Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Charleston, SC
Private education program offering infant and toddler care, early learners program, preschool, and pre-kindergarten in a warm, home-like setting. Program follows skill-based Ascend Curriculum which...
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.
Flexible Care
With Flexi-Pass, families can purchase 5 full days of prepaid care to use one at a time or all at once. There are no registration fees, no ongoing tuition, and no long-term commitment — just trusted care at a lower per-day cost.
Responds quickly
At La Petite Academy of James Island, your child will learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment. We we provide quality daycare, preschool programs, and summer camp in Charleston, SC. Our...
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.
Preschool
For any child, preschool education is an essential step on the path to kindergarten. We want the best for your child and that’s why this program focuses on their personal development with customized curriculum and lesson plans to meet their individual developmental needs. In this classroom, children are given an increasing sense of independence, while also learning how to relate to others through large-group activities which are an essential part of the day. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Responds quickly
At Smart Cookies, we provide nurturing, high-quality child care and preschool programs for families in West Ashley and Charleston, SC. From infant care to Pre-K, our programs are designed to support...
Pre-K 4
Our Pre-K 4 program emphasizes kindergarten readiness while supporting each child’s individuality. Teachers plan lessons that build pre-reading, pre-math, and self-expression skills through structured yet engaging activities. Children practice social interaction, independence, and problem-solving as they prepare for school. With a strong focus on both academics and social development, this program lays the foundation for lifelong learning. By the end of Pre-K, children are confident, capable, and ready to thrive in kindergarten.
Pre-K 3
In our Pre-K 3 classroom, social development is a primary focus. Children practice sharing, helping, using manners, and expressing emotions with words. Teachers guide circle time, story time, and group activities to build patience, listening, and communication skills. Alongside social growth, children are introduced to pre-academic concepts such as writing, numbers, sensory play, art, and dramatic play. These experiences help prepare them for the more structured learning ahead.
Responds quickly
At Smart Cookies, we provide nurturing, high-quality child care and preschool programs for families in West Ashley and Charleston, SC. From infant care to Pre-K, our programs are designed to support...
Pre-K 4
Our Pre-K 4 program emphasizes kindergarten readiness while supporting each child’s individuality. Teachers plan lessons that build pre-reading, pre-math, and self-expression skills through structured yet engaging activities. Children practice social interaction, independence, and problem-solving as they prepare for school. With a strong focus on both academics and social development, this program lays the foundation for lifelong learning. By the end of Pre-K, children are confident, capable, and ready to thrive in kindergarten.
Pre-K 3
In our Pre-K 3 classroom, social development is a primary focus. Children practice sharing, helping, using manners, and expressing emotions with words. Teachers guide circle time, story time, and group activities to build patience, listening, and communication skills. Alongside social growth, children are introduced to pre-academic concepts such as writing, numbers, sensory play, art, and dramatic play. These experiences help prepare them for the more structured learning ahead.
Responds quickly
At La Petite Academy of West Ashley, your child will learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment. We we provide quality daycare, preschool programs, and summer camp in Charleston, SC. Our...
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.
Preschool
For any child, preschool education is an essential step on the path to kindergarten. We want the best for your child and that’s why this program focuses on their personal development with customized curriculum and lesson plans to meet their individual developmental needs. In this classroom, children are given an increasing sense of independence, while also learning how to relate to others through large-group activities which are an essential part of the day. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Responds quickly
Educational program catering to young children. Diverse student body is educated in a family environment and focus is placed on creative arts. Curriculum includes religion, where children learn...
Speaks Spanish
We are a proud partner of SC Scholarship Program with assisting family with affordable childcare as well as partnering with the SC 4K First Steps Program, which allows us to provide free education to...
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Yes Children's Academy is a bilingual preschool where children learn,explore,create,and grow through hands-on expereinces and purposeful play.Our program incorporates STEAM -based learning to...
Yes Children's Academy
Yes Children's Academy
Also offers: Preschool Program, Yes Children's Academy
Speaks Spanish
Christian Montessori preschool program for children. Activities for infants and young toddlers focus on motor skill development, social skills, and language development. Preschool and kindergarten age...
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Preschool program offering a creative educational experience while utilizing visual, auditory, reading and writing, and kinesthetic learning styles. Program offers infant, young toddler, and...
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Early learning program designed to provide care for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. Learning through play is supported in an environment that uses the Pyramid model as a framework and...
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Private preschool program providing opportunities for academic, athletic, and artistic development in a Christ-centered environment that blends teaching of the home and church. Program offers...
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At Big Blue Marble Academy, we nurture little minds through a robust curriculum that ensures children are cognitively, socially, and emotionally prepared for kindergarten and beyond. Our programs are...
Fours
Young children are permeable learners, meaning they have the capability to learn many concepts at once. At four years old, our students in the preschool learning program, led by experienced preschool teachers, are getting ready to incorporate all that they are learning at the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional levels in order to make that important transition to kindergarten. Our focus on higher-level thinking within a safe and nurturing learning environment, where students learn to approach problems and attempt new challenges with an “I Can” attitude, means that they can carry these foundational skills with them to kindergarten and beyond.
Threes
Our preschool program is designed to encourage our three-year-olds to develop respect and appreciation for other cultures through our global curriculum, including weekly Spanish classes taught by an experienced bilingual preschool teacher. Children learn language skills through stories, music, and games in an immersive, interactive environment, with a learning program tailored to preschoolers’ unique needs.
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A classical Montessori environment located in a historic downtown building with a beautiful playground and outdoor classrooms. The program offers small class sizes with certified Montessori teachers...
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Lowcountry Children's Co-Op is a cooperative preschool program serving children ages 18 months to 5 years. The school follows a play-based learning philosophy and maintains small class sizes to...
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Playhouse Daycare provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children learn, grow, and thrive. Our experienced and caring teachers focus on early learning, social development,...
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Faith-based childcare and preschool program. Age-appropriate lessons are presented through arts and crafts, games, and themed activities. Classrooms are divided by age and children participate in...
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James Island Christian School is a highly rated, private Christian school located at 15 Crosscreek Dr, Charleston, SC. It offers a rigorous academic program, emphasizing a Christian worldview, with...
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First Baptist School of Charleston, located at 48 Meeting St, is a private Christian school integrating faith with learning for students K2-12. Founded in 1949, it offers a college-preparatory...
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Charles Towne Montessori School, located at 56 Leinbach Dr in Charleston, SC, offers engaging educational programs for children from 15 months to 13 years. Emphasizing hands-on learning and...
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Trinity Montessori School, located at 1293 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston, SC, is Charleston's only Classical Montessori Day School. It offers an experiential learning environment for children from...
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We are an affordable preschool serving infants through four-year-olds.
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Nativity School is a private, Catholic institution in Charleston, SC, offering PK-8 education. Located at 1125 Pittsford Cir, it emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and diversity with a...
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Pattison's Academy for Comprehensive Education is a public charter school in Charleston, SC, serving grades K-12. Located at 721 Wappoo Rd, it offers a comprehensive educational environment within the...
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Charleston Development Academy is a public charter school in Charleston, SC, offering education from Pre-K to 8th grade. Located at 233 Line Street, the school provides a student-teacher ratio of 11:1...
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Orange Grove Charter School, located at 1225 Orange Branch Rd, Charleston, SC 29407, is a public charter school serving grades PK-8. It offers a Gifted & Talented program and is known for its strong...
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Charleston Progressive is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 382 Meeting St in Wraggborough in Charleston, SC.
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Charles Towne Montessori School is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 56 Leinbach Dr in West Ashley in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices...
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Loving and Learning is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 876 Colony Dr in West Ashley in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Meeting Street Academy is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 642 Meeting St in NOMO in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Charleston Progressive Elementary Kaleidoscope Afterschool Program is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 382 Meeting St in Wraggborough in Charleston, SC. Contact this...
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James Island Presbyterian Child Care Center is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 1632 Fort Johnson Rd in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices...
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Daniel Island Academy is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 300 Seven Farms Drive in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Blessed Sacrament Catholic School is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 7 St Teresa Dr in West Ashley in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices...
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Mason Preparatory School is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 56 Halsey Blvd in Harleston Village in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Memminger Elementary Kaleidoscope Afterschool Program is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 20 Beaufain St in Harleston Village in Charleston, SC. Contact this...
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Avis E Miles is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 931 Battery Ave in West Ashley in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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N.E. Miles Early Childhood Development Center is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 91 Wentworth St in Harleston Village in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to...
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New Israel Reformed Episcopal Development Center is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 79 Simons St in North-Central in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire...
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Jacqueline Ancrum is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 1810 Dillway St in West Ashley in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Murray LaSaine Elementary Kaleidoscope Afterschool Program is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 691 Riverland Dr in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire...
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Ashley Swilley is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 6601 Bent Creek Dr in Windsor Hill Plantation in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Sundrops Montessori - Daniel Island is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 2391 Clements Ferry Rd in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Annette Sloan is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 3701 Stone Mill Ct in Windsor Hill Plantation in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Sundrops Montessori School Palmetto Campus is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 88 Simons St in North-Central in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about...
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Second Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 342 Meeting St in Ansonborough in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire...
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Drayton Hall Elem Afterschool is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 3183 Ashley River Rd in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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James Simons Elementary School is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 741 King St in North-Central in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Stono Park Elementary Afterschool Program is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 314 Huntley Dr in West Ashley in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about...
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Holy Spirit Island School is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 299 Seven Farms Drive in Charleston, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Guides
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Exploring Childcare Costs in South Carolina
Curious how much daycare or preschool really costs in South Carolina? We break down average childcare rates by city, age, and program type—based on real data from local providers.
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How to Find & Apply for Childcare Assistance in South Carolina
Explore financial assistance programs available in South Carolina, including childcare subsidies, tax credits, and free preschool options for eligible families.
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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 Charleston Pre-K Programs
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Do public schools have Pre-K?
- Yes, some public schools offer Pre-K programs. These programs are often free for qualifying families, though availability depends on your school district. Age requirements and program length vary by state, so it’s best to check with your local district.
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At what age should I enroll my child in Pre-K?
- The age cut-off differs from state to state but most children start Pre-K at four years old. Keep in mind, you may need to apply a few months before they're eligible to attend.
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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.