Pilgrim Children’s Center

Carlsbad’s Neighborhood Preschool for 50 years

Pilgrim Children's Center is a play-based school that focuses on developmentally appropriate practices with a social/emotional curriculum to provide a strong foundation for the school years ahead. We understand the importance of providing outdoor learning opportunities as well as teaching earth-friendly values. In choosing our school for your child, you have selected an early childhood education program with a caring and supportive staff that will provide your child with the best possible experiences. Our teachers strive to make Pilgrim Children's Center a warm, comfortable place where children and families can feel welcome.

We offer flexible scheduling to meet the diverse needs of our community - we have schedule options for working families, families who want part-time socialization for their children, and families who just need a couple mornings a week to get things done.

Teacher reading a book to a group of young children in a classroom setting with books and toys on shelves.

Our Programs

  • Young child holding green chalk on outdoor pavement with people and playground in background.

    Toddlers

    Our toddler program focuses on social-emotional development, fostering self-help skills and independence, and language building.

  • Two children playing with pebbles and sticks at a table in a classroom setting, with wooden and stone sorting tools.

    Preschool

    Our preschool children continue to work on social-emotional skills, develop communication and conversation skills, learn investigation skills, practice sharing space and materials, and begin to explore early school readiness skills.

  • Child practicing writing the word "Autumn" on a worksheet with a blue marker in a classroom setting.

    Pre-K

    In our Pre-K classes children build the skills they need to enter school ready to thrive. This includes emergent writing, math and number sense, early literacy, STEM, and more.

  • Coming Soon - Infant & Young Toddler

    We are currently working towards being licensed for children ages 6 weeks - 2 years.

    Please fill out our interest form if you are interested in enrolling for these programs once licensed.

    We are in the later stages of this process and will be scheduling open houses and tours shortly.

  • Coming Spring 2026 - Date Nights

    Date nights let families have some time to themselves while their children are in a trusted place with their familiar teachers and friends. Date nights will include a dinner and fun activities. More details to follow shortly.

    Date nights are for enrolled children only.