The two schools were Meadows Elementary School on the 1200 block of Meadows Avenue and Manhattan Beach Preschool on the 1400 block of 15th Street.
Authorities say the incident began at about 12:20 p.m. A resident came home and saw the burglary suspects, who fled from the scene.
Police say the lockdown was precautionary due to the possibility of a burglary suspect in the area.
One suspect was arrested, but at least one accomplice got away, police said.