For the 2025 school year, there are 15 private preschools serving 2,341 students in San Mateo, CA.
The top ranked private preschools in San Mateo, CA include The Carey School, Episcopal Day School of St. Matthew, and Centennial Montessori School.
The average acceptance rate is 10%, which is lower than the California private preschool average acceptance rate of 87%.
Top Ranked San Mateo Private Preschools (2025)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Beresford Montessori
Montessori School
1717 Gum St
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 571-8749
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 571-8749
Grades: PK-K
| 41 students
Centennial Montessori School![Centennial Montessori School Photo - A natural play yard for our 3 to 6 year olds provides a multi sensory and creative experience. The children use the space to garden, dance, jump, play games, run, twirl, build, dig and create masterpieces in our art area, mud kitchen, and music area. Centennial Montessori School Photo - A natural play yard for our 3 to 6 year olds provides a multi sensory and creative experience. The children use the space to garden, dance, jump, play games, run, twirl, build, dig and create masterpieces in our art area, mud kitchen, and music area.]()

Montessori School
27 10th Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 340-1230
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 340-1230
Grades: PK-6
| 106 students
Episcopal Day School of St. Matthew![Episcopal Day School of St. Matthew Photo - Empowering today's learners to become tomorrow's leaders. Episcopal Day School of St. Matthew Photo - Empowering today's learners to become tomorrow's leaders.]()

(Episcopal)
16 Baldwin Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 274-0775
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 274-0775
Grades: PK-8
| 326 students
The Nueva School
Special Program Emphasis
131 E 28th Ave
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 235-7172
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 235-7172
Grades: PK-12
| 967 students
All Are Friends Montessori
Daycare / Preschool
1130 Balclutha Dr
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 286-0400
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 286-0400
Grades: PK-K
| 28 students
Bay Meadows KinderCare![Bay Meadows KinderCare Photo - Bay Meadows KinderCare Front Bay Meadows KinderCare Photo - Bay Meadows KinderCare Front]()

Daycare / Preschool
1350 Wayne Way
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 577-0257
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 577-0257
Grades: NS-PK
| 114 students
Foster City KinderCare![Foster City KinderCare Photo - Foster City KinderCare Foster City KinderCare Photo - Foster City KinderCare]()

Daycare / Preschool
1006 Metro Center Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 573-6023
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 573-6023
Grades: NS-PK
| n/a students
Kinder Academy Montessori
Montessori School
300 E Santa Inez Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 340-8819
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 340-8819
Grades: K
| 27 students
Kubo Montessori
Montessori School
2131 S Norfolk St
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 345-3102
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 345-3102
Grades: PK-K
| 8 students
Muslim Children's Garden
Daycare / Preschool (Islamic)
225 Tilton Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 572-0222
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 572-0222
Grades: PK-K
| 31 students
Pacific Rim International School
Montessori School
454 Peninsula Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 685-1881
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 685-1881
Grades: PK-7
| 115 students
St. Ambrose Sea Breeze School
Daycare / Preschool (Episcopal)
900 Edgewater Blvd
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 574-5437
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 574-5437
Grades: NS-PK
| 196 students
Transfiguration Nursery School![Transfiguration Nursery School Photo - This is some of our wonderful outside play area. We also have a large shaded sand area, a road for cars, and another climbing structure. Needless to say there is lots for children to do. Transfiguration Nursery School Photo - This is some of our wonderful outside play area. We also have a large shaded sand area, a road for cars, and another climbing structure. Needless to say there is lots for children to do.]()

Daycare / Preschool (Episcopal)
3900 Alameda De Las Pulgas
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 341-7878
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 341-7878
Grades: NS-PK
| 24 students
Tulane Montessori Children's House
Montessori School
315 Tulane Rd
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 342-0447
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 342-0447
Grades: PK-K
| 80 students
San Mateo, California Private Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Newton (Closed 2010)
Special Program Emphasis
1157 Chess Drive Ste 100
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 345-4043
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 345-4043
Grades: K-8
| 243 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private preschools in San Mateo, CA?
The top ranked private preschools in San Mateo, CA include The Carey School, Episcopal Day School of St. Matthew, and Centennial Montessori School.
How many private preschools are located in San Mateo?
15 private preschools are located in San Mateo.
How diverse are private preschools in San Mateo?
San Mateo private preschools are approximately 50% minority students, which is higher than the California private school average of 49%.
Recent Articles

Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony
A musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

A Roadmap For Starting A Private School
Use this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.

December 31, 2024
The Spectrum of Islamic Education: From Secular to OrthodoxThis article explores the importance of Islamic K-12 education in today's secular society, providing a roadmap for parents to nurture their children's faith and academic success. Through a question-and-answer format between a parent and an imam, it addresses key aspects such as the types of Islamic education available, when to start, and how to balance religious and secular learning. The essay emphasizes the spiritual and moral benefits of instilling Islamic values in young people, offering practical advice and inspiration for families seeking to raise well-rounded and faithful individuals.