Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Gainesville, FL
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...
VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten)
We are a longtime provider of Florida’s VPK program. Our school was purposely designed and our classrooms thoughtfully curated with materials and learning centers that meet the needs of children 5 and under. Plus, before- and after-care is education-based, offering more essential skill development. We’re only closed for 9 holidays per year. Join us during school breaks and all summer. And get peace of mind with live streaming video and healthy, delicious food included. Note: Child must be age 4 by Sept. 1.
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.
Also offers: Preschool, Drop-In Care
Responds quickly
O2B Supercenter offers nationally accredited preschool and afterschool programs and extracurricular classes a week taught in the Art Studio, Tinkering Lab, Karate Room, Dance Studio, Gym, Science Lab,...
VPK Extended Day
Extended-day option for VPK-eligible children. Child must be 4 by September 1 of the program year.
VPK Half Day
Free half-day pre-K program for eligible Florida children who will be 4 by September 1 of the program year.
Also offers: Preschool
Responds quickly
O2B Kids Midtown is located near the University of Florida, Shands Hospital, and downtown Gainesville. It offers nationally accredited preschool, VPK, and afterschool programs, as well as classes and...
VPK Half Day
Free half-day pre-K program for eligible Florida children who will be 4 by September 1 of the program year.
VPK Extended Day
Extended-day option for VPK-eligible children. Child must be 4 by September 1 of the program year.
Also offers: Preschool
Responds quickly
O2B Kids Hunters Crossing serves infants, toddlers, PreK, and VPK children. It is situated in the northwest part of Gainesville, close to popular neighborhoods, shopping, and business parks. The...
VPK Extended Day
Extended-day option for VPK-eligible children. Child must be 4 by September 1 of the program year.
VPK Half Day
Free half-day pre-K program for eligible Florida children who will be 4 by September 1 of the program year.
Also offers: Preschool
Responds quickly
O2B Kids Archer Road in Gainesville is a preschool-only location serving infants, toddlers, Pre-K and VPK children. The school provides a literacy-rich environment and has a highly trained staff to...
VPK Half Day
Free half-day pre-K program for eligible Florida children who will be 4 by September 1 of the program year.
VPK Extended Day
Extended-day option for VPK-eligible children. Child must be 4 by September 1 of the program year.
Also offers: Preschool
Responds quickly
Join our friendly Abacus family! We’re passionate about creating fun, educational experiences that inspire a lifelong love of learning in your child. We warmly invite you to tour our school and...
Four Year Olds/VPK
Our VPK classrooms follow the curriculum requirements set by the Early Learning Division of the Department of Education. We continue working on advancing basic skills through print knowledge, spatial relationships, oral language and vocabulary, mathematics, science, social skills, phonological awareness and other areas of concentration. Our four year old students also receive social and emotional awareness curriculum through Second Step. Through engaging activities, hands-on learning, and structured play, we create a dynamic environment where children can explore, discover, and grow.
Three Year Olds
The focus of our three year old classroom is working on skills needed to be successful in VPK. We work on teacher led instruction in small and large groups while still focusing on basic skills in addition to incorporating music, arts, and free play. Students must be fully potty-trained to be in this class. The preschool years are an incredible time of growth! During this stage, children show remarkable enthusiasm for learning, and you'll notice their abilities to experiment, explore, and focus on tasks progress rapidly. Our program is designed to support their curiosity and developmental needs by providing challenges, engaging activities, and encouragement tailored to their individual interests—all rooted in the belief that children learn best through play.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
The CHILD Center works to bring the collective experience and expertise of several different organizations together to give children, families and child care professionals the best possible...
Preschool Program
Preschool program featuring educational play and social experiences that helps children develop a lifelong love of learning.
VPK Half Day Program
Free half-day pre-K program for eligible Florida children who will be 4 by September 1 of the program year.
Also offers: VPK Extended Day
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Private, Catholic pre-kindergarten program. It's a Big Day for PreK curriculum includes Spanish, Chinese, music, art, technology, physical education, and media research. Children are exposed to...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Persimmon Early Learning Academy is a private school offering high-quality early education. It serves children from kindergarten to fifth grade, focusing on academic, social, and emotional growth. The...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Early childhood program providing services for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. The Creative Curriculum is implemented to promote growth and development. Care and education are provided...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Kiddie Academy of Gainesville offers a nurturing and educational environment for children from infants to kindergarten. Their proprietary Life Essentials curriculum focuses on developing six key life...
Pre-Kindergarten - Ready, Set, Go
Our Ready, Set, Go program is developed through our Life Essentials® curriculum to enable learning experiences where your 4-year-old’s creativity can thrive. Everything your child learns is reinforced and extended throughout the year to get them ready for school.
Preschool - I Can Do It
Our I Can Do It program inspires your child to discover their own sense of creativity, independence, and critical thinking skills in an environment filled with opportunities to grow and explore. Children’s accomplishments drive them to develop a life-long love of learning that starts right here.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Early learning services for toddlers and preschool-age children. Center offers VPK program.
Speaks Spanish
Site provides childcare and early learning opportunities for young children. Creative Curriculum is used to promote hands-on activities in preparation for Kindergarten. Math, science, language arts,...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Episcopal Children's Services Highlands Head Start is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 1132 NE 16th Ave in Gainesville, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Alachua County Schools - Rawlings Elementary is a license exempt child care center offering preschool programs located at 3500 NE 15th St in Highland Court Manor in Gainesville, FL. Contact this...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Episcopal Children's Services Eastside Head Start is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 1930 NE Waldo Rd in Gainesville, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Episcopal Children's Services Eden Park Head Start is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 1340 NE 39th Ave in Gainesville, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Rising Star Educational Academy #1 is a license exempt child care center offering daycare programs located at 1938 NE Waldo Rd in Gainesville, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Angel's Christian Academy is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 1805 SE Hawthorne Rd in Gainesville, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
St. Patrick Interparish School is a license exempt child care center offering preschool programs located at 550 NE 16th Ave in Gainesville, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Little Warriors Day School is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 1300 NW 6th St in Oakview in Gainesville, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Gainesville Country Day School 2 is a license exempt child care center offering preschool programs located at 6801 SW 24th Ave in Gainesville, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Kidz R Kidz Learning Academy is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 1735 SE Hawthorne Rd in Gainesville, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Nature's Elements Preschool is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 4138 NW 13th St in Hazel Heights in Gainesville, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Alachua County Schools - Terwilliger Elementary is a license exempt child care center offering preschool programs located at 301 NW 62nd St in Gainesville, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
The Rock School in Gainesville, FL, is a private Christian school offering PK-12 education. Located at 9818 SW 24th Ave, it provides a robust learning experience with Christian formation, a vibrant...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
St Patrick Interparish School is a private school at 550 NE 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL, offering Christ-centered education with a focus on academic excellence and community service. It provides a...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Gainesville Country Day School, located at 6801 SW 24th Ave, Gainesville, FL, is an independent, nonsectarian school offering integrated educational programs for children from preschool to fifth...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Located at 8505 NW 39th Ave in Gainesville, FL, Millhopper Montessori School offers a Montessori-based education for ages 2 to 14. The school provides a supportive environment with hands-on learning,...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Brentwood School, a trusted private institution in Gainesville since 1971, offers quality education to children aged 2-11 at 1111 NW 55th St. Emphasizing discovery and character development, the...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Cornerstone Academy, located at 3401 NW 34th St, Gainesville, FL, offers a Christian-based classical education for PK-12 students. With a focus on character development and academic excellence, the...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Laniakea Montessori School, located at 931 NE 16th Ave in Gainesville, FL, offers a holistic Montessori education from kindergarten through grade 10. Situated on a 4-acre campus with gardens and...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Located at 1700 SW 75th St in Gainesville, Oak Hall School is a private Pre-K through 12 institution offering a comprehensive education focused on scholarship, leadership, and service. Founded in...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Alachua County Schools - Lawton Chiles Elementary is a site-based childcare provider offering preschool programs located at 2525 School House Rd in Haile Plantation in Gainesville, FL. Contact this...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Alachua County Schools - Talbot Elementary is a license exempt child care center offering preschool programs located at 5701 NW 43rd St in Gainesville, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Alachua County Schools - Kimball Wiles Elementary is a license exempt child care center offering preschool programs located at 4601 SW 75th St in Gainesville, FL. Contact this provider to inquire...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Alachua County Schools - Lake Forest Elementary is a license exempt child care center offering preschool programs located at 4401 SE 4th Ave in Gainesville, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Norton Elementary is a license exempt child care center offering preschool programs located at 2200 NW 45th Ave in Gainesville, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Wiles Head Start is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 4556 SW 75th St in Haile Plantation in Gainesville, FL.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Early Learning Academy at Duval is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 2106 NE 8th Ave in Duval Heights in Gainesville, FL.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Lawton Middle Chiles Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 2525 School House Rd in Haile Plantation in Gainesville, FL.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Fearnside Family Services Center is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 3600 NE 15th St in Highland Court Manor in Gainesville, FL.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Kimball Wiles Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 4601 SW 75th St in Gainesville, FL.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Alachua Virtual Instruction Program (District Provided) is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 2802 NE 8th Ave in Gainesville, FL.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Hidden Oak Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 2100 Fort Clarke Blvd in Gainesville, FL.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Caring & Sharing Learning School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 1951 SE 4th St in Gainesville, FL.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Myra Terwilliger Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 3999 SW 122nd St in Gainesville, FL.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
C W Norton Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 2200 NW 45th Ave in Gainesville, FL.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
W a Metcalfe Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 1250 NE 18th Ave in Gainesville, FL.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 3500 NE 15th St in Highland Court Manor in Gainesville, FL.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
- 1
- 2
Guides
-
Cost of Child Care in Florida by Age, City & Type
Curious how much daycare or preschool really costs in Florida? We break down average childcare rates by city, age, and program type—based on real data from local providers.
-
Childcare Assistance in Florida
Explore financial assistance programs available in Florida, including childcare subsidies, tax credits, and free preschool options for eligible families.
-
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.
-
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 Gainesville Pre-K Programs
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.