Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Irvine, CA
Montessori Unlimited is the largest nationwide community of Montessori schools. Your neighborhood center offers unique, genuine learning with the authentic Montessori Method. Our unique, mixed-age...
Responds quickly
Tutor Time brings a fun-filled approach to early learning and child care. In a bright, friendly, engaging environment, we provide quality experiences for infants to school-age students (up to age 12)...
Pre-K
Your child’s school readiness is the most important thing to us and that’s the focus of our Pre-K program. Building on Preschool learning, we focus on problem solving, responsive listening, language usage, and social skills. Our Focus on Literacy™ program features in-school and at-home activities designed to improve your child’s literacy and cognition in areas such as vocabulary development and alphabet knowledge. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Junior Kindergarten
Our Junior Kindergarten program is for children not quite old enough for kindergarten or who may need additional skill development. This is the path for young 5-year-olds. We explore the structure and format of a day in kindergarten, with developmentally appropriate kindergarten curriculum. This program helps develop the critical skills your child needs for elementary school, such as: following multi-step instructions, organizing work, controlling impulses, sustaining attention, and finding multiple ways to solve problems. Note: Children must complete Pre-K prior to enrollment. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Also offers: Transitional Kindergarten Plus, Preschool, Drop-In Care
Responds quickly
Montessori Unlimited is the largest nationwide community of Montessori schools. Your neighborhood center offers unique, genuine learning with the authentic Montessori Method. Our unique, mixed-age...
Responds quickly
Every day, we’re nurturing young learners and preparing children for a bright future. At Childtime, our sensitive, respectful teachers are building trusting, secure relationships with children that...
Pre-K
Your child’s school readiness is the most important thing to us and that’s the focus of our Pre-K program. Building on Preschool learning, we focus on problem solving, responsive listening, language usage, and social skills. Our Focus on Literacy™ program features in-school and at-home activities designed to improve your child’s literacy and cognition in areas such as vocabulary development and alphabet knowledge. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Transitional Kindergarten Plus
Our comprehensive, full-day Transitional Kindergarten Plus program offers 4- and 5-year-olds an engaging, high-quality education delivered by trained, dedicated teachers. With our decades of expertise in early education, We’re ALL IN on preparing your child for elementary school! We’re committed to kindergarten readiness for every child and much more: Live streaming video, personalized learning experiences, all-day child care, and healthy meals and snacks. Note: Child must be age 4 by Sept. 1.
Also offers: Preschool, Drop-In Care
Responds quickly
At Everbrook Academy, our teachers are passionate about setting children up for success with future-ready skills through hands-on, STEAM-inspired learning experiences. Classrooms are thoughtfully...
Pre-K
Your child’s school readiness is the most important thing to us and that’s the focus of our Pre-K program. Building on Preschool learning, we focus on problem solving, responsive listening, language usage, and social skills. Our Focus on Literacy™ program features in-school and at-home activities designed to improve your child’s literacy and cognition in areas such as vocabulary development and alphabet knowledge. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Transitional Kindergarten Plus
Our comprehensive, full-day Transitional Kindergarten Plus program offers 4- and 5-year-olds an engaging, high-quality education delivered by trained, dedicated teachers. With our decades of expertise in early education, We’re ALL IN on preparing your child for elementary school! We’re committed to kindergarten readiness for every child and much more: Live streaming video, personalized learning experiences, all-day child care, and healthy meals and snacks. Note: Child must be age 4 by Sept. 1.
Also offers: Preschool
Responds quickly
Speaks Spanish
Montessori school offering toddler daycare and preschool/kindergarten, in a purpose-built school building. Children gain knowledge, essential understanding, thinking skills, and strength of character...
Responds quickly
Montessori school offering Spanish immersion toddler/preschool and elementary/middle school, in a purpose-built school building. Children gain thinking skills and independence through hands-on...
Responds quickly
Montessori school offering Spanish immersion toddler/preschool and elementary/middle school, in a purpose-built school building. Children gain thinking skills and independence through hands-on...
Responds quickly
Montessori school offering programs from infancy through Kindergarten. Bright classrooms with many windows and en-suite restrooms are equipped with a full range of Montessori materials, and most...
Responds quickly
Authentic Montessori school offering Mandarin Chinese immersion toddler daycare and preschool/kindergarten. Teachers are native Chinese speakers and use Mandarin to speak with children and with each...
Responds quickly
Spectrum Montessori at Portola Springs provides authentic Montessori education for children in a nurturing environment. The school follows traditional Montessori methods with mixed-age classrooms and...
Responds quickly
Christian-based Montessori year-round school that is committed to providing high-quality education in an enriched environment where each child’s individual development is recognized and celebrated....
Responds quickly
Faith-based preschool focused on creating a space for children and families to celebrate Christ-based principles. Program offers a planned curriculum and lessons focus on developing spiritual,...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Childcare center offering early education and enrichment with a focus on literacy, art, early academics, physical education, and social skills. Utilizing a play-based curriculum designed to inspire a...
Prekindergarten Program
Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.
Preschool Program
Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.
Speaks Spanish
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
Program utilizing Abeka and Mother Goose Time curricula for preschoolers. Teachers focus on spiritual, physical, social, and cognitive development. Abeka’s preschool curriculum features a traditional...
Speaks Spanish
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
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
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
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
Christian-based preschool designed to meet the needs of the whole child by creating environments and experiences where a love for God is fostered and a Christ-Centered self-image for children is...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
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
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
Discover excellence in early childhood education at Irvine Early Childhood Center. Our newly renovated center offers a diverse curriculum emphasizing science, technology, art, engineering, and math...
Speaks Spanish
Montessori School created to meet the increasing demand for a quality program. Center offers parents maximum scheduling flexibility. School serves toddlers from 1 year of age and walking and continues...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Learning center offering programs that incorporate dynamic classroom instruction with caring, qualified teachers and enriching indoor and outdoor play experiences. Curriculum, various activities, and...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Montessori School created to meet the increasing demand for a quality program. Center offers parents maximum scheduling flexibility. School serves toddlers from 1 year of age and walking and continues...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Montessori School created to meet the increasing demand for a quality program. Center offers parents maximum scheduling flexibility. School serves toddlers from 1 year of age and walking and continues...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Independent Islamic preschool offering exemplary academics and community programs in a progressive Islamic environment that fosters a positive American Muslim identity by preparing students with the...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Preschool program offering play-based learning environment with the Mother Goose Time curriculum. Bible-based program encourages each child to be authentic while building character and values....
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Childcare and early education for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Curriculum is designed to provide a balance of group and individual activities that promote creativity and exploration. Meeting...
Prekindergarten Program
Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.
Preschool Program
Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.
Speaks Spanish
Childcare center offering early education and enrichment with a focus on literacy, art, early academics, physical education, and social skills. Site utilizes a play-based curriculum designed to...
Prekindergarten Program
Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.
Preschool Program
Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.
Speaks Spanish
Early education and childcare center serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Play-based curriculum focuses on early academics, literacy, science, social-emotional development and creativity....
Prekindergarten Program
Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.
Preschool Program
Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.
Speaks Spanish
Learning center offering a nurturing, engaging environment with a balanced curriculum. Center provides an infant, toddler, preschool, kindergarten prep, and a summer program. Each program has their...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Learning center that provides a developmental program that supports children as they grow to their best potential. Curriculum is centered around the principle that children learn best through active...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Kiddie Academy of Irvine offers educational childcare programs from infant daycare to preschool and kindergarten. The academy focuses on holistic development through its proprietary Life Essentials...
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.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
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
Preschool program where children learn and play from arrival until pickup. Program goal is to instill a love of learning and make each day an adventure for each and every child. Curriculum follows a...
Speaks Spanish
Montessori School was created to meet the increasing demand for a quality program. Center offers parents maximum scheduling flexibility. School serves toddlers from 1 year of age and walking and...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
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
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
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
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
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
Learning center located near Presley Park and the Walnut-Kazan bus stop. They provide a welcoming environment for children to learn and grow.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Preschool provides a safe and nurturing environment, allowing children to grow socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically in a culturally diverse classroom. Children are given opportunities...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Christian-based learning center dedicated to having a well-rounded experience. With a great mix of programs and extracurricular activities there's something for everyone. Center offers Soccer Shots,...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Childcare center located inside the Main Plaza building and near the Main-Gillette bus stop. They provide quality care in a safe, welcoming atmosphere.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Jewish preschool offers warm individual care for young children. Program offers three classes in a loving, warm environment which makes children feel that they are truly in a home away from home....
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Montessori-based learning center that provides a nurturing and supportive environment. Every child is respected as an individual and valued as part of the community. Children learn respect for self,...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
- 1
- 2
Guides
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 Irvine Pre-K Programs
-
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.
-
What is Pre-K?
- Pre-Kindergarten, commonly known as Pre-K, serves children around four years old. Children learn the necessary skills for future academic success.
-
At what age should I enroll my child in Pre-K?
- Each state has its own age criteria for Pre-Kindergarten, but generally, children are eligible at the age of four. To ensure a spot, it's a good idea to apply well in advance, usually a few months before your child reaches the required age.