Learning is a lifetime adventure. As for kids, preschool is the initial step into a formal learning environment. An early childhood education program can tap into your child’s development through play-based learning and exploration in simple yet engaging activities that can foster their growth. When looking for the best school for your child early on, consider the top-rated private preschools in San Diego!
To help you find the best private preschool, we reviewed rankings for all private schools from the 2024 Best Private Preschools in San Diego list released by school and neighborhood data clearinghouse Niche. The rankings below have been compiled based on parent reviews and pre-K statistics from the U.S. Department of Education, a comparison of pre-K cost, part-time and full-day PK options, and independent school ratings.
4201 Randolph St., San Diego, CA 92103
Phone Number: (858) 569-7900
#1 in Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Grade: A+
Students: 1,312
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $27,600
Francis Parker School is committed to graduating students who embody those qualities essential for academic success and personal fulfillment — intellectual curiosity, creative thinking, passion for learning, ethical responsibility, community engagement, and global competence — by offering a balanced Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 educational program in academics, athletics, and the arts.
At Parker’s Lower School, you’ll notice a high degree of engagement and enthusiasm in all of the classrooms. Students are given a balance of individual and collaborative working time, moving from learning pods to one-on-one time with their instructors. Teachers provide ample opportunities for students to ask questions and research topics that are meaningful for each individual student.
9490 Genesee Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone Number: (858) 453-3440
#2 in Best High Schools for STEM in San Diego Area
Grade: A+
Students: 1,180
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $26,300
La Jolla Country Day School is an independent school serving young scholars age 3 to Grade 12 on a single campus. LJCDS prepares students for a lifetime of intellectual exploration, personal development and social responsibility. The school is committed to inspiring greatness for a better world by fostering a culture and a community that leads with dignity.
LJCDS is a community committed to inspiring greatness for a better world. Their unique school is where proven and progressive meet. They value collaboration, inclusion and safety, student independence and growth, and diversity. They prepare individuals for a lifetime of intellectual exploration, personal growth and social responsibility.
12855 Black Mountain Rd., San Diego, CA 92129
Phone Number: (858) 484-3488
#2 in Best Christian High Schools in San Diego Area
Grade: A+
Students: 408
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $18,380
The Cambridge School seeks to provide a distinctly Christian education in the classical tradition which equips students to know, love, and practice that which is true, good, and beautiful and thus prepares them to live purposefully and intelligently in service of God and neighbor. Every aspect of the student and families’ educational experience has been intentionally cultivated over time and refined every year.
Teaching children to think and reason, The Cambridge School uniquely combines classical education principles with a Christian worldview. Small classes, dedicated Christian teachers, and comprehensive humanities, math and science programs blend to deliver an exceptional experience where children love to learn.
11860 Carmel Creek Rd., San Diego, CA 92130
Phone Number: (858) 704-3700
#5 in Best Jewish Schools in California
Grade: A+
Students: 626
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $20,195
San Diego Jewish Academy has been a leader in preschool to 12th-grade education, inspiring and supporting students with personalized, innovative learning guided by Jewish values that create meaningful Jewish life for generations. By blending modern education with greater purpose and meaning, they are shaping the foundation of future thinkers, creators, and community leaders.
At SDJA, they blend modern education and curriculum design with deeper purpose and traditional Jewish values to cultivate successful learners and exceptional human beings. Students engage in innovative approaches to learning and are a part of academics that challenge and inspire all in a supportive, welcoming Jewish community environment.
3547 Altadena Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Phone Number: (619) 280-8016
#5 in Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Grade: A+
Students: 273
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $15,550
The Waldorf School of San Diego offers Pre-K through 12th grade Waldorf education in the heart of an innovative city and beautiful landscape. It seeks to provide an alternative to typical San Diego preschools. It uses a proven technique based on insight into the brain and physical development, kinesthetic learning, and emotional intelligence.
The Early Childhood program is based on the conviction that the young child learns best by imitating what is beautiful and meaningful. Each child’s innate capacity for wonder and reverence is valued and nurtured in a carefully planned program and environment. Learning is joyous because children are guided to healthy, creative self-expression.
500 Las Flores Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078
Phone Number: (760) 305-8505
#4 in Best Catholic High Schools in San Diego Area
Grade: A+
Students: 372
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $6,696
St. Joseph Academy was established in response to the Second Vatican Council’s call for greater lay witness in contemporary society. Teaching in accordance with the Magisterium of the Church, their mission is to form young men and women who are committed to living by Catholic principles, will transform and advance human culture. They aim to accomplish this by offering a traditional learning environment that blends faith and reason in educating the whole child.
Saint Joseph Academy embraces the wisdom of the traditional educational model that has been time-tested over the centuries in lieu of the progressive educational models that have come and gone since the early 1900s. They design their curriculum and teacher training to work with (rather than against) these natural stages of development to allow a child to innately acquire mastery of the subjects in the way God has made everyone learn.
2277 Rosecrans St., San Diego, CA 92106
Phone Number: (619) 764-5200
#6 in Best Christian High Schools in San Diego Area
Grade: A+
Students: 582
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $18,000
At the Rock Academy, they engage and care for 21st-century learners and develop tomorrow’s Christian leaders. They combine an enriching academic environment with a vibrant spiritual experience in a warm, diverse, loving community. By growing students academically, emotionally, and spiritually, they prepare them to make a difference in this world for good.
Its curriculum has been intentionally developed and implements sequential expected student outcomes that are developmentally appropriate and enhance a child’s growth. It is research-based and aligns with the California Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Learning Foundations, California’s Desired Results Developmental Profile, ACSI Accreditation standards, and California’s Kindergarten Standards.
3051 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Phone Number: (619) 584-2454
#10 in Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Grade: A
Students: 159
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $9,500
Children’s Creative & Performing Arts Academy of San Diego is a vibrant and inclusive Preschool – 12th grade academy dedicated to nurturing the best artistic talents of young minds. At the academy, they believe in the power of creativity and its ability to shape the future. Since our founding in 1981, they have been at the forefront of fostering academic excellence and artistic expression.
With a rich history spanning over four decades, the academy has been instrumental in providing an educational experience that integrates academics and the arts. They believe that a well-rounded education empowers children to develop not only their intellectual capabilities but also their creative instincts.
10752 Coastwood Rd., San Diego, CA 92127
Phone Number: (858) 613-7803
#7 in Best Christian High Schools in San Diego Area
Grade: A
Students: 1,120
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $5,000
Maranatha Christian Schools Early Education (MCS EE) recognizes that children’s needs during the early years are different from those of older children. They see the greatest intellectual growth during early childhood. Their trained teaching staff is dedicated to nurturing each child’s social, emotional, and spiritual development.
Maranatha Christian Schools Early Education’s approach to learning prepares each student to reach their spiritual and academic potential. They provide a well-rounded program that encourages and challenges age-appropriate development using a hands-on curriculum in literature, art, science, math, and music.
10752 Coastwood Rd., San Diego, CA 92127
Phone Number: (760) 294-4490
#12 in Best Private K-12 Schools in San Diego Area
Grade: A
Students: 91
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduation Rate: 100%
Yearly Tuition: $12,500
At Balboa School, they embrace the differences, gifts, and talents of students from around the world. They want to encourage and stimulate the various lights that shine so brightly in each of the young people today. Their small learning environment embraces students who may learn differently while also challenging those who are gifted high achievers.
The mission of Balboa School is to inspire students who desire intellectual stimulation and academic achievement and create avenues of expression so that they can contribute as meaningful members of a diverse global community. This is a special place that will grab your heart and inspire your mind.
Making the right decision in choosing the best private preschools in San Diego for your kids is very important. At this crucial stage of child development, parents should help them build a strong foundation for learning. A bright future for your little ones awaits when you invest in their education. Eventually, as your child ages, they will be ready to face any challenges in this ever-changing world and live a successful life.
San Diego offers many opportunities for kids to enjoy and have fun all year round! Check out our list of resources, or browse through our things to do in San Diego with kids. Still looking for more activities for kids in San Diego? No problem! Check out our comprehensive listing of Schools & Activities in the region and our highly recommended education blog posts.
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Our 10 Best Private Preschools in San Jose
Our 10 Best Private Preschools in San Francisco
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