How do I choose the right preschool in Manhattan Beach?

When selecting a preschool in Manhattan Beach, 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 Manhattan Beach, CA — Compare 9

Q: How much does preschool cost in Manhattan Beach, California?

Preschool costs in Manhattan Beach 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 Manhattan Beach

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.

First Lutheran Circle Of Love Preschool

4.62 score

5(8)

1100 Poinsettia Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA · Capacity: 125 children

First Lutheran Circle of Love Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, loving staff and warm community environment. Parents highlight the school's balance of play-based learning, academic instruction, and faith-based values, along with reasonable pricing for the area.

Caring and kind teacherssafe environmentstrong moral and values instructioneffective communication

Manhattan Country Club Preschool

4.56 score

4.7(20)

1330 Parkview Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA · Capacity: 43 children

Manhattan Country Club Preschool receives consistently high praise, with reviews highlighting exceptional aquatics instruction through the Junior Guard Prep program led by Kyle Flanders. Parents emphasize strong coaching, significant skill improvement, supportive staff, and a welcoming family-friendly environment with quality facilities and dining.

Excellent aquatics coaching and Junior Guard Prep programdedicated instructors who provide personal supportmeasurable improvement in swim skills and confidencebeautiful facilities

Der Kindergarden Preschool

4.48 score

4.7(11)

1843 10th. Street, Manhattan Beach, CA · Capacity: 60 children

Der Kindergarden Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff led by Ms. DJ and their family-like environment. Parents highlight the center's clean organization, creative learning approach without screens, and detailed daily communication about their children's activities and development.

caring and loving teachersfamily-like atmospherereasonable pricingclean and organized facility

Magic Rainbow Preschool

4.29 score

5(2)

1159 Aviation Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA · Capacity: 65 children

American Martyrs Preschool

4.17 score

5(1)

1705 Laurel Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA · Capacity: 61 children

One parent highlights the director and staff as friendly, kind, and caring, noting they are inwardly motivated and serve as outstanding examples for the children they clearly love. The review does not mention any specific negatives or areas for improvement.

friendly staffkind demeanorgenerous attitudecaring nature

Trinity Lutheran Preschool

4 score

1340 11th St., Manhattan Beach, CA · Capacity: 93 children

La Marina Preschool

3.91 score

3.7(2)

115 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA · Capacity: 19 children

One parent reports a negative experience involving a refusal to accommodate high-risk pregnancy complications and a partial refund despite prior assurances. The review also cites concerns about understaffing, cleanliness, and rigid scheduling policies.

La Marina Pre-School

3.91 score

3.7(2)

115 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA · Capacity: 51 children

Preschools in Manhattan Beach, California

Manhattan Beach 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 Manhattan Beach, 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 Manhattan Beach, California. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.

Most preschool programs in Manhattan Beach 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 Manhattan Beach 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 Manhattan Beach 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 Manhattan Beach, 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 Manhattan Beach, CA