Ranked among the top 3 childcare centers in Del Mar across all 11 quality dimensions — placing this center in the very top tier of local options.
Most Compassionate
Earned the highest compassion score in Del Mar. This dimension captures how families describe staff empathy, how concerns are handled, and the emotional environment of the center.
Best Arts & Music
Earned the highest arts & music score in Del Mar. This dimension reflects the depth and consistency of creative programming — visual arts, music, movement, and imaginative play.
Best Extracurriculars
Earned the highest extracurricular score in Del Mar. This dimension covers enrichment programs — languages, STEM, yoga, cooking, field trips, and other activities beyond the core curriculum.
Full Ranking Detail
childcarepreschool
Del Mar Hills Nursery School has operated in Del Mar since 1970, serving children ages 2–5 in a year-round program open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM. The center is distinguished by its intentional curriculum blending Froebel, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Orff Schulwerk philosophies, with emphasis on child-led exploration and whole-child development across social, emotional, physical, creative, and cognitive domains. Its near 99% family retention rate and intergenerational enrollment—including four former students now on staff—reflect deep community trust. The center's CCLD inspection record includes a Type A citation issued in August 2025, reflecting a serious violation that warrants careful consideration for families evaluating options.
Safety5.0
Curriculum7.0
Art / Music7.0
Infant care5.0
Kindergarten readiness6.0
Teacher quality7.0
Compassion8.0
Management5.0
Culture7.0
Extracurriculars7.0
Programs & curriculum
Curriculum & approach: Play-based learning focused on total development of the whole child - socially, emotionally, physically, creatively, and cognitively - through a balance of structure and freedom to encourage independence. Draws on Frobel, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Orff Schulwerk, and Outdoor Classroom approaches.
Programs & activities: Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten programs with multiple schedule options. Emphasis on seasonal exploration and cultural holiday celebrations.
What sets it apart: Operating since 1970 with a stated near 99% family return/retention rate and multi-generational enrollment; four former students have returned as teachers. California facility #376600498.
Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
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Top 3 in Del Mar
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: Del Mar Hills Nursery School -->
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<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/rank-3-city.jpg" alt="Top 3 in Del Mar - Del Mar Hills Nursery School - Del Mar, CA" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Top 3 in Del Mar</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Ranked among the top 3 childcare centers in Del Mar across all 11 quality dimensions — placing this center in the very top tier of local options.</span>
</span>
</a>
Most Compassionate
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: Del Mar Hills Nursery School -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/california/san-diego/del-mar/del-mar-hills-nursery-school/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-compassion.jpg" alt="Most Compassionate - Del Mar Hills Nursery School - Del Mar, CA" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Most Compassionate</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest compassion score in Del Mar. This dimension captures how families describe staff empathy, how concerns are handled, and the emotional environment of the center.</span>
</span>
</a>
Best Arts & Music
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: Del Mar Hills Nursery School -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/california/san-diego/del-mar/del-mar-hills-nursery-school/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-arts.jpg" alt="Best Arts & Music - Del Mar Hills Nursery School - Del Mar, CA" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Arts & Music</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest arts & music score in Del Mar. This dimension reflects the depth and consistency of creative programming — visual arts, music, movement, and imaginative play.</span>
</span>
</a>
Best Extracurriculars
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: Del Mar Hills Nursery School -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/california/san-diego/del-mar/del-mar-hills-nursery-school/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-extra.jpg" alt="Best Extracurriculars - Del Mar Hills Nursery School - Del Mar, CA" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Extracurriculars</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest extracurricular score in Del Mar. This dimension covers enrichment programs — languages, STEM, yoga, cooking, field trips, and other activities beyond the core curriculum.</span>
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</a>
This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.
