Children at daycare

6 Preschools in Atwater, California

Find the best preschools in Atwater, California. Browse 6 options, compare ratings, and choose the right program for your child.

Best Preschools in Atwater

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — preschools with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1
    Fruitland Christian Preschool
    4 score
    5

    2100 Fruitland Avenue, Atwater, CA · Capacity: 72 children

  2. 2
    Buhach Preschool
    3.42 score
    3(7)

    2606 N. Buhach Road, Atwater, CA · Capacity: 89 children

    Buhach Preschool has highly polarized reviews with strong praise from some long-term families and severe safety and management concerns from others. Supporters highlight quality curriculum alignment and family-like care, while critics report unlocked facilities, understaffed operations, pest infestations, poor supervision leading to injuries, and unprofessional staff conduct.

    Curriculum research and kindergarten preparationaccommodating stafffamily-like care environmentcelebrates childhood

Browse by type in Atwater

🎨 Preschools 6
View all daycares in Atwater Center-based daycares

Preschools in Atwater, California

Atwater has 6 preschool programs designed to prepare children ages 3-5 for kindergarten. These programs focus on early literacy, social skills, and structured learning in a nurturing environment.

When choosing a preschool in Atwater, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Preschools in Atwater

Showing 6 results

Fruitland Christian Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
2100 Fruitland Avenue, Atwater, CA
Phone
(209) 358-7981
Buhach Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
3

Buhach Preschool has highly polarized reviews with strong praise from some long-term families and severe safety and management concerns from others. Supporters highlight quality curriculum alignment and family-like care, while critics report unlocked facilities, understaffed operations, pest infestations, poor supervision leading to injuries, and unprofessional staff conduct.

Curriculum research and kindergarten preparationaccommodating stafffamily-like care environment
Address
2606 N. Buhach Road, Atwater, CA
Phone
(209) 489-2008
St. Anthony Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1801 Winton Way, Atwater, CA
Phone
(209) 358-3341
Bellevue Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1020 E Bellevue Road, Atwater, CA
Phone
(209) 357-6140
Aileen Colburn Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2201 Heller Avenue, Atwater, CA
Phone
(209) 357-6136
Shaffer Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1434 California Street, Atwater, CA
Phone
(209) 357-6145

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Frequently asked questions

There are 6 preschools in Atwater, California. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.
Most preschool programs in Atwater accept children between ages 2.5 and 5. Many children start at age 3 or 4, about one to two years before kindergarten. Look for signs of readiness such as being comfortable away from parents, ability to follow simple instructions, and interest in playing with other children.
While both provide childcare, preschools in Atwater typically focus more on structured educational activities to prepare children for kindergarten. Preschool programs often run half-day or school-year schedules, while daycare centers offer full-day, year-round care. Many facilities combine both, offering preschool curriculum within a full-day daycare setting.
Preschool costs in Atwater typically range from $600 to $1,500 per month for full-time programs. Half-day programs are usually less expensive. Some preschools offer financial aid, and California may have state-funded pre-K programs for qualifying families. Contact individual facilities for current tuition rates.
When selecting a preschool in Atwater, consider:
  • Visit the facility in person to observe the environment
  • Ask about teacher qualifications and experience
  • Check licensing status with California's regulatory agency
  • Review the curriculum and daily schedule
  • Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences
  • Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities