Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Princeton, NJ
Childcare and early education for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Curriculum is designed to provide a balance of group and individual activities that promote creativity and exploration. Meeting...
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Preschool classes offered in a screen-free environment with an assortment of enrichment opportunities available, including dance, sports, and swimming. Engaging activities designed to develop a skill...
Pre-K Program
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.
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From preschool through kindergarten, we make early education and daycare joyful, engaging, and fun so children are happy to learn, play and grow. For nearly 40 years, The Learning Experience® has been...
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At Apple Montessori Schools Princeton, we offer infant, toddler, preschool, kindergarten, and summer camp programs, as well as age-appropriate outdoor classrooms. Through our modern Montessori...
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Coming Soon! The Malvern School of Montgomery is anticipated to open in 2026. Our programs will offer a wonderful child care environment where children are encouraged to explore and learn both inside...
Pre-Kindergarten
The Pre-Kindergarten Program at The Malvern School includes a balanced curriculum of math, science, social studies, computer, gross motor and fine motor activities, and artistic experiences. The curriculum is aimed at developing skills in all areas and preparing them for ongoing academic success. We provide personalized instruction offering children developmentally appropriate challenges that foster self-esteem and self-awareness. Age ranges for this program are approximate.
Preschool
The Malvern School Preschool Program provides children with a culturally diverse learning environment where children develop a positive self-image, respect for others, and foster their independence and curiosity as a learner. The curriculum is aimed at developing preschoolers’ skills in all areas. Children are introduced to math, science, and social studies through weekly themes and projects. Aesthetic expression is also encouraged through music and art activities. Our Preschool Program will prepare children for future academic success. Age ranges for this program are approximate.
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Coming Soon! The Malvern School of Princeton is anticipated to open in the spring 2026 and will offer care for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years old. Children are encouraged to explore and learn both...
Pre-K
BrightPath’s Pre-K program prepares children for kindergarten through age-appropriate, play-based learning experiences that incorporate science, math, arts, and language. 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. Teachers encourage independence by letting children choose their activities and promoting social skills, language development, and problem-solving.
Preschool
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. 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. 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.
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Site provides early learning and school-age programs for children. Confidence and self-awareness are promoted through hands-on activities and interactive experiences. Children participate in group...
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Community-oriented preschool center offering purposefully designed indoor and outdoor learning spaces. Play-based curriculum is flexible and customized according to the child's needs and interests....
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The Goddard School of Princeton is a private preschool center with highly qualified teachers. Our center features a basketball court, rock wall, and outdoor playground where children can develop...
Pre-Kindergarten
As children prepare for Kindergarten, our Pre-K classroom offers exciting opportunities for them to develop the skills they will need while making friends and exploring the world around them. Our Pre-Kindergarten program helps your child learn more about themselves, others and the world around them. Teachers engage in play with students, helping them to develop their social skills and learn more about effective communication. Our Wonder of Learning™ curriculum emphasizes a child-led, teacher-guided approach, encouraging interactive, purposeful learning experiences that allows students to grow their math and literacy skills, preparing them for Kindergarten and beyond.
Preschool Classroom
In our Preschool classroom, children start their journeys into a cooperative learning environment where they can discover interests and learn in a more structured setting. At The Goddard School®, we recognize that classrooms are made up of many unique children and teachers work to create engaging, innovative, play-based lessons with the interests and needs of every child in mind. Through the power of asking a question, your child will learn how to seek answers and advocate for themselves in the classroom. The Wonder of Learning™ curriculum takes your child's natural curiosity and encourages them to ask even more questions because asking questions fuels learning. When children want to know something, they learn faster and learning becomes an understanding that lasts a lifetime.
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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...
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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.
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Center providing services to toddlers and preschool-aged children. Curriculum includes reading, writing, science, and math. Activities in art, music, nature, imaginative play, and gardening are...
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Site provides preschool-age program for young learners. Exploration and experimentation are encouraged for interactive learning. HighScope curriculum strengthens social and cognitive skills through...
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Cooperative preschool program located near Princeton University and offering flexible scheduling for preschoolers and school-aged children. Outside play is a priority and includes activities such as...
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Bilingual center provides childcare services to children from infancy to school-age. Program utilizes the research-based Creative Curriculum. Developmentally-appropriate activities include physical...
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Center on Princeton University campus providing services to infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Play-based curriculum includes kindergarten-readiness skills in reading, writing, math,...
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Non-traditional online preschool offering engaging classes via virtual learning experiences that instill the love of learning in each child. Uniquely designed, age-appropriate curriculum focuses on...
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The Early School (ES) at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart is a hands-on, play-based preschool environment where children build foundations in literacy, math, and science while developing...
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Riverside School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 58 Riverside Dr in Princeton, NJ.
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Johnson Park School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 285 Rosedale Rd in Princeton, NJ.
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Crossroads Nursery School and Infant Center is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 225 Olden Ln in Princeton, NJ. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Marcy T. Crimmins Learning Center is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 20 Juniper Row in Princeton, NJ. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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YWCA Princeton Asp at Littlebrook is a site-based childcare provider offering preschool programs located at 39 Magnolia Ln in Princeton, NJ. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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YWCA Princeton Asp at Riverside is a site-based childcare provider offering preschool programs located at 58 Riverside Dr in Princeton, NJ. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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YWCA Princeton Asp at Community Park is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 372 Witherspoon St in Princeton, NJ. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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YWCA Princeton Asp at Johnson Park is a site-based childcare provider offering preschool programs located at 285 Rosedale Rd in Princeton, NJ. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Princeton Friends School, located at 470 Quaker Rd, offers a progressive, Quaker education from pre-K to 8th grade. It emphasizes experiential learning, outdoor exploration, and the arts, while...
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Located at 1062 Cherry Hill Rd in Princeton, NJ, the Waldorf School of Princeton offers a holistic education from Early Childhood through 8th Grade. Established in 1983, it combines academic rigor...
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Princeton Day School is a top-ranked co-ed day school in Princeton, NJ, offering PreK-12 education with a focus on academic excellence, arts, athletics, and community. Founded in 1899, it emphasizes...
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Chapin School, located at 4101 Princeton Pike in Princeton, NJ, is a coeducational day school offering pre-kindergarten through eighth grade education. Founded in 1931, it emphasizes small class sizes...
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Princeton Child Development Institute, located at 300 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton, NJ, is a private non-profit offering science-based interventions for autism. Founded in 1970, it provides education,...
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Located at 75 Mapleton Rd, Princeton, NJ, the French American School of Princeton offers a rigorous bilingual program from Preschool to 8th grade. It emphasizes academic excellence and cultural...
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Community Park School is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 372 Witherspoon St in Princeton, NJ. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Community Park School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 372 Witherspoon St in Princeton, NJ.
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Littlebrook School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 39 Magnolia Ln in Princeton, NJ.
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Guides
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The Cost of Childcare in New Jersey: A Comprehensive Guide
Curious how much daycare or preschool really costs in New Jersey? 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 Princeton 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?
- 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.
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What is Pre-K?
- Pre-K refers to the educational year before kindergarten, aimed at children around four years old. It's designed to develop key skills in areas such as communication, creativity, and early academics