Best Before or After School Daycare in Santa Monica, CA

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Santa Monica

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

   First Presbyterian Chc Of Santa Monica Nursery Sc

   4.58 score

   5(7)

   1248 Second St, Santa Monica, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 120 children

   First Presbyterian Nursery School receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise it as a nurturing, community-focused preschool with exceptional teachers and staff. Parents consistently highlight the school's thoughtful, intentional approach to early childhood education, welcoming atmosphere, and the lasting friendships formed through the program.

   Patient and kind teachersnurturing environmentstrong sense of communitywelcoming to new families
2. 2

   10th Street Preschool

   4.56 score

   4.7(20)

   1444 10th Street, Santa Monica, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 43 children

   10th Street Preschool (now Big & Tiny 10th Street) receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and warm, community-focused environment. Parents highlight the play-based curriculum, flexible scheduling, on-site co-working space, and strong sense of belonging among families. Children reportedly feel safe, excited to attend, and develop confidence and independence.

   Attentive and caring teacherswelcoming and inclusive en
3. 3

   Kigala Preschool

   4.56 score

   4.7(20)

   2705 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

   Parents consistently praise Kigala Preschool for its bilingual language programs (German and Spanish), warm and caring teachers, and strong sense of community. The school emphasizes outdoor learning, creative play, and project-based activities in well-equipped classrooms and outdoor spaces. All reviewers report their children thrived academically and socially, with lasting friendships formed among both children and parents.

   Bilingual/immersion language programscaring and patient teacherssmall class sizesoutdoor classroom used in all weather
4. 4

   The Early Years School

   4.55 score

   5(6)

   302 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 54 children

   Parents consistently praise The Early Years School for its nurturing, child-centered approach to early education. Reviewers highlight the small class sizes, experienced teachers, strong social-emotional learning focus, and sense of community partnership with families.

   Low teacher-child ratiosexperienced and caring staff (some with 20+ years tenure)child-centered philosophysocial-emotional learning and conflict resolution
5. 5

   Garden Of Angels Preschool

   4.55 score

   5(6)

   1001-1009 18th St., Santa Monica, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 59 children

   Parents consistently praise Garden of Angels Preschool as an exceptional early learning environment. They highlight the professional and committed staff, engaging curriculum that combines art, culture, and outdoor education, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Multiple families report strong outcomes and high satisfaction, with some noting their children's academic success in elementary school.

   Professional and dedicated teachersengaging curriculum with art and cultureindoor-outdoor educationbalanced play-based and structured learning
6. 6

   First Step

   4.5 score

   5(5)

   2650 Second Street, Santa Monica, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 42 children

   First Step is a highly-regarded community-focused daycare where parents report their children are happy, confident, and excited to attend. Teachers are described as nurturing, kind, and skilled at supporting child development through play, imagination, and outdoor time. The center is noted for its strong sense of community and multi-generational family loyalty.

   Nurturing and kind teacherschild happiness and confidencecurriculum emphasizing play and creativityoutdoor time
7. 7

   Bright Step Incorporated Dba Beginnings

   4.47 score

   4.6(19)

   1516 19th Street, Santa Monica, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 55 children

   Parents consistently praise Beginnings Learning Center for its warm, nurturing environment and caring staff who treat children like family members. The center is noted for its strong curriculum, clear communication, convenient amenities (meals provided, flexible hours, easy parking), and successful preparation for kindergarten.

   Caring and dedicated teachersfamily-like community atmospherewell-maintained facilitiesmeals and snacks provided
8. 8

   Hill An' Dale Family Learning Ctr. - Old Firehous

   4.35 score

   4.6(7)

   2801 25th St., Santa Monica, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 26 children

   Parents consistently praise Hill & Dale as an exceptional early childhood program with caring, dedicated teachers and a strong educational philosophy that emphasizes social-emotional development alongside academics. The center operates two campuses serving infants through preschool-age children and is noted for its warm, welcoming community environment, nutritious meals, and play-based learning approach. Multiple reviewers highlight the long-term positive impact on their children's confidence, independence, and character development.

   Caring and dedicated teachersstrong emphasis on social-emotional skills and character developmentplay-based learning approachhealthy and creative meals prepared by staff nutritionist
9. 9

   Beth Sholom Temple Nursery School

   4.28 score

   4.4(12)

   1827 California Avenue, Santa Monica, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 60 children

   Beth Sholom Temple Nursery School receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the warm, inclusive community and quality care. Parents highlight the beautiful facilities, skilled staff, and strong Jewish values combined with welcoming inclusivity. One reviewer expressed concerns about the temple's liberal politics, though this appears to be a minority perspective.

   Warm and welcoming communityinclusive environmentsafe learning spacebeautiful facilities with outdoor play area
10. 10

    The First School

    4.15 score

    4.3(5)

    1733 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 49 children

    The First School in Santa Monica receives highly polarized reviews. Four parents praise the warm, nurturing teachers and supportive community environment. However, one detailed negative review describes discrimination against a high-energy child, unprofessional staff behavior, and being forced to withdraw despite paying tuition.

    Warm and welcoming teachersnurturing and kind environmentsupportive staffhelps children thrive

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