facility is noted for its hands-on learning approach, warm environment, and high standards. The centralized City Heights location is also mentioned as convenient.
Nha Webster Head Start Family Focused Ctr
2930 Marcy Avenue, San Diego, CA
Parents highlight the center's bilingual, warm teachers and small class sizes that foster intellectual development and healthy activities. A few reviewers also praise the beautiful environment and their children's enjoyment of attending.
Nha- New Life Head Start Family Focus Center
766 28th Street, San Diego, CA
Parents highlight the friendly staff and well-organized environment, with one noting the center feels welcoming and blessed. A few reviews specifically praise the teachers and the learning program, though one parent simply described it as a good program for kids.
Nha - Altadena Head Start
3778 Altadena Avenue, San Diego, CA
One parent describes the staff as the best, specifically highlighting the teachers and site supervisor. The single review provided is entirely positive with no reported drawbacks.
Nha O'Farrell Head Start
6130 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA
Nha - Chollas View Head Start
918 No. 47th Street, San Diego, CA
Map
Daycare types in San Diego
Browse by type in San Diego
Headstart Programs in San Diego, California
There are 29 headstart programs in San Diego, California, making up 7% 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.
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.
All Headstart Programs in San Diego
Showing 29 results
One parent describes the staff as the best, specifically highlighting the teachers and site supervisor. The single review provided is entirely positive with no reported drawbacks.
- Address
- 3778 Altadena Avenue, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 280-6951
- Address
- 918 No. 47th Street, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 262-1147
- Address
- 2001 Newton Avenue, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 687-0322
- Address
- 2717 University Avenue, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 298-4500
- Address
- 7375 Tooma Street, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 434-5780
- Address
- 6285 University Avenue, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 243-1607
- Address
- 6130 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 266-9375
Parents highlight the center's bilingual, warm teachers and small class sizes that foster intellectual development and healthy activities. A few reviewers also praise the beautiful environment and their children's enjoyment of attending.
- Address
- 2930 Marcy Avenue, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 232-4521
Parents consistently praise NHA Urban Village II Head Start for its professional, caring, and well-educated staff. The facility is noted for its hands-on learning approach, warm environment, and high standards. The centralized City Heights location is also mentioned as convenient.
- Address
- 4305 University Avenue, #107, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 284-5644
Parents highlight the friendly staff and well-organized environment, with one noting the center feels welcoming and blessed. A few reviews specifically praise the teachers and the learning program, though one parent simply described it as a good program for kids.
- Address
- 766 28th Street, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 233-4782
- Address
- 210 S. Euclid Ave, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 264-3577
One parent reports an exceptional experience with dedicated teachers, while others cite serious safety and supervision failures, including physical altercations and unprofessional conduct. The few reviews present a stark contrast between high satisfaction with staff and severe concerns about child safety and program organization.
- Address
- 4343 Shields, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (858) 278-0502
One parent reports that children are left unattended in the bathroom by a single assistant teacher and describes the facility staff as inadequate and ineffective.
- Address
- 2399 Grove Avenue, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 423-4986
- Address
- 4271 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (858) 581-2193
ECS Montgomery Head Start has polarizing reviews. Some parents report positive experiences with caring staff, bilingual education, and children enjoying school. However, multiple parents cite serious concerns including poor communication, failure to report injuries, unprofessional staff behavior, and lack of adherence to safety protocols.
- Address
- 3240 Palm Avenue, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 424-4027
One parent reports serious incidents including alleged discrimination against a child with special needs and retaliatory actions by staff, such as being banned from the premises and having police called. The reviewer also alleges the center failed to protect the child, citing concerns over neglect and a reported fall from a staircase.
- Address
- 6020 Hughes Street, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 955-8730
NHA John Marshall Head Start receives consistently positive feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the warm and well-educated staff, clean facilities, and strong special education programs, particularly appreciating its proximity to John Marshall Elementary for accessing school district resources.
- Address
- 3550 Altadena Avenue, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 624-2362
- Address
- 9245 Hillery Drive, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (858) 653-3671
NHA Home Avenue Head Start Family Focus Center receives consistently positive feedback from parents, with all 10 reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring and nurturing staff, quality education, and strong teacher-student relationships that help children develop behaviorally, emotionally, and academically.
- Address
- 4111 Home Avenue, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 262-8199
- Address
- 6762 N Elman Street, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (858) 560-6034
- Address
- 6620 Marlowe Drive, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 795-4650
- Address
- 3735 38th Street, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 641-3400
- Address
- 2602 Reo Drive, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 228-2800
- Address
- 4680 Hidalgo Avenue, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (858) 272-9641
- Address
- 2905 Cadiz, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 523-2510
This facility appears to be a community college/adult education center rather than a daycare. Reviews praise the diverse class offerings, safe learning environment, helpful staff, and cultural programs. All reviewers gave 5-star ratings and highlighted positive experiences with classes and staff assistance.
- Address
- 4343 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 388-4802
- Address
- 3025 Fir Street, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 239-0632
- Address
- 825 South 31st Avenue, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 699-4500
- Address
- 301 22nd Street, San Diego, CA
- Phone
- (619) 615-7000
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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 — 372 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 29 facilities
- Church Daycare — 7 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 17 facilities