Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Philadelphia, PA
Childcare center offering early education and enrichment with a focus on literacy, art, early academics, physical education, and social skills. Site utilizes a play-based curriculum designed to...
Prekindergarten Program
Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.
Preschool Program
Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.
Responds quickly
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.
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
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.
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
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
Primrose School of Center City Philadelphia is a private preschool offering Balanced Learning® early education and child care, conveniently located on Market Street near JFK Plaza and Philadelphia...
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 Pathways
Our Preschool Pathways program provides a “bridge” between our Early Preschool and Preschool classrooms for children whose birthdays will miss the cutoff date for kindergarten entrance.
Also offers: Preschool
Responds quickly
Speaks Spanish
Right Steps ® Education is a premier childcare provider committed to a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, treating children as capable, curious learners. Our philosophy views the environment as the...
Kindergarten & Pre-K (Savanna Room)
Our Savanna program blends structured instruction with hands-on inquiry. We offer a Challenge Program for advanced learners, fostering independence and academic growth. We empower students to be responsible members of society who know they can make a difference in their world!
Preschool Program (Rainforest Room)
The Rainforest room is a dynamic space where creativity and critical thinking take root. Following the Reggio Emilia approach, we treat children as curious learners. We focus on social growth and collaboration to ensure every child builds a positive, lifelong outlook on learning.
Responds quickly
Speaks Spanish
Early Childhood at GFS is the start of a rich, joyful educational journey for our youngest friends, starting at 2 years, 7 months. Rooted in Quaker values, our program offers: A "guided play"...
Pre-K Program
Our Pre-K curriculum focuses on Kindergarten readiness through Math and Writer’s Workshops. Children engage in experiments, engineering, and critical thinking, learning to solve problems and follow multi-step directions. It’s a purposeful mix of structured study and creative expression.
Preschool Program
Rooted in Quaker values, our preschool fosters curiosity through nature and "Studio" art. Kids develop social skills and self-regulation in a respectful community. With weekly Meeting for Worship and a focus on love, we build a strong sense of self while exploring art, song, and early play.
Responds quickly
We believe in a play-based interdisciplinary curriculum. Our school’s program is one of learning through play in an effort to garner and support skills in early numeracy, literacy, art, science,...
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Daycare offering services to infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children. Spanish is spoken and taught. Center is located near Thomas Holme Elementary.
Speaks Spanish
Raising Amazing Daycare is excited to offer enrollment opportunities for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Our cutting-edge facility features a safe and supportive environment, advanced security...
Speaks Spanish
Raindrops at Thomas Learning Center is a licensed child care facility offering daycare programs in Philadelphia. It provides a safe and enriching environment where children can learn and grow with...
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Early childhood facility that focuses on providing a learning environment for children. Team of staff who offer age-appropriate activities and educational opportunities that promote the growth and...
Speaks Spanish
Montessori micro-school promoting a nature-based, bilingual, and play-based curriculum for toddlers and preschoolers. Children pursue and explore interests under teacher-guided direction to support...
Speaks Spanish
Greene Towne Montessori School educates children ages 18-months through 3rd grade and is the longest running and only accredited Montessori school in Philadelphia. Each environment in the school is...
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Preschool program focused on developing the whole child and using value-centered approach to foster a child’s intelligence, creativity, and communication skills. Individuality is celebrated and...
Speaks Spanish
Our curriculum is designed to meet the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs of each child. We offer a play-based approach that encourages exploration, problem-solving, and critical...
Speaks Spanish
Free pre-kindergarten program designed to support low-income children and their families. Children participate in educational learning opportunities centered on literacy, art, science, and math....
Speaks Spanish
Pre-kindergarten and school-age child care program that uses martial arts and academic lessons to help children gain discipline, focus, and ethic skills necessary to develop as leaders. Science, math,...
Speaks Spanish
Christian, faith-based childcare center offering toddler, preschool, pre-kindergarten, and school-age programs. Regular activities include outdoor playtime, group games, crafts, and homework help....
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Head Start program providing care and preschool education geared towards school readiness. Curriculum is based on state standards and High Scope lessons. Activities include active play, hands-on...
Speaks Spanish
Daycare center offering infant, toddler, and PreK programs. Activities are designed to help children learn more about the environment and the world around them, use their imaginations, and develop...
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The child care center for children ages 2 -12 years old. Children will learn through arts and play with the different activities and curriculum we offer. Aftercare is available for kids up to 12 years...
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Early education and childcare center serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Play-based curriculum focuses on early academics, literacy, science, social-emotional development and creativity....
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At Frankford Friends Early Childhood Center in Fishtown, learning is rooted in joy, curiosity, and respect for every child. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach and Quaker values, our play-based,...
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Top Notch Tots is a warm, welcoming childcare center dedicated to providing high-quality care and learning experiences for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old. Our center is designed to support...
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Center offers childcare services to infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Creative curriculum is based on each child's interests and on weekly lesson plans. Daily activities include...
Speaks Spanish
Child care and preschool program for children from birth to age 6, including full-day, part-day, and drop-in care. The school is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young...
Responds quickly
Daycare program providing learning experiences to children of all ages. After care is available to school-aged children and includes homework help. Age-appropriate toys, games, books, and equipment...
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Free pre-kindergarten program designed to support low-income children and their families. Children participate in educational learning opportunities centered on literacy, art, science, and math....
Speaks Spanish
Free pre-kindergarten program designed to support and educate low-income children and their families. Children participate in educational learning opportunities centered on literacy, art, science, and...
Speaks Spanish
Our Alphabet Aquarium daycare center is designed to give your child the opportunity to surf the waves of imagination. As you enter the facility, you feel immediately as though you are walking on the...
Pre-K
Alphabet Aquarium by BrightPath’s Pre-K program prepares children for kindergarten through age-appropriate, play-based learning experiences that incorporate science, math, arts, and language. The curriculum encourages participation in teacher-led activities, managing transitions, and following routines. A key focus is on developing literacy skills, with dedicated literacy centers and engaging activities that promote letter recognition, fine motor skills, and emergent writing. Children explore topics in two-week-long studies, such as changing seasons, community helpers, and animal habitats, with lessons adapted to their interests. The program incorporates American Sign Language to enhance communication and reinforce learning concepts. Classrooms feature dynamic learning centers, including dramatic play, blocks, sensory tables, science, and literacy areas, allowing children to engage in hands-on activities and role-play based on the current theme. Outdoor learning and field trips, like visiting local farms, enrich lessons and help children connect with their community. Teachers encourage independence by letting children choose their activities and promoting social skills, language development, and problem-solving. Regular parent-teacher meetings provide opportunities to discuss development and set goals to support growth, ensuring a personalized and supportive learning experience for each child.
Preschool
Alphabet Aquarium by BrightPath’s Preschool Program is designed to align with the developmental milestones and curiosities of younger preschoolers through a variety of play-based activities centered around engaging themes. Throughout the day, children receive two nutritious snacks and a lunch served in a family-style setting, where teachers encourage self-serving, good table manners, and positive conversations. Preschoolers participate in two large group times each day to sing songs, listen to stories, play games, and discuss the classroom activities. The program promotes independence by allowing children to choose which interest areas they want to explore, including dramatic play, blocks and building, manipulatives and math, science, art, cozy corners, literacy, and music and movement. Outdoor playtime occurs twice daily, providing opportunities for physical development with equipment like climbers, trikes, and swings. After lunchtime, children enjoy a restful nap or quiet time before beginning their afternoon activities. The curriculum at BrightPath Preschool is designed around children’s interests, adapting classroom experiences to support their learning. Teachers scaffold learning based on what children already know and want to explore, using themed studies that range from seasons to living things. These themes come to life with hands-on activities, such as watching caterpillars turn into butterflies or baby chicks hatching in the classroom. Additionally, children can enroll in the literacy-focused "BP Read with Me" program to enhance their emergent reading and writing skills through small group sessions. Preschoolers also learn American Sign Language to improve communication and reinforce concepts. Our curriculum aligns with the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards, covering essential areas such as science, math, social studies, creative arts, and social-emotional development. Teachers regularly assess progress and host parent/teacher conferences three times a year to collaborate on each child’s growth and development goals.
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Our Alphabet Academy Treehouse daycare is our “eco-friendly” newly renovated facility. This daycare provides a greener and healthier environment for children ages 3 months to 5 years to learn and grow...
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A child’s journey begins at our Alphabet Station child care center. This facility contains four classes: the infant daycare center, the young toddler, older toddler, and young preschool classrooms, as...
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Facility that provides care and early childhood education with a balance between formal lessons and free play. Children have opportunities for physical and social development. Parent involvement is...
Speaks Spanish
Program that provides care and education geared towards school readiness. Activities include age appropriate active play, circle time, art, free play, group work, and pre reading.
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Center offers childcare services to children from infancy to school-age. Facility is open on local school district holidays. Children have access to an outdoor play area for recreational uses.
Speaks Spanish
Bilingual early childhood program offering academic and social preparation along with exposure to Puerto Rican culture and heritage. Learning environment acts as a community and actively empowers...
Speaks Spanish
Daycare center offering infant, toddler, PreK, and Kindergarten programs. Individualized activities are used to help each child grow, develop, and learn. Group games and individual playtime activities...
Speaks Spanish
Early learning program featuring childcare and educational services for young children. The Creative Curriculum is implemented to support educational learning and age-appropriate development. Outdoor...
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Group-based childcare program encouraging learning through age-appropriate play and activities. Learning curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness. Children have access to an outdoor play area with...
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Miss Leslie Wiggles & Giggles Childcare is a nurturing and vibrant facility dedicated to fostering creativity and development in young children. Our experienced staff provides a safe, stimulating...
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Childcare and preschool program providing an early education curriculum. School readiness skills are promoted through literacy, math, and science lessons. School-age students are provided with before...
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Daycare and preschool program offering both educational and play-based approaches to learning. Children learn through the "Creative Curriculum" that promotes hands-on learning in math, science,...
Speaks Spanish
Childcare center which aims to provide a home-like environment for learning. Students enjoy activities designed to foster independence and age-appropriate development. Children learn through...
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Daycare center using an academic-based curriculum to help children gain cognitive, emotional, and social skills that will help them succeed in school and beyond. Dramatic play, manipulatives, outdoor...
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Comprehensive childcare and education center supporting school readiness and enrichment academics. Preschool students receive a focused curriculum supporting pre-reading and writing skills, early...
Speaks Spanish
Trinity Playgroup’s mission is to care for, educate, and enrich the lives of pre-school children, with a view to meeting their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs at different stages of...
PreK Class
The morning is very playful and active, with times set aside to work on projects which incorporate reading and math readiness, science, and nature. We explore the world around us through art and literature. And we make sure to go outside every day.
Intermediate Class
We provide opportunities to practice personal responsibility, and help students navigate big emotions, social conflicts, and being part of a community. Our kids have opportunities to explore science, art and sensory, literacy, math, motor skills, problem solving and more everyday.
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Daycare center offing infant, toddler, PreK, school age, and summer programs. Activities are designed to help children become independent, gain confidence, and develop a love of learning. Children in...
Speaks Spanish
Program that provides care and education with an emphasis on diversity. Academics are presented through a rotating themed curriculum. Activities include art, field trips, reading, music, and basic...
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The Norment School is a private childcare and early learning center located in the vibrant University City/West Philadelphia area. At The Norment School, our mission is to provide engaging and...
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Guides
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The Cost of Childcare in Pennsylvania
Curious how much daycare or preschool really costs in Pennsylvania? 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 Philadelphia Pre-K Programs
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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.
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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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What is Pre-K?
- Pre-K, or Pre-Kindergarten, is an educational program for children typically around four years old. It prepares them for kindergarten by introducing basic skills in language, math, and social interaction.