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Most Selective Private Preschools in California

Name: California Average Acceptance Rate Trends (Pre-K)
Creator: Private School Review
License: https://www.privateschoolreview.com/terms

The average private preschool acceptance rate in California is 85% per year (2026-27).

The most selective school in California is Camelot Kids Preschool and Little Knights, Centennial Montessori School, and Montessori Academy-Glendale, each with an acceptance rate of 10%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

# CA Schools Ranked: 323
Top 20 Range (Acceptance Rate): 10%–50%
CA School Avg.: 86%
National School Avg.: 87%

Quick Facts (26-27)

# CA Schools Ranked: 323
Top 20 Range (Acceptance Rate): 10%–50%
CA School Avg.: 86%
National School Avg.: 87%

California Average Acceptance Rate (Trends)

Showing 2016–2025. Full 11-year historical data available below ↓

Total Growth: +0.0% (+0% since 2016)

View Data

Year	National avg	California (CA) avg
2025	87%	86% (▼ 1 pp)
2024	88%	87% (— 0 pp)
2023	88%	87% (▲ 1 pp)
2022	88%	86% (— 0 pp)
2021	88%	86% (— 0 pp)
2020	88%	86% (— 0 pp)
2019	88%	86% (▼ 1 pp)
2018	88%	87% (— 0 pp)
2017	88%	87% (▲ 1 pp)
2016	88%	86% (▼ 2 pp)
2015	88%	88%

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Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Private School Universe Survey (PSS), direct school submissions, and proprietary website research and analysis by Private School Review.

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Show school map — California (acceptance rate range: 10%–50%, avg 86%)

Acceptance Rate Range: 10% 60% Avg. Acceptance Rate: 44%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the California average private preschools acceptance rate?

The California average private preschools acceptance rate is 85% for 2026-27.

What are the most selective private preschools in California?

The top ranked private preschools in California include Camelot Kids Preschool and Little Knights, Centennial Montessori School and Montessori Academy-Glendale.

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