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Preschools · Long Beach, CA/Updated June 13, 2026

The 9 Best Preschools in Long Beach, CA

Choosing the right preschool in Long Beach can shape your child's early development. Avoid missteps by knowing what to look for.

Editorially independent9 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceNature's Edge Child Development Center
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 9 Long Beach-metro preschools businesses evaluated, top 9 ranked by Vetted Score.

Finding a great preschool in Long Beach is crucial for your child's early education. The wrong choice can lead to a lack of engagement and developmental delays. With a thin market of providers, many parents are unsure where to turn.

We evaluated nine preschools in the area, focusing on their Vetted Scores derived from real reviews. Our list highlights those that are not just popular, but also well-reviewed by parents.

9preschools evaluated in Long Beach
4.79average rating across the field
71customer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does preschools cost in Long Beach? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
96Score

Nature's Edge Child Development Center

★★★★★5.0(15 reviews)

With a perfect 5-star rating from 15 reviews, Nature's Edge Child Development Center is highly praised for its nurturing environment and engaging curriculum.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Great Beginnings Preschool

★★★★★5.0(8 reviews)

Great Beginnings Preschool has earned a 5-star rating based on 8 reviews, showcasing its affordability and quality education.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Kidz First Academy

★★★★★5.0(8 reviews)

Kidz First Academy holds a 5-star rating with 8 reviews, making it a popular choice among parents.

Read full review

All 9, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
5.0★★★★★
15Parents looking for a nurturing and engaging preschool experience
2
95Score
5.0★★★★★
8Families seeking a budget-friendly preschool with quality education
3
Kidz First Academy
Kidz First Academy
Most Reviewed
94Score
5.0★★★★★
8Parents who value interactive learning and a caring staff
4
89Score
5.0★★★★★
4Parents seeking personalized attention for their children
5
88Score
5.0★★★★★
4Parents who prioritize a warm and stimulating atmosphere
6
84Score
4.6★★★★★
9Families looking for a community-focused preschool experience
7
83Score
4.7★★★★★
6Parents interested in a Montessori-style education
8
82Score
4.5★★★★★
11Families looking for a standard preschool experience
9
79Score
4.3★★★★★
6Families seeking a preschool with religious values
Methodology

How we evaluated all 9 preschools.

To rank the preschools, we analyzed their ratings and the number of reviews. Each provider was scored on a scale from 0 to 100, reflecting the quality of service based on parent feedback. We believe transparency is key, so no business paid for their placement on our list.

Our evaluations are updated monthly to ensure you receive the most current information. This helps parents make informed decisions about their child's early education.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Nature's Edge Child Development Center

★★★★★5.0(15 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect 5-star rating from 15 reviews, Nature's Edge Child Development Center is highly praised for its nurturing environment and engaging curriculum. Parents appreciate the dedicated staff and the hands-on learning experiences offered to children. One drawback is the limited review base, which may make some parents hesitant, but the feedback so far is overwhelmingly positive.

Pros

  • Nurturing environment
  • Engaging curriculum
  • Dedicated staff

Cons

  • Limited review base
  • Newer establishment
Best forParents looking for a nurturing and engaging preschool experience
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$800 to $1,200 per month
2
Best Value

Great Beginnings Preschool

★★★★★5.0(8 reviews)
95Score

Great Beginnings Preschool has earned a 5-star rating based on 8 reviews, showcasing its affordability and quality education. Parents highlight the supportive staff and structured activities that foster learning. However, the small number of reviews may leave some parents wanting more feedback before making a decision. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is families seeking a budget-friendly preschool with quality education. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $700 to $1,000 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review base and fewer extracurricular options.

Pros

  • Affordable tuition
  • Supportive staff
  • Structured activities

Cons

  • Limited review base
  • Fewer extracurricular options
Best forFamilies seeking a budget-friendly preschool with quality education
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$700 to $1,000 per month
3
Most Reviewed

Kidz First Academy

★★★★★5.0(8 reviews)
94Score

Kidz First Academy holds a 5-star rating with 8 reviews, making it a popular choice among parents. Reviewers commend the interactive learning methods and caring educators. While the number of reviews is promising, it still leaves room for a more established reputation in the community. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is parents who value interactive learning and a caring staff. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $750 to $1,100 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are promising but unproven reputation and limited extracurricular activities.

Pros

  • Interactive learning methods
  • Caring educators
  • Positive environment

Cons

  • Promising but unproven reputation
  • Limited extracurricular activities
Best forParents who value interactive learning and a caring staff
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$750 to $1,100 per month
4

Edgewater Preschool Long Beach, CA

★★★★★5.0(4 reviews)
89Score

Edgewater Preschool has a solid 5-star rating from 4 reviews, with parents praising its friendly atmosphere and individualized attention. While many appreciate the small class sizes, the limited number of reviews may not provide a complete picture of its quality. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is parents seeking personalized attention for their children. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $800 to $1,200 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very few reviews and limited facilities.

Pros

  • Friendly atmosphere
  • Individualized attention
  • Small class sizes

Cons

  • Very few reviews
  • Limited facilities
Best forParents seeking personalized attention for their children
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$800 to $1,200 per month
5

Little Owl School

★★★★★5.0(4 reviews)
88Score

Little Owl School also has a perfect 5-star rating from 4 reviews, with parents highlighting the caring staff and stimulating environment. However, the lack of a broader review base makes it difficult to gauge its overall reputation and reliability. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is parents who prioritize a warm and stimulating atmosphere. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $700 to $1,000 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and small facility.

Pros

  • Caring staff
  • Stimulating environment
  • Focus on development

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Small facility
Best forParents who prioritize a warm and stimulating atmosphere
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$700 to $1,000 per month
6

Belmont Shore Children's Center

★★★★★4.6(9 reviews)
84Score

Belmont Shore Children's Center has a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews. Parents appreciate the diverse activities and community feel. However, some express concerns about the school's age and facilities, which may not meet everyone's expectations. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is families looking for a community-focused preschool experience. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $800 to $1,200 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are older facilities and mixed reviews.

Pros

  • Diverse activities
  • Community feel
  • Experienced staff

Cons

  • Older facilities
  • Mixed reviews
Best forFamilies looking for a community-focused preschool experience
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$800 to $1,200 per month
7

Wee Care Montessori Center

★★★★★4.7(6 reviews)
83Score

Wee Care Montessori Center has a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews, with parents praising its Montessori approach and engaging curriculum. While the reviews are positive, the limited number may leave some parents wanting more comprehensive feedback before enrolling. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is parents interested in a Montessori-style education. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $900 to $1,300 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and higher pricing.

Pros

  • Montessori approach
  • Engaging curriculum
  • Dedicated teachers

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Higher pricing
Best forParents interested in a Montessori-style education
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$900 to $1,300 per month
8

Oak Tree Preschool & Kindergarten

★★★★★4.5(11 reviews)
82Score

Oak Tree Preschool & Kindergarten has a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews. Parents appreciate the caring environment and structured learning. However, the mixed feedback means it's wise to visit and assess if it aligns with your family's needs. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is families looking for a standard preschool experience. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $800 to $1,200 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are mixed reviews and standard curriculum.

Pros

  • Caring environment
  • Structured learning
  • Experienced staff

Cons

  • Mixed reviews
  • Standard curriculum
Best forFamilies looking for a standard preschool experience
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$800 to $1,200 per month
9

St. Paul's Lutheran Preschool Long Beach

★★★★★4.3(6 reviews)
79Score

St. Paul's Lutheran Preschool has a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews. Parents appreciate the religious aspect and community involvement. However, the limited number of reviews may not provide a full understanding of the overall quality. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is families seeking a preschool with religious values. It serves Long Beach, CA, with $700 to $1,000 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are few reviews and limited curriculum options.

Pros

  • Community involvement
  • Religious education
  • Supportive staff

Cons

  • Few reviews
  • Limited curriculum options
Best forFamilies seeking a preschool with religious values
Service areaLong Beach, CA
Typical pricing$700 to $1,000 per month
Before you book

How to choose a preschool in Long Beach

Selecting the right preschool involves careful consideration of several factors. Here are key points to guide your decision.

Check Reviews and Ratings

Look for preschools with a strong track record of positive reviews. Ratings reflect parent satisfaction and can indicate the quality of care and education.

Visit the Facility

Tour potential preschools to assess the environment. Pay attention to cleanliness, safety, and how staff interact with children.

Evaluate the Curriculum

Inquire about the curriculum and teaching methods. A good preschool should offer a mix of play-based learning and structured activities.

What it costs

What preschools cost in Long Beach

Basic Care$300 to $500 per month for minimal educational programming.
Standard Programs$500 to $800 per month, including structured learning and activities.
Advanced Curriculum$800 to $1,200 per month for specialized programs with a focus on early academic skills.
Full-Day Care$1,200 to $1,800 per month for full-day services with extended hours.

Frequently asked questions

How much does preschool cost in Long Beach?

Preschool costs in Long Beach typically range from $600 to $1,200 per month, depending on the specific program and services offered.

What is the average rating of preschools in Long Beach?

The average rating of preschools in Long Beach is around 4.5 stars, with most providers having fewer than 50 reviews.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Long Beach families: <strong>Nature's Edge Child Development Center</strong>

Call Nature's Edge Child Development Center first for a well-rounded experience. If you seek a smaller program with a tight-knit community, Great Beginnings Preschool may be your best bet. Alternatively, for a focus on structured learning, Kidz First Academy is a solid choice.