Safety6
Curriculum9
Art/Music8
Infant care7
K-ready8
Teachers9
Compassion8
Mgmt7
Culture8
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars7
Strengths
- Yelp listing updated March 2026 (19 photos) -- Peregrine School West site on Portage Bay W is Davis's most prominent independent nonprofit preschool
- Inquiry-based, project-based curriculum integrates arts, sciences, and Spanish daily -- taught by subject specialists
- Student-to-teacher ratio 6:1 across the school -- among the lowest ratios of any Davis preschool researched
- Weekly enrichment classes in yoga, dance, music, and drama by specialists -- strongest arts enrichment offering researched in Davis
- Serves infants through age 5 at this West site; nonprofit school with community mission -- not a corporate chain
- Top-ranked private school for 2025-26 (PrivateSchoolReview.com); 92% of parent reviewers recommend the school per school communications
- CCLD-licensed; parent testimonials on school website describe individualized academic attention, outstanding meals, and caring staff
Considerations
- Tuition is approximately $18,500/year for older grades; preschool rates not publicly confirmed -- among the highest-cost options in Davis
- Acceptance rate approximately 42% -- waitlist and selective admission process; plan enrollment 12-18 months ahead
- No public reviews on GreatSchools (school listed as unclaimed) -- limited cross-platform review data
- CCLD specific citation history not confirmed in public research -- verify full inspection record at ccld.dss.ca.gov before enrollment
2
7.5/ 10
Safety6
Curriculum9
Art/Music7
Infant care7
K-ready7
Teachers9
Compassion8
Mgmt7
Culture8
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars7
Strengths
- NAEYC-accredited UC Davis department child development laboratory -- staff are credentialed child development researchers and clinicians; highest teacher qualification level of any Davis center researched
- Curriculum combines Reggio Emilia approach, High Scope Active Learning, and PITC frameworks -- most evidence-based curriculum blend of any Davis preschool researched
- Part of UC Davis Department of Human Ecology with 60+ years of operation -- deepest institutional longevity and academic backing of any Davis early childhood center
- Serves 12 months through 5 years -- full infant-to-preschool progression in a research-environment setting
- Phone (530) 752-2888; located on UC Davis campus at 238 1st Street -- walkable from central Davis and UC Davis core campus
Considerations
- Priority enrollment for UC Davis affiliates -- very limited availability for non-UC Davis families; waitlist may be multi-year
- Part-time program (12 hours/week per research schedule) -- not suitable for families needing full-time childcare
- CCLD specific license number and full citation history not confirmed in public research -- verify at ccld.dss.ca.gov
- Admission is application-based with priority criteria -- not open-enrollment; contact (530) 752-2888 early to confirm process
Safety6
Curriculum8
Art/Music8
Infant care6
K-ready7
Teachers8
Compassion8
Mgmt7
Culture9
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars7
Strengths
- Rigorous classical liberal arts education integrated with child-centered, project-based learning -- rare combination
- Two early childhood centers (infant to age 5) plus elementary (TK-6th grade); 6:1 student-teacher ratio
- Spanish taught daily; weekly enrichment in yoga, dance, music, and drama by specialists
- Yelp 18 reviews across locations; Niche listed with strong academic reputation
- Nonprofit private school; after school programs and summer camps available; serves the full birth-to-6th range
Considerations
- CCLD licensing details not fully confirmed in research -- verify current status at ccld.dss.ca.gov before enrolling
- Private school tuition model -- likely the highest cost option among Davis centers researched
- Selective enrollment may mean waitlists, especially for the early childhood centers
Safety6
Curriculum8
Art/Music9
Infant care4
K-ready7
Teachers8
Compassion8
Mgmt6
Culture8
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars7
Strengths
- GreatSchools 4.1 out of 5 (16 reviews) -- largest independently attributed rating base of any Davis preschool researched
- Niche grade A+ -- highest Niche grade of any Yolo County preschool researched
- Yelp listing updated May 2026 (59 photos, 25 reviews) -- strongest photo and review presence on Yelp among Davis preschools researched
- Three fully-licensed play-based preschool classes for ages 2.5-4; spacious classrooms and large open playgrounds
- Junebug Aftercare program available for families needing extended care beyond 12:45 pm
- CCLD license 573615250; capacity 90; licensed since 2008; active and open
- Established Waldorf school serving preschool through 8th grade -- stable institution with decades in Davis community
Considerations
- CCLD inspection history shows citations in prior years (2021-2023) -- review full inspection record at ccld.dss.ca.gov before enrollment
- Hours 8:00 am-4:00 pm Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri and 8:00 am-2:00 pm Thursday -- shorter day than corporate centers; not ideal for full-time working parents
- Waldorf philosophy avoids screens/digital media -- may not align with all family preferences
- No infant program (ages 2.5 minimum) -- not suitable for infants or young toddlers
- Private school tuition -- confirm current rates directly; financial aid availability not confirmed in research
Safety6
Curriculum6
Art/Music6
Infant care4
K-ready4
Teachers7
Compassion8
Mgmt7
Culture9
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars6
Strengths
- Operating for 65+ years -- one of the longest-running parent co-op preschools in Yolo County
- Affiliated with Davis Joint Unified School District via Davis Adult and Community Education
- Parent co-op model creates deep family involvement and community accountability
- Strong alignment with Davis's highly educated, participatory parenting culture; UC Davis faculty and staff frequently enrolled
Considerations
- Co-op model requires parent participation hours -- not suitable for all families
- Part-day preschool program; no full-day or infant care available
Safety5
Curriculum7
Art/Music5
Infant care7
K-ready5
Teachers7
Compassion7
Mgmt6
Culture7
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars6
Strengths
- Operated by Bright Horizons for UC Davis; open to the general community -- national quality standards applied locally
- Capacity 112 children ages birth through school age; one of the largest full-spectrum programs in Davis
- Yelp 4.0 stars from 10 reviews; parents describe staff as 'really caring and nurturing' with positive-reinforcement-only approach (no time-outs)
- Monday-Friday 7:30 am to 6:00 pm; established 2008
- Specialized infant curriculum; breadth of programs from birth to school age
Considerations
- CCLD license 573615111: Type A citation issued at June 2024 inspection -- review details at ccld.dss.ca.gov
- Some parent reviews note staff turnover as a concern; verify current staff stability with the center
- Proximity to UC Davis may create campus traffic/parking challenges at drop-off and pickup
Safety6
Curriculum6
Art/Music6
Infant care4
K-ready4
Teachers7
Compassion8
Mgmt7
Culture8
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars6
Strengths
- Established 1976; child and family-centered preschool program with deep Davis community roots
- Ages 2 to 5; small 3-hour morning program (9:00 am to 12:00 pm) with summer camp options
- Licensed child care center with long regulatory history -- BBB listed
- Focus on child-centered learning philosophy aligned with Davis's progressive parenting culture
Considerations
- Part-day only (3 hours); not suitable for full-day working parent needs
- No infant care; toddler minimum age 2
Safety6
Curriculum7
Art/Music6
Infant care4
K-ready6
Teachers7
Compassion7
Mgmt6
Culture7
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars6
Strengths
- Authentic Montessori method preschool and kindergarten in a rural Davis setting near UC Davis farmland
- Small enrollment of 36 students ensures individualized attention and community feel
- Deeply aligned with Davis's educational values; faculty include parents connected to UC Davis
- Yelp presence and Facebook community; program for grades PK and K
Considerations
- Small enrollment (36) means limited availability and likely waitlists
- Ages PK and K only; no infant or toddler care
Safety5
Curriculum8
Art/Music6
Infant care4
K-ready8
Teachers7
Compassion7
Mgmt5
Culture6
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars6
Strengths
- CCLD license 570307832; active since September 1984 -- longest CCLD-licensed Montessori center in Davis with 41 years of continuous licensure
- Zero citations on all inspections in 2023, 2024, and 2025 -- perfect recent regulatory record
- Parent cooperative nonprofit structure -- parents describe a 'very welcoming' community; children develop skills 'well above their grade level'
- Highly trained and experienced teaching staff with many years of tenure -- stable, low-turnover teacher corps
- Serves Pre-K through Kindergarten -- full Montessori progression from preschool through kindergarten in a single campus
- Small capacity 36 -- intimate setting with individualized Montessori materials and pace
Considerations
- Facebook shows only 2 reviews and 'not yet rated' -- very limited public review data across platforms; mgmt=5 reflects mixed parent leadership feedback found in research
- Some parent reviews note leadership/management ineffectiveness when problems arise -- verify current management before enrollment
- Capacity only 36 -- competitive enrollment; contact early
- No infant or toddler program (Pre-K and Kindergarten only)
- Hours 7:30 am-6:00 pm; located at 27082 Patwin Rd -- verify current schedule and confirm enrollment availability directly
Safety6
Curriculum6
Art/Music6
Infant care4
K-ready5
Teachers6
Compassion7
Mgmt5
Culture7
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars5
Strengths
- Jewish early childhood education program in Davis; phone (530) 758-0842
- Integrates Hebrew language, Jewish values, and holiday traditions into daily curriculum -- unique in Yolo County
- Community-based setting deeply connected to Davis's Jewish community and UC Davis affiliates
Considerations
- Religious/cultural focus may not suit all families
- Full address, capacity, and enrollment details require direct contact with the center at (530) 758-0842
Safety6
Curriculum6
Art/Music5
Infant care4
K-ready5
Teachers6
Compassion6
Mgmt6
Culture6
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars5
Strengths
- Operated by Davis Joint Unified School District -- school district accountability and curriculum alignment
- Income-eligible State Preschool program makes quality care accessible; AM (8:30-11:30) and PM (12:30-3:30) sessions available
- Children ages 3 to 5; prepares for kindergarten through district-aligned curriculum
- DJUSD oversight provides built-in administrative accountability and credentialed staff standards
Considerations
- Income eligibility requirements may limit enrollment for some families
- Part-day only (3 hours per session); not suitable for full-day working parent needs
Safety5
Curriculum6
Art/Music5
Infant care4
K-ready5
Teachers6
Compassion6
Mgmt5
Culture6
Class sizes0
Extracurriculars5
Strengths
- CCLD-licensed child care center in Davis; phone (530) 756-2231
- Listed in Davis CA childcare database; locally operated preschool program
- Serves the Davis community within 95616 ZIP code
Considerations
- Full address, hours, capacity, and age range require direct inquiry at (530) 756-2231
- Limited public information available for independent research
No centers match this filter.