La Jolla has 11 preschools and childcare providers in 92037, anchored by a cluster of four Montessori schools and three church-affiliated programs. Options range from home daycares with small group sizes to structured early-learning campuses across the Village, La Jolla Shores, and La Jolla Village neighborhoods.
743 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
+1 858-922-6714
Verified8745 La Jolla Scenic Dr N, La Jolla, CA 92037
+1 858-999-0364
Verified6610 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
+1 858-733-1435
Verified8660 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
+1 858-452-3030
Verified7307 Draper Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
+1 858-459-2357
Verified4126 Executive Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
+1 858-457-3030
Verified6551 Soledad Mountain Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
+1 858-380-5576
Verified8267 Caminito Modena, La Jolla, CA 92037
+1 858-699-3952
Verified7715 Draper Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
+1 858-729-5519
Verified6063 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
+1 858-454-1418
Verified7427 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
+1 858-454-1811
VerifiedLa Jolla has one of the densest Montessori clusters in San Diego, with four programs operating across 92037. Montessori by the Sea, La Jolla Montessori School, Beth Montessori, and La Jolla Village Montessori School each run independently and vary in size, age range, and tuition — giving parents more Montessori options per square mile than most coastal neighborhoods.
Montessori programs in La Jolla typically accept children starting at age two or two-and-a-half and run through kindergarten, though age ranges differ by school. The mixed-age classroom format, self-directed learning, and hands-on materials that define Montessori education are consistent across these programs, but class sizes, outdoor space, and daily schedules vary enough that touring multiple campuses is worth the time. For a bilingual Montessori option, Bambini Montessori Spanish Academy in Encinitas runs a Spanish-English immersion program.
California's Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program provides free preschool for children turning four by September 1 of the school year, and La Jolla families can enroll through San Diego Unified School District at La Jolla Elementary and other district campuses. TK operates on the same schedule as regular public school — roughly 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — which means families who need full-day coverage will still need afternoon childcare arrangements.
Beyond TK, some families qualify for subsidized preschool through California's State Preschool Program or Head Start, though those programs are income-based and slots fill quickly. La Jolla's private preschools and Montessori schools do not offer free tuition, but several church-affiliated programs in the neighborhood — Little Steps Christian Preschool, La Jolla Presbyterian Church Preschool, La Jolla United Methodist Church Nursery School — tend to price below the private Montessori programs.
Most La Jolla preschools accept children starting between ages two and three, depending on the program. Montessori schools in the neighborhood typically start at two or two-and-a-half, while church-based programs like Little Steps Christian Preschool and La Jolla Presbyterian Church Preschool often begin at age three. Home daycares like Baby Blossoms and Mimi's House may accept younger toddlers, with age floors that vary by the provider's licensing.
California's free Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program kicks in for children turning four by September 1, making it the first publicly funded option in the pipeline. Before that age, all preschool in La Jolla is private-pay. The K–12 schools page covers what happens after preschool — including the La Jolla Elementary feeder pattern and kindergarten enrollment through San Diego Unified.
Daycare costs in La Jolla run above the San Diego County average, reflecting the neighborhood's high cost of living and the concentration of specialized programs in 92037. Full-time center-based care for infants and toddlers is the most expensive tier, with Montessori programs and smaller private schools commanding higher tuition than church-affiliated options. Part-time schedules — three mornings per week, for example — bring costs down significantly but are harder to find at some schools.
Home daycares like Mimi's House and Baby Blossoms offer a lower-cost alternative to center-based programs, with smaller ratios and more flexible scheduling. Nierman Preschool and La Jolla Daycare add to the roster of full-day and part-day options. Families looking to compare pricing across a wider range of providers can check Del Mar and Encinitas programs, which serve families in adjacent communities along the North County coast.
La Jolla has three church-affiliated preschool programs: Little Steps Christian Preschool, La Jolla Presbyterian Church Preschool, and La Jolla United Methodist Church Nursery School. These programs typically offer a play-based or structured early-learning curriculum in a smaller setting than commercial childcare centers, and they tend to be among the more affordable preschool options in 92037.
Church preschools in La Jolla generally accept children starting at age two or three and run half-day or extended-day schedules. Religious instruction varies by program — some integrate faith-based content into the daily curriculum, while others keep it minimal. Enrollment fills early, especially for the fall start, so contacting schools by winter or early spring is standard advice for La Jolla families planning ahead.
La Jolla has several licensed home daycares, including Mimi's House Home Day Care, Baby Blossoms Home Child Care, and a handful of smaller providers. Home daycares operate out of a caregiver's residence under California's family childcare licensing, which caps the number of children per home and sets health and safety standards. The smaller group size is the main draw for families who want a lower caregiver-to-child ratio than what center-based programs offer.
Home daycare rates in La Jolla vary by the provider, the child's age, and the daily schedule. Full-time care for infants typically costs more than toddler or preschool-age slots. Because home daycares have limited capacity, openings can be hard to come by — reaching out early is especially important in a neighborhood where waitlists are common across all types of childcare. For more options, neighboring Pacific Beach and Bird Rock also have home daycare providers serving families in the 92037 and 92109 ZIPs.
San Diego Lineup is a neighborhood-first civic business directory covering 40 communities across San Diego County. From restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to salons, contractors, doctors, and local services — La Jolla’s businesses are organized by neighborhood with verified details, ratings, and direct contact information. Explore all San Diego communities →
Get listed on San Diego Lineup — email us at [email protected] and we’ll get you added.
New photos, updated hours, or a better description — email us at [email protected] and we’ll take care of it.