Best Daycares in Santa Monica, CA — 2026 Rankings

We ranked 32 daycares and childcare centers in Santa Monica based on licensing, accreditation, parent reviews, and childcare quality.

Top Daycares in Santa Monica

  1. #1 — First School Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Elementary school, School. View full profile →

  2. #2 — Growing Place at Marine Park Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  3. #3 — The Growing Place Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  4. #4 — The Children's Place Preschool Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  5. #5 — First Step Nursery School Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  6. #6 — Montana Preschool & Toddlers Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  7. #7 — Dreamland Preschool Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  8. #8 — Garden of Angels School Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Elementary school, School. View full profile →

  9. #9 — Cassidy Preschool Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  10. #10 — Little Dolphins By the Sea Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  11. #11 — Lighthouse Preschool Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  12. #12 — First United Methodist Church School Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  13. #13 — Beginnings Learning Center Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  14. #14 — The First School Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, School, Home service. View full profile →

  15. #15 — Palisades Preschool Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  16. #16 — Kigala Preschool Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  17. #17 — The Mulberry Tree Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  18. #18 — The Early Years School Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  19. #19 — Gan Israel Preschool Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  20. #20 — The Hundred Studio Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, High school. View full profile →

  21. #21 — L.A. Nature Kids Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  22. #22 — Starting Point Mandarin Immersion Montessori Preschool Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  23. #23 — Smartstart Preschool Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  24. #24 — SMAP childcare Score: 12/100

    Programs: Preschool, School, Home service. View full profile →

  25. #25 — Westside Montessori School Score: 11/100

    Programs: Preschool, School, Education. View full profile →

  26. #26 — Circle of Children Pre-School Score: 11/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  27. #27 — Westside Waldorf Score: 11/100

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  28. #28 — My First Place Preschool and Infant Center Score: 11/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  29. #29 — Kidz Korner WeeCare Score: 11/100

    Programs: Preschool, School, Education. View full profile →

  30. #30 — Piper Preschool Score: 11/100

    Programs: Preschool, Private school, Elementary school. View full profile →

How We Rank Daycares & Childcare Centers

Our Guide Score (0–100) combines Google rating (35%), review volume (20%), web and contact presence (20%), profile completeness (15%), accreditation such as NAEYC (5%), press recognition (3%), and years of operation (2%). Read our full methodology →

Frequently asked questions

Who is the #1 daycare in Santa Monica?
First School is currently the #1 ranked daycare in Santa Monica based on our Guide Score, which evaluates parent reviews, licensing status, accreditation, and quality signals. See the full ranked list above.
How are daycares ranked in Santa Monica?
Our Guide Score (0–100) combines Google rating (35%), review volume (20%), web and contact presence (20%), profile completeness (15%), accreditation (5%), press recognition (3%), and years of operation (2%). There is no paid placement.
How much does daycare cost in Santa Monica?
Childcare costs in Santa Monica vary by program type and age group. Full-time infant care commonly ranges from $800–$2,500/month; preschool programs run $600–$1,800/month. Each center's profile page lists contact information for current rates.