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5 Preschools in Lake Forest, California

Find the best preschools in Lake Forest, California. Browse 5 options, compare ratings, and choose the right program for your child.

Best Preschools in Lake Forest

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
    The Red Apple Preschool
    4.75 score
    5(15)

    23532 El Toro Rd. Suite, #1, Lake Forest, CA · Capacity: 30 children

    The Red Apple Preschool in Lake Forest receives universally positive feedback from parents. Parents consistently praise the caring, passionate teachers and directors (Maryam and Amir), strong academic curriculum, and warm, safe environment that supports children's academic, social, and emotional development. Multiple parents report significant improvements in their children's learning and confidence since enrolling.

    Caring and passionate teachersattentive and responsive directorsstrong academic focus with age-appropriate learningsmall class sizes
  2. 2
    Montessori Lake Forest Preschool
    4.32 score
    4.4(20)

    24602 Raymond Way Suite, #1, Lake Forest, CA · Capacity: 90 children

    Parents consistently praise Montessori Lake Forest Preschool for its nurturing Montessori curriculum, highly attentive teachers, and strong focus on both academic and social-emotional development. Children show significant growth in independence, confidence, practical life skills, and academic achievement. The school is noted for excellent communication with parents and a warm, well-organized learning environment.

    Montessori curriculum approachteacher dedication and attentivenessdaily photo/video updatespersonalized attention
  3. 3
    Lakeview Learning Center Preschool
    4 score
    5

    22921 Ridge Route, Lake Forest, CA · Capacity: 42 children

  4. 4
    Woodcrest Pre-School
    3.93 score
    3.9(13)

    21772 Lake Forest Drive, Lake Forest, CA · Capacity: 144 children

    Woodcrest Preschool receives consistently positive feedback from parents. Parents praise the caring and experienced staff, developmental progress of children, enrichment activities, and the KidsReports app for daily updates. Multiple families report children are happy, confident, and thriving in a nurturing environment.

    Caring and loving teacherschild development and growthenrichment activities (animal visitsmusicians

Browse by type in Lake Forest

🌱 Montessori 9🎨 Preschools 5✝️ Christian Daycare 3
View all daycares in Lake Forest Center-based daycares

Preschools in Lake Forest, California

Lake Forest has 5 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 Lake Forest, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Preschools in Lake Forest

Showing 5 results

The Red Apple Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

The Red Apple Preschool in Lake Forest receives universally positive feedback from parents. Parents consistently praise the caring, passionate teachers and directors (Maryam and Amir), strong academic curriculum, and warm, safe environment that supports children's academic, social, and emotional development. Multiple parents report significant improvements in their children's learning and confidence since enrolling.

Caring and passionate teachersattentive and responsive directorsstrong academic focus with age-appropriate learning
Address
23532 El Toro Rd. Suite, #1, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 460-9221
Lakeview Learning Center Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
22921 Ridge Route, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 837-6100
Montessori Lake Forest Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Parents consistently praise Montessori Lake Forest Preschool for its nurturing Montessori curriculum, highly attentive teachers, and strong focus on both academic and social-emotional development. Children show significant growth in independence, confidence, practical life skills, and academic achievement. The school is noted for excellent communication with parents and a warm, well-organized learning environment.

Montessori curriculum approachteacher dedication and attentivenessdaily photo/video updates
Address
24602 Raymond Way Suite, #1, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 735-2905
Woodcrest Pre-School
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Woodcrest Preschool receives consistently positive feedback from parents. Parents praise the caring and experienced staff, developmental progress of children, enrichment activities, and the KidsReports app for daily updates. Multiple families report children are happy, confident, and thriving in a nurturing environment.

Caring and loving teacherschild development and growthenrichment activities (animal visits
Address
21772 Lake Forest Drive, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 859-0805
Grace Christian Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
26052 Trabuco Road, Lake Forest, CA
Phone
(949) 951-8683

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Frequently asked questions

There are 5 preschools in Lake Forest, California. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.
Most preschool programs in Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest, 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