Best Private Kindergarten Schools in California for 2025

California’s private kindergarten world is witnessing a shift, with private kindergarten numbers remaining strong, with nearly 43,000 enrolled in the last year, showing parents still seek alternative early-childhood options. In this environment, choosing the best private kindergarten means balancing play-based discovery, class size, curriculum rigor, and community fit. 

Whether you’re drawn to Montessori independence, Waldorf creativity, or academically focused programs, this blog shows the most trusted California private kindergartens schools for 2025 that align early learning with your family’s values and expectations.

Key Takeaways

• California’s private kindergarten enrollment stays strong, with about 43,000 students, showing parents still prefer specialized early learning.

• Top schools like The School House, Harker, and Nueva offer hands-on, creative, and STEM-rich learning paths.

• The School House also supports homeschoolers and micro-schools with its hands-on American Emergent Curriculum.

Understanding Private Kindergarten Schools in California

Private kindergarten schools in California offer families an alternative to public education, often focusing on specialized teaching philosophies, smaller class sizes, and individualized attention. In California, children are eligible to begin kindergarten if they turn 5 years old on or before September 1 of the academic year. 

Some private schools also offer transitional kindergarten (TK) or pre-kindergarten for younger children who may need extra time to prepare. These schools operate independently but must still comply with certain state education and health standards to ensure safe, effective learning environments.

Rules of Private Kindergarten Schools in California

Private kindergartens in California enjoy flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods but must comply with key state laws to ensure student safety and educational quality.

• Mandatory Registration with the State:

All private schools, including kindergarten programs, must file an annual affidavit with the California Department of Education, providing enrollment details, safety protocols, and operational compliance data.

• Health and Immunization Requirements:

Like public schools, private kindergartens must verify that enrolled students meet California’s vaccination requirements, including immunizations against measles, polio, and hepatitis B.

• Curriculum and Instruction Flexibility:

While private kindergartens are not bound by state curriculum standards, they are expected to offer age-appropriate instruction in core areas such as language arts, math, science, and social studies.

• Facility Safety and Emergency Preparedness:

Schools must meet local building codes and fire safety standards, and they are required to maintain up-to-date emergency preparedness plans for situations like earthquakes or fires.

• Teacher Qualification Guidelines:

Teachers in private kindergartens are not mandated to hold California teaching credentials, but many schools voluntarily hire experienced educators with early childhood education backgrounds or certifications.

• Non-Discrimination and Privacy Compliance:

Private schools must adhere to California’s non-discrimination laws and protect student data privacy according to state and federal guidelines like the FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).

Now that we’ve covered the basic details with important regulations, let’s look at some of the best private kindergarten schools in California.

Top 5 Private Kindergarten Schools in California

Ready to find the perfect private kindergarten for your little learner? We've handpicked five outstanding schools in California that offer exceptional learning experiences for young children.

1. The School House 

The School House is an exceptional private kindergarten option because it merges evidence-based, child-centered pedagogy with a traditional American school environment, ensuring a rich and engaging early learning experience. It emphasizes deep learning cycles, integrates arts and outdoor exploration, and fosters community values.

Key Features:

• American Emergent Curriculum: Combines Montessori, Reggio-Emilia, structured work cycles, and project-based learning to promote intellectual, emotional, and physical growth.

• Seed-to-Market Farm Stand: Children design and build real farm infrastructure, learn botany, coding, and entrepreneurship, then manage a weekly produce stand, blending STEM and life skills.

• Tactile Technology Focus: Hands-on tech like AR sandboxes and grow walls let kids explore geography and coding without overexposure to screens.

• Holistic Enrichment: Offers daily outdoor play, team sports, performing arts, and mindfulness, weaving social-emotional learning into the core day.

• Parent & Teacher Collaboration: Monthly workshops and extensive teacher training foster a community approach, accentuating the home-school connection in early childhood.

Best For:

• Value a personalized and flexible approach to education.

• Want a curriculum that develops creativity, critical thinking, and a love of learning.

• Prefer a screen-free learning environment with an emphasis on hands-on activities.

• Seek a supportive community of educators and homeschooling families.

• Desire an affordable and accessible education option.

2. The Harker School

The Harker School is a highly regarded independent school with a strong emphasis on academics, technology, and extracurricular activities. It offers a challenging and enriching learning environment for students from preschool through grade 12.

Key Features

• Rigorous academic program with a focus on STEM and the arts

• State-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, maker spaces, and performing arts centers

• Offers many extracurricular activities like robotics, debate, and music

• Diverse and supportive community with a strong emphasis on character development

Best For: Families seeking a challenging and well-rounded education with a focus on academic excellence and preparation for top universities.

3. Fusion Academy

Fusion Academy stands out as a personalized private school option in California, offering one-to-one teaching that meets each child’s unique learning pace and emotional needs. While best known for middle and high school, some campuses offer lower grades with highly customized kindergarten preparation. Fusion’s nurturing environment, flexible scheduling, and project-based learning approach create a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Key Features

• A one-to-one teaching model where every lesson is personalized for the child’s learning style and pace.

• Emphasis on social-emotional wellness through daily mentoring and mindfulness practices.

• Inclusive, supportive community focused on student mental health and well-being.

• Creative learning spaces including music studios, science labs, and technology hubs.

• Flexible scheduling options allow you to customize learning times and academic calendars.

Best For: Families looking for an individualized, emotionally supportive learning environment that nurtures confidence, creativity, and academic growth in young learners.

4. The Nueva School

The Nueva School is a progressive independent school that emphasizes innovation, creativity, and social justice. It offers a unique learning environment for students from preschool through grade 12.

Key Features

• A learning method where students work on projects that let them follow their interests

• Strong focus on social-emotional learning and character development

• Diverse and inclusive community with a commitment to equity and justice

• Beautiful campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including a design and fabrication lab

Best For: Families seeking a progressive and innovative education that develops creativity, critical thinking, and a love of learning.

5. Park Day School

Park Day School is a progressive independent school in Oakland, California, known for its focus on social justice, environmental sustainability, and hands-on learning. It offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for students from kindergarten through 8th grade.

Key Features

• Kids learn by asking questions and exploring.

• A close-knit and supportive environment for students and families.

• Focuses on developing kindness, empathy, and social skills.

Best For: Families who value creativity, critical thinking, and a commitment to social responsibility.

Choosing the right school is a big decision, and having a few extra tips can make the process easier.

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Kindergarten School

Choosing the right school is an important decision. You want to make sure you find a place where your child will feel happy, safe, and excited to learn.

To help you with this, we've put together some friendly advice and helpful tips to guide you as you explore different schools and discover what matters most to your family.

1. Visit and Explore

There's no substitute for seeing a school with your own eyes! Schedule visits to the schools you're interested in. Take a tour of the classrooms, explore the playground, and spend some time observing the children and teachers. Pay attention to the overall atmosphere of the school. 

2. Chat with the School

Don't hesitate to ask lots of questions! Talk to the teachers and the principal. Ask about their teaching style, how they handle discipline, and what they believe makes their school special. This is a great opportunity to get a sense of the school's values and philosophy and see if they align with your own.

3. Think About Your Child

Every child is unique, and what works for one child might not work for another. Consider your child's personality, learning style, and interests. Some children thrive in structured environments with clear rules and expectations, while others need more flexibility and freedom to explore. Choose a school that you think will be a good fit for your child's individual needs.

4. Consider the Practicalities

While the educational philosophy and environment are important, don't forget about the practical side of things! Think about the school's location and how it fits with your family's daily routine. Can you easily get your child to and from school?

Also, consider the school's tuition costs and whether they are affordable for your family. Finally, make sure the school hours work with your family's schedule.

5. Trust Your Gut

After visiting schools, talking to teachers, and gathering information, take some time to reflect on your experiences. What feels right to you? Which school do you think will be the best fit for your child and your family? Sometimes, your gut feeling can be the best guide. Trust your instincts!

Start Homeschooling and Microschooling with The School House Anywhere (TSHA)

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) is an educational program designed to provide high-quality, flexible, and portable learning experiences for homeschooling families, micro-schools, and education entrepreneurs. 

TSHA offers a comprehensive, developmentally aligned curriculum grounded in the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC). The AEC, developed by TSHA, is a hands-on educational framework for Pre-K to 6th grade. It connects subjects in real-world ways, encouraging children to explore, think creatively, and solve problems.

For homeschooling, we offer:

• Comprehensive Curriculum (AEC) for Pre-K to 6th grade.

• Educational resources (films, printables, worksheets).

• 24/7 live support and community for guidance.

• Focus on non-screen learning and progress tracking tools.

For microschooling, we offer:

• Focus on hands-on learning instead of administrative tasks.

• TSHA helps you find a space (home, church, etc.) to start your micro-school.

• Use TSHA’s resources for marketing, purchasing materials, and building your community.

• TSHA supports you with curriculum delivery, live support, and school operations.

• Track progress via Transparent Classroom and engage with parents through newsletters and the TSHA network.

Also, we do not support AI for students, but we believe in the power of AI. So, we offer AI-supported services only for parents and teachers to make their teaching process smooth and time-efficient! 

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right kindergarten for your child is a big deal! It's a decision that can shape their future in so many ways. With all the different schools out there, it's important to find one that matches what you believe is important for your child's education. Choosing the right kindergarten is about more than just the next few years. It's about giving your child the best possible start for a happy and successful future.

Explore TSHA’s today and start your homeschooling journey. Register as Parent or Educator.

FAQs

1. Do private kindergartens in California offer language immersion programs?

Yes, several private kindergartens offer bilingual or language immersion options, including Spanish, Mandarin, or French. These programs help children develop second-language fluency through daily activities and play-based instruction.

2. Are outdoor or nature-based kindergarten programs available in California?

Yes, California has several nature-based private kindergartens where learning takes place outdoors in natural settings. These programs promote environmental awareness, hands-on science learning, and physical activity.

3. Can families tour private kindergarten campuses before applying?

Most private kindergartens encourage prospective families to tour the campus, meet teachers, and observe classes. This helps parents assess the learning environment and school culture before enrolling.

4. Do private kindergartens in California offer extended care or after-school programs?

Many private kindergartens offer before-school and after-school care to support working families. Programs often include enrichment activities like art, music, and physical education to extend learning beyond the classroom.