Children at daycare

11 Preschools in Santa Maria, California

Find the best preschools in Santa Maria, California. Browse 11 options, compare ratings, and choose the right program for your child.

Best Preschools in Santa Maria

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
    Grace Lutheran Preschool
    3.91 score
    3.7(2)

    420 East Fesler, Santa Maria, CA · Capacity: 63 children

Browse by type in Santa Maria

🎨 Preschools 11
View all daycares in Santa Maria Center-based daycares

Preschools in Santa Maria, California

Santa Maria has 11 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 Santa Maria, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Preschools in Santa Maria

Showing 11 results

Grace Lutheran Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.7
Address
420 East Fesler, Santa Maria, CA
Phone
(805) 922-5419
Smbsd - Fairlawn State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
120 North Mary Drive, Santa Maria, CA
Phone
(805) 361-7528
Smbsd - Adam State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
500 W. Windsor Dr., Santa Maria, CA
Phone
(805) 361-6758
Smbsd - Battles State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
605 E. Battles Rd., Room 1, Santa Maria, CA
Phone
(805) 361-6904
Smbsd - Alvin State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
301 East Alvin, Santa Maria, CA
Phone
(805) 361-6812
Smbsd - Miller State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
410 E. Camino Colegio, Santa Maria, CA
Phone
(805) 361-8297
Smbsd - Sanchez State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
804 W. Liberty, Santa Maria, CA
Phone
(805) 361-4628
Valley Christian Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2970 Santa Maria Way., Santa Maria, CA
Phone
(805) 937-2171
Smbsd - Bruce State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
601 W. Alvin, Santa Maria, CA
Phone
(805) 361-6995
Smbsd - Ontiveros State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
930 W. Rancho Verde, Santa Maria, CA
Phone
(805) 361-6818
Smbsd - Rice State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
700 E. Vickie, Santa Maria, CA
Phone
(805) 361-7794

Page 1 of 1· 11 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 11 preschools in Santa Maria, California. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.
Most preschool programs in Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria, 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