Episcopal Day School of St. Matthew Photo - Empowering today's learners to become tomorrow's leaders.

Top 5 Best San Mateo Private Preschools (2025)

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 11%, which is lower than the California private preschool average acceptance rate of 82%.
27% of private preschools in San Mateo, CA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Episcopal and Islamic).

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
Grades: PK-K
| 41 students
The Carey School
The Carey School Photo
1 Carey School Lane
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 345-8205
Grades: NS-5
| 278 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.
Montessori School
27 10th Ave
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)
16 Baldwin Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 274-0775
Grades: PK-8
| 326 students
Kubo Montessori
Montessori School
2131 S Norfolk St
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 345-3102
Grades: PK-K
| 8 students
The Nueva School
Special Program Emphasis
131 E 28th Ave
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
Grades: PK-K
| 28 students
Bay Meadows KinderCare
Bay Meadows KinderCare Photo - Bay Meadows KinderCare Front
Daycare / Preschool
1350 Wayne Way
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 577-0257
Grades: NS-PK
| 114 students
Foster City KinderCare
Foster City KinderCare Photo - Foster City KinderCare
Daycare / Preschool
1006 Metro Center Blvd.
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
Grades: K
| 27 students
Muslim Children's Garden
Daycare / Preschool (Islamic)
225 Tilton Ave
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
Grades: PK-7
| 115 students
St. Ambrose Sea Breeze School
Daycare / Preschool (Episcopal)
900 Edgewater Blvd
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.
Daycare / Preschool (Episcopal)
3900 Alameda De Las Pulgas
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
Grades: PK-K
| 80 students
[+] Show Closed Private Schools in San Mateo, California

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
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%.
What percentage of private preschools are religiously affiliated in San Mateo?
27% of private preschools in San Mateo are religiously affiliated (most commonly Episcopal and Islamic).

Recent Articles

Is It Easier to Land a Private School Job When You're Already Employed?
Is It Easier to Land a Private School Job When You're Already Employed?
Is it easier to land a private school job when you're already employed? This article breaks down employer biases, networking advantages, and negotiation leverage—plus the latest hiring trends in independent schools. If you’re considering a move, here’s how to maximize your position.
How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the Stigma
How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the Stigma
Finding a private school job while unemployed can be tough, but it doesn't have to hold you back. This article breaks down networking strategies, ways to stand out, and smart approaches to keep your confidence strong. Learn how to turn setbacks into strengths and secure the right opportunity—without the stigma.
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
Navigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.