Preschools in Pasadena
7 preschools near Pasadena, CA, including Montessori and other private programs. Compare approach, tuition, hours, and location — then save your shortlist.
The Waverly School
A highly sought-after progressive private school. Waverly views 3-year-olds through an emergent lens, focusing heavily on the transition from parallel to cooperative play utilizing outdoor spaces and their 1-acre organic farm.
International Montessori Academy (IMA)
A highly traditional Montessori environment. For a 3-year-old, the curriculum is dominated by 'Practical Life' work (pouring, buttoning, washing) to build hand-eye coordination and executive function.
- Full-Time School · 8:30am-2:30pm — $1,900/month
- Full-Time School Plus 1/2 Hr Daycare · 8:30am-3:00pm — $1,950/month
- Extended Day (includes Spanish, Mandarin, Yoga, Music enrichment except Jul-Aug) · 7:30am-6:00pm — $2,275/month
Oak Knoll Montessori School
A fully recognized Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) school. They leverage the mixed-age dynamic specifically so 3-year-olds learn by intently observing the older 5- and 6-year-olds in the room.
Enchanted Castle Montessori
Balances Montessori work cycles with multi-sensory extracurriculars. A 3-year-old's day includes traditional materials mixed with active music, dance, and dual-language exposure to capture rapid language-acquisition.
Pacific Oaks Children's School
Treats age three as a critical milestone for social autonomy and emotional expression. 3-year-olds engage in deep sensory exploration (mud, water, paint) and learn democratic problem-solving rather than worksheets.
Brella Pasadena
Focuses on early language and kindergarten readiness wrapped in ultimate scheduling flexibility. For a 3-year-old, the curriculum utilizes dynamic, research-backed play modules that adapt to their schedule.
Kids Klub Pasadena Center
Uses a highly active, multi-environmental approach. 3-year-olds rotate through specialized rooms (indoor gyms, outdoor tracks, hands-on science areas) to keep high-energy toddlers physically and mentally stimulated.
Preschool approaches in Pasadena
The programs listed here include Montessori and play-based. New to the differences? Compare Montessori vs. play-based, read what children learn in preschool, or browse all our guides.
Montessori preschools in Pasadena
3 of the programs listed above are Montessori preschools — child-led, mixed-age classrooms with hands-on materials and long, focused work periods. New to the method? Read what Montessori is, compare Montessori vs. play-based, and see how much Montessori costs.
How much does preschool cost in Pasadena?
Preschool tuition in Pasadena depends on the program, the schedule (half-day vs. full-day), and the approach — Montessori and full-day private programs usually cost more than part-time or co-op options. Where a school publishes pricing it's shown on its listing above; otherwise ask the school for a current quote. Our guide on how much preschool costs shows how to compare the real price, and how to afford preschool covers subsidies, TK, and Head Start that can lower it.
Guides for your preschool search
Preschools near Pasadena
Frequently asked questions
What preschool approaches are available in Pasadena?
First Cubby lists Montessori and play-based programs in Pasadena, among others. Each school's approach is shown on its listing.
How much is preschool tuition in Pasadena?
Preschool tuition in Pasadena varies widely by program, schedule (half- vs. full-day), and approach — Montessori and full-day private programs typically cost more. Pricing is shown on a listing where the school publishes it; otherwise contact the school. Our guide on how much preschool costs explains how to compare the real price, and how to afford preschool covers subsidies and free options.
Are there Montessori preschools in Pasadena?
Yes — 3 Montessori programs are listed in Pasadena above. Montessori classrooms are child-led and mixed-age with hands-on materials; see our guide on what Montessori is.
Are the preschools in Pasadena private?
Most standalone preschools in Pasadena are private (tuition-based). Free and lower-cost options can exist too — Transitional Kindergarten, state pre-K, and Head Start — which our guides on preschool cost and how to afford preschool explain.
How do I choose a preschool in Pasadena?
Shortlist nearby schools, then tour your top choices. Our guides on how to choose a preschool and the questions to ask on a tour walk you through it step by step.
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