How do I choose the right preschool in Berkeley?

When selecting a preschool in Berkeley, 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

Best Preschools in Berkeley, CA — Compare 9

Q: How much does preschool cost in Berkeley, California?

Preschool costs in Berkeley 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.

Best Preschools in Berkeley

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.

Mustard Seed Preschool

4.72 score

5(13)

1640 Hopkins Street, Berkeley, CA · Capacity: 66 children

Parents consistently praise Mustard Seed Preschool as an excellent, well-run program with caring staff and a strong sense of community. Children thrive in the structured, play-based environment with emphasis on social-emotional development, outdoor play, and fresh daily meals prepared by an onsite chef.

Caring and communicative stafflow staff turnoverstrong director (Candace) and leadershipage-appropriate classroom structure

Mi Mundo Preschool

4.55 score

5(6)

1866 Alcatraz Ave, Berkeley, CA · Capacity: 29 children

Mi Mundo Preschool in Berkeley receives consistently high praise from parents. Parents highlight warm, dedicated teachers, a strong bilingual Spanish immersion program, creative art projects, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Children reportedly adjust well, show significant language development, and enjoy attending daily.

Warm and welcoming teachersSpanish language instruction with noticeable vocabulary growthcreative art projects and activitiesencouraging independence

Busd - Franklin Preschool

4.44 score

5(4)

1460 8th Street, Berkeley, CA · Capacity: 192 children

Parents highlight the caring and loving nature of the staff, noting that educators treat each child as their own. Reviewers appreciate the positive foundation provided for early education and describe the school environment as excellent and friendly.

caring and loving staffpersonalized attentionpositive educational foundationexcellent school environment

Little Beans Preschool

4.38 score

5(3)

2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA · Capacity: 40 children

Parents describe Little Beans Preschool as a warm, well-managed environment with caring teachers who successfully balance structure and open-ended play. Reviewers highlight the close-knit community and bonus events like date nights, though one family notes the need to plan around specific holiday closures.

warm environmentloving teachersbalanced structure and playstrong academic preparation

Woolly Mammoth Childcare & Preschool

4.38 score

5(3)

1484 University Ave, Berkeley, CA · Capacity: 27 children

Parents highlight the nurturing environment and engaging curriculum, noting significant growth in creativity, social skills, and empathy. One reviewer praises the staff's long-standing expertise and convenient location, while another reports their child's enjoyment.

loving environmentengaging curriculumwell-rounded activities (dancingbaking

Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley Preschool

4.26 score

4.4(9)

2830 Tenth St., Berkeley, CA · Capacity: 100 children

École Bilingue de Berkeley Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the quality of teaching staff, bilingual French immersion program, small class sizes, and nurturing community environment. Parents report their children develop strong French language skills and emotional intelligence while forming lasting friendships. The school serves a diverse, international student body and maintains consistent quality across preschool through middle schoo

Hearts Leap Icri Preschool

4.17 score

5(1)

2638 College Avenue, Berkeley, CA · Capacity: 70 children

Sunshine Preschool (Ceid)

4.17 score

5(1)

1035 Grayson St, Rm #8, Berkeley, CA · Capacity: 45 children

Preschools in Berkeley, California

Berkeley has 9 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 Berkeley, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 9 preschools in Berkeley, California. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.

Most preschool programs in Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley, 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

Best Preschools in Berkeley, CA