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 86%.
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
How To Use AI For Research: A High School Student's Guide
We introduce teenagers to AI as a powerful alternative to traditional search engines. This practical guide walks students through using AI tools like Perplexity and ChatGPT for academic research while maintaining intellectual integrity.
A Parent’s Guide to Private School Entrance Exams
Navigating private school entrance exams can be challenging for parents and students alike. This comprehensive guide explains the key admissions tests—ISEE, SSAT, and HSPT—and offers insights into their differences, scoring methods, and subject emphases. Learn how to determine the best test for your child, prepare effectively, and understand the role of these exams in the holistic admissions process.
A Parent's Guide To Understanding High School Teaching Methods
This comprehensive guide helps parents navigate the various teaching methods used in today's high school classrooms. By understanding these approaches, you'll be better equipped to support your teen's learning journey, communicate effectively with teachers, and create a complementary learning environment at home.
