Best Preschools in Sacramento: 2025's Top-Rated Programs for Every Family

Sacramento is a city defined by its diversity, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a unique blend of historic charm and modern innovation. As California’s state capital, Sacramento offers families the best of both worlds: access to a vibrant downtown, proximity to the American and Sacramento Rivers, and neighborhoods filled with parks, bike trails, and community events.

With a growing tech sector and an influx of Bay Area commuters seeking more affordable living, Sacramento’s preschool landscape has evolved to meet the needs of a dynamic, engaged, and increasingly diverse population.

Choosing the best preschools in Sacramento isn’t just about academics, it’s about finding a program that fits your family’s rhythm, values, and daily commute. Sacramento’s hot summers mean outdoor programs need shaded play spaces, while the city’s sprawling layout and traffic patterns make location and accessibility crucial factors.

While the preschool market here is competitive, it’s refreshingly less cutthroat than the Bay Area, allowing families to focus on quality, community, and fit rather than racing for a spot.

As a Sacramento-based education consultant and parent advocate, I’ve spent years researching, visiting, and collaborating with local preschools. This guide to Sacramento's top-rated preschools in 2025 includes insider insights, neighborhood-specific recommendations, and practical advice to help you choose the right fit for your family.

Top 10 Sacramento Preschools

1. Sacramento Country Day School (Arden-Arcade/East Sacramento)

• Location: 2636 Latham Drive, Sacramento, CA 95864
• Ages: PK–12
• Philosophy: Progressive, inquiry-based, whole-child development
• Tuition: Approx. $20,000/year
• Features: Expansive campus, strong arts and STEM, low student-teacher ratio, aftercare
• Accessibility: Easy parking, close to major roads
• Application: Rolling; early application encouraged

2. Merryhill Preschool (Midtown Sacramento)

• Location: 2905 11th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817
• Ages: 6 weeks – 5 years
• Philosophy: Play-based, academic and emotional growth
• Tuition: Varies; competitive for area
• Features: Nurturing teachers, strong parent communication, sister elementary school
• Accessibility: Street parking, bike- and transit-friendly
• Application: Tours and open house available

3. Land Park Montessori (Land Park)

• Location: 6115 Riverside Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95831
• Ages: 2 – 6 years
• Philosophy: Montessori, child-led, mixed-age
• Tuition: $1,025–$1,185/month
• Features: Authentic materials, garden, potty training support
• Accessibility: Private lot, close to I-5
• Application: Rolling; early application advised

4. Brookfield School (Pocket/Greenhaven)

• Location: 6115 Riverside Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95831
• Ages: PK–8
• Philosophy: Academically rigorous with arts and STEM
• Tuition: Approx. $10,000–$12,000/year
• Features: Small classes, community feel, enrichment
• Accessibility: Ample parking, freeway access
• Application: Early application; interview required

5. McKinley Montessori School (East Sacramento)

• Location: Near McKinley Park
• Ages: 2–6 years
• Philosophy: Montessori with life skills focus
• Tuition: Moderate
• Features: Tree-lined campus, parent involvement
• Accessibility: Street parking, bike-friendly
• Application: Rolling admissions

6. Inspire Preschool Academy (Natomas)

• Location: Natomas
• Ages: 2–5 years
• Philosophy: Bilingual, STEAM, inquiry-based
• Tuition: Competitive; inquire for rates
• Features: Small class size, Spanish immersion, STEAM activities
• Accessibility: Neighborhood parking, commuter-friendly
• Application: Year-round; early registration recommended

7. Tiny Tot Preschools (Elk Grove)

• Location: Multiple sites
• Ages: 3–5 years
• Philosophy: Play-based, social-emotional focus
• Tuition: Affordable; sliding scale
• Features: Themed weeks, outdoor play, community events
• Accessibility: Suburban locations, ample parking
• Application: Opens in spring; fills quickly

8. Cadence Academy Preschool (Roseville)

• Location: 1071 Trehowell Dr, Roseville, CA
• Ages: 6 weeks – 5 years
• Philosophy: Balanced academic and play-based
• Tuition: Moderate
• Features: Extended hours, secure campus
• Accessibility: Large parking lot
• Application: Rolling admissions

9. Sacramento Waldorf School (Fair Oaks)

• Location: 3750 Bannister Rd, Fair Oaks, CA
• Ages: Preschool–12th grade
• Philosophy: Waldorf/Steiner, arts- and nature-based
• Tuition: $9,000–$12,000/year
• Features: Farm and garden program, outdoor learning
• Accessibility: Easy highway access, ample parking
• Application: Early application; interview required

10. Davis Parent Nursery School (Davis)

• Location: 426 W 8th St, Davis, CA
• Ages: 2–5 years
• Philosophy: Cooperative, play-based
• Tuition: Sliding scale
• Features: Parent involvement, outdoor focus
• Accessibility: Bike- and street-parking friendly
• Application: Lottery system in spring

Best Programs by Neighborhood

Midtown Sacramento

• Walkable and vibrant
• Arts-integrated programs
• Tight parking—look for schools with lots
• Top Picks: Merryhill Midtown, Montessori Children’s House

East Sacramento

• Leafy streets and strong community
• Higher-end private/Montessori schools
• Bike-friendly with good public transit
• Top Picks: McKinley Montessori, Sacred Heart Parish

Land Park Area

• Established families and schools
• Close to zoo and Fairytale Town
• Accessible and commuter-friendly
• Top Picks: Land Park Montessori, Brookfield, Tiny Tots

Natomas

• Modern schools and diverse offerings
• Bilingual and cultural programs
• Fast freeway and airport access
• Top Picks: Inspire Preschool Academy, Natomas Early Learning

Suburban Areas (Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom)

• Spacious campuses and extended hours
• Family-oriented with flexible schedules
• Easy commuting
• Top Picks: Tiny Tots, Cadence Academy, Folsom Lake Montessori

Montessori vs. Traditional Options

Montessori

• Child-led, hands-on, mixed-age
• Local Examples: Land Park Montessori, McKinley Montessori
• Neighborhoods: Land Park, East Sacramento, Folsom

Traditional

• Teacher-led, structured academics
• Local Examples: Brookfield School, Merryhill
• Neighborhoods: Pocket, Midtown, East Sacramento

Play-Based

• Emphasis on creativity and social skills
• Local Examples: Tiny Tots, Davis Parent Nursery
• Neighborhoods: Elk Grove, Davis

Waldorf/Steiner

• Nature-based, holistic curriculum
• Local Example: Sacramento Waldorf School
• Neighborhood: Fair Oaks

Religious-Affiliated

• Community-focused with faith-based values
• Local Examples: Sacred Heart Parish, St. Mary’s
• Neighborhoods: East Sacramento, Land Park

Nature-Based

• Garden programs and environmental education
• Local Examples: Sacramento Waldorf, Fairytale Town Preschool
• Neighborhoods: Fair Oaks, Land Park

Affordable Sacramento Preschools

• Head Start/State Preschool: Free or reduced-cost, ages 3–5
• Sliding Scale: Available at city-run and nonprofit preschools
• Co-op Schools: Require parent participation, lower tuition
• Parent Participation: Sacramento City Unified option
• Subsidies: Offered through Child Action, Inc.
• Tip: Search “affordable preschool Sacramento” or “Head Start Sacramento”

Specialty Programs: Bilingual, STEM, Arts

Bilingual

• Spanish Immersion: Inspire Preschool Academy
• Other Languages: Midtown and Natomas programs
• Diverse Holiday Celebrations and Curriculum

STEM

• STEAM Focus: Inspire Academy, Cadence Academy
• Early exposure to coding, robotics, science

Arts

• Creative Programs: Merryhill, Sacramento Waldorf
• Daily arts integration, community art shows

Outdoor/Nature

• Year-round learning outdoors
• Nature walks and river proximity

Application Process and Deadlines

• Private Schools: Apply by January/February
• Public/Head Start: Spring deadlines
• Tours: Book in early spring
• Waitlists: Join several to boost chances
• Documents: Proof of age, vaccinations, income
• Local Advice: Submit interest forms early

What Sacramento Parents Are Saying

“We chose Land Park Montessori because it’s close to home, has a real sense of community, and the teachers genuinely care about our kids’ growth.”
—Samantha, Land Park

“Tiny Tots in Elk Grove gave my daughter a wonderful start—she loved the themed weeks and made friends from all over the neighborhood.”
—Miguel, Elk Grove

“Inspire Preschool Academy has been a perfect fit—my son is excited for school every day.”
—Priya, Natomas

“As a two-mom family, we wanted a program that was inclusive and celebrated diversity. Sacramento Waldorf has been incredible.”
—Jen & Alex, Fair Oaks

“The parent participation preschool in East Sac helped me connect with other families and be part of my child’s learning.”
—Chris, East Sacramento

Conclusion

Sacramento’s preschool scene is as diverse and welcoming as the city itself. Whether you’re drawn to Midtown’s creativity, East Sac’s community, or suburban convenience, there’s a perfect preschool waiting for your family.

Start your search today, and find a place where your child’s curiosity, creativity, and confidence will thrive.