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PRESCHOOL / PRE-K I

Preschool and Pre-K I in San Diego, Ages 3 to 4

Three-year-olds are active learners who learn best by doing, exploring, and playing hands-on, so the Pre-K I classroom at Early Learners Children’s Academy is built around teacher-directed instruction that meets that energy rather than fighting it. Preschool is offered at both our Mira Mesa and Old Town campuses.

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Group of preschoolers building with colorful blocks at a classroom table

3 – 4 years

Ages

12:1

Children per teacher

2 campuses

Mira Mesa & Old Town

Brightwheel

Daily updates

Preschooler working on early learning activities

Active learners, hands-on lessons

Three-year-olds crave being active participants in their own learning, so our Pre-K I classroom leans on hands-on activities: sorting objects, measuring, and creating shapes, all built around age-appropriate curriculum rather than worksheets.

What your child is learning

Children begin recognizing letters and letter sounds, numbers, and their own name during this year, building the early literacy and math foundation that carries into Pre-K II and Kindergarten.

Letters and letter sounds

Numbers and early math

Recognizing their own name

A typical day

The day mixes teacher-directed instruction with hands-on projects, along with circle time, outdoor play, and meals on a consistent daily schedule.

Teacher-directed instruction

Hands-on projects

Circle time

Outdoor play and meals

Getting ready for Pre-K II

By the end of Pre-K I, most children are comfortable with letters, numbers, and their name, which sets them up well for the additional focus Pre-K II adds around writing and quantities.

Explore Pre-K II

Preschool at two San Diego campuses

Both campuses offer the same program, teachers who stay, and Brightwheel updates all day. Choose the one that fits your commute.

Mira Mesa Campus

9585 Candida St, San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 530-8200

Serving Mira Mesa, Kearny Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Miramar, Sorrento Valley and Rancho Peñasquitos

Preschool at our Mira Mesa campus

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Old Town Campus

4050 Taylor St, San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 291-5200

Serving Old Town, Downtown, Point Loma, Mission Hills and Bankers Hill

Preschool at our Old Town campus

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See the preschool classroom for yourself

Meet the teachers, see a hands-on lesson in action, and ask us anything. There is no commitment, just a chance to see if it feels right.

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What families tell us

We love ELCA Mira Mesa! They are like family to us… The staff is very friendly and caring. I like how the teachers know all the kids. The communication and care taken for each student is loving and reassuring.

Robin A.

Google review

This school really cares for the children. I would not hesitate to put my child here. Staff work well as a team. It is very clean with a lovely playground. The children in every class are occupied with a great learning environment throughout the day. Very loving place in a convenient location. Excellent directors and teachers. Highly recommend.

Laura H.

Google review

My husband and I feel really lucky to have found ELCA for our infant daughter. We started her in daycare when she was 5.5 months old, and since she’s our first baby, it was extremely difficult for us emotionally… However, Celene and all the teachers… have been beyond amazing, extremely supportive, and super communicative.

Maria J.

Google review

Our 1 year old has been attending since she was 12 weeks old – and she really loves it there! She is always so excited to see her teachers each morning and overall we are really happy with the experience. The school is incredibly clean and secure and you can tell they really adore the kids. Keep up the great work!

Jennifer R.

Google review

I’ve had my 2 year old there since 6 months old (about 1.5 years). I can’t speak more highly of the teachers and staff. They truly care about the students. This is a smaller school but I like it that way. ELCA is a super high quality daycare.

Rebecca L.

Google review

Our son attended ELCA from ages 2-5yrs old and he loved his time there! He received tons of care and support from the staff at all stages of his development and was more than prepared for Kindergarten. Our younger daughter also attends ELCA… I highly recommend ELCA if you’re looking for preschool-aged childcare.

James M.

Google review

I have been taking my three year old boy to ELCA Preschool for seven months now and I have to say, I am very happy with how content my son is there… now he looks forward to going to “school.” The facility is clean and the administration is organized. The teachers are friendly and caring.

Paul P.

Google review

At the Old Town location we have had a stellar experience with our daughter beginning at 7 months old-3 years old. As first time parents, out of state transplants, and totally unfamiliar with daycare, we were incredibly nervous… The staff are communicative and understanding. The teachers really feel like a part of our parenting village. We love the outdoor area and that the facility is bright, clean, and secure.

Jessie W.

Google review

The teachers there were so nice, patient, understanding, and really helped my daughter get accustomed to her new environment. I love how you need a fob key to get in and the communication between the teachers and the parents are really good as well.

S. C.

Google review

Our son has been going to Early Learners for about 2 years now. The transition originally was tough, but he really enjoys it now and is thriving… Special thank you to all the employees there!

Melissa F.

Google review

Nothing but great things to say about our experience here. Teachers and staff are very attentive. Great outside area!

Kimmy C.

Google review

When I came upon ELCA I was impressed with the facility and staff. They are kind, sweet people. My children have learned a lot going here. Now my friend and family are sending their children here.

Robert E.

Google review

We have had our children enrolled in ELCA for the past several years. Their care and professionalism have been extraordinary. We feel like our children are at a safe, trusted place where they can thrive. Highly recommend. Thank you!

Patrick R.

Google review

I began taking my grandchildren here about a year ago… I absolutely adore the staff at ELCA Preschools. My grandchildren always look forward to being there and have so much to share on their ride home.

Jacqueline T.

Google review

My girls love their teachers, they are attentive and caring. They have also learned so much from attending. We love the ELCA.

Sheri K.

Google review

LIMITED-TIME ENROLLMENT OFFER

FREE Registration & 1 Week Tuition

Free week applied after your 4th week of enrollment. Mention this coupon when you tour to receive the discount.

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Questions parents ask about Preschool / Pre-K I

The day blends teacher-directed lessons with hands-on projects like sorting, measuring, and shape work, along with circle time, outdoor play, and regular meals.

No. Pre-K I is where most children begin recognizing letters, letter sounds, numbers, and their own name for the first time, so no prior knowledge is expected.

Pre-K I focuses on introducing letters, numbers, and name recognition, while Pre-K II builds on that with writing, telling time, and an introduction to homework ahead of Kindergarten.

Yes, before enrolling you can bring your child for a free half-day visit so they can try the classroom and you can see how they settle in.

When your child turns four

Your child moves up into our Pre-K II classroom in the same building, continuing with teachers they already know as they get ready for Kindergarten.

View Pre-K II

Preschool and Pre-K I in San Diego, Ages 3 to 4

Active learners, hands-on lessons

What your child is learning

Letters and letter sounds

Numbers and early math

Recognizing their own name

A typical day

Teacher-directed instruction

Hands-on projects

Circle time

Outdoor play and meals

Getting ready for Pre-K II

Preschool at two San Diego campuses

Mira Mesa Campus

Old Town Campus

See the preschool classroom for yourself

What families tell us

FREE Registration & 1 Week Tuition

Questions parents ask about Preschool / Pre-K I

What does a typical day look like in Pre-K I?

Is my child expected to already know letters and numbers?

How is this different from Pre-K II?

Do you offer a free half-day visit?

When your child turns four