
Browse all 29 headstart programs 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
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.
2930 Marcy Avenue, San Diego, CA
766 28th Street, San Diego, CA
3778 Altadena Avenue, San Diego, CA
6130 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA
918 No. 47th Street, San Diego, CA
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.
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 29 results
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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