Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Costa Mesa, CA
We are Orange County's first Montessori school, serving children ages 2-10 years old. At Heritage Montessori Newport Beach Costa Mesa, we want our students to grow into independent problem solvers and...
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Play-based program for infants through preschoolers. Children are offered choices of activities and teachers develop curriculum based on children's interests and abilities. Early literacy and phonics,...
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Play-based pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten program following Waldorf educational philosophies. Curriculum is language and movement-based to encourage children to be creative. Activities include...
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Christian-based program for preschoolers and transitional Kindergarten students. Daily curriculum includes Bible songs and stories, cooking, reading and math readiness, arts and dramatic play, and...
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At Catalyst Kids, we believe every child deserves quality care and education. We offer free and affordable childcare through subsidized programs for qualifying families, ensuring all children have...
TK & Kindergarten Enrichment
The Catalyst Kids Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten program provides a supportive, enriching environment for children as they embark on their early school journey. Designed as a seamless extension of the school day, our curriculum fosters discovery, creativity, and critical thinking through hands-on activities and structured enrichment. Using Catalyst Kids Learning Through Literacy, we integrate English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies into engaging, literature-based experiences that build motivation, foundational skills, and core values. Children participate in STEM projects, creative expression activities, leadership opportunities, and structured physical development, all tailored to their interests and developmental needs. A balanced daily schedule includes meeting time to foster community, structured homework and academic enrichment, nutritious meals served family-style, and 30 Fit, ensuring active movement for a healthy lifestyle. Children explore long-term interests through specialized clubs and enjoy open recreation time with access to quiet spaces, dramatic play, and outdoor activities. Our dedicated teachers create meaningful connections, guiding children with respect and creativity. Strong family partnerships ensure collaboration through daily communication, school events, and shared program goals, making Catalyst Kids a trusted partner in each child’s early learning experience.
Preschool
The Catalyst Kids preschool program fosters remarkable growth in children’s physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development through hands-on exploration, meaningful interactions, and teacher-guided learning. Rooted in the HighScope and Reggio Emilia approaches, our program is further guided by California’s Desired Results assessment process, Learning Foundations, and Curriculum Frameworks. Our rich and dynamic learning environment reflects the unique interests of each child, offering materials and spaces that support foundational skills in literacy, math, science, the arts, and social studies. With safe, sensory-friendly classrooms, children engage in small and large group activities, hands-on learning experiences, and independent exploration that promote confidence and school readiness. A structured yet flexible daily routine helps children feel secure and supported, with key elements including Plan-Do-Review, small group instruction, and circle time to foster decision-making, collaboration, and critical thinking. Our research-based Pathways to Literacy curriculum ensures children receive focused, engaging instruction that builds early literacy and math skills. Outdoor play is an essential part of each day, encouraging exploration, movement, and a connection with nature. As children transition to kindergarten, our program collaborates with elementary schools and families to ensure a smooth, confident progression. With strong family partnerships, an open-door policy, and ongoing communication, Catalyst Kids creates a nurturing environment where children develop the skills they need for future academic success.
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At Catalyst Kids, we believe every child deserves quality care and education. We offer free and affordable childcare through subsidized programs for qualifying families, ensuring all children have...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Developmental, play-based early learning program. School philosophy is that learning takes place through play and child-centered activities. Program follows the High Scope curriculum which prepares...
Speaks Spanish
Play-based program for toddlers and preschoolers. Children are exposed to various learning philosophies, as the program is part of the college's Early Childhood Education program. Daily activities...
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Catholic Pre-Kindergarten program. The goal is to teach students to become active Catholics, create a love of learning, become effective communicators, become good global citizens, and practice...
Speaks Spanish
Christian, play-based program. School philosophy is that the teacher's purpose is to nurture and encourage children academically, spiritually, and emotionally. Curriculum is activity-based and...
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Christian-based, academic preschool program. Curriculum is extensive, including Bible, Political Science, phonics and vocabulary, music appreciation, creative arts, and many more subjects. Teachers...
Speaks Spanish
Private, play-based program serving infants through Junior Kindergartners. School philosophy allows children to develop at their own pace. Socialization, Zoo phonics, learning centers, and pre-writing...
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Kiddie Academy of Costa Mesa offers educational childcare programs for children from infants to preschool age. The center focuses on the Life Essentials curriculum, which prepares children for life by...
Pre-Kindergarten - Ready, Set, Go
Our Ready, Set, Go program is developed through our Life Essentials® curriculum to enable learning experiences where your 4-year-old’s creativity can thrive. Everything your child learns is reinforced and extended throughout the year to get them ready for school.
Preschool - I Can Do It
Our I Can Do It program inspires your child to discover their own sense of creativity, independence, and critical thinking skills in an environment filled with opportunities to grow and explore. Children’s accomplishments drive them to develop a life-long love of learning that starts right here.
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Preschool facility offering an environment and curriculum that encourages children to be active participants in their learning. Program goals are centered around allowing children to experience...
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Montessori program for active learning. Program strives to inspire children to be who they are meant to be, instill tolerance, present moral teachings in a non-denominational manner, and create a...
Speaks Spanish
Play-based preschool that believes in hands-on learning. Curriculum includes activities in language arts, social science, writing, mathematics, health, and social development. Program strives to...
Speaks Spanish
Program provides comprehensive child development curriculum. Focus is placed on education, health, nutrition, social and emotional advancement. Philosophy of program concentrates on greater degree of...
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Montessori program that encourages children to explore their environment. School philosophy believes children should guide themselves through the curriculum that most interests them, with the support...
Speaks Spanish
Developmental-based program for infants through preschoolers. Center was designed based on the philosophy that children thrive in home-like environments. Play is incorporated into the curriculum,...
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Montessori program for active learning. Program strives to inspire children to be who they are meant to be, instill tolerance, present moral teachings in a non-denominational manner, and create a...
Speaks Spanish
Play-based program for infants through pre-Kindergarten. Children are encouraged to explore nature, create art projects, work on motor development, and experiment with both science and cooking. The...
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Play-based program serving infants to preschoolers. The goal of the program is to give children a safe, secure environment where they can learn. Social services, including medical, dental, and...
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Newport Mesa Unified School District / Wilson Street is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 801 W Wilson St in Westside Costa Mesa in Costa Mesa, CA. Contact this...
Speaks Spanish
Mary Chang is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 2525 Fairview Rd in College Park in Costa Mesa, CA. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
Speaks Spanish
Page Academy is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 657 Victoria St in Westside Costa Mesa in Costa Mesa, CA. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Discover Page Academy in Costa Mesa, CA, a leading private school fostering critical thinking, self-awareness, and a passion for discovery. With small class sizes and a holistic approach, we nurture...
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Christ Lutheran School, located at 760 Victoria St in Costa Mesa, CA, is a private elementary school offering a religious education from kindergarten through 8th grade. It is part of the Newport-Mesa...
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The Waldorf School of Orange County is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 2350 Canyon Dr in Mesa Verde in Costa Mesa, CA.
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Frontiers Academy is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 102 Baker St E in Costa Mesa, CA.
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Renascence School International is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 2987 Mesa Verde Dr E in Mesa Verde in Costa Mesa, CA.
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Woodland Child Devt Center is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 2025 Garden Ln in East Side Costa Mesa in Costa Mesa, CA.
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Christian Montessori School-Costa Mesa is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 2950 McClintock Way in Costa Mesa, CA.
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Guides
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The Cost of Childcare in California
Curious how much daycare or preschool really costs in California? We break down average childcare rates by city, age, and program type—based on real data from local providers.
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What is the difference between preschool, Pre-K, and TK?
Preschool, Pre-K, and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) are all great options for children, depending on their ages and academic needs. Learn the difference.
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What is Universal Pre-K?
Universal Pre-K is a free, state-funded program for four-year-olds designed to introduce children to the pre-academic skills needed for Kindergarten.
FAQs About Costa Mesa Pre-K Programs
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What is Pre-K?
- Pre-K refers to the educational year before kindergarten, aimed at children around four years old. It's designed to develop key skills in areas such as communication, creativity, and early academics
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Do public schools have Pre-K?
- Yes! Some public schools do offer Pre-K. These programs can be free for families who qualify, but details—like how many hours kids attend and the age cutoff—depend on where you live. Reach out to your local district to learn more.
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At what age should I enroll my child in Pre-K?
- In most states, children start Pre-K around age four. Depending on when you live, appllications may be due months before they're eligible to attend.