Ranked among the top 10 childcare centers in San Marcos. Fewer than half of all centers in the city reach this level across our full 11-dimension scoring.
Best Infant Care
Earned the highest infant care score in San Marcos. This dimension focuses on caregiver ratios, responsiveness, feeding and sleep routines, and parent feedback specific to infant rooms.
Best K-Ready
Earned the highest kindergarten-readiness score in San Marcos. This dimension reflects pre-literacy, pre-math, and school-readiness preparation reported by parents and visible in the curriculum.
Best Extracurriculars
Earned the highest extracurricular score in San Marcos. This dimension covers enrichment programs — languages, STEM, yoga, cooking, field trips, and other activities beyond the core curriculum.
Full Ranking Detail
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First Step Inc. in San Marcos is a 4-star Texas Rising Star accredited center serving infants through school age, distinguished by consistent family and professional recognition—eight consecutive years voted #1 in Hays County and rated 4.3 on Google from over 20 reviews praising engaged teachers. The Frog Street Press curriculum emphasizes emotional and cognitive development through play and Conscious Discipline practices, supplemented by Masterminds small-group instruction and robust enrichment including ballet, physical education, and seasonal camps. Meals, after-school care, transportation, and field trips are included; the center accepts child care subsidies and military assistance, serving working families. At 71 licensed capacity, popular age groups carry waitlists, and the 5:30 PM closing may limit options for families needing extended hours.
Safety7.0
Curriculum7.0
Art / Music7.0
Infant care8.0
Kindergarten readiness8.0
Teacher quality7.0
Compassion8.0
Management7.0
Culture8.0
Class sizes7.0
Extracurriculars7.0
Programs & curriculum
Curriculum & approach: Frog Street Press curriculum with a cognitive philosophy focused on emotional, social and cognitive development. Learning happens through play and planned educational activities, and a Conscious Discipline approach is used for emotional regulation.
Programs & activities: Masterminds small-group instruction (reading, math, science); enrichment including ballet, physical education, Library Lady, and gymnastics; summer cheer and sports camps; after-school and summer care. Also annual performances, preschool graduation, PTO events, book fair, yearbook, professional photos, and community involvement activities.
What sets it apart: Texas Rising Star 4-Star accredited (highest level). Serves infants through age 12; hot meal program, indoor gym, drop-in childcare, and MyKidzDay communication app; accepts military subsidy (Childcare Aware) and CCMS assistance. Family-owned; hours Monday-Friday 7:15am-5:30pm.
Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
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Top 10 in San Marcos
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Best Infant Care
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Best K-Ready
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Best Extracurriculars
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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.
