1
6.6/ 10
Safety7
Curriculum7
Art/Music7
Infant care4
K-ready7
Teachers7
Compassion7
Mgmt7
Culture7
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars6
Strengths
- Included in Princeton Review's Top 444 Private Schools in the United States; ranked in top 20% of private California schools
- Yelp reviewers call it 'clearly the best school in Orange County'; faculty described as 'highly selectively chosen'
- Research-based and play-based early school program fostering love of learning through social and academic rigor
- Comprehensive campus: CCLD-licensed Day Care Center and Toddler Center (capacity 96 + 8); full PK–12 campus continuity
- 1,243-student school community; extracurricular programs include arts, music, Spanish, and athletics from early childhood
Considerations
- Faith-based Episcopal private school — not suitable for families seeking secular or public programs
- Premium independent school tuition — among the most expensive early childhood programs in south OC; confirm current rates directly
2
6.4/ 10
Safety6
Curriculum6
Art/Music6
Infant care4
K-ready7
Teachers7
Compassion8
Mgmt7
Culture7
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars6
Strengths
- Yelp reviews highlight staff as 'amazing' with warm, charming preschool atmosphere; parents praise dedications and patience of teachers
- Established 1973 — the oldest running Christian preschool in Saddleback Valley; 50+ year institutional history
- Serves children 2 years through TK (Transitional Kindergarten); strong kindergarten readiness preparation
- Capacity 100 children; holiday parades and community events build strong school culture noted by parents
- CCLD licensed Day Care Center; Monday–Friday 8:00 am–3:00 pm; located at Del Obispo St in central SJC
Considerations
- Faith-based Presbyterian environment — not suitable for families seeking secular programs
- Shorter hours (8 am–3 pm) may not accommodate full-day working families — extended care availability unconfirmed in available sources
3
6.3/ 10
Safety6
Curriculum7
Art/Music6
Infant care4
K-ready7
Teachers7
Compassion7
Mgmt6
Culture7
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars6
Strengths
- Yelp reviewers describe 'beautiful school with academic excellence, faith-filled environment, incredible traditions, and family-centered community'
- Blue Ribbon School for academic excellence; ranks in top 20% of private schools in California
- Catholic PK–8 on historic grounds adjacent to Mission San Juan Capistrano; performing arts, music, Spanish, and religious education
- CCLD license #304270251 active since October 1996; capacity 84 children; Monday–Friday; extended day care available PK–Grade 8
- Extended day care program from preschool through 8th grade — provides continuity from early childhood through middle school
Considerations
- Faith-based Catholic environment — not suitable for families seeking secular programs
- 2 Type B citations across 3 inspections (2022–2026) — review full reports at ccld.dss.ca.gov
Safety6
Curriculum7
Art/Music6
Infant care4
K-ready7
Teachers7
Compassion6
Mgmt5
Culture6
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars6
Strengths
- Part of Fairmont Schools — Orange County's oldest and largest secular co-educational PK–8 private school group
- Play-based, inquiry-driven early childhood program; children explore literacy and math through curiosity and creativity
- GreatSchools 3.7 stars from 26 reviews; parents praise personalized attention and strong kindergarten readiness outcomes
- Large CCLD-licensed capacity (132); WASC and Cognia accredited curriculum; Monday–Friday operation
- San Juan Capistrano campus opened 2020 — newer facilities; smaller class sizes than some Fairmont campuses noted in parent feedback
Considerations
- GreatSchools reviews are mixed: some parents cite concerns about facility quality and inconsistent staffing; verify with current parent references
- No Google Maps rating confirmed in available sources — Google review data not located for this campus
- Premium private school tuition — confirm current rates directly; newer SJC campus has shorter track record than established Fairmont locations
Safety5
Curriculum7
Art/Music6
Infant care4
K-ready5
Teachers7
Compassion7
Mgmt6
Culture7
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars6
Strengths
- Blends authentic Montessori methods with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and daily Spanish lessons — distinctive combination in south OC
- Located in one of San Juan Capistrano's cherished historic landmark buildings — culturally rich setting
- Serves children ages 18 months to 6 years; Monday–Friday 7:00 am–5:30 pm; capacity 61
- CCLD license #304371749; founded 2024 — new program with fresh facilities and modern Montessori materials
- No public parent reviews found — unable to independently verify parent experience
Considerations
- Founded 2024 — very limited track record; no longitudinal data on program outcomes or staff tenure
- CCLD inspection history minimal due to recent licensing — verify current status at ccld.dss.ca.gov before enrolling
Safety6
Curriculum6
Art/Music5
Infant care5
K-ready6
Teachers6
Compassion7
Mgmt5
Culture6
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars5
Strengths
- Federally funded Head Start program providing comprehensive early education, healthcare, nutrition, and family services — free to income-eligible families
- CCLD license #304370063 active since December 2003; capacity 60 children; Monday–Friday 7:30 am–5:30 pm
- Meals provided daily; integrated support services including health screenings, mental health, and parenting support
- One Type B citation across 4 inspections (2022–2026) — well-managed compliance record for a high-capacity center
- Long operational history at El Camino Real location; stable community-serving institution
Considerations
- Income-eligibility requirements apply — not available to all families regardless of budget
- Mixed feedback in available reviews regarding responsiveness and administrative communications — verify current management directly
Safety5
Curriculum6
Art/Music5
Infant care5
K-ready5
Teachers6
Compassion6
Mgmt5
Culture6
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars5
Strengths
- Head Start program operated by Santa Ana Unified School District; free preschool and meals for income-eligible families
- CCLD license #304270832 active since December 2001; Monday–Friday 7:30 am–5:30 pm
- Small, focused program (capacity 20) — strong child-to-teacher ratios; individualized attention possible
- Co-located with Early Head Start infant program at same Del Obispo address — full continuity from infancy through preschool
- Integrated health, nutrition, and family support services typical of federally-funded Head Start programs
Considerations
- Income-eligibility requirements apply; limited capacity (20) means waitlists are likely — contact early
- One Type B citation across 4 inspections — review at ccld.dss.ca.gov; no public substantive parent narrative reviews available
No centers match this filter.