7 Before or After School Daycare in Palo Alto, California

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Palo Alto

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

1. 1

   Palo Alto Montessori School INC.

   4.8 score

   5(20)

   575 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children

   Palo Alto Montessori School receives universal praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the school's strong Montessori philosophy implementation, caring and experienced staff with low turnover, and individualized attention to each child's development. Children are reported to thrive academically and socially while genuinely enjoying attending school.

   Montessori philosophy and hands-on learningindividualized instructi
2. 2

   Heffalump Preschool

   4.8 score

   5(20)

   3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children

   Heffalump Preschool in Palo Alto receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teaching staff (particularly Ms. Barbara and Ms. Meenakshi) for creating a warm, nurturing environment where children thrive academically and emotionally while building confidence and friendships.

   Dedicated and caring teacherswarm and welcoming environmentstrong focus on child development (academic and emotional)children excited to attend
3. 3

   Lilliput Preschool Center

   4.62 score

   5(8)

   3789 Park Blvd, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 17 children

   Lilliput Preschool Center receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a warm, nurturing, and family-oriented facility. Parents highlight the genuine care and individual attention their children receive, as well as the staff's ability to support children's development through play-based learning. Multiple families report long-term enrollment and describe the teachers as extensions of their family.

   Warm and nurturing staffindividualized attentionfamily-oriented approachsupportive environment for children with behavioral challenges
4. 4

   Country Day Little School

   4.58 score

   5(7)

   3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 40 children

   Country Day Little School is a Waldorf-based preschool in Palo Alto that parents consistently praise for its nurturing, nature-focused environment and highly trained, stable teaching staff. Parents highlight the school's emphasis on outdoor play, organic meals, mixed-age classrooms, and developmentally-attuned individual attention. All reviewers strongly recommend the school for families seeking a play-based, imagination-focused early education.

   Experiencedcaringlong-tenured teachers with low turnoverextensive outdoor play and nature connection
5. 5

   Palo Alto Friends Nursery School

   4.5 score

   5(5)

   957 Colorado St, Palo Alto, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 38 children

   Palo Alto Friends Nursery School is a highly-regarded, play-based preschool focused on social-emotional development and creativity. Parents consistently praise the nurturing, knowledgeable teachers, flexible scheduling options, and strong community environment. The school has maintained an excellent reputation in the Palo Alto area for generations.

   Play-based curriculumsocial-emotional development focuscreative learning environmentnurturing and caring teachers
6. 6

   Mustard Seed Learning Center

   4.29 score

   4.5(7)

   2585 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 17 children

   Mustard Seed Learning Center receives mostly positive reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, quality learning environment, and bilingual Chinese language programs. Parents appreciate the reliable after-school care, homework help, and activities like playground time and games. One negative review expresses dissatisfaction with after-school programs generally rather than specific issues with the center.

   caring stafffocus on child learning and developmentbilingual Chinese instructionreliable after-school care
7. 7

   The Children'S Pre-School Center

   4.23 score

   4.4(7)

   4000 Middlefield Road T-1, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 112 children

   THE CHILDREN'S PRE-SCHOOL CENTER receives overwhelmingly positive reviews praising dedicated teachers, low teacher-to-child ratios, outdoor activities, and strong parent communication. However, one review raises serious concerns about past incidents of child abuse, inappropriate discipline, loss of NAEYC accreditation, staff credentialing issues, and high teacher turnover.

   Low teacher-to-child ratiodedicated and kind teachersoutdoor timehealthy snacks
8. 8

   The Learning Center

   4.1 score

   4.2(5)

   459 Kingsley Ave, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children

   The Learning Center in Palo Alto receives mostly positive feedback from parents who praise the engaging curriculum, low staff turnover, and caring teachers. Parents highlight the strong community feel, outdoor activities, and nutritious meals. However, one review raises serious safety concerns about an injury and reporting compliance.

   Engaging activitiesgood teacher-to-student ratiolow staff turnoverwarm and caring staff
9. 9

   T'Enna Preschool At The Oshman Family Jcc

   4.08 score

   4.1(20)

   3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 250 children

   Note: The reviews provided are for the Oshman Family JCC fitness facility, not the T'ENNA Preschool daycare program. Reviews consistently praise the clean, modern facility with excellent amenities including pools, gym equipment, classes, and locker room services. Most reviewers rate it highly, though a few note pricing concerns and occasional staff friendliness issues.

   Clean facilitymodern equipmentheated poolsvariety of classes
10. 10

    Club J At The Oshman Family Jcc

    4.08 score

    4.1(20)

    3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 154 children

    NOTE: These reviews are for the Oshman Family JCC gym and fitness facility, not a daycare center. The reviews consistently praise the clean, modern facility with excellent amenities including pools, gym equipment, and classes. Members highlight the welcoming community, professional staff, and good value for the membership price.

    Clean facilityheated outdoor poolvariety of classesmodern gym equipment

Map

Daycare types in Palo Alto

Browse by type in Palo Alto

All Before or After School Daycare in Palo Alto

Showing 7 results