Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Santa Barbara, CA
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As an official sponsor of the U.S. State Department-regulated au pair program for over 35 years, Cultural Care has placed more than 175,000 au pairs in the homes of American host families. These au...
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We are a Nonprofit Christian preschool that provides a stimulating, fun, and safe environment, focusing on the "whole child." The program provides age-appropriate experiences for children with a...
Speaks Spanish
Developmentally-based Montessori preschool education encompassing the areas of practical life, sensorial, art, music, early language, math, science, and geography. Program also provides social play...
Speaks Spanish
Program that works to provide social, academic, and spiritual development opportunities to children. Activities include free play, drama, science, art, outdoor time, music, and reading. Emphasis is...
Speaks Spanish
Christian program that works to provide social, physical, spiritual, and academic development opportunities to children. Academics are presented through themed curriculums with a literacy component...
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Catholic program that provides education in a homelike environment. Academics are presented through a themed curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. Activities include outdoor time,...
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Winner of SB Independent's "Best Daycare Facility" in 2025, The Oaks is a cooperative preschool program that works to create a community of families and provide a learning environment for children....
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Cooperative preschool where children engage in self directed activities and group play. Children are encouraged to participate in hands on activities that promote social, academic, and creative...
Speaks Spanish
Preschool program that works to provide care and education for children in a Christian environment. An emphasis is placed on continuity of care with parents through routine communication and...
Speaks Spanish
Christian program that provides care and education with an emphasis on accessible tuition rates. Children have access to age-based outdoor play spaces and individualized attention through good student...
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Catholic program that works to provide an educational environment where children can acquire the skills needed for kindergarten readiness. Activities include art, physical education, music,...
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Program that works to provide a green and sustainable learning experience through composting, conservation, recycling, and gardening. Children will have opportunities to explore and pursue their...
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Cooperative program that provides education through hands-on activities and exploration. Activities include free play, reading, cooking, science, manipulatives, sensory play, active play, woodworking,...
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Program that provides education through child-led exploration and hands-on activities. Children are encouraged to develop a love of learning and self-confidence. An emphasis is placed on social and...
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Program that provides care and education to infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Children are taught by supervised students from the Santa Barbara Community College. Facility includes an...
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At Bright Horizons®, we make sure the early years are full of learning and fun. Our early education and preschool program paves the way for school success, with support for each child’s individual...
Kindergarten Prep
The last year before kindergarten is a time of growth. We offer a program that gives you both teachers who cherish this important time, and curriculum recognized by parents and teachers for helping children build the social and academic skills needed to be ready for school.
Preschool
Preschool is a big year. We’ve designed our program to give you complete confidence in every aspect of your child’s experience; from health and safety; to ready-for-school curriculum; to the full support of experienced teachers.
Speaks Spanish
Preschool program that works to create an educational environment that provides consistent care. Children have opportunities for both structured lessons and free play. Activities include outdoor time,...
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Educational preschool program with low teacher-to-child ratios. Reggio-inspired philosophy encourages a love of learning in a home-like environment on a two-acre campus. Program fosters strong...
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Program that provides education in a Jewish environment with an emphasis on community. Parent involvement is encouraged with family events, the Parent Association, and volunteer opportunities....
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Program that provides care, education, and support to at-risk children geared towards school readiness. An emphasis is placed on parent's roles as advocates and partners in the educational process....
Speaks Spanish
Program that balances structured lessons with free play and socialization time geared towards future school success. Children are encouraged to be creative and be respectful members of their...
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Reggio Emilia inspired program that works to provide children with an educational environment to explore. Facility includes an art studio with a large variety of media for children to experiment with...
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Program that provides education through play. Activities include art, cooking, dance, gardening, dramatic play, reading, and crafts. Academics are presented through a theme based curriculum. An...
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Program that works to provide holistic support to children from low-income families. An emphasis is placed on cultural diversity and parents as teachers and advocates. Children have access to...
Speaks Spanish
Little Angels Preschool is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 4326 Calle Real in Santa Barbara, CA. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
Speaks Spanish
Here We Grow Early Learning Center is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 487 N Turnpike Rd in Santa Barbara, CA. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Notre Dame School, located at 33 E Micheltorena St in Santa Barbara, CA, offers a holistic Catholic education for grades PK to 8. With a focus on academic excellence and spiritual growth, we provide...
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The Riviera Ridge School, located at 2130 Mission Ridge Rd in Santa Barbara, CA, is a private elementary school serving grades PK through 8. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, it offers a nurturing...
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Providence School, located at 3225 Calle Pinon, Santa Barbara, CA, is an independent Christian school offering preschool through 12th grade education. It aims to prepare students for lives of purpose...
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Laguna Blanca School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 4125 Paloma Dr in Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara Pre-K Programs
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Do public schools have Pre-K?
- Many public schools offer free Pre-K programs for eligible families. These public preschool programs vary by state in terms of age requirements and classroom hours. Check with your local school district to see if public Pre-K is available near you.
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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.
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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