Call it choosing a college for toddlers—picking a preschool is no easier than choosing a college for your teen—except that you probably have to travel less. How far is the school from me? Does it lead to a good kindergarten? Are diapers acceptable? Should my child be doing more classroom learning or is it time to play and socialize? How’s the food? Is there food? What is the cost? Are the teachers cool? Will my child like it? We’ve got a place for you to start looking at the range of schools in Santa Cruz, and the prognosis is good. There is a huge variety of preschools here, from ones that have kids playing out in the woods and farmland to those that have them ready to read. We’ve got schools offering mindfulness, creativity and academics. Take a look through the guide and start heading to their open houses to get a feel for which you prefer.
SCHOOLS
Acton Academy Santa Cruz
Ages 4 – 18
440 Frederick St
Santa Cruz
www.ActonSantaCruz.org
[email protected]
Spark Studio at Acton Academy Santa Cruz is a Montessori-inspired program that starts at age 4, thoughtfully designed for young learners taking their first steps into independence. Through hands-on materials, purposeful work, and a calm, nurturing environment, children build confidence, focus, and a love of learning at their own pace. Spark honors childhood while gently introducing responsibility, collaboration, and self-direction — creating a joyful, grounded beginning to a learner-driven education.
Little Learners of Aptos
9850 Monroe Avenue, Aptos
831 612 3182
littlelearnersofaptos.com
Little Learners of Aptos Preschool provides a warm, nurturing environment where young children learn through play, exploration, and social growth. Serving children ages 18 months to 5 years, we offer small class sizes and a thoughtfully blended, play-based approach inspired by Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and RIE philosophies. Our days balance child-led discovery with intentional learning through art, circle time, yoga, group reading, and outdoor exploration. We emphasize social-emotional development, independence, and creativity. Open year-round, Monday through Friday, we offer full-day and half-day options. GoKids families are welcome, and tours are available by appointment. Call to schedule a tour! 831.612.3182
Mount Madonna School
Lic #440709549
491 Summit Rd, Watsonville
408.847.2717
MountMadonnaSchool.org
From the redwood and oak forest to views of the Monterey Bay, Mount Madonna School’s (MMS) natural environment inspires learning, play and social-emotional wellness in students preschool through grade 12. The Montessori-influenced preschool features a low child-to-teacher ratio and dedicated teachers who nurture children’s love of learning, self-confidence and independence. At Mount Madonna School, we focus on developing kindness and respect towards ourselves and others. This, combined with our 380-acre outdoor classroom, invites and empowers children to fully engage in their education. By including abundant time for imaginative free play, children are inspired in all areas of their development.
Pacific Preschool at Pacific Elementary School in Davenport
Lic #440702049
50 Ocean St, Davenport
831.425.7002
pacificesd.org/preschool
Pacific Preschool is a child- and family-centered program for ages 3-4, focusing on screen-free outside activities – social development, gardening, creative play, practical skills, art, music, problem-solving, stories, reading buddies, and pre-K skills. Morning program with extended care option in the afternoons; flexible 3-, 4-, or 5-day schedules. FREE tuition for income-qualified families. Highly experienced and bilingual staff. Nutritious breakfast and lunch prepared from scratch daily. Beautiful 10-minute drive from Santa Cruz. Preschoolers have priority for enrollment in Pacific Elementary School – start your child at a small public school with quality programs and a close, diverse community from around the county!
Rocking Horse Ranch Preschool
Lic #444400117
4134 Fairway Dr, Soquel
831.462.2702
rockinghorseranchpreschool.com
We offer morning, afternoon, and full-day sessions. Our three beautiful acres offer room to explore, including swings, slides, trees to climb, a ninja course, zipline, bike track and a giant sandbox! Kids also enjoy our farm animals and grazing on food from our organic garden and orchards.
Santa Cruz Montessori
Ages 18 months – 14 years
Main Campus (Primary and
Elementary)
6230 Soquel Drive, Aptos
Winston Campus (Young Children’s
Community and Jr. High)
244 Cabrillo College Drive, Soquel
831.476.1646
scms.org
Established in 1964, Santa Cruz Montessori is a non-profit school serving children 18 months to 14 years. Our beautiful classrooms and outdoor environments engage the children’s senses as they learn. Based on a deep understanding of child through adolescent development, our programs meet the interests and needs of our students, engaging and challenging them to do their best. We offer a supportive community of learners and an exciting Montessori curriculum including humanities, math, sciences, and arts. Our mission: as a Montessori learning community, we inspire life-long learning and a more peaceful world by nurturing the natural development of the whole child.
Santa Cruz Waldorf Preschool
831.824.2161
[email protected]
santacruzwaldorf.org
Our Preschool is based on the principle that true learning takes place out of self-initiated activities. The teachers maintain safe spaces for indoor and outdoor play and provide opportunities for hands-on learning of new skills based on the understanding that young children learn primarily through imitation. The children engage in exploration of the natural world, and are gently guided toward development of social tools. Rather than focus on academics, the program centers on learning basic real world skills and emotional self regulation. Each day includes circle time and story time, as well as meals prepared together.
Simcha Preschool
Lic #444417183
3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos
831-479-3449
[email protected]
simchapreschool.org
Come experience our thriving, nurturing, play-based program that features an emergent, anti-bias curriculum tailored to your children’s passions and interests! Simcha (meaning “joy” in Hebrew) Preschool is known for its dedicated and knowledgeable teachers who foster children’s social emotional skills, independence, and creative ideas. Everyone loves our beautiful outdoor and indoor facilities. Thank you for voting us Best Preschool Runner Up in 2023! Full-day and half-day schedules, low child/teacher ratios, and 3, 4 or 5-day schedules are offered for children ages 2-5. Ask about our TK/K classroom! Welcoming to all, we are proud of our over 40-year tradition of sharing Jewish values. Come join our Simcha Preschool family! Open year-round, 7:30am-5:20pm. Call 831-479-3449 or email Director Caitlin Clancy at [email protected] to learn more!
Tara Redwood School
Preschool to Elementary
5810 Prescott Road, Soquel
Tel. 831.462.9632
[email protected]
tararedwoodschool.org
Lic#444417000
Tara Redwood School’s curriculum is a blend of Montessori and Creating Compassionate Cultures (CCC), offering a global focus that follows an original framework known as the 7 Steps to Knowledge, Strength and Compassion developed over 30 years. The PK curriculum focuses on supporting the development of the students’ emotional intelligence through mindfulness, discussion, and practice in real life situations. Our Preschool Village Campus is conveniently located in sunny Soquel. We value the importance of outdoor learning experience; students visit our Redwood Campus daily, located in the forest at Land of Medicine Buddha just minutes from the Village Campus. PK-24 MO-4YRS.
SERVICES
Alison K. Jackson, DDS
Children’s Dentistry
7545 Soquel Dr, Aptos
831.662.2900
santacruzkidsdentist.com
We are seeing NEW PATIENTS! Dr. Jackson provides comprehensive dentistry in a caring environment for children of all ages. We are preventive-dentistry oriented and very thorough in our evaluations and consultations. Our office provides individualized care for your child’s specific needs. We have a 24-hour emergency service available for all of our patients.
Dientes Community Dental Care
1830 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz
1500 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz
100 Pioneer Street, Suite D, Santa Cruz
55 Penny Lane, Suite 103, Watsonville
1430 Freedom Blvd., Suite C, Watsonville
dientes.org
Dientes is accepting new patients ages 0-18! With five locations, Dientes is the largest provider of high-quality, affordable dental care in Santa Cruz County. We practice whole family dentistry including children, adults, and seniors. From exams and x-rays to cleanings, sealants, fillings, and root canals, we make great smiles accessible to everyone. We accept Medi-Cal and offer sliding-scale fees for uninsured patients. Plus, we’re proudly bilingual—¡Se habla Español! As a non-profit dental provider for over 30 years, Dientes provides dignity through dentistry.
“As a parent, you want to see your kids smile and know that they’re not gonna have dental issues — this gives me piece of mind. Dientes makes that possible.” -Nui, parent of two
Drawn2Art Studios
19C Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, Aptos
831.661.5652
drawn2artclasses.com
[email protected]
Drawn2Art offers a “Free Introductory Art Class,” ages 4 years- Teens/Adults. It is a nice introduction into the program and the student takes home a finished picture. The program is designed to the student’s level of ability, working independently at their own pace/artistic level. Their interests/goals are incorporated into their program. Techniques are taught and based in a traditional/classical approach, learning to use different mediums and working in different subject matter. Regular classes are available throughout the week/week-end; broken-into two different age groups. Homeschool Classes are Offered. Learn about our fun Seasonal Camps. Summer Camps are Coming! Call us at: 831.661.5652 or email: [email protected]. Sign-Up Now for Educational fun! We hope to see you soon!
First 5 Santa Cruz County
831.465.2217
First5scc.org
First 5 Santa Cruz County promotes the healthy development of children from birth to age 5. Parents and caregivers of newborns can contact First 5 to receive a free “Kit for New Parents” with parenting videos, children’s books, information on caring for babies and local resources. First 5 also offers parenting support through the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, a world-renowned program that strengthens families by building positive relationships. To find Triple P classes or quick tips, visit triplep.first5scc.org or Facebook.
Jim Booth Swim School
Watsonville
831.722.3500
Jimboothswimschool.com
Be a water wonder! Lessons for all ages! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to our adult beginner class. The whole family can splash together at Jim Booth Swim School. Little Otters is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree indoor pool that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, well-qualified teachers. Developmental swim team and advanced swim lessons will be offered at our outdoor pool located in Watsonville at Toadal fitness. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School!
Junebug’s Gym
3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2, Santa Cruz
831.464.BUGS (2847)
JuneBugsGym.com
June Bug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. We have a caring, respectful, and supportive staff that encourages every child in their growth of large motor skills and gymnastics along with social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our goals for our students are to help them feel control and empowerment in their bodies, to build self-esteem through success, to open up imaginations, and to feel confidence and joy in their exploration of movement.
Music Together/MusicalMe, Inc.
Locations throughout Santa Cruz
and Santa Clara County
Call/Text: 831-332-9002
[email protected]
musicalme.com
Music Together® nurtures your child’s natural musicality through joyful, developmentally appropriate music-making—where grownups and children learn side by side. Each class includes singing, movement, and instrument play that supports the whole child, building listening, language, confidence, coordination, and social connection. With our award-winning curriculum and take-home materials, the music (and learning) continues at home—making everyday moments more fun and meaningful. No musical experience is needed, and every child can participate at their own pace. Come create lasting memories and a strong foundation for learning through music!
Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center
2750 Soquel Ave # B, Santa Cruz
831.462.0655
scgym.com
At Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center our mission is to build a community of people that all support each other’s growth, learning, safety and development through our love of gymnastics and fun. From preschool to competitive programs, kids will learn skills such as rolls, handstands, and cartwheels. We also focus on age-appropriate school readiness skills such as waiting in line, sharing, taking turns, and color/number/shape recognition. We know that every child can benefit from gymnastics, physically, emotionally and cognitively so we offer something for everyone. Check out our website for more information and class registration!