Top Rated Daycares in Santa Monica, CA (2026)
Choosing the right daycare in Santa Monica, CA can be overwhelming. With 33 daycares operating across the Santa Monica metro area, how do you separate the truly exceptional from the merely adequate? At The Daycare Directory, we analyze publicly available data to rank every daycare on a transparent, editorial basis -- no paid placements, no sponsored rankings.
This 2026 ranking evaluates daycares in Santa Monica, California using aggregate customer ratings across Google and verified review platforms. We reviewed 33 active businesses in the Santa Monica market and selected the top 15 for this list.
By the numbers: Guide Score percentages on this list range from 40% to 55%. Updated June 2026.
Each entry below includes the business's Guide Score, star rating, review count, and a data-driven explanation of why they earned their spot. Click through to any profile for the full breakdown including contact information, specialties, credentials, and related businesses in Santa Monica.
The Top 15 Daycares in Santa Monica, CA
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#1 SMAP childcare 55%
Ranked 1st among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#2 First Step Nursery School 40%
Ranked 2nd among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#3 Cassidy Preschool 40%
Ranked 3rd among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#4 The First School 40%
Ranked 4th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#5 The Early Years School 40%
Ranked 5th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#6 Smartstart Preschool 40%
Ranked 6th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#7 First School 40%
Ranked 7th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#8 Growing Place at Marine Park 40%
Ranked 8th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#9 The Growing Place 40%
Ranked 9th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#10 The Children's Place Preschool 40%
Ranked 10th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#11 Montana Preschool & Toddlers 40%
Ranked 11th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#12 Dreamland Preschool 40%
Ranked 12th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#13 Garden of Angels School 40%
Ranked 13th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#14 Little Dolphins By the Sea 40%
Ranked 14th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#15 Lighthouse Preschool 40%
Ranked 15th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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How We Ranked These Daycares
This list ranks daycares by their aggregate customer rating (Google and verified review platforms). Ties are broken by Guide Score. Only businesses with at least one verified review are eligible.
Data sources include Google Business Profile, professional registries, portfolio sites, press databases, and direct business submissions. Every piece of data is publicly verifiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did we rank the best daycares in Santa Monica?
The Daycare Directory ranks daycares using our Guide Score percentage, a composite metric computed from publicly available data. The score uses weighted evidence from ratings, review volume, web presence, profile completeness, credentials, press recognition, and experience, then normalizes across categories where positive evidence was captured. Categories with no captured signal are not counted as failing grades. There is no paid placement -- every ranking is purely editorial.
Who is the #1 daycare in Santa Monica, CA?
As of 2026, SMAP childcare holds the #1 ranking in Santa Monica with a Guide Score of 55%. Rankings are recalculated with every data update and reflect the latest available information.
How often is this list updated?
Core data (ratings, reviews, contact information) is re-verified on a rolling monthly cadence. Credentials and awards are audited quarterly. Guide Scores recalculate automatically with every data update, so rankings may shift as new reviews are posted or credentials are verified.
How many daycares are there in Santa Monica?
Our database currently tracks 33 active daycares in the Santa Monica, CA metro area. This list highlights the top 15 based on Guide Score. Browse our full Santa Monica directory to see every listed business.
Can a daycare pay to be ranked higher?
No. The Daycare Directory does not accept payment for rankings. Guide Scores are computed algorithmically from verified public data. Businesses can claim and update their profile with accurate information, but the ranking algorithm treats all profiles equally. Our editorial independence is core to our methodology.
What should I look for when hiring a daycare in Santa Monica?
We recommend evaluating: (1) professional certifications and credentials, (2) verified customer reviews and ratings, (3) years of experience in the Santa Monica market, (4) portfolio quality and range of work, (5) budget alignment with your project scope, and (6) responsiveness and communication style. Our Guide Score weighs these factors so you can compare at a glance.