The preschool Mira Mesa grew up with.
The first preschool built in Mira Mesa: family-owned, genuinely academic, and warmly familiar to local families for over fifty years.
The first preschool in Mira Mesa.
Since 1972, Magic Hours Childrens' Center has been dedicated to providing exceptional early childhood education and helping children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Family operated by the first generation, Magic Hours began with the belief that young children deserve more than childcare. Children deserve an enriching educational experience that nurtures their confidence, curiosity, creativity, and independence. For more than 50 years, our family-owned school has grown alongside the community, expanding our programs while remaining committed to educational excellence.
Today, the second and third generations proudly continue that legacy. Guided by our signature System Four Learning Philosophy, we provide purposeful, hands-on learning experiences that support every aspect of a child's development and prepare them for success in school and in life.
More than five decades later, our mission remains the same: to inspire a lifelong love of learning by providing a safe, nurturing, and exceptional early childhood education for every child.
“A quality day, every day, for every child in our care.”
Active interaction
Children learn by doing, through hands-on interaction with caring adults, their peers, and the world around them.
Step-by-step learning
New skills build on what a child already knows, one steady, confident step at a time.
Their own pace
Every child grows at their own rate, and we meet each one exactly where they are.
Whole-child growth
Social, emotional, physical, and academic development all grow together, never in isolation.
Rooted in the familiar
Learning starts with what children know best: their family, culture, and community.
Family partnership
The best outcomes happen when families and teachers work together as one team.
More than a daycare. We teach.
Our System Four curriculum nurtures the whole child, woven into eight learning areas every day to prepare them for a confident start in elementary school.
Peace of mind, built in.
Licensed & inspected
California state-licensed, License #376700608.
Small by design
Low ratios mean every teacher truly knows your child.
Meals included
Nutritious lunches and snacks served fresh every day.
Safe & loving
A warm, secure, and nurturing environment to grow in.
Bright & well-kept
Clean, cared-for classrooms and a safe outdoor playground.
Parent-reviewed
Loved by local families on Google and Yelp.
Trusted by Mira Mesa families.
I love and trust the staff at Magic Hours. I worry more than the average person, and when I drop my daughter off for the day, I know she is in good hands. I highly recommend this place.
Being in the education field made my choice for daycare very meticulous. My son has attended for almost 2 years and it's been an excellent experience. The teachers were patient and kind, and he's now fluent in English and loves Magic Hours.
Our family was with Magic Hours for three years. They offer a wonderful program and the Directors are very connected with the families and children. The site is small enough that each teacher knows your child when you walk in the door.
Come meet the Magic Hours family.
The best way to know a preschool is to visit. Tour our classrooms, meet our teachers, and picture your child here.