Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Columbia, SC
For 40 years, Chesterbrook Academy preschools have provided exceptional early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to Pre-K. We combine learning experiences and structured play in a fun,...
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.
Intermediates
Our Intermediates program for 3-year-olds encourages hands-on exploration through learning centers focused on early literacy, math, and science. Our Links to Learning curriculum also helps children develop independence, practice social-emotional skills like sharing, taking turns, and understanding emotions, and build strong friendships. We also foster appreciation for diversity to create an inclusive, caring community.
Responds quickly
Private education program offering preschool in a nurturing, home-like environment with an open layout and three outdoor playgrounds. Program follows skill-based Ascend Curriculum and focuses on...
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.
Also offers: Flexible Care
Responds quickly
Private preschool following skill-based Ascend Curriculum, with a focus on developing cognitive, physical, social-emotional, and creative skills. Preschool program focuses on developing math, science,...
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.
Also offers: Flexible Care
Responds quickly
Bright Futures Start Here! For 50 years, The Sunshine House has been helping children build a solid educational and social foundation -- with all the fun of childhood mixed in. Our curriculum nurtures...
Pre-K
Pre-K for 4- to 5-year-olds; inspiring a love of learning & readiness for kindergarten! The best Pre-K programs spark curiosity, foster problem-solving skills, and create a lifelong love of learning—and that’s exactly what we offer at The Sunshine House! Our Pre-K program prepares your child for Kindergarten and beyond by combining structured learning with hands-on fun. Using the award-winning Creative Curriculum®, we provide engaging experiences in:
First Steps 4K (Free Pre-K)
We offer First Steps 4K, a FREE high-quality, full-day four-year-old kindergarten to qualifying children in South Carolina! Classes are taught by licensed teachers and help prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond. We’ve also been parent-trusted for more than 45 years! We’ve been providing early care and education for families across the country since 1975. We invite you to join our family! School readiness is important – and helps set your child up for a lifetime of academic success. Take advantage of this free program today. Registration is on a first-come basis. Get started today!
Also offers: Preschool
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Bright Futures Start Here! For 50 years, The Sunshine House has been helping children build a solid educational and social foundation -- with all the fun of childhood mixed in. Our curriculum nurtures...
Pre-K
Pre-K for 4- to 5-year-olds; inspiring a love of learning & readiness for kindergarten! The best Pre-K programs spark curiosity, foster problem-solving skills, and create a lifelong love of learning—and that’s exactly what we offer at The Sunshine House! Our Pre-K program prepares your child for Kindergarten and beyond by combining structured learning with hands-on fun. Using the award-winning Creative Curriculum®, we provide engaging experiences in:
First Steps 4K (Free Pre-K)
We offer First Steps 4K, a FREE high-quality, full-day four-year-old kindergarten to qualifying children in South Carolina! Classes are taught by licensed teachers and help prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond. We’ve also been parent-trusted for more than 45 years! We’ve been providing early care and education for families across the country since 1975. We invite you to join our family! School readiness is important – and helps set your child up for a lifetime of academic success. Take advantage of this free program today. Registration is on a first-come basis. Get started today!
Also offers: Preschool
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Bright Futures Start Here! For 50 years, The Sunshine House has been helping children build a solid educational and social foundation -- with all the fun of childhood mixed in. Our curriculum nurtures...
Pre-K
Pre-K for 4- to 5-year-olds; inspiring a love of learning & readiness for kindergarten! The best Pre-K programs spark curiosity, foster problem-solving skills, and create a lifelong love of learning—and that’s exactly what we offer at The Sunshine House! Our Pre-K program prepares your child for Kindergarten and beyond by combining structured learning with hands-on fun. Using the award-winning Creative Curriculum®, we provide engaging experiences in:
First Steps 4K (Free Pre-K)
We offer First Steps 4K, a FREE high-quality, full-day four-year-old kindergarten to qualifying children in South Carolina! Classes are taught by licensed teachers and help prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond. We’ve also been parent-trusted for more than 45 years! We’ve been providing early care and education for families across the country since 1975. We invite you to join our family! School readiness is important – and helps set your child up for a lifetime of academic success. Take advantage of this free program today. Registration is on a first-come basis. Get started today!
Also offers: Preschool
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Bright Futures Start Here! For 50 years, The Sunshine House has been helping children build a solid educational and social foundation -- with all the fun of childhood mixed in. Our curriculum nurtures...
Pre-K
Pre-K for 4- to 5-year-olds; inspiring a love of learning & readiness for kindergarten! The best Pre-K programs spark curiosity, foster problem-solving skills, and create a lifelong love of learning—and that’s exactly what we offer at The Sunshine House! Our Pre-K program prepares your child for Kindergarten and beyond by combining structured learning with hands-on fun. Using the award-winning Creative Curriculum®, we provide engaging experiences in:
First Steps 4K (Free Pre-K)
We offer First Steps 4K, a FREE high-quality, full-day four-year-old kindergarten to qualifying children in South Carolina! Classes are taught by licensed teachers and help prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond. We’ve also been parent-trusted for more than 45 years! We’ve been providing early care and education for families across the country since 1975. We invite you to join our family! School readiness is important – and helps set your child up for a lifetime of academic success. Take advantage of this free program today. Registration is on a first-come basis. Get started today!
Also offers: Preschool
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Bright Futures Start Here! For 50 years, The Sunshine House has been helping children build a solid educational and social foundation -- with all the fun of childhood mixed in. Our curriculum nurtures...
Pre-K
Pre-K for 4- to 5-year-olds; inspiring a love of learning & readiness for kindergarten! The best Pre-K programs spark curiosity, foster problem-solving skills, and create a lifelong love of learning—and that’s exactly what we offer at The Sunshine House! Our Pre-K program prepares your child for Kindergarten and beyond by combining structured learning with hands-on fun. Using the award-winning Creative Curriculum®, we provide engaging experiences in:
First Steps 4K (Free Pre-K)
We offer First Steps 4K, a FREE high-quality, full-day four-year-old kindergarten to qualifying children in South Carolina! Classes are taught by licensed teachers and help prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond. We’ve also been parent-trusted for more than 45 years! We’ve been providing early care and education for families across the country since 1975. We invite you to join our family! School readiness is important – and helps set your child up for a lifetime of academic success. Take advantage of this free program today. Registration is on a first-come basis. Get started today!
Also offers: Preschool
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Creative Learning Place (CLP), is a childcare center with DSS-certified and experienced educators who genuinely care for your children like their own. We offer full-time and part-time programs for...
Speaks Spanish
Private preschool program providing early education lessons and activities for preschool students. Lessons include pre-reading, writing, and math, science, geography, language, music, and social...
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Discover the joy of early learning at La Petite Academy. Whether caring for your baby, preparing your preschooler for kindergarten, or supporting your elementary student (up to age 12) in the morning...
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.
Also offers: Drop-In Care
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Discover the joy of early learning at La Petite Academy. Whether caring for your baby, preparing your preschooler for kindergarten, or supporting your elementary student (up to age 12) in the morning...
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.
Also offers: Drop-In Care
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
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...
Four's
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.
Three's
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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Ben Lippen School's Lower School program serves students from K3 through 5th grade in a Christ-centered environment. The school emphasizes academic excellence while integrating Biblical principles...
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Free community program offering early education and care assistance to infants, toddlers, preschool children, and parents. Program provides educational lessons, parent education, daycare, health and...
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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.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
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.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
At The Leaders of Tomorrow Child Development Center, we believe in providing children with a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters their natural curiosity and love of learning. Our...
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Bright Futures Start Here! For 50 years, The Sunshine House has been helping children build a solid educational and social foundation -- with all the fun of childhood mixed in. Our curriculum nurtures...
Pre-K
Pre-K for 4- to 5-year-olds; inspiring a love of learning & readiness for kindergarten! The best Pre-K programs spark curiosity, foster problem-solving skills, and create a lifelong love of learning—and that’s exactly what we offer at The Sunshine House! Our Pre-K program prepares your child for Kindergarten and beyond by combining structured learning with hands-on fun. Using the award-winning Creative Curriculum®, we provide engaging experiences in:
Preschool
A fun & engaging learning experience for your growing preschooler for 3 - 4 year olds. The preschool years are an exciting time of creativity, curiosity, and social growth. At The Sunshine House, we create a stimulating, hands-on learning environment that nurtures your child’s independence, confidence, and love of learning—all while making education fun! At this stage, school readiness is a top priority. Our preschool curriculum provides a strong academic foundation in essential skills needed for Kindergarten and beyond.
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Early education program offering learning opportunities for preschool and school-age children. Program is driven by the Montessori philosophy and specializes in teaching English as a foreign language....
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Success by Steps Early Learning Academy provides a nurturing environment for children to learn and grow. The center focuses on developmental milestones and early education fundamentals through...
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Our motto at Learn 2 Lead Academy is “your children are our family.” We are here to ensure that each child is safe, loved and able to learn and grow.
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St. Paul's Childcare Ministry is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 1715 Bull St in Midtown - Downtown in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices...
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Nanas Little Elephant CDC Phase I/Revision is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 7303 Fire Lane Rd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Carolina School for Inquiry, located at 7405a Fairfield Rd in Columbia, SC, is a public charter school offering a Gifted & Talented program for students in grades PK through 6. With a focus on...
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Located at 2015 Marion St, Columbia, SC, Clear Dot Charter School offers free public education from 4K to 12th grade. It focuses on developing globally competent students through community-based,...
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Facility offers daycare, preschool, and afterschool programming for infants through school-age students. Children engage in creative activities, peer interaction, outdoor play, social studies,...
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Monumental Kids Academy is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 1898 Calhoun St in Midtown - Downtown in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Kinder Academy is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 302 S Beltline Blvd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Mommy's Time Out (Columbia) is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 104 Hillpine Road in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Infinity Learning Academy is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 919 True St in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Little One's Childcare Solution is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 532 Koon Store Rd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Legacy Learners Academy is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 1342 Omarest Dr in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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North Trenholm Baptist Weekday Education is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 6515 N Trenholm Rd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Little Peoples Learning Center is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 4444 Bethel Church Rd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Asbury Kindergarten & Preschool is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 1005 Asbury Dr in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Woodfield Enrichment Center is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 2540 Kneece Rd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Moore Lovin Childcare Center is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 8252 Garners Ferry Rd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Southeast Child Development Center is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 1540 Elmtree Rd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Kinder Academy Too is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 1603 Leesburg Rd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Pineview Learning Center is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 1916 Pineview Rd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Tru Luv Learning Center is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 8113 Garners Ferry Rd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Cutler Jewish Day School is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 5827 N Trenholm Rd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Carolyn Revere is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 2840 Cliffside Cir in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Kids Garden Columbia is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 4714 Forest Dr in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Marys Daycare is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 1744 Decker Blvd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Kingdom Kids Child Development Center is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 7004 Brookfield Rd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Kathwood Preschool is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 4900 Trenholm Rd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church ELC is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 6408 Bridgewood Rd in Columbia, SC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices...
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Little Harvard Academy is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 120 Commercial Dr in Columbia, 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 Columbia Pre-K Programs
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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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Do public schools have Pre-K?
- Yes! Some public schools do offer Pre-K. These programs can be free for families who qualify, but details—like how many hours kids attend and the age cutoff—depend on where you live. Reach out to your local district to learn more.
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What is Pre-K?
- Pre-Kindergarten, commonly known as Pre-K, serves children around four years old. Children learn the necessary skills for future academic success.