Best preschools in Stockton
These are the 12 preschools we track in Stockton, CA, ranked by how much verified, published information each one shares — state licensing and inspection records, published tuition, staff ratios, and program details. It's a transparency ranking (the programs you can actually vet), not a paid list and not a subjective quality verdict. Tour your shortlist before deciding.
1. Annunciation Preschool
440 W Rose St, Stockton, CA 95203
A Catholic parish preschool in Stockton's Civic Center district.
🛡️ State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 36 · 2 serious deficiencies (Type A) · 1 minor · 0 substantiated complaints · last inspected 9/11/2025.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 393600244. 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 - Part Time (PT), Tuesday & Thursday (TR) · 8:30-11:30 AM, 2 days/week — $380.00/per month
- Preschool - Part Time (PT), Monday/Wednesday/Friday (MWF) · 8:30-11:30 AM, 3 days/week — $465.00/per month
- Preschool - Part Time (PT), 5 days · 8:30-11:30 AM, 5 days/week — $685.00/per month
- Preschool - Half Time (HT), Tuesday & Thursday (TR) · 8:30 AM-2:30 PM, 2 days/week — $470.00/per month
- Preschool - Half Time (HT), Monday/Wednesday/Friday (MWF) · 8:30 AM-2:30 PM, 3 days/week — $585.00/per month
- Preschool - Half Time (HT), 5 days · 8:30 AM-2:30 PM, 5 days/week — $840.00/per month
- Pre-Kindergarten - Half Time (HF), 5 days · 8:30 AM-2:30 PM, 5 days/week (must be 4 years before September 1st) — $950.00/per month
- Preschool - Full Time (FT), Tuesday & Thursday (TR) · 8:30 AM-5:30 PM, 2 days/week — $610.00/per month
Fees: Yearly Registration Fee (all students) $400.00 per year · Pre-K Supply Fee (Pre-K students only) $150.00 per year · Potty Training Fee (as needed until potty-trained; includes wipes) $40.00 per month · Late payment fee $10.00 per month or 20% of the account balance, at the Director's discretion · Bounced check fee $20.00 per returned check · Late pick-up fee $1.00 per minute past designated departure time (11:30 PT / 2:30 HT / 5:30 FT), also applies on Early Dismissal days
Program details (from the school's own site)
Approach: "A high-quality Catholic environment that fosters each child's capacity for learning"; staff "believe in a balanced approach to early childhood education," with the belief that "children learn best through hands-on and interactive opportunities," providing "age appropriate" experiences while also preparing children for future education.
Ages served: 2 years 6 months (2.6 years) through entrance to Kindergarten
Hours: Part Time 8:30-11:30 AM; Half Time 8:30 AM-2:30 PM; Full Time 8:30 AM-5:30 PM. Early drop-off available from 7:30 AM at no additional cost.
Calendar: Academic year
Staff ratios: Program states it maintains "low teacher-to-child ratios" but does not publish an exact numeric ratio.
Teacher credentials: Director Shannon Rodriguez: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (option in Computer Information Systems), completed Early Childhood Education coursework (1999), holds a CA Program Director permit. Lead Teacher Danielle Gruenbacher: A.A. from San Joaquin Delta College in Family and Consumer Sciences (ECE concentration), CA Site Supervisor permit. Teachers Angie Reyes (A.A. Liberal Studies) and Sarah Flores-Padlo (A.A. Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer, currently taking ECE classes) and Yesenia Siqueiros (A.A. in Early Childhood Education, upgrading her Associate Teacher permit) hold CA Assistant/Associate Teacher permits. Teacher aides Adrina Carrillo (pursuing an ECE degree) and Natalie Chavez ("been working with children since I was 18").
Potty-training: Not required
Withdrawal: Each child is enrolled for the entire school year or the balance of it. Two weeks' prior written notice is required, or two weeks' tuition is payable upon withdrawal before June 16, 2027. Tuition cannot be refunded after June 2, 2027. An exit interview with the Director is required. Tuition is prorated by day beginning two weeks after notice is given (not prorated for the two weeks immediately following notice). Other fees/obligations are not prorated; the annual registration fee and Pre-K supply fee are non-refundable.
2. Meadowlark Schools - Stockton Campus
2295 E Fremont St, Stockton, CA 95205
A nature-based, play-centered early-childhood program in central-east Stockton.
🛡️ State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 62 · 0 serious deficiencies (Type A) · 1 minor · 0 substantiated complaints · last inspected 8/7/2026.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 394501612. 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: Nature-based, play-centered early childhood education; Head, Hands, and Heart philosophy; emphasizes Risky Play (climbing, balancing, navigating challenges), All-Weather Outdoor Time (children play outside in rain, shine, and various weather conditions), child-led exploration, and natural materials (wood, stone, plants). A separate page also mentions a farm-to-school connection and children participating in food preparation activities.
Ages served: 6 weeks to 6 years old (infant, toddler and preschool ages)
Hours: Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Full-day and half-day enrollment options are offered.
Meals: Not included — families provide food — Meadowlark provides vegetarian morning and afternoon snacks for all children. Lunch should be brought from home.
Allergy policy: Site states it will work with your family to accommodate specific dietary needs, but gives no further written policy detail.
Staff ratios: Teacher-to-child ratios vary in each class. Our lowest ratio is 1:4, while our highest is 1:12.
Teacher credentials: All our lead teachers have formal education in early childhood development or related fields.
Discipline: We view challenging behaviors as communication and learning opportunities, using positive guidance techniques and problem-solving skills.
Sick policy: Children should be fever-free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
3. Brookside Little Learners Preschool & Kindergarten
3588 Brookside Rd, Stockton, CA 95219
A preschool and kindergarten in the Brookside area of west Stockton blending play and structured learning.
🛡️ State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 165 · 2 serious deficiencies (Type A) · 1 minor · 4 substantiated complaints · last inspected 9/18/2026.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 390320920. 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-based/developmental approach: preschool and transitional kindergarten emphasize sensory play, peer interaction, confidence-building, behavior management, and introductory math/literacy through storytelling, games, and puzzles; art projects and dramatic role play are also used. Kindergarten covers reading, writing, math, science, social studies, art, and physical education 'aligned with California state standards,' described as cooperative learning, book/writing focus, hands-on math, nature exploration/science, and social studies woven into daily activities, with iPad integration for interactive learning.
Extracurricular: Off-campus field trips for older students
Ages served: From age 2 through Kindergarten ("your child's home away from home from the tender age of 2 all the way through kindergarten")
Hours: Mon - Fri 6:00 am - 6:00 pm; Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Meals: Included — "Breakfast, Lunch, and Afternoon Snacks Provided" / "Nutritious meals and snacks provided daily"
Staff ratios: 12-to-1 child-to-teacher ratio for preschool and transitional kindergarten classes
Teacher credentials: "Professional Staff Always On-Site"; fully licensed and insured; California State License #390320920; teachers participate in ongoing training; described as a family-owned, local, nonprofit business serving the community for over 30 years
Potty-training: Not required
4. Joy's Learning Center
240 N Union St, Stockton, CA 95205
A small licensed preschool serving children ages two to five in Stockton's Civic Center area.
🛡️ State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 50 · 2 serious deficiencies (Type A) · 1 minor · 0 substantiated complaints · last inspected 4/15/2025.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 394500361, 394500369. The state publishes counts and outcomes, not the allegation text — request the full report from CDSS with the control number. Totals combine 2 licences at this site; the state can log one incident against each licence, so treat the counts as an upper bound. How to read this record →
Program details (from the school's own site)
Approach: Uses the Teaching Strategies curriculum; described as 'learning through play while building independence' with classroom learning centers and authentic-assessment daily observations
Extracurricular: Site lists a 'Weekend Adventures' and 'Birthday Parties' offering (content of those pages not fetched/confirmed)
Ages served: Serves toddlers, preschool-age children, and school-age children (before/after school when school is not in session)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 6:00pm
Meals: Site has a dedicated 'Our Meals' navigation link, but that page returned a 404 (not found) when fetched, so meal content could not be confirmed.
Staff ratios: Toddler 1:6; Preschool 2:12; School Age 1:10
5. Bright Minds Montessori School
9389 Davis Rd, Stockton, CA 95209
A Montessori-based preschool and daycare in north Stockton off Davis Road.
🛡️ State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 61 · 0 serious deficiencies (Type A) · 0 substantiated complaints · last inspected 8/18/2026.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 394501616. 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 prepared environment; philosophy of Following the Child; hands-on experiences and daily lessons; classroom areas include Practical Life, Sensorial, Geography, Cultural, Math, Language, Art and Movement; toddler program also emphasizes Grace & Courtesy, problem-solving/social skills, and artistic expression through song, dance, and dramatic play. Stated mission: creating citizens of the world where children learn self-respect, respect for others and respect for their environment.
Ages served: Toddler program from 18 months; Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten program from 3 years old (site states students enrolling in this program must be fully potty trained)
Hours: Homepage text states hours as 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; the site's own Contact page states Monday - Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Saturday & Sunday: Closed. Tours by appointment only per both pages.
Potty-training: Required
6. Oakwood State Preschool
1315 Woodcreek Way, Stockton, CA 95209
A publicly funded state preschool program in the Bear Creek area of north Stockton.
🛡️ State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 46 · 1 serious deficiency (Type A) · 0 substantiated complaints · last inspected 2/5/2026.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 390319156. 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: Head Start & State Preschool programs emphasize family engagement, parent participation in the classroom, and a home-visiting component
Ages served: 3 and 4 year olds (district-wide Head Start & State Preschool description; not confirmed specifically for the Oakwood site)
Hours: District-wide, classes meet 5 days/week for 3, 3.5, or 6 hours/day depending on funding source; most sites follow morning (8:00am-11:00am) or afternoon (12:00pm-3:00pm) sessions
Meals: District preschool pages reference a separate Nutrition Services meals link but do not state on-site whether Head Start/State Preschool meals are included for this site
Teacher credentials: All classrooms are licensed by the California Department of Social Services
7. Parvin's Hopeland Preschool
5965 N Pershing Ave, Stockton, CA 95207
A play-based preschool and childcare center in north-central Stockton along Pershing Avenue.
🛡️ State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 35 · 1 serious deficiency (Type A) · 1 minor · 1 substantiated complaint · last inspected 6/12/2025.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 394500440. 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: Learning through play and exploration/discovery; whole-child approach to early learning supporting social, emotional and physical growth; program areas include music, science, math, language arts and manipulative play for preschoolers; infants/toddlers stimulated through music, exercise, outdoor blanket time, facial and verbal mimicking; school-agers get a quiet homework area with computers and a mini library, outdoor group play, cooking projects, dramatic play, art appreciation and creative experiments. A STEAM program is announced but its page says 'Coming soon.'
Ages served: Infant to 5 years old for childcare generally, with stated programs spanning 6 weeks to 12 years old (infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children)
Teacher credentials: All staff trained in First Aid and CPR; ongoing training via state classes, orientation videos, and in-house training; hiring includes review of qualifications, interviews with the Administrative Team, and reference plus State of California and FBI/DOJ/Govt background checks.
8. Stockton Montessori School
1606 Hammertown Dr, Stockton, CA 95210
A Montessori preschool in north Stockton near the Hammer Lane corridor.
🛡️ State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 119 · 1 serious deficiency (Type A) · 2 minor · 0 substantiated complaints · last inspected 9/16/2026.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 393621606. 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; philosophy centers on freedom of choice and individualized development ('a child learns best when the social environment supports his or her own unique development'); learning is hands-on rather than rote/drill-based; curriculum spans Weekly Themes, Mathematics, Language, Sensorial, Culture, Practical Life, and Multi-Age Classrooms
Languages: English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese are taught (site's World Languages page and homepage mention Mandarin/Chinese circles); afternoon program includes Spanish and Mandarin per the Primary program page
Extracurricular: Paid optional extracurriculars listed on site: Spanish Lessons ($100/month, $25/session, ages 3-6, Wed or Thu 4-5pm); Chinese Lessons ($100/month, $25/session, ages 4+, Sat 9-10am or Thu 4-5pm); Small Group or 1:1 Tutoring ($170/month, ages 5+); Dance & Music Class ($160.00/month, $120/month for current/previous students, ages 4-12); Music Education ($70.00/month plus $25.00 one-time supply fee, ages 18 months-6 years); Art Club ($160.00/month, $120/month for current/previous students, ages 4-12); Soccer Shots ($260 per season, ages 2-6, 16-week seasons)
Ages served: Overall site language: Children 18 months to 6+ years old. By program: Toddler 18-36 months; Primary ages 3-6 years; Expanded Learning ages 4-9+ years; Summer Camp 18 months+
Hours: Contact page states: Monday-Friday 7am-6pm and Saturday-Sunday 8am-4pm. Homepage separately states: Open Monday-Friday 7am-6pm with flexible schedule options for parents to choose from.
Teacher credentials: Site describes teachers only in general terms: highly experienced, certified, patient and passionate teachers / highly trained, certified, and specialized teachers. No ratio numbers or specific certification details given.
9. Koala Tree Montessori
2064 E Washington St, Stockton, CA 95205
A bilingual Montessori preschool and daycare in east Stockton's Garden Acres area.
Published tuition (from the school's own site)
- All programs (rate varies by schedule) · Full time 8AM to 4PM or 8AM to 4:30PM; Part time 8-12 or 8-1; Extended care 4:30PM to 5:00PM — $159 to $265/weekly
Program details (from the school's own site)
Approach: Montessori method organized around Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and Botany/Zoology/Geography; site states core developmental goals of order, concentration, coordination and independence
Languages: Spanish (site states afternoons are taught in Spanish, offers Spanish Immersive Classes, and notes HABLAMOS ESPANOL on the homepage)
Extracurricular: Afternoon activities: Art, Gardening, Cooking, Construction, Yoga, Spanish Immersive Classes
Ages served: 2 years old to 5 years old
Hours: Full time: 8AM to 4PM or 8AM to 4:30PM. Part time: 8-12 or 8-1. Extended care: 4:30PM to 5:00PM
Meals: Included — Site states: Fresh, organic and delicious: Snacks Lunch included. No allergy policy stated.
10. City of David Academy
2350 E Market St, Stockton, CA 95205
A licensed church-affiliated preschool in the Park district of east Stockton.
🛡️ State licensing record — Licensed · capacity 40 · 0 serious deficiencies (Type A) · 2 minor · 0 substantiated complaints · last inspected 10/23/2025.
CA Community Care Licensing · license 394500364. 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 →
11. Ruthie Keener Early Care & Learning Center
1105 N Sacramento St, Stockton, CA 95202
A San Joaquin County Head Start early-care and preschool center in downtown Stockton's Civic Center area.
12. Snell's Pre-Kindergarten School
9371 Lower Sacramento Rd, Stockton, CA 95210
A long-established play-based preschool in north Stockton on Lower Sacramento Road.
How we ranked these
Schools rise on this list when they publish information a parent can check: a verified state child-care license with a clean inspection record (9 here have one), published tuition (2 here do), 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, not that it scored zero. Read more about how to check a preschool's license and what to ask on a tour.
See all preschools in Stockton →
Every program we track in Stockton, with tuition, licensing, and approach.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best preschools in Stockton?
First Cubby ranks the 12 preschools it tracks in Stockton 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.
How does First Cubby rank preschools?
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.
Are these Stockton preschools licensed?
9 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.
How much do the best preschools in Stockton cost?
2 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.
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