Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Ankeny, IA

Pre-K

Your child’s school readiness is the most important thing to us and that’s the focus of our Pre-K program. Building on Preschool learning, we focus on problem solving, responsive listening, language usage, and social skills. Our Focus on Literacy™ program features in-school and at-home activities designed to improve your child’s literacy and cognition in areas such as vocabulary development and alphabet knowledge. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Early Preschool

It’s never too early to start preparing your child to be ready for school, and that’s why our parents—and their children—love our Early Preschool classroom. As a stepping stone to Preschool, our Early Preschool program has a unique, indicator-based curriculum, Learn as We Grow™, designed to address the individual learning needs of 30- to 42-month-old children. We focus on understanding routines and developing independence. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.

Pre-K

Pre-K plays an essential role in preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. The academic learning, social-emotional growth, and self-regulation skills developed during this stage all support long-term success in school and life. Our Pre-K Program is designed to help children build confidence, independence, and readiness for the classroom. Kindergarten readiness is a key focus, with children practicing foundational skills like early writing, counting, and identifying basic shapes. Just as important, children strengthen self-regulation skills, learning how to manage emotions, behaviors, and focus in a supportive environment alongside their peers. Yellow Brick Road implements the Creative Curriculum in our Pre-K classrooms, offering research-based instruction through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Teachers create meaningful lessons that help children understand academic concepts while exploring the world around them. Our Pre-K Program provides a nurturing, structured environment where children are supported as they grow, learn, and thrive.

Preschool

Because the growth your child experiences during this stage is so crucial to their overall development, it’s important they have an academic foundation to support them. In our Preschooler Program, teachers provide a thoughtful balance of group and individual instruction. At this stage, children begin practicing independence, focus, and social interaction, skills that prepare them not only for the next grade levels, but for life. Social-emotional growth is a key focus of our program. Through lessons, playtime, and hands-on activities, children are encouraged to explore their natural curiosity throughout the day. At Yellow Brick Road, learning opportunities are everywhere. We implement the Creative Curriculum to support academic success through research-driven, engaging lessons that spark curiosity and a love of learning.

Pre-K

Pre-K plays an essential role in preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. The academic learning, social-emotional growth, and self-regulation skills developed during this stage all support long-term success in school and life. Our Pre-K Program is designed to help children build confidence, independence, and readiness for the classroom. Kindergarten readiness is a key focus, with children practicing foundational skills like early writing, counting, and identifying basic shapes. Just as important, children strengthen self-regulation skills, learning how to manage emotions, behaviors, and focus in a supportive environment alongside their peers. Yellow Brick Road implements the Creative Curriculum in our Pre-K classrooms, offering research-based instruction through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Teachers create meaningful lessons that help children understand academic concepts while exploring the world around them. Our Pre-K Program provides a nurturing, structured environment where children are supported as they grow, learn, and thrive.

Preschool

Because the growth your child experiences during this stage is so crucial to their overall development, it’s important they have an academic foundation to support them. In our Preschooler Program, teachers provide a thoughtful balance of group and individual instruction. At this stage, children begin practicing independence, focus, and social interaction, skills that prepare them not only for the next grade levels, but for life. Social-emotional growth is a key focus of our program. Through lessons, playtime, and hands-on activities, children are encouraged to explore their natural curiosity throughout the day. At Yellow Brick Road, learning opportunities are everywhere. We implement the Creative Curriculum to support academic success through research-driven, engaging lessons that spark curiosity and a love of learning.

Pre-K

Pre-K plays an essential role in preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. The academic learning, social-emotional growth, and self-regulation skills developed during this stage all support long-term success in school and life. Our Pre-K Program is designed to help children build confidence, independence, and readiness for the classroom. Kindergarten readiness is a key focus, with children practicing foundational skills like early writing, counting, and identifying basic shapes. Just as important, children strengthen self-regulation skills, learning how to manage emotions, behaviors, and focus in a supportive environment alongside their peers. Yellow Brick Road implements the Creative Curriculum in our Pre-K classrooms, offering research-based instruction through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Teachers create meaningful lessons that help children understand academic concepts while exploring the world around them. Our Pre-K Program provides a nurturing, structured environment where children are supported as they grow, learn, and thrive.

Preschool

Because the growth your child experiences during this stage is so crucial to their overall development, it’s important they have an academic foundation to support them. In our Preschooler Program, teachers provide a thoughtful balance of group and individual instruction. At this stage, children begin practicing independence, focus, and social interaction, skills that prepare them not only for the next grade levels, but for life. Social-emotional growth is a key focus of our program. Through lessons, playtime, and hands-on activities, children are encouraged to explore their natural curiosity throughout the day. At Yellow Brick Road, learning opportunities are everywhere. We implement the Creative Curriculum to support academic success through research-driven, engaging lessons that spark curiosity and a love of learning.

Prekindergarten Program

Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.

Preschool Program

Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.

Pre-Kindergarten

In our Pre-Kindergarten program, your child begins to develop emergent reading, writing, science, technology, engineering and math skills within large-group, small-group and independent settings.

Preschool Pathways

Our Preschool Pathways program provides a “bridge” between our Early Preschool and Preschool classrooms for children whose birthdays will miss the cutoff date for kindergarten entrance.

Pre-K Program

Pre-Kindergarten

Our Pre-K Program is designed specifically to ensure students are ready to THRIVE in Kindergarten and beyond.

Preschool

Our specialized preschool curriculum uses rhymes, stories and hands-on activities to encourage those first steps toward building the foundational skills for reading, writing, math, and science.

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Prekindergarten Program

Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.

Preschool Program

Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.

Pre-K Program

Pre-Kindergarten

Our curriculum filled Pre-K program inspires a love of learning through hands-on exploration, art, music, and movement. Inside the classroom, children engage with letter and number games, creative projects, and basic math concepts, while outdoor activities encourage problem-solving and gross motor development. Our flexible, child-centered curriculum blends teamwork, self-expression, and academic growth, creating a dynamic environment where kids are excited to learn and grow.

Preschool

Our preschool program sparks curiosity and confidence through joyful, hands-on learning. Preschoolers build friendships, solve problems, and develop independence in a secure, nurturing environment.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our pre-kindergarten program is designed to ensure children enter elementary school with strong academic and social foundations. With a continued focus on language, early literacy, math, and executive functioning, our pre-k students consistently exceed kindergarten readiness benchmarks. In well-equipped, developmentally appropriate classrooms, teachers foster mastery through a balance of structured activities and self-guided exploration. With nine engaging learning centers and a curriculum grounded in early brain research, children build confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.

Preschool

Preschoolers at New Horizon Academy learn in joyful, curiosity-driven classrooms that build essential academic and social skills. Our award-winning, research-based curriculum lays the foundation for kindergarten readiness, while nurturing each child’s creativity, problem-solving, and self-confidence. Nine learning centers—including Art, Language and Literacy, STEAM, and Dramatic Play—encourage exploration in all developmental areas. Our teachers guide children in making decisions, building relationships, and developing independence as they discover their strengths and grow into capable learners.

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-Kindergarten

Our Pre-K Program is designed specifically to ensure students are ready to THRIVE in Kindergarten and beyond.

Preschool

Our specialized preschool curriculum uses rhymes, stories and hands-on activities to encourage those first steps toward building the foundational skills for reading, writing, math, and science.

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program