Growth Comes Naturally
Childhood is meant to be messy, magical, and full of discovery. We’re a nature-based, play-first preschool and daycare in San Diego that believes children learn best when they’re free to explore, imagine, and move.
Our spaces are clean, chemical-free, and filled with natural light — safe havens where curiosity thrives and tiny hands get busy growing big ideas. From our cozy infant rooms to our lively toddler and preschool programs, each day is rooted in play, connection, and care.
Here, learning happens in the garden, on the playground, and in every joyful moment between. We meet each child exactly where they are, helping them build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning — one green bean at a time.
Rooted in San Diego
Green Beans Preschool proudly serves families across central San Diego, including Hillcrest, Mission Valley, North Park, University Heights, Linda Vista, Serra Mesa, and nearby neighborhoods. Whether you’re searching for infant care near USD or a preschool near Scripps Mercy Hospital, Green Beans Preschool has you covered with a location nearby.
As Seen On...
Our Early Childhood Programs
We offer comprehensive early childhood programs to meet the needs of each age group.
Infant Care
Your baby’s first home away from home. At Green Beans Preschool, our nursery is calm, cozy, and filled with gentle care. Every infant has their own crib, soft space to explore, and a dedicated caregiver who knows their routines by heart. From quiet cuddles to playful smiles, we nurture every moment of connection — helping your little one feel safe, loved, and ready to grow during these precious early months.
(approx. 6 weeks – 24 months)
Toddler/Daycare
Our toddler program is a safe, joy-filled space for little explorers who are learning to move, talk, and connect with the world around them. Every day is an adventure — filled with music, outdoor play, stories, and sensory activities that spark imagination and confidence. With low child-to-teacher ratios and hands-on guidance, we help each child discover their voice, their rhythm, and their growing independence in a loving, natural environment.
(approx. 2 – 3 years)
Preschool Program
At Green Beans Preschool, learning begins with wonder. Our play-based curriculum is designed around your child’s natural interests — from building and painting to gardening and group play. Every classroom is a little world of creativity, curiosity, and friendship. We focus on developing early academics through movement, art, and discovery, preparing children for kindergarten with confidence and joy. Here, every day is a chance to grow, imagine, and shine.
(approx. 3 – 5 years)
Supporting Local Families
Green Beans Preschool is proud to support families through several local and national childcare assistance and referral programs like YMCA Childcare Resource Service, Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood, and Child Development Associates of San Diego to help eligible families access quality early childhood care. If you’re navigating childcare support options or military family resources, our team is happy to help guide you through the process.
What Makes Green Beans Special
We know you have choices when it comes to childcare. Here’s what sets Green Beans Preschool apart:
Organic, Healthy Nutrition
We prioritize organic food and healthy eating habits for growing bodies. Snacks and meals (if provided or recommended) emphasize organic, wholesome ingredients, aligning with our “green” philosophy of a chemical-free, healthy lifestyle. We believe good nutrition is key to healthy development and we instill those habits early.
Nature Immersion & Outdoor Play
Children here don’t stay cooped up indoors – we get outside every day! Both our centers feature safe outdoor play areas where little ones can run, explore nature, and develop a love for the outdoors. From gardening projects to nature walks, we incorporate the natural world into learning. This hands-on outdoor play nurtures curiosity and an environmental friendly mindset.
Low Teacher-to-Child Ratios
Each child receives individualized attention thanks to our intentionally small class sizes. A low kid-to-staff ratio means our teachers truly get to know each child’s personality, needs, and learning style. Your child will be cared for and taught by familiar faces who tailor activities to them, ensuring they feel secure and supported.
Holistic, Hands-On Learning
Our curriculum goes beyond ABCs and 123s. We embrace a holistic approach that includes music, art, language, and social-emotional learning. For example, we partner with Music Together to hold weekly music circles. We also introduce basic Spanish through fun songs and daily interactions, recognizing the importance of being bilingual from an early age. These enriching experiences support every facet of your child’s growth.
Experienced, Passionate Educators
Our team is led by caring professionals who are truly passionate about early childhood education. We maintain high standards for our staff (all teachers are CPR/First Aid certified and continuously trained). Most importantly, everyone at Green Beans is dedicated to creating a loving, family-like atmosphere where children feel comfortable and loved while learning.
Parent Testimonials
Nothing speaks louder than the words of happy parents!
Here’s what some of our Green Beans families have to say about us.
Meet Louise – Our Founder & Director
Green Beans Preschool was founded by Louise Kristofferson, an early childhood educator with a big dream. Louise has over a decade of teaching experience and a degree in Child Development from SDSU. As the oldest of seven siblings, she’s a natural caregiver who turned her passion for nurturing children into Green Beans Preschool.
Louise’s journey began with a small in-home daycare called “Green Beans & Little Sprouts” when her son Henry was born. She started the program to stay home with her baby while providing other local families with a healthy, holistic preschool option. Her approach focused on hands-on learning, organic living, and lots of love. Music and language were woven into daily activities – with Spanish songs sung each week to foster bilingual skills from an early age.
After just two years, her home-based daycare was at full capacity, and it was time to grow. In 2014, Louise expanded into a larger center – and Green Beans Preschool as we know it was born. She poured her heart into creating a cozy “home away from home” for kids. To this day, Louise remains at the core of it all – you might even meet her when you tour the school, as she loves greeting new families and staying involved in every classroom.
Come Visit Us!
Choosing the right early education setting is a big decision – we encourage you to come see Green Beans Preschool in action. Ready to learn more? We’d love to meet your family!
Two San Diego Locations – Serving Our Community
We’re proud to be a part of the San Diego community with two convenient locations for our families.
Hillcrest Campus
3975 Front St, San Diego, CA 92103 – Our original center is nestled in the Hillcrest neighborhood. It’s right near Scripps Mercy Hospital and the Medical District. This campus is ideal for Uptown families – we serve children from Hillcrest, North Park, University Heights, Mission Valley, and surrounding areas. If you work at or near the hospital and need a preschool nearby, this location is a perfect fit.
Linda Vista Campus
6760 and 6752 N. Elman Street, San Diego, CA 92111 – Our two locations in Linda Vista are just minutes from the University of San Diego (USD). It’s a rare find in this area – a preschool that also offers infant care. This campus is convenient for families in Linda Vista, Serra Mesa, and the USD community. If you’re affiliated with USD and looking for infant care near campus, we’ve got you covered.
FAQs
Do you accept infants? What is the starting age for enrollment?
Yes! We accept infants starting at 6 weeks old.
What are your teacher-to-child ratios for infant care, daycare, and preschool?
Our ratios are designed to support safe, attentive care at every age. For infants/toddlers, we maintain a small-group model (for example, 2 teachers for 6 children). For preschool, we staff to support the classroom community (for example, 3 teachers for 23 children).
Do you provide meals and snacks? Are they organic?
Yes. We provide organic breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack each day.
What are your hours of operation? Do you offer early drop-off or late pick-up?
We are open 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and we do not offer early drop-off or late pick-up at this time.
How do you handle naps and feeding schedules for infants?
We follow each infant’s individual routine. Parents will complete a Needs and Services form, and our team follows your child’s nap and feeding schedule.
What curriculum or teaching philosophy do you follow?
We follow a traditional approach to early childhood learning, supporting age-appropriate development through structured routines, play, and foundational school readiness skills.
What safety measures, licensing, and certifications does your preschool have?
Green Beans Preschool is state licensed, requires teacher and child vaccinations, and has staff who are CPR certified.
How do I enroll my child and what is the tuition cost?
To enroll, families begin by contacting us to schedule a tour and start the registration process. Tuition is as follows:
- Full-Time Infant/Toddler (6 weeks–24 months): $2,300/month
- Part-Time Toddler: $1,300/month
- Full-Time Potty-Trained Preschooler (2–5 years): $1,700/month
- Part-Time Potty-Trained Preschooler: $950/month
- Full-Time Non–Potty-Trained Preschooler: $1,775/month
- Part-Time Non–Potty-Trained Preschooler: $990/month
Do you offer tours or trial days before enrollment?
Yes. We offer tours so you can see our classrooms, meet our team, and ask questions before enrolling.
What neighborhoods and families do you serve? (e.g., Hillcrest, Mission Valley, USD, Scripps Mercy area)
We proudly serve families across central San Diego, including Hillcrest, Mission Hills, Old Town, Golden Hill, North Park, South Park, Normal Heights, University Heights, Downtown San Diego, City Heights, Talmadge, Bankers Hill, Point Loma, Mission Valley, Clairemont, Linda Vista, and nearby hospital/university communities like Scripps Mercy and UCSD Hillcrest, as well as families connected to USD and Sharp Mary Birch.
