Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Iowa City, IA
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.
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.
Also offers: Preschool, Drop-In Care
Responds quickly
Cadence Academy Preschool provides parents peace of mind by giving children an exceptional education every fun-filled day in a setting as nurturing as home.
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
Preschool program centered around fine-arts. Program is inspired by Reggio Emilia approach and Suzuki method with the goal to help each child grow and learn in all areas of human experience to foster...
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Early childhood center operated by First United Methodist Church and serving infants through preschool-age children. Teachers provide a variety of educational, recreational, and faith-based...
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Child care center offering age-appropriate learning and care to infants through school-aged children. Before and after school care is available. Developmentally-appropriate play equipment, learning...
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Preschool program centered around Christian values and education. Teachers provide a variety of educational, recreational and faith-based activities that work on school-readiness. Activities include...
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Childcare program offering services for infants through preschool-aged children. Daily schedule includes a variety of educational and recreational activities that work on each child's physical,...
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Childcare program serving preschool-aged children. Facility provides a variety of hands-on learning experiences geared towards school-readiness. Activities include working on fine and gross motor...
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Facility offers childcare services to toddlers and preschool-aged children. Daily activities include physical fitness, art, cooking, and free play. Children have access to an outdoor area for...
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Daycare providing childcare and preschool services to children and families in Iowa City. Program puts a strong emphasis on developing a positive self-image. Curriculum includes reading, math,...
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Preschool and childcare program centered around Christian values and education. Teachers provide a balance of educational, recreational and faith-based activities geared towards school-readiness. ...
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Childcare facility serving families of students and employees of the University of Iowa. Teachers provide age-appropriate learning experiences that work on each child's physical, social, emotional...
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Preschool and childcare program offering educational services for children and families. Teachers provide age-appropriate activities and materials that work on each child's physical, social,...
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Montessori preschool program offering educational services to children and families. Teachers provide developmentally-appropriate learning experiences that work on school-readiness and increasing...
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Non-profit Christian preschool administered by a Board of Directors who have a passion for children. Located in the lower level of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (LCMS), this is a faith-based preschool...
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Lionheart is based on the belief that parents are the experts on their children and it is our role to supplement their care while their parents are away. A strong collaboration must exist between the...
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. Each week, our teachers design engaging lesson plans that inspire children to explore the world around them, whether through a nature project in the garden or a fun science experiment. With a child-centered approach, we support the development of key academic skills like math, science, reading, and writing, all while fostering social and emotional growth through play. Preschoolers build friendships, solve problems, and develop independence in a secure, nurturing environment.
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Childcare facility serving infants through preschool-aged children with or without developmental delays or disabilities. Children participate in various learning experiences that work on physical,...
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Christian-based preschool offering age-appropriate learning and care to children in preparation for elementary school. Program promotes games, learning, and free play. Daily activities entail arts and...
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Childcare facility offering services for preschool and school-aged children. Program encourages curiosity, creativity, family systems, and exploration of self and surroundings. Children develop life...
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Child care center located on the lower level of First Mennonite Church and offering care to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Children participate in a learning curriculum, outside play, and free...
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Center provides services to children from infancy to school-age. Center utilizes a blended curriculum that includes philosophies from Creative Curriculum, Read it Again, Get Set for School, Second...
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Christian child care center offering age-appropriate learning and care to infants through school-aged children. Daily activities include arts and crafts, outside play, handwriting, math, science,...
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Center provides childcare services to preschool-aged children. Handwriting Without Tears curriculum encourages spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical development. Daily activities include...
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Childcare facility provides year-round services to children from infancy to school-age. Nutrition training, in-home meetings, and health services are provided. Program utilize both the Creative...
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Childcare program offering educational services for children and families. Children participate in STEM-based activities, gardening, sign language, writing, reading and other hands-on learning...
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Facility provides childcare services to children from infancy to school-age. Daily activities include music, crafting, water play, gardening, drawing with chalk, reading, outdoor playtime, puzzles,...
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Preschool program offering Head Start services to qualifying families and children. Teachers provide age-appropriate learning experiences to help prepare children for school, both socially and...
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Christian child care center offering age-appropriate learning and care to infants through prekindergarten children. Daily activities include creative art, literature, music, food preparation, life...
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Regina Catholic Education Center, located at 2150 Rochester Ave, Iowa City, IA, is a highly rated, private PK-12 Roman Catholic school. It offers a comprehensive education with a strong focus on faith...
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Regina Catholic Education Center, located at 2150 Rochester Ave, Iowa City, IA, is a PK–12 private Catholic school offering a comprehensive education. It features a strong athletic program and a...
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Willowwind School, located at 950 Dover St in Iowa City, IA, is a private school emphasizing whole-child development through social-emotional learning, arts, and collaboration. It offers a Montessori...
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KCE Champions @ Borlaug Elementary is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 1000 Kennedy Pkwy in Iowa City, IA. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Robert Lucas Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 830 Southlawn Dr in Lucas in Iowa City, IA.
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Grant Wood Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 1930 Lakeside Dr in Wood in Iowa City, IA.
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Ernest Horn Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 600 Koser Ave in Horn in Iowa City, IA.
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Herbert Hoover Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 1355 Barrington Rd in Lucas in Iowa City, IA.
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Mark Twain Elementary is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 1355 Deforest Ave in Twain in Iowa City, IA.
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Horace Mann Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 521 N Dodge St in Mann in Iowa City, IA.
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Alexander Elementary is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 3571 Sycamore St in Wood in Iowa City, IA.
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Norman Borlaug Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 1000 Kennedy Pkwy in Iowa City, IA.
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Bohumil Shimek Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 1400 Grissel Pl in Shimek in Iowa City, IA.
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Helen Lemme Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 3100 E Washington St in Lemme in Iowa City, IA.
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Guides
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Cost of Child Care in Iowa by Age, City & Type
Curious how much daycare or preschool really costs in Iowa? We break down average childcare rates by city, age, and program type—based on real data from local providers.
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Childcare Assistance in Iowa
Explore financial assistance programs available in Iowa, 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 Iowa City Pre-K Programs
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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-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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At what age should I enroll my child in Pre-K?
- Each state has its own age criteria for Pre-Kindergarten, but generally, children are eligible at the age of four. To ensure a spot, it's a good idea to apply well in advance, usually a few months before your child reaches the required age.