Where learning feels like home

At Baker Ranch Preschool, your child learns through play in a warm, home-based environment.

Strong Montessori academics help children prepare for school, build real-life skills, and grow into confident, curious learners.

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Our Learning Program

  • Children learn early reading, writing, and math through hands-on Montessori materials.

    They touch, count, move, and work with real objects, not worksheets.

    Lessons feel natural and engaging, helping children truly understand concepts instead of memorizing them.

  • Children practice real-life skills every day.

    They safely cut fruits and vegetables, make smoothies, pour water, clean up, set the table, and care for their environment.

    We also cook and bake together, allowing children to take part in real, meaningful activities they can also practice at home.

  • Creative projects are part of our daily routine.

    Children paint, craft, sculpt, and create every day while exploring monthly themes like continents, countries, animals, and nature.

    Art helps children express themselves, develop fine motor skills, and learn about the world in a meaningful way.

  • Children enjoy fresh air and active outdoor time every day.

    We spend time in our backyard and walk to a modern, safe playground right in the heart of the Baker Ranch community.

    Outdoor play supports physical development, social skills, and a healthy balance between learning and movement.

  • A young boy playing with an abacus and working on a worksheet at a table in a bright, modern kitchen or dining area.

  • A young girl with blond hair tied in pigtails, kneeling on a carpeted floor, arranging red counters. In front of her, numbered tiles from 1 to 10 are laid out. The background shows a kitchen with green cabinets and various kitchen appliances.

  • Two young boys are sitting on a carpeted floor, playing with wooden dominoes stored in wooden trays.

  • A young girl with brown hair styled in two buns, wearing a black jacket and a black shirt with 'NASA' printed on it, is smiling and drawing in a notebook with a yellow pencil. She appears to be in a bright room, possibly a classroom or art area, with blurred shelves and items in the background.

  • Two young girls playing with number tiles at a table indoors, with one girl looking at the camera and the other reaching into a wooden box.

  • A young girl with blonde hair tied up in a ponytail, sitting on the floor in a classroom or playroom, sorting large green flashcards with yellow numbers and letters on them.

  • Young girl with curly dark hair in a yellow dress sitting on a wooden floor, looking at a large colorful book about flowers and insects with bees on it, in a cozy indoor setting with a wooden playhouse in the background.

  • A young girl with blonde hair wearing a floral dress is cutting banana slices on a blue plate with a small green-handled knife in a kitchen.

  • A young girl with red hair, wearing a light blue shirt and a pink hair clip, peeling a cucumber over a blue plate in a room decorated for Christmas, with a tree and toys in the background.

  • A young girl pouring milk into a blender with strawberries for a smoothie, in a room with yellow and brown furniture.

  • A young girl in a blue long-sleeve shirt smiling at the camera while making holiday cookies with cookie cutters on gingerbread dough in a kitchen.

  • Two children’s hands pressing cookie cutters into rolled brown dough on a floured surface.

  • A young girl with light brown hair and blue eyes smiling while holding a pink paper flower in a blue holder, standing inside a room with yellow chairs and a kitchen in the background.

  • Two young girls smiling and watching as one shucks corn over a tray with eggs in a kitchen.

  • A young girl with blonde hair styled in pigtails held with pink scrunchies, wearing a black and white striped sleeveless top, is smiling and reaching out with a paintbrush over a plate of colorful food on a table.

  • Young girl with long wavy hair crawling through a cardboard box on grass, smiling at the camera.

  • A young girl with blonde hair making a silly face with her tongue out and eyes wide open, holding her hands with white paint on them up near her face, sitting at a table with paint palettes and paper.

  • Young girl playing in a sandbox with toy ocean animals and construction vehicles inside a home with another girl in the background.

A Day at Baker Ranch Preschool

Each day at Baker Ranch Preschool follows a consistent and predictable rhythm that helps children feel secure, focused, and confident in their learning.

Morning: Focused Montessori Learning

Mornings are when children are most focused, so the day begins with hands-on Montessori work. Children practice early reading, writing, math, and language using tactile materials that support deep understanding through movement and repetition.

Rather than rushing to “cover” material, we focus on practice. Through daily repetition and meaningful work, children gain confidence, strengthen skills, and truly understand what they are learning. This steady practice lays a strong foundation for school readiness.

Breakfast and Continued Work

Children enjoy a balanced, home-prepared breakfast, followed by a healthy and nourishing snack. Meals are thoughtfully prepared to support energy, focus, and overall well-being.

After eating, children return to their work, continuing to practice skills independently and at their own pace in a calm and supportive environment.

Circle Time and Group Learning

Later in the morning, children gather for circle time. This is an engaging and joyful part of the day where we sing, read, talk, and learn together.

Through play-based group activities, children practice letters, numbers, counting (up to 100), listening skills, and social interaction, all in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.

Outdoor Play and Lunch

Outdoor time is an important part of our daily rhythm. Children spend time outside every day, playing in our backyard or walking to a nearby park within the Baker Ranch community. Fresh air and movement support both physical development and emotional balance.

After outdoor play, children return for a warm, home-cooked lunch enjoyed together in a relaxed, family-style setting.

Rest and Continued Montessori Practice

Younger children transition to nap time, while older children continue working in a focused Montessori learning block with the teacher. This time allows children to strengthen skills through continued practice, build concentration, and gain confidence in their abilities.

Learning during this part of the day is calm, intentional, and supportive, helping children grow academically without pressure.

Afternoon Snack and Creative Exploration

After rest time, children enjoy a second healthy snack. Snacks are often homemade and baked on-site, offering something nourishing, comforting, and enjoyable for children.

Afternoons also include art, crafts, and creative projects connected to monthly themes such as nature, animals, countries, and the world around us. These activities support creativity, fine motor development, and curiosity.

Ending the Day

When weather allows, children may enjoy additional outdoor time in the park, where parents often pick them up. The day ends calmly and positively, helping children transition home feeling happy, capable, and proud of their progress.

At Baker Ranch Preschool, our daily routine balances structure, consistency, learning, play, and care, giving children the space they need to grow into confident and capable learners.

What Parents Are Saying

  • Before starting preschool, our daughter mostly stayed at home or with grandparents and didn’t have many opportunities to socialize with children her age. She was very excited to start school and looked forward to making friends. From the very first day, she came home eager to share stories about her day. At Baker Ranch Preschool, she truly blossomed. She has made wonderful friends and is now part of a nurturing, warm, and inviting learning environment. She looks forward to all the fun and engaging activities the school offers each day. Baker Ranch Preschool has become a big part of our daughter’s life and world. She loves going to school, seeing her friends, and participating in everything the school offers, including the lovely holiday and special events.

    Mom of a 4-year-old daughter

  • One of the most beautiful surprises for us has been how much our daughter has learned at such a young age. At four years old, she has begun learning to read and has explored topics like community helpers, continents, and the seasons.” At Baker Ranch Preschool, she has also grown tremendously in her social skills — learning how to share, take turns, and help others. I love that the school offers her as many learning and creative activities as she wants throughout the day and regularly takes the children to the beautiful neighborhood park. She never complains about being bored. The school is also meticulously maintained, providing a clean, organized, and peaceful environment each day.”

    Dad of a 4-year-old

  • We’re really happy with Baker Ranch Preschool. From the start, our daughter felt comfortable and safe here, which meant a lot to us. She genuinely enjoys going to school and loves her teachers — she talks about them all the time and always comes home excited. She especially loves the creative side of the day. Drawing, crafts, role play, trying new things — it all keeps her engaged and happy. It feels like her curiosity and creativity are truly supported. We also really appreciate the homemade meals. Knowing she’s eating fresh food she actually enjoys gives us so much peace of mind. We’ve seen a big jump in her confidence and happiness, and we’re very grateful for the care she gets here.

    Mom of a 5-year-old daughter

  • Our daughter is five years old and has been attending Baker Ranch Preschool for over a year now, and we’ve seen so much growth during this time. What we love most is that this preschool really feels like a home, not a facility. It’s a bright, spacious house where kids feel comfortable, safe, and confident from the start. What surprised us most was how much our daughter is actually learning. At five years old, she is already confidently reading and working with numbers into the thousands. We didn’t expect that so early, and it’s been amazing to watch her confidence grow along with her skills. Learning here feels calm and natural, without pressure, and that makes a big difference. We also really appreciate the homemade meals prepared on site and the beautiful park right next door, where the kids get plenty of time to move, play, and be outside. We honestly feel that Baker Ranch Preschool is preparing our daughter very well for school, and we would absolutely recommend it to families looking for a warm and well-rounded preschool.

    Dad of a 5-year-old

  • Our daughter Adele started preschool at two years old, and from the very beginning she felt comfortable thanks to the warm and caring environment. At first, communication with other children was a little challenging, which felt very natural for her age. Over time, we’ve noticed very positive changes. After several months at preschool, Adele became more friendly, open, and independent. Her confidence and social skills have grown significantly, and she now feels comfortable following daily routines and being part of a group. Today, Adele is genuinely happy to come to preschool. Every morning she says, “Let’s go to Tanya!”, which means so much to us as parents. It clearly shows how safe, happy, and cared for she feels here, and how much she loves her teacher. The daily routine truly stands out to us as parents. The balance between learning, playtime, outdoor activities, and rest feels very thoughtful. The food deserves special recognition — the soups, delicious breakfasts, and meals are wonderful. We can see how much our daughter enjoys the food, as she eats with great pleasure. Overall, the atmosphere in the preschool is warm, caring, and positive, and we are very grateful for it.

    Parents of 2-years-old

Meals Made with Care

Our meals are prepared fresh daily using simple, high-quality ingredients and a thoughtful balance of proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.

We focus on homemade food with minimal added sugar, allowing natural flavors to shine.

Even our most picky eaters enjoy meals here and happily eat well throughout the day.

Every menu includes a daily balance of fresh vegetables and fruits to support healthy growth and energy.

Morning Breakfast

    •    Almond flour pancakes with berries

    •    Almond flour waffles with seasonal fruit

    •    Homemade French toast, lightly sweetened

    •    Plain yogurt with homemade almond granola, gently sweetened with honey

    •    Banana–strawberry smoothie made with almond milk

(served with seasonal fruits)

Homemade Lunch

    •    Chicken noodle soup with rich homemade broth

    •    Italian-style meatballs with pasta

    •    Homemade chicken nuggets with rice

    •    Vegetable soup with chicken meatballs

    •    Pasta with meat sauce (Bolognese) and parmesan

(served with fresh vegetables)

Afternoon Snack

    •    Lightly sweetened homemade apple pie

    •    Lightly sweetened cheesecake made with farmer cheese

    •    Italian biscotti with homemade honey lemonade

    •    Cheese quesadilla (lovingly called “pizza” by the children)

(served with seasonal fruits)

  • A young child with blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a dark tank top with a cherry design, smiling with food on face and shirt inside a bright, playroom with windows and shelves.

  • Young girl peeling a cucumber with a vegetable peeler on a white table with a yellow cutting board.

  • A smiling young girl with light skin and red hair in pigtails, wearing a white t-shirt with a dog graphic, is baking cookies in the kitchen. She is pressing cookie cutters into rolled-out gingerbread dough on a kitchen counter, with a flour sifter and rolling pin nearby.

  • Christmas cookies decorated with white icing, arranged on holiday-themed trays.

  • A young girl with brown hair in a ponytail, wearing a red shirt with heart designs, is smiling at the camera while playing with numbered animal flashcards on a table. The flashcards feature images of various sea creatures including a manta ray, dolphin, lantern, lobster, shark, and sailfish.

  • A young girl with red hair and a floral shirt, wearing a navy dress and orange necklace, smiling and showing decorated pretzels and snacks on a brown paper.

  • Close-up of ice cubes with embedded small flowers and greenery, held in a blue container over a tiled pavement.

  • A young girl smiling and playing on a playground structure, crouching and holding onto the metal bars.

  • Two young girls, one wearing a pink and white striped hoodie with pink shorts and the other in a white t-shirt with blue and white striped shorts, are playing with a toy telescope outdoors during sunset on a grassy playground.

  • A young girl with blonde hair in pigtails, wearing a striped shirt and pink pants, smiling while sitting in a playground swing.

  • A young girl with long blonde hair smiling while crawling out of a cardboard box outdoors.

  • A young girl with long blonde hair, wearing an orange top and a navy blue sweater, stands outdoors at a park, smiling at the camera. She is holding a spoon and has two bowls in front of her on a stone table; one bowl contains dirt and the other has a liquid, possibly mud or water.

  • A young girl with curly hair, wearing pink leggings, a white shirt with ballet and heart patterns, and pink slippers, watering pink hydrangea flowers outside near a sliding glass door.

  • Two young girls are smiling and posing for a photo, with one girl wearing a light blue dress and the other a light pink shirt that says 'breathe.' They are in a cozy room with a dark wooden floor, a white wall with black and gold wall decorations, and a glowing purple lightbox with Halloween-themed cutouts of trees, bats, and a pumpkin.

Tuition & Schedule

Baker Ranch Preschool offers a full-day program designed to support children ages 2–5 through a consistent daily rhythm of learning, play, meals, and rest.

Toddler Program (ages 2–3 years)

Full Day Program

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

5 Days per Week - $2,090 per month

3 Days per Week - $1,540 per month

2 Days per Week - $ 1,100 per month

Part-Day Program

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

5 Days per Week - $1,850 / month

Preschool Program (ages 3-5 years)

Full Day Program

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

5 Days per Week - $1,990 per month

3 Days per Week - $1,450 per month

2 Days per Week - $ 1,050 per month

Part-Day Program

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

5 Days per Week - $1,750 / month

Enrollment Fee

Initial Enrollment & Annual Re-enrollment & Materials Fee - $250 per family

We invite families to schedule a tour to see our space, meet our teachers, and experience the daily rhythm of Baker Ranch Preschool in person.

Location & Licensing

Baker Ranch Preschool is located in the heart of the Baker Ranch community in Lake Forest, California.

Our home-based preschool provides a calm, safe, and nurturing environment surrounded by beautiful parks, walking paths, and a modern playground just steps away.

Address: Baker Ranch, Lake Forest, 92630

We are a fully licensed home preschool, operating in compliance with California Community Care Licensing.

License Number: 304314484

 

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