Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Bethesda, MD
Every day, we’re nurturing young learners and preparing children for a bright future. At Childtime, our sensitive, respectful teachers are building trusting, secure relationships with children that...
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.
Junior Kindergarten
Our Junior Kindergarten program is for children not quite old enough for kindergarten or who may need additional skill development. This is the path for young 5-year-olds. We explore the structure and format of a day in kindergarten, with developmentally appropriate kindergarten curriculum. This program helps develop the critical skills your child needs for elementary school, such as: following multi-step instructions, organizing work, controlling impulses, sustaining attention, and finding multiple ways to solve problems. Note: Children must complete Pre-K prior to enrollment. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Also offers: Preschool, Drop-In Care
Responds quickly
The Goddard School of Bethesda is a private preschool center with highly qualified teachers. Our center features outdoor playgrounds, a music and arts program, and nutritious fresh fruit and vegetable...
Pre-Kindergarten
As children prepare for Kindergarten, our Pre-K classroom offers exciting opportunities for them to develop the skills they will need while making friends and exploring the world around them. Our Pre-Kindergarten program helps your child learn more about themselves, others and the world around them. Teachers engage in play with students, helping them to develop their social skills and learn more about effective communication. Our Wonder of Learning™ curriculum emphasizes a child-led, teacher-guided approach, encouraging interactive, purposeful learning experiences that allows students to grow their math and literacy skills, preparing them for Kindergarten and beyond.
Preschool Classroom
In our Preschool classroom, children start their journeys into a cooperative learning environment where they can discover interests and learn in a more structured setting. At The Goddard School®, we recognize that classrooms are made up of many unique children and teachers work to create engaging, innovative, play-based lessons with the interests and needs of every child in mind. Through the power of asking a question, your child will learn how to seek answers and advocate for themselves in the classroom. The Wonder of Learning™ curriculum takes your child's natural curiosity and encourages them to ask even more questions because asking questions fuels learning. When children want to know something, they learn faster and learning becomes an understanding that lasts a lifetime.
Responds quickly
Bethesda Country Day preschools provide exceptional early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to Pre-K. We combine learning experiences and structured play in a fun, safe, and nurturing...
Pre-K
Our Pre-K program prepares children for kindergarten and beyond by fostering classroom readiness skills, nurturing social-emotional growth through our character education program, and strengthening literacy and math skills. With our Links to Learning curriculum, your child will begin to express ideas through writing, solve math equations, develop an understanding and appreciation for diversity, and work together to create a strong classroom community. For children who miss the kindergarten cut-off, we offer additional academic rigor.
Pre-K 2
Our Pre-K 2 program is designed for children who have completed Pre-K, or whose birth dates are after the kindergarten cut-off. This program further builds on skills developed in Pre-K, but with additional levels of academic rigor and enrichment opportunities to create higher levels of cognitive reasoning and understanding.
Also offers: Intermediates
Responds quickly
Primrose School of Downtown Bethesda is a private preschool offering Balanced Learning® early education and child care, conveniently located on Glenbrook Road near the National Institutes of Health...
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
Your preschooler is beginning to connect letters, sounds and numbers, expanding their world through reading and math. They’re building critical-thinking skills, early physical fitness and an understanding of nutrition. Our teachers support that learning and encourage your child to think in new and different ways.
Also offers: Preschool Pathways
Responds quickly
Give your child an excellent start at Guidepost Montessori at Bradley Hills. Our accredited programs for Infant, Toddler, Preschool and Kindergarten age children offer a safe, inspiring space to...
Spanish Immersion
Our Spanish Immersion program offers children the gift of bilingualism in a nurturing Montessori environment. Led by native Spanish-speaking guides, children are immersed in the language through daily routines, conversations, and hands-on learning—developing fluency with natural intonation and accent. Alongside Spanish language acquisition, children engage in a full academic curriculum including math, reading, writing, and practical life activities. This early exposure not only strengthens cognitive development but also opens the door to a lifetime of cultural, social, and professional possibilities. Full-Time tuition listed. Part-time and flexible scheduling options are also available. Contact this location for more details.
Children's House Preschool
Our Children’s House preschool and pre-K program lays a strong foundation for academic and social success by honoring each child’s natural drive to learn. In this mixed-age Montessori environment, children explore subjects like math, language, science, and geography through hands-on materials and individualized lessons. The daily routine also includes real-world activities—such as preparing snacks or watering plants - that build independence, confidence, and a sense of purpose. As they grow at their own pace, children develop critical thinking, leadership, empathy, and the skills they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. Full-Time tuition listed. Part-time and flexible scheduling options are also available. Contact this location for more details.
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A bilingual preschool program, starting at age 2, encourages cognitive development and linguistic ability while focusing on multiculturalism and diversity. The curriculum follows a project-oriented,...
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Montessori-based preschool program promoting independence, confidence, and a sense of order in each child. Curriculum includes practices with practical life skills, sensorial, language, math, science,...
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Early childhood education for infants, toddlers, PreKindergarten and junior Kindergarten students focusing on play and exploration. Program provides a holistic teaching approach. Learning activities...
Speaks Spanish
Bilingual childcare program for young children. Curriculum includes art, cognitive lessons, physical activity, life skills, and more. Daycare program is offered for infants, two's and preschoolers.
Speaks Spanish
Facility provides early learning programs for preschool-age children. Focus is on development in areas of social, emotional, spiritual, cognitive and physical growth. Christian values are integrated...
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Facility provides early learning programs for preschool-age children. Exploration and discovery are encouraged during free play. Math and science are integrated into curriculum in preparation for...
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Montessori preschool and kindergarten education program fosters the development of the whole child. Mixed-age classrooms allow for individualized learning and group interaction. Concepts such as...
Speaks Spanish
Center provides early learning program for preschool-age children. Investigation and exploration are encouraged for interactive experiences. Theme-based curriculum integrates learning into games and...
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Center provides early learning program for preschool-age children. Investigation and exploration are encouraged for interactive experiences. Theme-based curriculum integrates learning into games and...
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Montessori-based preschool promoting a child's independence, creativity, and confidence. Program offers mixed-age classrooms with art, music, exercise, practical life, language, math, geography, and...
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Montessori preschool with a full-service daycare program fostering the development of the whole child. Classroom activities include practical life, sensorial, geography, language, and math. Preschool...
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Site provides early learning programs for preschool-age children. Age-appropriate toys and games are available for hands-on exploration and discovery. Building blocks stimulate creative thinking. Fine...
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Site offers variety of services for children including infant/toddler care, Montessori school and enrichment programs. Exploration, investigation and discovery are supported for interactive learning....
Speaks Spanish
Play-based preschool encouraging the child's social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Program offers a balance of teacher-directed and student-centered activities. Curriculum...
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Play-based children's center with an emphasis on intellectual curiosity and social responsibility. Center promotes the development of the whole-child. Educators keep parents informed of the child's...
Speaks Spanish
At Bright Horizons®, we make sure the early years are full of learning and fun. Our early education and preschool program paves the way for school success, with support for each child’s individual...
Kindergarten Prep
The last year before kindergarten is a time of growth. We offer a program that gives you both teachers who cherish this important time, and curriculum recognized by parents and teachers for helping children build the social and academic skills needed to be ready for school.
Preschool
Preschool is a big year. We’ve designed our program to give you complete confidence in every aspect of your child’s experience; from health and safety; to ready-for-school curriculum; to the full support of experienced teachers.
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Preschool and childcare program offering high-quality educational services for families and children. Children participate in a variety of hands-on, age-appropriate activities that foster physical,...
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Site offers early learning programs for preschool-age children. Age-appropriate toys, games and puzzles are available for hands-on exploration and discovery. Free choice is encouraged to promote...
Speaks Spanish
Facility provides early learning and extended care for young children. Creative play and imagination are encouraged to support interactive learning. Imitation of practical life tasks, such as cooking...
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Site offers daycare and early learning programs to infants, toddlers and preschool-age children. Learning centers support free choice, exploration and discovery for hands-on learning. Children are...
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Reggio-inspired, dual-language Spanish immersion preschool using a unique combination of project-based curriculum and bilingual learning surrounded by nature. Program incorporates Reggio Emilia...
Speaks Spanish
At our Edgemoor location, we care for children ages 2 months to 5 years. Our educators are responsive to individual needs, using the Creative Curriculum, Maryland Healthy Beginnings for infants and...
Speaks Spanish
Facility provides childcare and early learning services for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. World At Their Fingertips curriculum is used to deliver age-appropriate lessons in preparation for...
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Childcare center fostering the social, physical, and cognitive needs of the child. Program offers various hands-on activities to engage the child in learning. Daily routine includes indoor and...
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Catholic-based Prekindergarten program focusing on developing the whole child. Age-appropriate practice enhance the child's social, emotional and physical development. Kindergarten readiness practices...
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Facility provides daycare and early learning services for infants, toddlers and preschool-age children. School-readiness curriculum offers preparation for Kindergarten through hands-on lessons....
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Center provides variety of services for children including early learning program, before/after school care and school's out camps. Focus is on development in areas of social, emotional, cognitive and...
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Facility provides various early learning programs for preschool-age children. Individual learning styles and growth paces are supported to ensure proper stimulation for development. Circle time...
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Play-based program for toddlers and preschoolers fostering each child's interest and curiosity. Curriculum includes early math, science, language, movement, and culture. Daily schedule activities...
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Holton Arms Child Development Center is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 7305 River Rd in Bethesda, MD. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Washington Waldorf School, located at 4800 Sangamore Road in Bethesda, MD, offers a holistic education from Pre-K to 12, integrating arts, music, and practical skills into a rigorous academic program....
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Rock Spring Childrens Center is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 6555 Rock Spring Dr Suite 150 in Bethesda, MD. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Bethesda Preparatory Preschool is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 5910 Goldsboro Rd in Bethesda, MD. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Children in the Shoe Bcc is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 4401 East-West Hwy in Bethesda, MD. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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The Manor Montessori School is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 5450 Massachusetts Ave in Bethesda, MD. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Fernwood Montessori School is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 10100 Old Georgetown Rd in Bethesda, MD. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Bethesda Reggio Lynnbrook is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 8001 Lynbrook Dr in Bethesda, MD. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Cabin John Brookmont Childrens Prog is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 4000 Virginia Pl in Bethesda, MD. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Apple Montessori School is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 7210 Hidden Creek Rd in Bethesda, MD. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Rochambeau, The French International School in Bethesda, MD, offers a comprehensive French and American education. Established in 1955, it serves kindergarten through high school students, providing a...
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St. Jane De Chantal School, located at 9525 Old Georgetown Rd in Bethesda, MD, offers a Christian-based education with a focus on academic excellence and spiritual growth. It provides a nurturing...
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Little Flower School in Bethesda, MD, provides a nurturing environment for students from PreK to 8th grade. This private Catholic school emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and social...
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Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, located at 9101 Rockville Pike in Bethesda, MD, is a Catholic, independent college prep school. It offers all-girls education for grades 1-12, with a co-ed...
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Our Lady of Lourdes School, located at 7500 Pearl St in Bethesda, MD, is a co-ed Catholic school offering pre-K through 8th-grade education. It emphasizes community, diversity, and inclusivity,...
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The Woods Academy is a private, co-educational Catholic school in Bethesda, MD, serving preschool to 8th grade. Located at 6801 Greentree Rd, it offers a Montessori preschool and rigorous academic...
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Guides
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The Cost of Childcare in Maryland: A Guide for Parents
Curious how much daycare or preschool really costs in Maryland? We break down average childcare rates by city, age, and program type—based on real data from local providers.
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What is the difference between preschool, Pre-K, and TK?
Preschool, Pre-K, and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) are all great options for children, depending on their ages and academic needs. Learn the difference.
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What is Universal Pre-K?
Universal Pre-K is a free, state-funded program for four-year-olds designed to introduce children to the pre-academic skills needed for Kindergarten.
FAQs About Bethesda Pre-K Programs
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What is Pre-K?
- Pre-K is an early learning program designed for children before they enter kindergarten. It emphasizes foundational learning, social skills, and early literacy and numeracy development.
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Do public schools have Pre-K?
- Many public schools offer free Pre-K programs for eligible families. These public preschool programs vary by state in terms of age requirements and classroom hours. Check with your local school district to see if public Pre-K is available near you.
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At what age should I enroll my child in Pre-K?
- The starting age for Pre-Kindergarten varies across states, but it's usually at four years of age. Remember, the application process often begins a few months prior to the child reaching the eligible age, so it's important to plan ahead.