Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Cambridge, MA
At Everbrook Academy, our teachers are passionate about setting children up for success with future-ready skills through hands-on, STEAM-inspired learning experiences. Classrooms are thoughtfully...
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.
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Serving roughly 60 students of diverse backgrounds, the Newtowne School’s mission is to provide a warm, caring environment that guides young children as citizens of our world. We are committed to...
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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...
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.
Speaks Spanish
Garden Nursery School is a small private and city preschool located in Harvard Square. Since 1959, GNS has focused on a social-emotional emergent curriculum that follows the interest of the children...
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Two Little Owls Schoolhouse is a haven for early learning, from infants to pre-k. Rooted in the acclaimed Creative Curriculum, we embrace reading, writing, math, science, art, and dramatic play. Our...
Speaks Spanish
We serve families with children 1.3 yo through Kindergarten. We are multilingual program with English, Spanish and Russian languages. Our curriculum is global based and focuses hands-on activities...
Speaks Spanish
Head Start program provides comprehensive preschool and family support services to children in Cambridge and Somerville. Program offers two options: home-based and center-based. Home-based is designed...
Speaks Spanish
Emergent, play-based preschool program follows a child-based curriculum that encourages learning through independence, creativity, and culture while placing an emphasis on music. Children participate...
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Rock and Roll Daycare offers a Montessori-based curriculum infused with music education. Children engage in daily music lessons and activities while developing independence and social skills through...
Speaks Spanish
Montessori-inspired preschool program follows a child-based curriculum that encourages learning through creativity, culture, independence, and a love of music. Children participate in thirty-minute...
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Montessori-inspired preschool program follows a child-based curriculum that encourages learning through creativity, culture, and independence with an emphasis on music. Children participate in...
Speaks Spanish
Preschool and childcare with a variety of program options, including language immersion after school. Preschoolers participate in an emergent curriculum that emphasizes time with creativity, fine...
Speaks Spanish
CNS has been serving families and building community in Cambridge for over 100 years. Tucked away on a side street near Raymond Park, CNS offers full-time and half-day preschool for children ages 2.9...
Speaks Spanish
The Gardner School of Cambridge is a preschool and child care center located in Cambridge, MA near MIT and across from CambridgeSide. We provide early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks...
Pre-K
The Gardner School’s Pre-K program prepares children for kindergarten through structured learning, hands-on activities, and leadership opportunities. Using the World of Wonders (WOW) curriculum, teachers build early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills while fostering independence. Learning Without Tears supports writing and readiness through multi-sensory techniques, while interactive centers encourage creativity, problem-solving, and exploration. Technology, including educational games on computers and iPads, enhances engagement. Students build responsibility with KITE (Keeping It All Together Every Day) binders, introducing early homework concepts and strengthening home-school communication. They also take on leadership roles in enrichment classes like music, drama, language, and sports. Families stay connected through real-time updates, KITE binders, and conferences. Graduates can continue skill-building in Kindergarten Boot Camp, supporting a confident transition to kindergarten.
Preschool
The Gardner School’s preschool program fosters curiosity, independence, and cognitive growth through hands-on learning and cooperative play. Using the World of Wonders (WOW) curriculum, teachers introduce language, literacy, math, and science while supporting social-emotional development. Learning centers encourage exploration in reading, construction, dramatic play, fine motor skills, and sensory activities, while routines, classroom roles, and enrichment build confidence. Learning Without Tears strengthens early writing and readiness through multi-sensory techniques. Children participate in enrichment classes like dance, music, language, and sports, and take on leadership roles that promote responsibility. Preschoolers wear uniforms and enjoy meals in the Kids’ Cafe, supporting independence. Families stay connected through real-time updates, photos, and progress reports. Through engaging academics and individualized support, we prepare children for kindergarten and a lifelong love of learning.
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Founded in 1947, Parents’ Nursery School in Cambridge, Massachusetts is one of the oldest play-based, cooperative nursery schools in the country. For nearly 80 years the teachers and parents at PNS...
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Childcare offered on the campus of Harvard University and encouraging an exploration-based approach to learning. Children enjoy hands-on activities, sensory play, and outdoor time. Regular schedule...
Speaks Spanish
After school and vacation weeks program for school-age children. Teachers provide daily activities including interdisciplinary arts lessons, homework assistance, physical fitness, and games. ...
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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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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
Spanish immersion program providing care and educational services to toddler and preschool-age children. Curriculum includes problem-solving, practical life skills, numbers, shapes, colors, reading,...
Pre-K
Pine Village Preschool lives its mission through guided and unstructured play and exploration. Throughout each day, educators allow students to choose their own play, own responsibility in their problem solving, and control their own learning. Educators serve as facilitators for implementing an emergent curriculum that grows out of their students’ interests. Self-initiated active learning is an exciting and powerful experience for children, who often are subject to the direction of others. Through this type of learning, Pine Village Preschool students gain both valuable collaborative problem-solving and communication skills, plus a sense of self-confidence and self-reliance not often demonstrated by children at this stage of development.
Preschool
Pine Village Preschool lives its mission through guided and unstructured play and exploration. Throughout each day, educators allow students to choose their own play, own responsibility in their problem solving, and control their own learning. Everything we do is based on the belief that each child is unique and there is not a “one size fits all” approach to what we do. The key element in helping a child develop to the fullest of their capabilities lies in discovering who they are. When we have knowledge of who the child is, what their personality is, then we have the tools we need to help that child grow each and every day. There is never a need to “change” who the child is, just simply a need to know who they really are, and how we can help them achieve their true potential.
Speaks Spanish
Spanish Immersion preschool program offering a modern approach to child development for toddler and preschool children. Program encourages creativity, acceptance, and inclusion. Tucked into the...
Pre-K
Pine Village Preschool lives its mission through guided and unstructured play and exploration. Throughout each day, educators allow students to choose their own play, own responsibility in their problem solving, and control their own learning. Educators serve as facilitators for implementing an emergent curriculum that grows out of their students’ interests. Self-initiated active learning is an exciting and powerful experience for children, who often are subject to the direction of others. Through this type of learning, Pine Village Preschool students gain both valuable collaborative problem-solving and communication skills, plus a sense of self-confidence and self-reliance not often demonstrated by children at this stage of development.
Preschool
Pine Village Preschool lives its mission through guided and unstructured play and exploration. Throughout each day, educators allow students to choose their own play, own responsibility in their problem solving, and control their own learning. Everything we do is based on the belief that each child is unique and there is not a “one size fits all” approach to what we do. The key element in helping a child develop to the fullest of their capabilities lies in discovering who they are. When we have knowledge of who the child is, what their personality is, then we have the tools we need to help that child grow each and every day. There is never a need to “change” who the child is, just simply a need to know who they really are, and how we can help them achieve their true potential.
Speaks Spanish
The mission of the Cambridgeport Children’s Center is to provide a nurturing and inclusive child-centered early childhood educational experience based on a Reggio-inspired vision that values diversity...
Speaks Spanish
Academy providing care and educational services to infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age children. Curriculum includes STEM subjects, art, music, reading, social studies, writing, Spanish,...
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.
Speaks Spanish
Childcare center providing care and education services to infants, toddler, and preschool-age children. Curriculum focuses on social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and intellectual development. ...
Speaks Spanish
Childcare program offered for toddlers and preschoolers. Curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and Kindergarten readiness for preschool students. Children enjoy arts and crafts, STEM projects, and...
Speaks Spanish
Now Enrolling For Fall 2025. Montessori-inspired, music-driven, culturally-inclusive childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschool kids. Welcome to your child’s next village for play, song, and...
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Benjamin Banneker Charter Public School is a public charter school in Cambridge, MA that serves students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.
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WorldSong Schools is a dynamic, Music-based Montessori Childcare Program, serving infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children. At WorldSong Schools Huron Village we are committed to creating a...
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Harmony Academy is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 84 Sherman St in Neighborhood Nine in Cambridge, MA. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Haggerty is a public elementary school in Cambridge, MA, providing education for pre-kindergarten through grade 5.
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Morse School is a public elementary school in Cambridge, MA, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade as part of the local Cambridge Public Schools.
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Kennedy-Longfellow is a public elementary school in Cambridge, MA, serving students in grades PK-5.
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Peabody School in Cambridge, MA is a public elementary school serving grades Pre-K to 5.
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Martin Luther King Jr. is a public elementary school in Cambridge, MA, serving grades PK-5 and providing early childhood and primary education as part of the local public school system.
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John M Tobin Public School is an elementary school in Cambridge, MA, serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 5.
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Maria L. Baldwin is a public elementary school in Cambridge, MA serving students in grades PK-5.
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Fletcher/Maynard Academy in Cambridge, MA is a public school offering education from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.
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Amigos School in Cambridge, MA is a public institution serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, providing a comprehensive elementary and middle school education.
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Cambridgeport Public School is an elementary school in Cambridge, MA serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 5.
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Graham and Parks is a public alternative school in Cambridge, MA offering programs from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. It provides a non-traditional, innovative approach to elementary education...
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King Open is a public alternative school in Cambridge, MA offering grades PK-5, providing a non-traditional elementary education program in a public setting.
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Prospect Hill Academy Charter School in Cambridge, MA is a public charter school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, offering a comprehensive curriculum from early childhood...
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École Française de Boston - EFB Walden is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 21 Walden Square Rd in Neighborhood Nine in Cambridge, MA. Contact this provider to inquire...
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Cambridge Friends School, located at 5 Cadbury Rd, Cambridge, MA, is a Pre-K to 8 private school grounded in Quaker values like peace and community. It emphasizes individualized learning, social...
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Fayerweather Street School is a progressive, co-educational independent school situated at 765 Concord Ave in Cambridge, MA. Founded in 1967, it serves students from PreK to 8th grade, emphasizing...
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Buckingham Browne & Nichols School is a private, independent day school in Cambridge, MA, serving pre-K to 12th grade. Emphasizing honor, scholarship, and kindness, it provides a diverse and inclusive...
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Shady Hill School is a co-educational day school in Cambridge, MA, serving pre-K through 8th grade. Founded in 1915, it emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and social-emotional...
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St. Peter School, located at 96 Concord Ave in Cambridge, MA, is a private Catholic elementary school offering rigorous academics from Pre-K to Grade 8. With a focus on academic excellence and...
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Malik Academy/Al Bustan Preschool, located at 808 Memorial Dr in Cambridge, MA, offers Islamic education for ages 3-6. Accredited by NAEYC, the school integrates Islamic studies with academics,...
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Guides
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The Cost of Childcare in Massachusetts
Curious how much daycare or preschool really costs in Massachusetts? 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 Massachusetts
Explore financial assistance programs available in Massachusetts, 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 Cambridge Pre-K Programs
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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.
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At what age should I enroll my child in Pre-K?
- In most states, children start Pre-K around age four. Depending on when you live, appllications may be due months before they're eligible to attend.
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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.