1. Almaden Parents' Pre-School
5805 Cahalan Ave, San Jose, CA 95123
Parent cooperative · Inquire
Why it stands out: ✓ State-licensed (verified) · Published tuition · Staff ratios listed · Detailed policies
A parent-participation cooperative preschool in the Blossom Valley area of San Jose.
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State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 40 · 1 serious deficiency (Type A) · 1 substantiated complaint · last inspected 10/8/2025.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 430700020. The state publishes counts and outcomes, not the allegation text — request the full report from CDSS with the control number.
How to read this record →Published tuition (from the school's own site)- Early Explorers (Parent-Tot) · Mon 3:00-5:00 PM — $160/month
- 2-Day Class · Tue & Thu 9:00-11:30 AM — $330/month
- 3-Day Class · Mon, Wed & Fri 9:00-11:30 AM — $450/month
- 5-Day Class · Mon-Fri 9:30 AM-12:30 PM — $695/month
Fees: Application Fee (per family, annual) $50 · Annual Fee (Early Explorers) $150 · Annual Fee (2-Day) $215 · Annual Fee (3-Day) $315 · Annual Fee (5-Day) $415
Program details (from the school's own site)Approach: Play-based, whole-child; parent-participation co-op and Positive Discipline Lab School
Ages served: 12 months (Early Explorers) through 5 years
Hours: Class times vary: Early Explorers Mon 3:00-5:00 PM; 2-Day & 3-Day 9:00-11:30 AM; 5-Day 9:30 AM-12:30 PM
Calendar: Academic year
Staff ratios: Excellent adult-child ratios (parent-participation co-op); specific ratios not published
Discipline: Positive Discipline approach (Positive Discipline Lab School)
2. San Jose Parent Participating Nursery School
2180 Radio Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
Parent cooperative · Inquire
Why it stands out: ✓ State-licensed (verified) · Published tuition · Staff ratios listed
A parent-participation cooperative nursery school in the Willow Glen area of San Jose.
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State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 24 · 0 serious deficiencies (Type A) · 1 minor · 1 substantiated complaint · last inspected 11/13/2025.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 430700551. The state publishes counts and outcomes, not the allegation text — request the full report from CDSS with the control number.
How to read this record →Published tuition (from the school's own site)- 1-Day Class · Wed 2:00-4:00 PM — $136/month
- 2-Day Class · Tue & Thu 9:00-11:30 AM — $314/month
- 3-Day Class · Mon, Wed & Fri 9:00-11:30 AM — $437/month
- Pre-K Class · Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 12:30-4:00 PM — $561/month
Fees: Class Registration Dues (1-Day) $300 · Class Registration Dues (2-Day) $350 · Class Registration Dues (3-Day) $366 · Class Registration Dues (Pre-K) $387
Program details (from the school's own site)Approach: Play-based; parents and teachers facilitate social, cognitive and physical growth
Ages served: 1 year (by June 1) through Pre-K (4 years by September 2)
Hours: Class times vary: 1-Day Wed 2:00-4:00 PM; 2-Day & 3-Day 9:00-11:30 AM; Pre-K 12:30-4:00 PM
Calendar: Academic year
Staff ratios: Each class of 24 children is directed by a credentialed teacher/director plus working parents (2-Day: 9, 3-Day: 8, Pre-K: 6 per session); high adult-to-child ratio
Teacher credentials: Credentialed teacher/director experienced in early childhood education
Potty-training: Not required
3. San Jose Montessori School
979 Meridian Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
Montessori · Inquire
Why it stands out: ✓ State-licensed (verified) — no serious deficiencies on record · Published tuition
A Montessori school located near the Meridian corridor of San Jose.
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State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 48 · 0 serious deficiencies (Type A) · 0 substantiated complaints · last inspected 9/11/2025.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 434416410. The state publishes counts and outcomes, not the allegation text — request the full report from CDSS with the control number.
How to read this record →Published tuition (from the school's own site)- Preschool (ages 3-6) · Varies by schedule (2026-2027) — $1,400-$2,216/month
Program details (from the school's own site)Approach: Montessori approach (whole-child; operating since 1970; recommends 2-3 years of enrollment)
Ages served: 3 to 6 years (enrollment possible as young as 2 years 9 months)
Hours: 7:45 AM-4:15 PM during the school year (half-day pickups at 12:00, 1:15, 3:00 PM)
Calendar: Academic year
Teacher credentials: Each of 2 classrooms has a Head Teacher and an Assistant Teacher, both AMI-certified
Potty-training: Not required
4. Creative Minds Child Development Center
4977 Dent Avenue, San Jose, CA 95118
Reggio-inspired · Inquire
Why it stands out: ✓ State-licensed (verified) — no serious deficiencies on record · Staff ratios listed
A Reggio-inspired child development center in the Cambrian area of San Jose.
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State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 40 · 0 serious deficiencies (Type A) · 0 substantiated complaints · last inspected 9/24/2025.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 434410803. The state publishes counts and outcomes, not the allegation text — request the full report from CDSS with the control number.
How to read this record →Program details (from the school's own site)Approach: Reggio-inspired, project-based / emergent curriculum built on children's interests (language arts, math, science, music, dramatic play, sensorial, social skills)
Ages served: 3 months to 5 years (Infants/Toddlers 3 months-2 years; Young Preschool 2-3; Preschool 3-5)
Hours: 8:15 AM-5:00 PM standard; extended care 7:30-8:15 AM and 5:00-6:00 PM
Calendar: Year-round
Meals: Included
Staff ratios: Infants/Toddlers 1:3; Young Preschool 1:5; Preschool 1:8; Extended Care 1:10
Teacher credentials: Director holds a Master's in Psychology (Play Therapy emphasis) with 30+ years of experience
5. Explorer Preschool
2700 Booksin Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
Parent cooperative · Inquire
Why it stands out: ✓ State-licensed (verified) — no serious deficiencies on record · Staff ratios listed
A parent-participation cooperative preschool in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose.
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State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 40 · 0 serious deficiencies (Type A) · 0 substantiated complaints · last inspected 11/19/2025.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 434406736. The state publishes counts and outcomes, not the allegation text — request the full report from CDSS with the control number.
How to read this record →Fees: Application fee $50 · Annual cleaning service fee $70 · Annual cleaning service fee (family maximum) $140
Program details (from the school's own site)Approach: Child-centered, play-based, guided by the California Preschool Learning Foundations; parent-participation (co-op) model; NAEYC-accredited
Extracurricular: Field trips (Pre-K ~eight/year; 3's-5's ~three/year); Pre-K starts and ends the year at Vasona Park
Ages served: 12 months through Pre-K (Together Time 12 months; 2's; 3's-5's; Pre-K age 4 by September 1; Kinder Club)
Hours: Mornings ~9:00-11:30 AM and Pre-K 12:30-3:30 PM (varies by class)
Calendar: Academic year
Staff ratios: Lunch Bunch 5:1 (other classes' ratios not published)
Teacher credentials: Experienced and credentialed teachers
Potty-training: Not required
6. Empire Montessori Preschool - Downtown
499 N 11th St, San Jose, CA 95112
Montessori · Inquire
Why it stands out: ✓ State-licensed (verified)
A Montessori preschool located in the Downtown San Jose neighborhood.
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State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 44 · 0 serious deficiencies (Type A) · 1 minor · 1 substantiated complaint · last inspected 7/2/2026.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 434410825. The state publishes counts and outcomes, not the allegation text — request the full report from CDSS with the control number.
How to read this record →Program details (from the school's own site)Approach: Montessori Method (prepared environment; practical life, sensorial, language, math, cultural studies; multi-age classrooms)
Languages: English
Extracurricular: 'Learning Through Movement' classes by certified professionals: martial arts, music & movement, and sports
Ages served: 6 weeks to 6 years (Infant 6 weeks-24 months; Two's 2-3; Preschool 3-6)
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm
Meals: Included
7. Empire Montessori Preschool - Willow Glen
585 West Alma St, San Jose, CA 95125
Montessori · Inquire
Why it stands out: ✓ State-licensed (verified) — no serious deficiencies on record
A Montessori preschool in the Willow Glen area of San Jose.
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State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 119 · 0 serious deficiencies (Type A) · 0 substantiated complaints · last inspected 2/19/2025.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 434417210. The state publishes counts and outcomes, not the allegation text — request the full report from CDSS with the control number.
How to read this record →Program details (from the school's own site)Approach: Montessori Method (Montessori materials; practical living/independence, sensorial, language, math)
Languages: English
Extracurricular: Martial Arts, Music & Movement, and sports by certified professionals
Ages served: 6 weeks to 6 years (Infant 6 weeks-24 months; Two's 2-3; Preschool 3-6)
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-6:00pm
Meals: Included
8. Kiddie Academy of Almaden Valley
16607 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95120
Preschool · Inquire
Why it stands out: ✓ State-licensed (verified)
An early-childhood daycare and preschool in the Almaden Valley neighborhood of San Jose.
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State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 142 · 1 serious deficiency (Type A) · 1 minor · 3 substantiated complaints · last inspected 9/24/2025.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 434415820. The state publishes counts and outcomes, not the allegation text — request the full report from CDSS with the control number.
How to read this record →Program details (from the school's own site)Approach: Proprietary Life Essentials curriculum focused on six developmental outcomes
Extracurricular: Soccer and kung fu classes
Ages served: 6 weeks to 12 years (Infant, Toddler, Early Preschool, Preschool, Pre-K, School Age, Summer Camp)
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM-6:00 PM
Meals: Included
Allergy policy: Speak with the local academy directly about health and safety
Teacher credentials: Educators must meet or exceed state requirements including background clearance, education qualifications, and ongoing professional development
9. Safari Kid San Jose - Almaden
6436 Bose Ln, San Jose, CA 95120
Preschool · Inquire
Why it stands out: ✓ State-licensed (verified) — no serious deficiencies on record
A preschool and daycare in the Almaden Valley area of San Jose.
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State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 75 · 0 serious deficiencies (Type A) · 0 substantiated complaints · last inspected 1/27/2026.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 434414329. The state publishes counts and outcomes, not the allegation text — request the full report from CDSS with the control number.
How to read this record →Program details (from the school's own site)Approach: Research-based, inspired by Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf; five domains (physical, cognitive, social, emotional, language)
Extracurricular: Environmental learning projects, nature walks, cultural days, language immersion events
Ages served: 18 months to ~5 years (Toddler, Entry-Level Preschool, Intermediate Preschool; plus After School and Summer Camp)
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-6:00 PM
Teacher credentials: All educators are CPR and first-aid certified
10. Willow Glen Academy
1590 Minnesota Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
Preschool · Inquire
Why it stands out: ✓ State-licensed (verified) — no serious deficiencies on record
A preschool in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose.
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State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 25 · 0 serious deficiencies (Type A) · 0 substantiated complaints · last inspected 4/15/2026.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 434400414. The state publishes counts and outcomes, not the allegation text — request the full report from CDSS with the control number.
How to read this record →Program details (from the school's own site)Approach: Play- and exploration-based; children explore science, math, language arts, reading, dance, Spanish, and theater; pet-friendly with animals to care for
Languages: Spanish
Extracurricular: Dance, theater
Ages served: 2 years through entry into first grade (preschool and transitional kindergarten)
11. Over the Rainbow Montessori
880 Hillsdale Avenue, San Jose, CA 95136
Montessori · Inquire
Why it stands out: Staff ratios listed
A Montessori preschool in South San Jose near the Hillsdale area.
Program details (from the school's own site)Approach: Montessori methodology (hands-on materials, teacher-guided lessons, circle time, purposeful independent work)
Ages served: Age 2 through entry into first grade
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M.-5:30 P.M.
Calendar: Year-round
Meals: Included
Staff ratios: 1:6 for the 2-year-old (primary) class
Teacher credentials: Montessori Accredited Teachers
Potty-training: Not required
12. ABC Evergreen Preschool
2650 Aborn Road, San Jose, CA 95121
Preschool · Inquire
Why it stands out: Staff ratios listed
A preschool in the Evergreen neighborhood of San Jose.
Program details (from the school's own site)Ages served: 2 to 6 years (full-time and part-time programs)
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-6:00 PM
Calendar: Year-round
Staff ratios: Low teacher-to-student ratios (specific numbers not stated)
Teacher credentials: All teachers have clear background checks and years of childcare experience
Potty-training: Not required
First Cubby ranks the 12 preschools it tracks in San Jose by how much verified, published information each one shares — state licensing and inspection records, published tuition, staff ratios, and program details — so you can compare the programs you can actually vet. The order is a transparency ranking, not a subjective quality score; tour your shortlist before deciding.
We order schools by the depth of verified, published data a parent can check: a verified state child-care license with a clean inspection record, published tuition, listed staff-to-child ratios, and detailed policies. We never take payment to rank a school and we never invent numbers — a blank means the school hasn't published it.
10 of the 12 programs shown have a state child-care license we verified against the official licensing database, including capacity and inspection history. Licensing is a health-and-safety floor, not a quality guarantee — always confirm a school's current status yourself.
3 of the programs here publish their tuition, shown on each listing. Cost varies by schedule and approach; our guide on how much preschool costs explains how to compare the real price, and how to afford preschool covers subsidies, TK, and Head Start.