Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in San Diego, CA
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
Speaks Spanish
Discover the joy of early learning at La Petite Academy. Whether caring for your baby, preparing your preschooler for kindergarten, or supporting your elementary student (up to age 12) in the morning...
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: Junior Kindergarten, Preschool, Drop-In Care
Responds quickly
Speaks Spanish
Our preschool program combines learning and play in a safe, nurturing environment, helping children grow academically, socially, and emotionally – all while having fun. Whether students are engaged in...
Pre-K
Our Pre-K program prepares children for kindergarten as they learn letter-sound relationships and sight-word recognition, and gain an understanding that writing is used to express thoughts and ideas. Children explore concrete mathematical concepts, such as simple addition and subtraction. Our character education program helps develop the strong social and emotional skills that ensure a successful transition to kindergarten.
Intermediates
Our Intermediate program, for children ages 3-4, provides children with many opportunities to explore learning centers and engage in authentic writing experiences. Your child will be introduced to literacy concepts and expand upon mathematical thinking and scientific inquiry through hands-on materials and exploration. Children will also begin to practice social-emotional skills and independently navigate their classroom community.
Responds quickly
Montessori preschool programs centered on the development of the whole child by learning through all five senses. We offer summer camps as well as elementary school classes throughout the school year....
Responds quickly
Primrose School of 4S Ranch is a private preschool offering Balanced Learning® early education and child care, conveniently located on Via Del Campo near 4S Ranch Sports Park and Turtleback Elementary...
Pre-Kindergarten
In our Pre-Kindergarten program, your child begins to develop emergent reading, writing, science, technology, engineering and math skills within large-group, small-group and independent settings.
Preschool
Your preschooler is beginning to connect letters, sounds and numbers, expanding their world through reading and math. They’re building critical-thinking skills, early physical fitness and an understanding of nutrition. Our teachers support that learning and encourage your child to think in new and different ways.
Also offers: Preschool Pathways
Responds quickly
Kid Ventures Preschool Academy in 4S Ranch is a boutique learning center that blends the philosophies of Maria Montessori and Reggio Emilia. Designed with a "play-to-learn" approach, the school offers...
Responds quickly
Speaks Spanish
Childcare center located near Keiller Neighborhood Park and accessible via Lisbon St & 7170 bus station. Campus includes a fenced-in shaded area for outdoor recreation.
Responds quickly
Speaks Spanish
Preschool program offering a traditional learning environment along with creative and play-based lesson plans focused on Kindergarten readiness. Children are encouraged to learn and develop academic...
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Our Preschool Program serves children ages 2–5 and provides a high-quality early education experience rooted in developmentally appropriate practice. Through organic, hands-on learning opportunities,...
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We believe the success of our school starts with our teachers and staff and their relationships with our children. Our school has 5 classrooms and two ourdoor areas for age-appropriate play.
Speaks Spanish
Christian-based program that focuses on education and Christian values in a classroom setting. Learning is presented through play and age-appropriate activities include prayer, socialization,...
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The ECDC program offers a variety of exciting and engaging activities throughout the day. Children participate with their peers in developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. Staff...
Pre-K
Our play-based Pre-K program prepares children for kindergarten through hands-on learning and meaningful play. Children build early literacy, math, social, and independence skills through art, stories, games, and exploration in a supportive and engaging environment.
Preschool
Our play-based preschool program encourages curiosity, creativity, and social growth through hands-on learning. Children explore through play, art, music, stories, and outdoor activities while building early language, problem-solving, and independence skills in a warm, supportive environment.
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Preschool program providing a Spanish Immersion experience and a playful French class each day. Spanish is spoken 80 to 90% of each day. Activities also include outdoor time.
Speaks Spanish
Preschool that focuses on a foundation for academic learning, motor skill use, and to attain effective communication skills. Curriculum is based around physical, cognitive, social, and emotional...
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Trilingual preschool teaches children in German, Spanish, and English.
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.
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Au Clair de Lune in San Diego (Linda Vista) offers a full French immersion program with a STEM-based curriculum designed to foster intellectual curiosity and global awareness. Our teaching philosophy...
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Our French immersion program welcomes learners as young as 18 months old and through 8th grade. Our Preschool program is incredibly rich and diverse: inspired by pedagogic methods in France, children...
Speaks Spanish
Play based preschool. The school philosophy is that teachers are meant to be partners in child driven activities. The daily lessons include the Sadlier Religious Curriculum to learn about the Bible...
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Christian-based preschool program. Children learn through hands-on experiences and field trips, and lessons cover the alphabet, shapes, early phonetics, and other skills that will prepare children for...
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Extended childcare program serving school-age children on the campus of Adams Elementary.
Speaks Spanish
Play-based preschool program with emphasis placed on socialization between children among peers. Preschool Learning Foundations Curriculum offers a blended philosophy approach to foster the growth and...
Speaks Spanish
Christian-based preschool that provides an environment where children learn through play and art-based activities. Each child is offered creative expression in arts and crafts, games, songs, math...
Speaks Spanish
Play based preschool program located at the Aviary facility of the Scripps Ranch, Swim, and Racquet Club. Flexible schedules offered.
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Private prekindergarten and junior kindergarten. Preschool offers a variety of programs, including a four-day and five-day option with extended care available. Curriculum is multi-disciplined and...
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Preschool that offers a variety of part-time programs. Facility offers a playground, classrooms, and a reading room. Curriculum is focused on words, math, and shapes. Additional summer program is...
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Program providing play-based learning that supports children through the construction of learning, knowledge, and beliefs about the world. Inspiration is drawn from the Reggio approach, along with...
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Christian daycare program offering toddler and PreK care. Children are encouraged to develop spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Art, pre-reading, math, and dramatic play...
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Christian preschool program featuring a bright campus and new, colorful outdoor playground equipment. Students enjoy engaging, hands-on learning experiences, such as participating in petting zoos....
Gethsemane Christian Preschool
Explore, Learn, Grow We are here to provide care and education for young children while their parents are at work or as an away from home experience. We also offer Before/ After school care for UTK through Grade 5 for students attending Juarez Elementary School.
Gethsemane Christian Preschool
Speaks Spanish
Timbertoy Bilingual Montessori provides authentic Montessori education in both English and Spanish for children ages 2-6. The school follows traditional Montessori principles with mixed-age classrooms...
Speaks Spanish
Religious preschool and transitional kindergarten programs operating within Good Shepherd Catholic School. Daily schedule includes free play and small group activities, along with recreation at the...
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Early learning program encouraging learning through play. Education opportunities are created to support social-emotional, cognitive, and physical skill development. Milestones are achieved through...
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SDCP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been serving families since 1963. As San Diego's only parent/guardian cooperative preschool, we prioritize the strong, collaborative relationship between...
Speaks Spanish
Christian preschool and school with time set aside for outdoor recreation within the daily schedule. Curriculum includes hands-on learning activities, including art and circle time. Classrooms are...
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The purpose of Carmel Valley Preschool is to provide a quality program through an environment that will encourage your child’s growth intellectually, physically, spiritually, socially and emotionally....
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Play based preschool that incorporates the Gospel into the school day. Program offers religious curriculum with hands on developmental activities based on a weekly theme. Daily curriculum includes...
Speaks Spanish
Jewish daycare program offering infant, toddler, and PreK care. Development of sensorial, practical life, math, and language skills are encouraged. Enrichment activities covering music, movement,...
Speaks Spanish
Academic focused, Christian preschool program operating as an extension of Grace Church San Diego. Curriculum is engaging and encourages hands-on learning, while providing a Biblical background. Motor...
Speaks Spanish
Christian program that works to provide an educational environment for students. Children will be introduced to academics through the Abeka curriculum and religion through the Concordia religion...
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We provide childcare and early learning services. Creativity-based curriculum is used to offer preparation for Kindergarten. Program is dedicated to encouraging the enhancement of children's gifts and...
Speaks Spanish
Discover the joy of early learning at La Petite Academy. Whether caring for your baby, preparing your preschooler for kindergarten, or supporting your elementary student (up to age 12) in the morning...
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
Speaks Spanish
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
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
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 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
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
Preschool program which integrates the Montessori approach to learning. Children learn through hands on experiences, including enrichment classes such as dance and music. Classrooms are mixed age and...
Speaks Spanish
Reggio Emilia preschool enrichment program, with an emphasis placed on earth-based, organic learning environment. Curriculum provides students the opportunity to learn through experiences and projects...
Speaks Spanish
Reggio Emilia preschool program offering neutral, inviting environment designed to engage students in project-based learning. Classrooms include space for imaginative play, reading, and art, and...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Program that provides education geared towards kindergarten readiness. Children have opportunities for academic and social development. Referrals to health and social services are available when...
Speaks Spanish
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 San Diego Pre-K Programs
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At what age should I enroll my child in Pre-K?
- The age cut-off differs from state to state but most children start Pre-K at four years old. Keep in mind, you may need to apply a few months before they're eligible to attend.
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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.
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Do public schools have Pre-K?
- Yes, some public schools offer Pre-K programs. These programs are often free for qualifying families, though availability depends on your school district. Age requirements and program length vary by state, so it’s best to check with your local district.