Saint Jeanne De Lestonnac School - Tustin

Home > California > Most Selective Schools

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 West Covina KinderCare, with an acceptance rate of 1%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

# CA Schools Ranked: 401
Top 20 Range (Acceptance Rate): 1%–35%
CA School Avg.: 85%
National School Avg.: 87%

Quick Facts (26-27)

# CA Schools Ranked: 401
Top 20 Range (Acceptance Rate): 1%–35%
CA School Avg.: 85%
National School Avg.: 87%

California Average Acceptance Rate (Trends)

Total Growth: (-6.8%) (-6% since 2015)

View Data

Year	National avg	California (CA) avg
2025	83%	82% (▼ 5 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%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

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: 1%–35%, avg 85%)

Acceptance Rate Range: 1% 50% Avg. Acceptance Rate: 33%

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 West Covina KinderCare, Camelot Kids Preschool and Little Knights and Centennial Montessori School.

Recent Articles

September 22, 2026

Who Handles Medication at a Private School?

Learn who handles student medication at private schools, what policies families should review, and which questions parents should ask about prescriptions, emergencies, storage, documentation, and daily administration.

September 22, 2026

Does Your Child Need a School With a Full-Time Nurse?

Learn when a full-time school nurse matters, how private schools handle medications, chronic conditions and emergencies, and which health-service questions parents should ask before enrolling their child.

September 22, 2026

The Course Availability Test: Are Classes Really Offered?

Learn how to verify whether private school catalog courses are actually offered each year, identify scheduling limitations, and ask better questions before choosing a school for your child today.