Daycare costs in San Antonio vary across the city. You’re trying to compare prices and figure out what’s reasonable. This guide provides the current ranges, explains why rates differ, and outlines what to expect during your search.
How Much Daycare Costs in San Antonio
These figures reflect 2024–2025 local pricing, state childcare surveys, and parent reports. Treat them as estimates. Providers update tuition each year.
| Age Group | Typical Monthly Cost (San Antonio) |
|---|---|
| Infants (0–17 months) | USD 1,000–1,750 |
| Toddlers (18–35 months) | USD 850–1,600 |
| Preschoolers (3–5 years) | USD 700–1,400 |
| Pre-K full day | USD 700–1,300 |
| Before/after school care | USD 300–600 |
Rates shift by location, program type, and teacher–child ratios.
These rates reflect full-time care (typically 5 days per week). Part-time options are often available at prorated rates, though the per-day cost may be slightly higher.
How San Antonio Compares to Other Cities
- San Antonio daycare pricing sits 10–20% below national averages.
- Austin, Dallas, and Houston tend to run higher across all age groups.
- Families moving from out of state usually find San Antonio more affordable.
Why Daycare Prices Vary This Much
1. Teacher–Child Ratios
Younger children need more teachers. Infant rooms cost the most to staff.
Here’s the math: Texas law requires a 1:4 teacher-to-infant ratio. One teacher can care for only four babies. Compare this to preschool classrooms where one teacher can supervise 15 to 18 children. An infant teacher generates tuition from 4 families while a preschool teacher generates tuition from 15+ families—yet both earn similar wages. This is why infant care costs $1,000-$1,750 while preschool costs $700-$1,400.
As your child transitions from infant to toddler to preschool, you’ll notice tuition decreases as the ratios become more favorable.
2. Teacher Pay
Programs that pay higher wages charge more but also have more stable teachers. Lower turnover matters for safety and attachment.
Here’s an uncomfortable truth: despite the critical importance of their work, childcare workers remain among the lowest-paid professionals in the United States. The national median wage is just $13.22 per hour—less than many retail positions. Quality centers that invest in competitive teacher salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing professional development must charge accordingly. But this investment typically translates to lower turnover and more experienced, consistent caregivers for your child.
3. Accreditation
Texas Rising Star, NAEYC, Cognia, AMI, or AMS accreditation increases training and compliance costs. These credentials indicate investment in teacher training, curriculum development, and enhanced learning environments.
4. Curriculum
Montessori, STEM, outdoor learning, Spanish immersion, and enrichment programs require materials and training.
5. Location
Boerne, Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, and Shavano Park trend higher. Far West and Southside programs trend lower.
6. Hours and Calendar
Extended hours and year-round schedules increase staffing and utilities.
7. Food and Enrichment
Fresh meals, gardens, PE, music, cooking, and specialty classes add operational costs.
Where Your Tuition Actually Goes
Tuition isn’t random. Most programs use a similar cost model. This breakdown helps you understand what you’re paying for.
| Cost Area | Rough Share of Monthly Tuition |
|---|---|
| Staff wages + benefits | 55–65% |
| Rent, utilities, insurance | 15–20% |
| Classroom materials + curriculum | 5–10% |
| Food program | 5–10% |
| Admin + licensing | 5–10% |
Staffing drives the price more than anything else.
Hidden Costs Parents Forget to Factor In
These don’t always show up on tuition sheets but affect your budget.
- Late pick-up fees
- Supply lists or one-time material fees
- Registration fees
- Field trip fees
- Summer program fees
- Uniforms at some schools
- Extended-day add-ons
Ask for an annual cost summary, not just monthly tuition.
Experience the Edquisitive Montessori Difference
When comparing daycare costs in San Antonio, consider what you’re getting for your investment.
🏆 Proven Quality
- Cognia Accredited
- Texas Rising Star 4-Star
- Experienced Montessori educators
- Low teacher turnover
🌟 All-Inclusive Tuition
- Spanish immersion included
- STEM labs included
- Yoga & mindfulness included
- No hidden surprise fees
📍 Four Locations
- Fair Oaks
- Stone Oak
- NW Military
- Medical Center
How to Lower Your Daycare Costs
Families use a few simple strategies to bring down total monthly spend.
- Use a Dependent Care FSA if your employer offers one.
- Look into Workforce Solutions scholarships if you qualify.
- Ask about sibling, military, teacher, and first-responder discounts.
- Choose full-time care instead of mixing part-time hours. Hourly care usually costs more in the long run.
- Start touring early. High-quality programs fill quickly.
Questions to Ask on a Daycare Tour
These questions give you a clear picture of value, not just price.
- What are your teacher–child ratios?
- How long have your teachers been here?
- What is included in tuition?
- What does a child’s day look like?
- How do you communicate with parents?
- What training do teachers complete each year?
- How do you handle bites, illness, and accidents?
- How do you support potty training?
- Can I see the playground, kitchen, and classrooms?
- What makes your program different from others in this area?
What Matters More Than the Price Tag
Cost is only part of the decision. You’re also looking for:
- Predictable routines
- Safe classrooms
- Long-term teachers
- Clear communication
- Real learning, not worksheets
- A calm environment
- Children who look engaged and settled
You’re picking a partner, not a product.
Ready to See Why Families Choose Edquisitive Montessori?
At Edquisitive Montessori, we believe in transparent pricing and exceptional value. Our tuition reflects our commitment to maintaining low teacher-to-child ratios, investing in experienced Montessori educators, and providing enrichment programs that set your child up for lifelong success.
With four locations across San Antonio—Fair Oaks, Stone Oak, NW Military, and Medical Center—we make quality Montessori education accessible and convenient for your family.
What You’ll Experience on Your Tour:
- Visit our beautifully prepared Montessori classrooms
- Meet our passionate, credentialed educators
- Get transparent answers to all your tuition and program questions
- See our Spanish immersion and STEM programs in action
- Learn about our Cognia accreditation and Texas Rising Star 4-star rating
- Watch children engaged in purposeful, joyful learning
Related Resources:
- Complete Guide to Selecting Daycare in San Antonio
- View Our Tuition Rates & Programs
- Learn About the Montessori Method
- Contact Edquisitive Montessori
Programs offered at Edquisitive Montessori Plus include:
✔️Infants (10 Weeks – 18 Months)
✔️Toddlers (18 – 36 Months)
✔️Primary (3-6 Years)
✔️Kindergarten
✔️Mother’s Day Out
✔️Spanish Immersion / Dual Language
✔️After School Programs and Summer Camp (6 – 12 Years)
Music, Spanish, and Yoga are other programs included as part of the tuition.
Learn more about Inquiry-based Learning
