13 Before or After School Daycare in San Mateo, California

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in San Mateo

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

   Welcome Amigos Spanish Immersion Ed.Ctr.

   4.63 score

   4.8(18)

   2825 Alameda Del Las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 24 children

   Welcome Amigos Spanish Immersion Education Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the school's effective Spanish immersion program, caring and dedicated teachers, and supportive community environment. Parents consistently report their children becoming fluent in Spanish, developing strong social skills, and being well-prepared for kindergarten. The center is noted for its creative curriculum, parent involvement opportunities, and flexible scheduling options including camps and after-school programs.

   Spanish language fluencycaring and dedicated teachersstrong social-emotional developmenteffective potty training support
2. 2

   Building Kidz (Ps)

   4.55 score

   5(6)

   39 E. 39th Avenue, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 70 children

   Building Kidz San Mateo receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring staff, educational activities, and safe environment. Parents highlight the director Miss Lourdes' leadership and the teachers' dedication to child development and individual attention. The facility's on-site meal service and extended hours until 6pm are noted as outstanding features.

   Kind and patient staffwelcoming environmenteducational and fun activitiessocial and academic learning
3. 3

   Building Kidz (Inf)

   4.55 score

   5(6)

   39 E. 39th Avenue, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 16 children

   Building Kidz San Mateo receives uniformly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, patient staff and director Lourdes for creating a safe, nurturing environment. Parents highlight the educational activities, outdoor play, structured routines, and on-site meal preparation as standout features that support their children's learning and development.

   Kind and attentive staffsupportive director (Lourdes)safe and stimulating environmenteducational and fun activities
4. 4

   San Mateo Parent'S Nursery School

   4.51 score

   4.8(9)

   1732 Monte Diablo Ave, San Mateo, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 38 children

   San Mateo Parent's Nursery School is a highly regarded play-based co-op preschool with 70 years of experience. Parents consistently praise the caring, creative teachers, flexible scheduling, reasonable pricing, and strong community atmosphere. The school offers diverse activities and encourages child development through play and social interaction.

   Experienced teachers who are loving and caringflexible hoursreasonable pricesplay-based learning approach
5. 5

   Kinder Academy Montessori

   4.5 score

   5(5)

   300 E. Santa Inez Avenue, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 24 children

   Kinder Academy Montessori receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, particularly Ms. Sophia, and the nurturing Montessori environment that fosters both academic learning and social development. Parents highlight the school's organization, curriculum quality, cultural activities, and strong community atmosphere that extends to parent friendships.

   Caring and patient teachersMontessori curriculumself-directed learning environmentacademic progress
6. 6

   Early Bird Preschool

   4.49 score

   4.7(12)

   120 Lindbergh Street, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 34 children

   Building Kidz of San Mateo is highly praised by parents for its caring, family-like atmosphere and strong leadership under Director Kay. The center offers excellent value with reasonable tuition, provided meals, and a well-rounded curriculum featuring performing arts, music, and dance. Parents consistently report that their children thrive socially and academically in this welcoming environment.

   Caring and engaged staffDirector Kay's involvement and communication
7. 7

   Playgroups Unlimited - Universe Of Colors

   4.48 score

   4.7(11)

   178 South Boulevard, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children

   Parents consistently praise Universe of Colors as an excellent Spanish immersion preschool with warm, nurturing teachers and a well-balanced curriculum combining play-based learning with academics. Families report strong language development, smooth kindergarten transitions, and high staff retention creating a stable, loving environment.

   Spanish immersion programexperienced and caring teacherslow teacher turnoverbalanced play-based and academic curriculum
8. 8

   San Mateo-Foster City Schl Dist - Turnbull Sch-Age

   4.43 score

   4.7(8)

   715 Indian Avenue, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 28 children

   Turnbull School's preschool programs, particularly the fee-based Mandarin immersion option, receive nearly universal praise from parents. Most reviewers highlight caring, dedicated staff, strong teacher-student ratios, play-based learning, and effective kindergarten preparation. One negative review indicates a child experienced poor treatment.

   Caring and enthusiastic stafflow teacher-student ratios (1 teacher and 2 assistants per 18-22 students)Mandarin immersion programplay-based curriculum
9. 9

   Highlands Recreation District

   4.43 score

   4.7(8)

   1851 Lexington Avenue, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 38 children

   Highlands Recreation District is a recreation center in San Mateo with consistently positive feedback. Parents praise the friendly and accommodating staff, quality facilities including a gym and pool, and excellent customer service. The facility is noted as safe, accessible, and suitable for family events and swim lessons.

   friendly and helpful staffaccessible for disabled visitorssafe environmentquality swim lessons
10. 10

    Highlands Recreation Center

    4.43 score

    4.7(8)

    1851 Lexington Avenue, San Mateo, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 86 children

    Highlands Recreation Center in San Mateo is highly rated for its friendly and accommodating staff, quality facilities including a gym and pool, and excellent customer service. Parents praise the safe environment and versatility of spaces for activities like swim lessons, parties, and recreational programs. The center is noted for being inclusive and welcoming to families with diverse needs.

    Friendly and helpful staffaccommodating to disabled visitorsinformative front desk servicesafe facility

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