Best Private Preschools in Los Angeles: The 2026–27 Insider's Admissions Calendar!
If you have a toddler in Los Angeles, you've probably already heard the whispers at the playground: "Have you toured yet?" "Did you get your application in?" For many LA families, fall is preschool admissions season, and the best private preschools in Los Angeles fill their classes for fall 2027 during tours and open houses happening right now.
The good news? You don't need insider connections to get this right. You need a plan, a calendar, and reliable information. So we did the legwork. We checked each school's own admissions pages for 20 top private preschools and early-childhood programs across the Westside, Hollywood, the San Fernando Valley, and Pasadena, and we pulled together a month-by-month open house and application deadline calendar for the 2026–27 admissions season.
Every date, tuition figure, and deadline below comes straight from the school's own website. When a school hasn't posted something yet, we say so plainly rather than guess. Bookmark this page, share it with your co-parent, and let's find the right fit for your little one.
Quick Answer: The Best Private Preschools in Los Angeles at a Glance
Short on time? Here's our cheat sheet of standout programs by what families are looking for. Full details, tuition, and 2026–27 dates for each school follow below.
Most established early-childhood school: The Center for Early Education in West Hollywood, founded in 1939 and running from toddlers through sixth grade.
Best Reggio-inspired, nature-focused program: The Growing Place in Santa Monica, a nonprofit with three campuses and NAEYC accreditation.
Best progressive preschool-to-eighth-grade path: Westside Neighborhood School and St. Matthew's Parish School, both starting at age 2.
Best bilingual options: Lycée Français de Los Angeles (French-English, from age 2) and International School of Los Angeles (French immersion, from age 3).
Best for a developmental kindergarten year: The Willows Community School in Culver City.
Most distinctive inclusion model: Echo Horizon School, where deaf and hard-of-hearing students learn alongside hearing classmates.
Best Waldorf program: The Westside Waldorf School, now in Santa Monica.
Best in Pasadena: Pacific Oaks Children's School (play-based, since 1945) and Walden School (progressive pre-K).
Best in the Valley: Sierra Canyon School's pre-K in Chatsworth and Valley Beth Shalom's Early Childhood Center in Encino.
How Private Preschool Admissions Work in Los Angeles
LA's private preschool calendar runs on a surprisingly predictable rhythm. Think of it like planting a garden: the work you do in the fall is what blooms in spring.
September to January: Schools host parent tours, open houses, coffees, and information nights. Many require you to submit an inquiry form before you can book a tour.
Mid-November to January: Application deadlines arrive. Several popular programs close as early as November 16 or December 1, 2026.
December to February: Parent interviews, child playdates, and small-group visits. Financial aid applications are usually due in this window too.
February to March: Decisions go out. Several Westside preschools notify families on February 25, 2027, while schools in the Los Angeles Independent Schools consortium send kindergarten-through-12th-grade decisions on March 12, 2027.
A few programs, including Lycée Français de Los Angeles, Pilgrim School's early-education program, and The Westside Waldorf School, admit on a rolling basis. Even there, the most popular age groups can fill early, so it pays to start now.
One more thing that surprises many parents: private schools set their own age cutoffs. California public schools use September 1, but some private programs use August 1, July 1, or even December 31. Always check the birthday cutoff for your child's age group before you fall in love with a school.
Best Private Preschools in Los Angeles: Westside, Santa Monica & Culver City
The Westside has the highest concentration of well-known private preschools in LA, from beach-adjacent nature programs to schools that carry kids all the way through eighth grade.
Ocean Park Campus
401 Ashland Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Ages: Infant through transitional kindergarten (preschool for ages 2½ to 5 at Ocean Park)
Approach: Reggio-inspired, project-based, and nature-focused
Tuition: Preschool $2,625 per month, full day on a 12-month contract (currently posted rate)
Tours: Free 45-minute, adults-only parent tours booked through the school's inquiry form
Apply by: Priority deadline December 1, 2026; regular deadline February 1, 2027
Decisions: February 25, 2027, at 2 p.m.
This Santa Monica nonprofit runs three campuses: Marine Park (1406 Marine Street), Ocean Park, and an Early Childhood Lab School on the Santa Monica College campus. Classrooms follow children's questions into long-term projects, with a lot of time outdoors and parents treated as true partners. Preschool ratios are 1 teacher to 10 children, and the school is accredited by NAEYC, the national early-childhood accreditation body.
Why families love it: Instead of a first-come waitlist, The Growing Place uses a "wait pool" designed to keep classrooms diverse, so families who apply later in the cycle still have a fair shot.
Parent tip: Some spaces are set aside for City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica College, and RAND employees. Tuition assistance is available at Marine Park and the Lab School for Santa Monica residents who work full time, with applications due February 16, 2027. See the Growing Place admissions process for details.
1031 Bienveneda Avenue
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Ages: Little Falcons (age 2), Preschool (age 3), and Pre-K (age 4), with ages reached by August 1, 2027
Approach: Episcopal, play-based, and child-centered, with a structured thread of early literacy and math
Tuition (2026–27): Little Falcons $23,300 half day or $33,000 full day; Preschool $23,300 to $33,000 depending on schedule; Pre-K $36,800
Tours: Early Childhood "Learn & Tour" sessions; fall dates not yet posted, so call (310) 454-1350
Apply by: December 15, 2026 (recommendations due January 8, 2027)
Decisions: February 25, 2027, at 2 p.m.
Founded in 1949, St. Matthew's returned to its Pacific Palisades campus this fall after 20 months away. Its early-childhood classes are currently in dedicated temporary classrooms with their own playgrounds. The brand-new Little Falcons program is a gentle three-hour morning for 2-year-olds, five days a week.
Why families love it: It's one of the few Westside schools where a 2-year-old can start in a play-based classroom and stay through eighth grade, with an Early Years Learning Specialist who helps children move from Pre-K into kindergarten.
Parent tip: A playgroup visit is required for the three early-childhood programs, and need-based financial aid applications for new families are due January 29, 2027. Find everything on the St. Matthew's inquire and visit page.
509 Higuera Street
Culver City, CA 90232
Ages: Developmental Kindergarten (DK) for children who turn 4 by September 1
Approach: Progressive and hands-on, with social-emotional learning, organic gardening, arts, robotics, and maker projects
Tuition (2026–27): DK $36,025, plus a $1,400 student services fee
Tours: Weekday and Saturday tours through December, 9:30 to 11 a.m., plus coffees, a virtual specialists night, and a family education night (see our calendar below)
Apply by: December 18, 2026 ($150 application fee)
Next step: DK group assessments on February 12, 2027
Founded in 1994, The Willows is known for its developmental kindergarten, a bridge year that gives young 4- and 5-year-olds time to build confidence before kindergarten. Learning is assessed by portfolio rather than tests, and each year includes a one-week, mixed-age "Intersession."
Why families love it: The school is genuinely committed to access. About 19% of students receive need-based aid totaling $2.9 million, and parent interviews are offered in English and Spanish.
Parent tip: Evaluation forms from your child's current preschool are due January 8, 2027, so give your child's teachers a heads-up before winter break. Start with the Willows DK admissions process.
3430 McManus Avenue
Culver City, CA 90232
Ages: Pre-K through sixth grade
Approach: A "Best of Both Worlds" blend of purposeful play and strong foundational skills
Tuition (2026–27): Pre-K $36,055, plus a $2,000 new-student fee
Tours: Open House Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 8:40 to 10:45 a.m.; campus tours October 22 and 29, November 12, December 10, January 14, February 9, and February 25; Prospective Parent Night November 4, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Apply by: Priority deadline November 30, 2026; final deadline December 10, 2026
Decisions: March 12, 2027
Founded in 1983, Echo Horizon is a warm, close-knit Culver City school with an outdoor learning pond, garden, and pergola. About 15% of its students are deaf or hard of hearing, and they learn right alongside hearing classmates through the school's Echo Center co-enrollment model.
Why families love it: Kids grow up with inclusion as an everyday reality rather than a lesson plan, which many parents see as a lifelong gift.
Parent tip: Pre-K assessments are on January 9, 2027. Register for every event through the Echo Horizon visit page.
5340 Alla Road
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Ages: Toddler (new, starting January 2027), Preschool (age 2 by the first day of school), and DK (age 4 by August 1)
Approach: Hands-on, project-based learning built around a growth mindset
Tuition (2026–27): Preschool $36,000 (regular year) or $44,000 (extended year through July); DK $39,500
Tours: Toddler–Preschool tours October 6 and 21, November 5, December 1, January 7, and February 3, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Apply by: Priority deadline December 4, 2026; general deadline January 8, 2027
Decisions: February 25, 2027, at 2 p.m.
Founded in 1980, WNS runs full-day, five-day programs from toddlers through eighth grade. Preschool classes have 10 to 14 children with two teachers, and DK classes have 15 to 16 children with two teachers.
Why families love it: The optional extended year through the end of July is a lifesaver for working parents who don't want to piece together summer camps for a 3-year-old.
Parent tip: Tuition assistance applications are due February 1, 2027. The WNS admission process and dates page lists separate tour dates for DK through eighth grade.
O'Neill Campus
1439 15th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Ages: Parent-Child classes (2 months to 3 years), Preschool (2½ to 4), and Kindergarten (4 to 6)
Approach: Waldorf: rhythm, imaginative play, storytelling, art, and music, with no screens
Tuition: Preschool $25,909 to $33,075 per year depending on half or full days and three, four, or five days a week (currently posted rates)
Tours: Fall 2026 early-childhood tour dates not yet posted; email admissions@wswaldorf.org
Apply by: Rolling admissions, year-round
After the January 2025 Palisades Fire destroyed its Pacific Palisades campus, The Westside Waldorf School moved its early-childhood program to Santa Monica. The Waldorf day is slow and intentional, with outdoor play, baking, songs, and handwork woven into a predictable rhythm young children find deeply reassuring.
Why families love it: If you're looking for a gentle, screen-free start that protects childhood rather than rushing academics, this is one of LA's most established Waldorf options.
Parent tip: Parent-Child classes ($30 to $45 per class) are a low-pressure way to experience the school before you apply. Learn more on the Westside Waldorf early childhood page.
3261 Overland Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Ages: Junior Preschool (age 2 by December 31), Preschool (age 3 by December 31, potty-trained), and K1 (age 4)
Approach: Bilingual French-English education blending French and American teaching styles
Tuition (2026–27): Junior Preschool $15,600 (three days) or $22,880 (five days); Preschool and K1 $27,970
Tours: Open houses at 9 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026, Thursday, November 5, 2026, and Thursday, January 14, 2027, plus private tours and Zoom calls
Apply by: Year-round; the school recommends applying about a year before fall entry
Celebrating 60 years in Los Angeles, the Lycée immerses even its youngest students in two languages, with teachers alternating between French and English throughout the day. Junior Preschool classes have two teachers at a 1-to-6 ratio.
Why families love it: Kids become comfortable in a second language during the years when language comes most naturally, and families don't need to speak French at home.
Parent tip: The December 31 birthday cutoff is later than California's public-school cutoff, which can place fall-birthday children in a different grade than they would be in public school. Register on the Lycée tours and open houses page and confirm which Overland Avenue building your child's class will use.
330 Charles E. Young Drive North
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Ages: Early Childhood I for ages 4 to 5 (for 2027–28, birthdays from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023)
Approach: UCLA's research school, where children are selected from randomized lists based on the school's research needs, not their skills
Tuition (2026–27): $37,903 for new students, with tuition support available
Visits: A campus visit is required after applying; visit dates are October 15 and 22, November 18, and December 9 and 17, 2026
Apply: Application opened September 21, 2026
Decisions: March 12, 2027
UCLA Lab School is a one-of-a-kind option on the UCLA campus. There's no 2s or 3s program here, so it's a pre-K entry point for families who want a research-based, university-connected school.
Why families love it: Because admission isn't based on a child's skills, there's no pressure to "prep" a 3-year-old for an assessment.
Parent tip: Financial aid applications open October 9, 2026, and are due January 8, 2027. Start at the UCLA Lab School admissions hub.
Mann Family ECC
11661 W. Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Ages: 18 months (Glazer campus) and 2-year-olds through Pre-K/TK/DK
Approach: Play-based, NAEYC-accredited, and rooted in Jewish values
Tuition (2026–27): Mann and Resnick campuses $25,315 (2s through 4s) or $34,295 (TK/DK); Glazer campus from $21,510
Tours: Monthly fall tours at 9:30 a.m. (about 90 minutes), booked through the inquiry form
Apply by: December 1, 2026 (Mann and Resnick); the Glazer campus admits on a rolling basis
Decisions: The last Thursday in February (February 25, 2027) at 2 p.m.
Wilshire Boulevard Temple runs three early-childhood centers: the Mann Family ECC in West LA, the Resnick Family ECC in Brentwood (11960 Sunset Boulevard), and the Erika J Glazer ECC in Koreatown (3663 Wilshire Boulevard). Lunch is included, the school doesn't use time-outs, and children don't need to be potty-trained.
Why families love it: Three campuses across the city make it easier to find a location that fits your commute.
Parent tip: The school's FAQ notes that preschool enrollment requires temple membership and at least one Jewish parent or guardian, with priority for members and siblings. Tuition assistance is due December 4, 2026. See the WBT ECC key dates page.
15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90077
Ages: Baby & Me through preschool for ages 2 to 5, including a Hebrew Immersion track for ages 3 to 5
Approach: Hands-on, constructivist learning within a Jewish framework, developed with USC's Rossier School of Education
Tuition: Not posted; contact the school
Tours: Early-childhood tour dates not yet posted
Apply by: Priority for applications submitted by January of the year your child will attend; rolling after that
Stephen Wise Temple's early-childhood center sits on more than two acres just off Mulholland Drive in Bel Air. Its new campus includes 3,100 square feet of learning gardens, including a sensory garden and a "Nurture Garden" for animal care, plus an art studio, a tinker space, and a teaching kitchen.
Why families love it: Few preschools anywhere offer this much purpose-built outdoor and hands-on space for 2- to 5-year-olds.
Parent tip: Stephen Wise Temple membership is required, and school days run 9 a.m. to noon or 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with early care from 7:30 a.m. Visit the Aaron Milken Center admissions page.
Best Private Preschools in Hollywood, West Hollywood & Central LA
From one of LA's oldest early-childhood schools to a Koreatown campus founded in 1958, these central-city programs are worth a look for families in Hancock Park, Larchmont, Hollywood, Los Feliz, and Mid-Wilshire.
563 N. Alfred Street
West Hollywood, CA 90048
Ages: Toddler (born before July 1, 2025), Early Childhood 1, and Early Childhood 2, continuing through sixth grade
Approach: Developmental, with indoor and outdoor learning centers and a strong focus on social-emotional growth and inclusion
Tuition (2026–27): $30,162 half day or $36,263 full day
Tours: Open houses and campus tours October through December 2026; parent interviews October 2026 through January 2027
Apply by: November 16, 2026
Decisions: February 4, 2027, at 5 p.m.
Founded in 1939 by psychoanalysts as one of the first preschool programs in Los Angeles, CEE now serves about 540 students from toddlers through sixth grade. Toddler and Early Childhood 1 offer half or full days, while Early Childhood 2 is full day only.
Why families love it: CEE's deep roots in child development mean the program is built around how young children actually grow, not around rushing academics.
Parent tip: CEE has the earliest application deadline in our guide. Submitting the inquiry form opens the applicant portal, so start now. Financial aid opens November 1, 2026, and is due January 15, 2027. Details are on the CEE admissions site.
1233 N. McCadden Place
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Ages: Preschool from age 2 and transitional kindergarten, continuing through sixth grade
Approach: Progressive and inquiry-driven
Tuition (2026–27): Preschool and TK $27,500
Tours: Group tours led by the Director of Admissions; request a date through the school's tour page
Apply by: Priority deadline in December (exact date not posted); 2027–28 applications are open
Hollywood Schoolhouse offers a 6-to-1 student-teacher ratio in early childhood, and its campus includes a pool and gardens. Early-childhood hours run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the campus open from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Why families love it: That low ratio is rare in the heart of Hollywood, and the long campus day works for busy working parents.
Parent tip: The process includes a parent interview (in person or on Zoom) and a child visit day. Need-based aid through FACTS is due December 31. Book on the Hollywood Schoolhouse tour page.
540 S. Commonwealth Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Ages: Toddlers (2 to 3), Preschool (3 to 4), and Junior Kindergarten (4 to 5)
Approach: Child-centered and project-driven, with an emergent curriculum
Tuition (2026–27): Toddler and Preschool $31,150 (12-month program); Junior Kindergarten $28,458 (10-month program)
Tours: Early-education open houses are listed on the school's visit page for October 14, November 18, and December 4; confirm the year when you register
Apply by: Rolling admissions
Founded in 1958, Pilgrim School is a Koreatown-area independent school that runs from toddlers through 12th grade. Its early-education program moves through three stages, and the school intentionally avoids comparing children with one another.
Why families love it: A true toddler-through-12th-grade campus in central LA means one less school search down the road.
Parent tip: Pilgrim's financial aid covers kindergarten through 12th grade only, not early education, so budget accordingly. Register through the Pilgrim visit page.
7300 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Ages: 18 months to 5 years (children must be 2 by September 1 to apply)
Approach: Play-based, emergent, and outdoor learning in a Jewish setting
Tuition (2026–27): $19,235 half day (8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) or $24,140 full day (8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Tours: 2026–27 dates not yet posted; call (323) 876-8330, ext. 5000
Apply by: 2027–28 deadlines not yet posted
Bay-Nimoy runs an 11-month school year, September through July, which is a real plus for families who want continuity through early summer. It's one of the more accessible price points among the established preschools in our guide.
Why families love it: A warm, community feel just below the Hollywood Hills, with plenty of outdoor learning.
Parent tip: Temple membership pricing includes first-year perks for new preschool families, and grants are awarded through SSS. See the Bay-Nimoy tuition page.
Best Private Preschools in the San Fernando Valley
Valley families have strong options too, from a pre-K program at one of LA's best-known college-prep schools to French immersion in Tarzana.
Lower Campus, 11052 Independence Avenue
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Ages: Pre-K (age 4 by August 1)
Approach: "Learning forward," meeting each child where they are, with character education and differentiated reading and math
Tuition (2026–27): Pre-K $29,150
Tours: Lower Campus Preview on Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10 to 11:30 a.m.; Coffee for Lower School families on Tuesday, December 1, 9:45 to 11:15 a.m.; private weekday tours by appointment
Apply by: December 15, 2026 (sibling applications October 15)
Decisions: March 12, 2027, at 5 p.m.
Sierra Canyon's pre-K runs 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., with about 20 students per class led by a lead teacher and a full-time assistant. The Lower Campus reports an 8-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, and before- and after-care are available.
Why families love it: Pre-K is a direct on-ramp to a respected pre-K through 12th grade college-prep school, without a second admissions process at kindergarten.
Parent tip: Pre-K assessments and interviews are January 23 and February 6, 2027. The school's aid information refers to kindergarten through 12th grade, so ask admissions whether pre-K families qualify. Start on the Sierra Canyon How to Apply page.
West Valley Campus, 5933 Lindley Avenue
Tarzana, CA 91356
Ages: Preschool (age 3 by December 31) and Pre-K (age 4 by December 31), fully toilet-trained
Approach: French immersion following the French Ministry of Education curriculum, adapted for a bilingual setting
Tuition (2026–27): $23,840 in installments or $23,340 prepaid
Tours: "Discover LILA" events and campus tours booked through the inquiry page; dates not posted
Apply by: November 30 (per the school's admissions page)
Decisions: Offer letters in mid-March, after family interviews in February
Formerly known as Le Lycée International de Los Angeles, the school now goes by International School of Los Angeles. Its West Valley campus has separate buildings and a playground just for preschool and pre-K, plus a pool, soccer field, and chicken coop. Preschool is also offered at the Los Feliz and Pasadena campuses, and a class for 2-year-olds is available at Los Feliz only.
Why families love it: Children become bilingual even if nobody at home speaks French, with a path that can continue all the way to a French or IB diploma.
Parent tip: The school's own financial aid is generally for grades 1 through 12. Start with the LILA inquiry page to book a Discover LILA event.
15739 Ventura Boulevard
Encino, CA 91436
Ages: 18 months through TK, plus an Infant-Toddler & Family Center
Approach: Child-centered, play-based, and inquiry-driven, with long-term projects and Jewish values
Tuition: Published each January
Tours: Small-group tours begin this fall; join the interest list through the inquiry form
Apply by: See the 2027–28 enrollment timeline on the ECC page
VBS has a full-time Outdoor Classroom Specialist and Art Studio Specialist, and its Discovery Yard outdoor classroom lets children work with real tools. Younger classes run half day (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or full day (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), while Pre-K and TK run 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Why families love it: The dedicated outdoor and art specialists give children hands-on, creative time most programs can't match.
Parent tip: VBS synagogue membership is required for the preschool classes through TK, though not for the Infant-Toddler classes. Details are on the VBS ECC FAQ page.
Best Private Preschools in Pasadena & the Eastside
Pasadena is home to one of the most influential preschools in the country, and the Eastside has a beloved community-center program that welcomes families of every background.
714 West California Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91105
Ages: Preschool for ages 2 to 5 (age 2 by September 1), plus a Parent Education program for babies 6 to 23 months
Approach: Progressive, play-based, and emergent, with a pioneering focus on anti-bias education
Tuition: Not posted; need-based scholarships are available after admission
Tours: Offered after you submit an inquiry and the $100 application fee
Apply by: 2027–28 applications are open; deadline not posted
Founded in 1945, Pacific Oaks holds classes in Craftsman houses along "Shady Lane," with big, shaded play yards. It has an artist and a musician in residence plus a children's librarian, and it serves as a training site for Pacific Oaks College students.
Why families love it: Mixed-age classrooms and a deep focus on social skills and peaceful conflict resolution make this a true original in LA early education.
Parent tip: Because tuition and deadlines aren't online, call the school at (626) 529-8011 or start with the Pacific Oaks admissions page.
74 South San Gabriel Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91107
Ages: Pre-K for children at least 3 years old and toilet-trained by the first day of school
Approach: Progressive, whole-child education with mixed-age classes and hands-on play
Tuition (2026–27): Pre-K $28,600 full-time, $21,050 half day, or $19,890 three days a week
Tours: Wednesdays: October 7, 14, and 21; November 4, 11, and 18; December 2 and 9; January 6, 13, and 20
Apply by: Application opens October 5, 2026; due January 29, 2027
Decisions: March 12, 2027
Founded in 1970, Walden sits on a 1.3-acre campus with a playground just for Pre-K. Even the youngest students take specialty classes in music, P.E., dance, science, Spanish, storytelling, and library.
Why families love it: Walden deliberately avoids pushing early academics, focusing instead on social-emotional skills like working through conflicts.
Parent tip: Walden offers flexible, sliding-scale tuition, and about 30% of families pay a reduced rate. Book a Wednesday tour on the Walden tours page.
1110 Bates Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Ages: Age 2 through transitional kindergarten, plus parent-child classes for babies and toddlers
Approach: Play-based and child-centered, with Jewish holidays and a weekly Shabbat sing-along; families of all backgrounds are welcome
Tuition (2026–27): $1,960 per month (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) up to $2,535 per month (8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Tours: 2027–28 tour dates not yet posted
Apply by: The 2027–28 application cycle opens soon; submit the ECE interest form now
The SIJCC, founded in 1951, serves families from Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Echo Park, Highland Park, and across the Eastside. Early learning concepts are woven into everyday play rather than drilled.
Why families love it: It's a genuine neighborhood hub, with a community feel that many Eastside parents say is hard to find elsewhere.
Parent tip: Last year, tours ran monthly in October, November, and December, so watch the SIJCC admissions page for this year's dates.
2026–27 Los Angeles Preschool Open House and Application Deadline Calendar
Here's every confirmed date from the schools above, plus key public-school and kindergarten dates, in one month-by-month view. Most events require advance registration through the school's inquiry form, and dates can change, so always confirm on the school's site before you go.
October 2026
October 1 to November 6: LAUSD Choices application window for magnet, dual-language, and other specialized programs, including some TK programs
Monday, October 5: Walden School application opens; Wednesday tours October 7, 14, and 21
Tuesday, October 6: Westside Neighborhood School Toddler–Preschool tour, 9:30 a.m.; LAUSD Choices Fair at Los Angeles High School, 4 to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 8: Lycée Français de Los Angeles open house, 9 a.m.
Thursday, October 8: LAIS Fall Independent School Admissions Fair, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at Pilgrim School (listed on the LAIS events page)
Saturday, October 10: LAUSD Choices Fair at Esteban Torres High School, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 13: Echo Horizon School Open House, 8:40 to 10:45 a.m.; LAUSD Choices Fair at Gardena High School, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
October 15 & 22: UCLA Lab School applicant visits
Friday, October 16: Taste of The Willows, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21: Westside Neighborhood School Toddler–Preschool tour
October 22 & 29: Echo Horizon campus tours
Wednesday, October 28: Coffee with the Head of School at The Willows, 9:30 a.m.
November 2026
Sunday, November 1: The Center for Early Education financial aid opens
Wednesday, November 4: Echo Horizon Prospective Parent Night, 6 to 8:30 p.m.; Walden tours November 4, 11, and 18
Thursday, November 5: Lycée Français open house, 9 a.m.; Westside Neighborhood School Toddler–Preschool tour
Friday, November 6: LAUSD Choices on-time application deadline
Thursday, November 12: Echo Horizon campus tour
Saturday, November 14: Sierra Canyon Lower Campus Preview, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Monday, November 16: The Center for Early Education application deadline
Wednesday, November 18: UCLA Lab School visit; The Willows virtual Meet the Specialists, 7 p.m.
Monday, November 30: Echo Horizon priority deadline; International School of Los Angeles preschool deadline (per its admissions page)
December 2026
Tuesday, December 1: The Growing Place priority deadline; Wilshire Boulevard Temple ECC (Mann and Resnick) deadline; Westside Neighborhood School tour; Sierra Canyon Lower School coffee
December 2 & 9: Walden School tours
Friday, December 4: Westside Neighborhood School priority deadline; Wilshire Boulevard Temple tuition assistance deadline
Wednesday, December 9: UCLA Lab School visit; Coffee with the Head of School at The Willows
Thursday, December 10: Echo Horizon final deadline and campus tour
Tuesday, December 15: St. Matthew's Parish School and Sierra Canyon application deadlines
Thursday, December 17: UCLA Lab School visit
Friday, December 18: The Willows application deadline
December (date not posted): Hollywood Schoolhouse priority deadline
January 2027
January 6, 13 & 20: Walden School tours
Thursday, January 7: Westside Neighborhood School Toddler–Preschool tour
Friday, January 8: Westside Neighborhood School general deadline; UCLA Lab School financial aid deadline; The Willows teacher evaluations due; St. Matthew's recommendations due
Saturday, January 9: Echo Horizon Pre-K assessment
Thursday, January 14: Lycée Français open house, 9 a.m.; Echo Horizon campus tour
Friday, January 15: The Center for Early Education financial aid deadline
Wednesday, January 20: The Willows Family Education Night, 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 23: Sierra Canyon pre-K assessments and interviews (also February 6)
Friday, January 29: Walden School application deadline; St. Matthew's financial aid deadline
February 2027
Monday, February 1: The Growing Place regular deadline; Westside Neighborhood School tuition assistance deadline
Wednesday, February 3: Westside Neighborhood School Toddler–Preschool tour
Thursday, February 4: The Center for Early Education decisions, 5 p.m.
Friday, February 12: The Willows DK group assessments
Tuesday, February 16: The Growing Place tuition assistance deadline
Thursday, February 25: Decision day at 2 p.m. for St. Matthew's, Westside Neighborhood School, The Growing Place, and Wilshire Boulevard Temple ECC
March 2027
Tuesday, March 2: St. Matthew's and Westside Neighborhood School enrollment contracts due
Thursday, March 4: The Growing Place contracts and deposits due, noon
Friday, March 12: Decisions from UCLA Lab School, Echo Horizon, Walden, and Sierra Canyon, plus the Los Angeles Independent Schools shared notification date for kindergarten through 12th grade
Friday, March 19: Reply deadline for most March 12 offers, noon
Applying to Kindergarten Next Year? Key Deadlines at Top LA Independent Schools
If your child is already 4, you may be applying to kindergarten this cycle rather than preschool. The Los Angeles Independent Schools consortium, a group of more than 60 area schools, sends decisions for fall 2027 on Friday, March 12, 2027, with replies due Friday, March 19, 2027, at noon. Here are kindergarten deadlines for several well-known K–12 and elementary schools:
Carlthorp School: Application deadline November 1, 2026, with all materials due January 8, 2027
John Thomas Dye School: Applications opened September 29, 2026, and are capped at 70 boys and 70 girls, a cap the school often reaches within the same week
The Buckley School: Lower School open house October 17, 2026; priority deadline November 9; regular deadline December 8, 2026
Chandler School: Open House Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 9 a.m.; early deadline November 6, 2026; standard deadline January 8, 2027
Polytechnic School: Kindergarten deadline Friday, December 11, 2026
Campbell Hall: Elementary open house October 16; guaranteed-interview deadline November 16; general deadline December 16, 2026
Oakwood School: Priority deadline November 20, 2026; final deadline December 18, 2026
Laurence School: Parent visits October 12 and 27, November 12, and December 2; new-family deadline December 21, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Mayfield Junior School: Early deadline December 16, 2026; regular deadline January 15, 2027
Chadwick School: Hands-On Kindergarten event November 7, 2026; deadline January 4, 2027
Rolling Hills Country Day School: Priority deadline January 31, 2027
For a head start on the social and emotional side of that big transition, see our 12 tips for preparing your child for kindergarten. And if you're curious about life at LA's most prestigious campuses, our look at the role of uniforms in Los Angeles private schools is a fun read.
How Much Does Private Preschool Cost in Los Angeles in 2026–27?
Based on the tuition these schools post for 2026–27, full-time private preschool and pre-K in Los Angeles typically runs from the low $20,000s to the mid-$30,000s for a standard school year, and more for year-round schedules. On the lower end, Bay-Nimoy's half-day program is $19,235. At the top, UCLA Lab School's early-childhood tuition is $37,903, and Westside Neighborhood School's extended-year preschool, which runs through July, is $44,000.
Budget for one-time costs too. New-student fees, enrollment deposits, security fees, and parent-association dues commonly add $1,500 to $5,000 in the first year. Monthly-billed programs like The Growing Place ($2,625 per month) and the SIJCC ($1,960 to $2,535 per month) run on 12-month or monthly models, so compare annual totals carefully.
Kindergarten at an independent elementary or K–12 school is another jump. For example, The Center for Early Education lists $42,945 for kindergarten through sixth grade, and Campbell Hall lists $48,700 for 2026–27.
Financial aid: Many schools offer need-based aid through services like Clarity, FAST, FACTS, or SSS. Just know that some schools, including Pilgrim and International School of Los Angeles, limit school-funded aid to older grades. Ask each school directly whether aid applies to its preschool years.
Private Preschool vs. Free TK: What California's Universal TK Means for Your Family
Here's something many LA parents don't realize: since the 2025–26 school year, California requires public school districts to offer transitional kindergarten to every child who turns 4 by September 1. For fall 2027, that means a fourth birthday on or before September 1, 2027. According to the California Department of Education's TK FAQ, TK is optional, and districts must average at least one adult for every 10 TK students.
So paying for a private pre-K year is now a choice rather than the only route. Many families still choose private pre-K for smaller classes, a specific philosophy, a longer day, or a smoother path into a private K–12 school. Others save a year of tuition with public TK and apply to private kindergarten instead.
If you're weighing LAUSD options, mark these dates. LAUSD's Choices program accepts 2027–28 applications for magnet, dual-language, and other specialized programs from October 1 through Friday, November 6, 2026, and not every Choices elementary program offers TK. LAUSD is hosting in-person Choices Fairs on Tuesday, October 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Los Angeles High School (4650 W. Olympic Boulevard); Saturday, October 10, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Esteban Torres High School (4211 Dozier Street); and Tuesday, October 13, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Gardena High School (1301 W. 182nd Street). Regular TK and kindergarten enrollment at neighborhood schools has typically opened in mid-March.
Looking for subsidized preschool? The California State Preschool Program serves 3- and 4-year-olds from income-eligible families, and LA County's child care resource and referral agencies, including Connections for Children on the Westside and the Child Care Resource Center in the Valley, can help you find and apply for care.
How to Choose the Right Private Preschool in Los Angeles
The "best" preschool is the one where your child will thrive, and that looks different for every family. Here's how we'd approach it.
Get to Know the Philosophies
Play-based: Children learn through open-ended play, with teachers guiding social and language skills along the way.
Reggio Emilia-inspired: Long-term projects grow out of children's questions, and the classroom itself is treated as a "third teacher."
Montessori: Self-directed work with specially designed materials in mixed-age classrooms.
Waldorf: A predictable daily rhythm, imaginative play, nature, and art, with no screens.
Progressive or developmental: Hands-on, child-centered learning with a strong focus on social-emotional growth.
Language immersion: Daily instruction in a second language, such as French.
Faith-based: Religious traditions and values woven into the school day.
Questions to Ask on Your Tour
What does a typical day look like, and how much of it is spent outdoors?
What are the teacher-to-child ratios, and how long have the lead teachers been here?
How do teachers handle conflicts, big feelings, and separation anxiety at drop-off?
Does my child need to be potty-trained, and what are the birthday cutoffs?
What does tuition include, and what extra fees should we expect in the first year?
Where do most of your graduates go for kindergarten?
Check the School's License and Inspection History
Private preschools in California are typically licensed as child care centers. You can look up any center's license status, inspection reports, and complaint investigations from the past five years on the California Department of Social Services' Community Care Licensing facility search. It takes two minutes and is one of the smartest things you can do before you sign an enrollment contract.
For context, California's Title 22 rules for preschool-age children allow one teacher for up to 12 children, or one teacher plus one aide for up to 15. Many of the private programs in this guide run well below that, which is a big part of what families are paying for.
Build Your Admissions Game Plan
Pick three to six schools that fit your commute, budget, and philosophy. Create a simple spreadsheet with each school's tour date, application deadline, financial aid deadline, and decision date, then work backward. Applying to a mix of schools, including at least one rolling-admission program, gives you a safety net if a favorite doesn't have space.
Takeaway
Choosing among the best private preschools in Los Angeles can feel like a second job, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Tour this fall, apply by early December for the most competitive programs, keep an eye on financial aid deadlines in January and February, and remember that February 25 and March 12, 2027, are the big decision days.
Most of all, trust your instincts on your tours. The right preschool is the one where your child lights up, the teachers truly know the children, and you feel welcome as a parent. We'll keep this guide updated as more schools post their 2026–27 dates, so check back often.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Private Preschools in Los Angeles
1. When should I start applying to private preschools in Los Angeles?
Start in September or October, about a year before your child would enroll. Tours run from fall into winter, and application deadlines for fall 2027 entry fall between November 16, 2026 (The Center for Early Education) and early February 2027 (The Growing Place's regular deadline). Rolling-admission schools accept applications year-round, but popular age groups still fill early.
2. How much does private preschool cost in Los Angeles?
For 2026–27, posted tuition at the schools in our guide ranges from about $19,000 for a half-day program to $44,000 for a full-day, extended-year program, plus one-time fees that often total $1,500 to $5,000. Some schools bill monthly, such as The Growing Place at $2,625 per month.
3. Does my child need to be potty-trained to start private preschool in LA?
It depends on the school. Wilshire Boulevard Temple's early-childhood centers don't require potty training, while Lycée Français de Los Angeles requires it for Preschool, International School of Los Angeles requires full toilet training for preschool and pre-K, and Walden School requires Pre-K students to be toilet-trained by the first day. Always ask on your tour.
4. Is free public TK a good alternative to private pre-K in California?
It can be. Since 2025–26, every California child who turns 4 by September 1 is eligible for free transitional kindergarten at their local public school. Private pre-K may still appeal if you want smaller classes, a specific philosophy like Waldorf or Reggio, a longer or year-round schedule, or a built-in path into a private K–12 school.
5. When do Los Angeles private schools send admissions decisions?
For fall 2027, The Center for Early Education notifies toddler and early-childhood families on February 4, 2027. St. Matthew's, Westside Neighborhood School, The Growing Place, and Wilshire Boulevard Temple ECC send decisions on February 25, 2027. UCLA Lab School, Echo Horizon, Walden, and Sierra Canyon notify families on March 12, 2027, the same day the Los Angeles Independent Schools consortium sends its shared kindergarten-through-12th-grade decisions.
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