Sea Crest School Photo - Engaging Academics

Best San Mateo County Private Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 66 private preschools serving 12,417 students in San Mateo County, CA.
The top-ranked private preschools in San Mateo County, CA include Peninsula School, Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, and Belmont Oaks Academy.
The average tuition cost is $23,955, which is higher than the California private preschool average tuition cost of $15,627.
30% of private preschools in San Mateo County, CA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Episcopal).

Top-Ranked San Mateo County Private Preschools (2026)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Highlands Christian Schools
Highlands Christian Schools Photo
(Christian)
1900 Monterey Dr
San Bruno, CA 94066
(650) 873-4090
Gr: NS-8 | 467 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 6 Tuition listed
Phillips Brooks School
Phillips Brooks School Photo
(9)
2245 Avy Avenue
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 854-4545
Gr: NS-5 | 306 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 2 Tuition listed
Trinity School
Trinity School Photo
(Episcopal)
2650 Sand Hill Rd
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 854-0288
Gr: NS-5 | 157 students Avg. class size: 18 students Extracurrculars: 8 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Beresford Montessori - San Mateo Location
Beresford Montessori - San Mateo Location Photo
Montessori School
1717 Gum St
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 571-8749
Gr: PK-K | 41 students Sports: 1 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
Redeemer School
Redeemer School Photo - Award-Winning Middle School
(Christian)
(1)
468 Grand Street
Redwood City, CA 94062
(650) 366-3466
Gr: PK-8 | 160 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 7 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
2322 Crestmoor Drive
San Bruno, CA 94066
(650) 719-8197
Gr: PK-5 | 244 students Extracurrculars: 6 Tuition listed
Stratford School San Bruno El Camino
Daycare / Preschool
300 El Camino Real
San Bruno, CA 94066
(650) 897-1481
Gr: PK | 144 students Tuition listed
Acton Academy Silicon Valley
Acton Academy Silicon Valley Photo
Alternative School
201 Arch St
Redwood City, CA 94062
(650) 204-0304
Gr: NS-8 | 55 students Avg. class size: 12 students Tuition listed
Belmont Oaks Academy
Belmont Oaks Academy Photo - A string quartet performs for elementary students on the porch of the lower elementary building.
2200 Carlmont Dr
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 593-6175
Gr: PK-5 | 392 students Avg. class size: 24 students Tuition listed
The Carey School
The Carey School Photo
1 Carey School Lane
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 345-8205
Gr: NS-5 | 292 students Avg. class size: 20 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
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.
Montessori School
27 10th Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 340-1230
Gr: PK-6 | 106 students Avg. class size: 24 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Episcopal Day School of St. Matthew
Episcopal Day School of St. Matthew Photo - Empowering today's learners to become tomorrow's leaders.
(Episcopal)
(1)
16 Baldwin Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 274-0775
Gr: PK-8 | 326 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 11 | Extracurrculars: 6 Tuition listed
Happy Hall School
Daycare / Preschool
233 Santa Inez Ave
San Bruno, CA 94066
(650) 583-7370
Gr: NS-PK | 138 students Sports: 1
Hilldale School
Hilldale School Photo - Hands-on Science is an important part of the Pre-K through Middle School curriculum.
Special Program Emphasis
(3)
79 Florence St.
Daly City, CA 94014
(650) 756-4737
Gr: PK-8 | 179 students Avg. class size: 18 students Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Holy Angels School
(Catholic)
(3)
20 Reiner St
Daly City, CA 94014
(650) 755-0220
Gr: PK-8 | 218 students Avg. class size: 14 students Acceptance rate listed
Immaculate Heart Of Mary School
(Catholic)
1000 Alameda De Las Pulgas
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 593-4265
Gr: PK-8 | 165 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition listed
Kubo Montessori
Montessori School
2131 S Norfolk St
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 345-3102
Gr: PK-K | 8 students
Millbrae Montessori School
Montessori School
(1)
797B Santa Margarita Ave
Millbrae, CA 94030
(650) 588-2229
Gr: NS-PK | 50 students Avg. class size: 22 students Sports: 2 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Nativity Elementary School
Nativity Elementary School Photo - Nativity Catholic School
(Catholic)
(2)
1250 Laurel Street
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 325-7304
Gr: PK-8 | 267 students Sports: 4 Tuition listed
The Nueva Middle School
Special Program Emphasis
6565 Skyline Blvd
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 235-7172
Gr: PK-12 | 960 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 10 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
The Nueva School
Special Program Emphasis
131 E 28th Ave
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 235-7172
Gr: PK-12 | 967 students
Our Lady Of Mercy School
(Catholic)
7 Elmwood Dr
Daly City, CA 94015
(650) 756-3395
Gr: NS-8 | 525 students
Our Lady Of Mt Carmel School
Our Lady Of Mt Carmel School Photo - Established in 1885 by the sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the historic school building in nestled in a residential neighborhood close to downtown Redwood City.
(Catholic)
301 Grand St
Redwood City, CA 94062
(650) 366-6127
Gr: PK-8 | 296 students Avg. class size: 30 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 7 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Peninsula School
Peninsula School Photo - Peninsula School's Principles of Progressive Education: - We nurture the WHOLE CHILD - We build upon children's NATURAL CURIOSITY - We cultivate children's understanding through INQUIRY, CRITICAL THINKING, and the CREATIVE PROCESS - We engage children as active participants in a DIVERSE DEMOCRATIC COMMUNITY - We amplify children's VOICES to create a more EQUITABLE, SOCIALLY JUST, and SUSTAINABLE WORLD
Alternative School
(10)
920 Peninsula Way
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 325-1584
Gr: PK-8 | 205 students Avg. class size: 19 students Sports: 1 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Sacred Heart Schools Atherton
(Catholic)
150 Valparaiso Ave
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 473-4057
Gr: PK-12 | 1,070 student
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton Photo - Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton sits one 64-acre campus housing the Preschool & Kindergarten, Lower & Middle Schools and Preparatory.
(Catholic)
150 Valparaiso Avenue
Atherton, CA 94027
(650) 322-1866
Gr: NS-12 | 1,216 student Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 14 | Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
St. Pius Elementary School
St. Pius Elementary School Photo
(Catholic)
1100 Woodside Road
Redwood City, CA 94061
(650) 368-8327
Gr: PK-8 | 332 students Avg. class size: 35 students Sports: 5 Tuition listed
Sea Crest School
Sea Crest School Photo - Joyful Community
(4)
901 Arnold Way
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 712-9892
Gr: PK-8 | 312 students Avg. class size: 13 students Sports: 10 | Extracurrculars: 10 Tuition listed
Weingarten Children's Center
Special Education School
3518 Jefferson Ave
Redwood City, CA 94062
(650) 365-7500
Gr: NS-K | 46 students Avg. class size: 7 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Woodland School
Woodland School Photo
360 La Cuesta Dr
Portola Valley, CA 94028
(650) 854-9065
Gr: NS-8 | 322 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition listed
Young World Preschool and Kindergarten
Daycare / Preschool
699 Serramonte Blvd, #217,219,220,221,222,233
Daly City, CA 94015
(650) 994-6599
Gr: NS | 90 students Avg. class size: 20 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
All Are Friends Montessori
Daycare / Preschool
1130 Balclutha Dr
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 286-0400
Gr: PK-K | 28 students
Alto International School
Alto International School Photo
(1)
475 Pope Street
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 324-8617
Gr: PK-12 | 243 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 18 Tuition listed
Bay Meadows KinderCare
Bay Meadows KinderCare Photo - Bay Meadows KinderCare Front
Daycare / Preschool
1350 Wayne Way
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 577-0257
Gr: NS-PK | 114 students Tuition listed
Bereford Montessori School
Montessori School
(2)
178 Clinton Street
Redwood City, CA 94062
(650) 367-5027
Gr: PK-K | 50 students
Show 31 more private schools in San Mateo County, CA (out of 66 total schools)
Loading...
[+] Show Closed Private Schools in San Mateo County, California

San Mateo County Private Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
A Childs Way (Closed 2023)
Daycare / Preschool
817 Murchison Dr
Millbrae, CA 94030
(650) 697-4760
Gr: K | 21 students
452 5th Avenue
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 367-6791
Gr: PK-12 | 11 students Avg. class size: 12 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
1225 Greenwood Ave
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 591-4882
Gr: K | 69 students
1040 Miller Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94080
(650) 588-8175
Gr: K-8 | 203 students
Newton (Closed 2010)
Special Program Emphasis
1157 Chess Drive Ste 100
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 345-4043
Gr: K-8 | 243 students
1305 Middlefield Road
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 366-3842
Gr: PK-8 | 101 students
600 Grand Ave
South San Francisco, CA 94080
(415) 238-9669
Gr: 4-10 | 15 students

Overview

This County (San Mateo County)
This State (CA)
# Schools
69 Schools

Student Body:

# Students
12,417 Students
363,347 Students
% Average Students of Color
45%
50%

Academics and Faculty:

# Teachers
1,415 Teachers
26,537 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
14:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
65%
58%
Average Class Size
18 students
18 students
Average Number of AP Courses
15 courses
12 courses
Average SAT score
1530
(Out of 1600)
1284
Average ACT score
34
(Out of 36)
27

Tuition and Acceptance Rate:

Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$23,955
$15,627
Average Summer Program Cost
$678
$785
Average % on Financial Aid
19%
25%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$16,317
$5,581
Average Acceptance Rate
55%
82%
Average Endowment Size
$19.67 million
$31.27 million

Students by Ethnicity:

0.68
0.70
# American Indian Students
58 Students
1,694 Students
% American Indian Students
1%
n/a
# Asian Students
1,946 Students
30,302 Students
% Asian Students
16%
9%
# Hispanic Students
557 Students
43,013 Students
% Hispanic Students
5%
12%
# Black Students
153 Students
12,400 Students
% Black Students
1%
4%
# White Students
4,193 Students
112,369 Students
% White Students
35%
32%
# Hawaiian Students
44 Students
2,000 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
1%
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
5,112 Students
144,451 Students
% of Others Students
42%
42%
All Ethnic Groups

Extracurriculars and Sports:

Average Number of Extracurriculars
6 extracurriculars
7 extracurriculars
Average Number of Sports
5 sports
6 sports

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked private preschools in San Mateo County, CA?
The top-ranked private preschools in San Mateo County, CA include Peninsula School, Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, and Belmont Oaks Academy.
How many private preschools are located in San Mateo County?
66 private preschools are located in San Mateo County.
How much do private preschools cost in San Mateo County?
The average tuition cost is $23,955, which is higher than the California private school average tuition cost of $15,627.
How diverse are private preschools in San Mateo County?
San Mateo County private preschools are approximately 45% minority students, which is lower than the California private school average of 50%.
What percentage of private preschools are religiously affiliated in San Mateo County?
30% of private preschools in San Mateo County are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Episcopal).
Which private preschools in San Mateo County are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Guide to private school financial aid in 2026, with current costs, key planning timelines and practical steps parents need to maximize aid options.
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Discover why extracurricular activities remain essential in 2026, with updated research, costs, and admissions insights for parents and students.
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
Learn how to appeal for financial aid after admission to a private school, with expert steps, timelines, and 2026 updates for families.