Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Sarasota, 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
At The Learning Cottage, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive and nurturing environment for both our children and teachers. Our dedicated staff receives continuous professional development and...
Responds quickly
The Goddard School of Sarasota is a private preschool center with highly qualified teachers. Our center features a basketball court, an indoor gym, and a creative imagination playground where children...
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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Prodigy Early Learning Centers are modeled on the developmental and constructivist approaches inspired by the work of the most influential child psychologists in history: Maria Montessori, Jean...
Pre-K
Our VPK/Pre-K program is is centered on interdisciplinary projects that create engaging learning experiences through hands on, open- ended explorations. This state-funded program is provided at no cost to families, with optional extended hours of care available for an additional cost beyond the standard VPK hours. Within this framework, children are prompted to engage in small peer groups, fostering the exploration, design, and presentation of their projects. Collaboration and communication become the cornerstones of all activities. This approach encourages learners to formulate hypotheses, investigate processes, and draw conclusions, empowering them to articulate and defend ideas, building confidence in their ability to formulate individual opinions and become the authors of their own learning journeys. Through these interdisciplinary projects, children engage in foundational learning skills such as math, science, social studies, and language arts in meaningful ways.
Preschool
As children transition from the Nido program to our Preschool program, they enter a phase of the curriculum that builds upon on their expanded vocabulary. Collaboration and communication become the cornerstones of all activities. Within this framework, children are prompted to engage in small peer groups, fostering the exploration, design, and presentation of their projects. This approach encourages learners to formulate hypotheses, investigate processes, and draw conclusions, empowering them to articulate and defend ideas, building confidence in their ability to formulate individual opinions and become the authors of their own learning journeys. Explorations are based upon long term projects throughout the year, allowing students to build upon previously mastered concepts, deepening their ability to learn. Through these interdisciplinary projects, children engage in foundational learning skills such as math, science, social studies, and language arts in meaningful ways.
Responds quickly
Spanish Legacy Academy offers Montessori-inspired Spanish immersion from 12 months through 6th grade. Our toddler and primary programs cultivate natural curiosity and bilingualism through hands-on...
Speaks Spanish
We are a faith based preschool for ages 2-5 years old.
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Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Preschool provides Christ-centered early childhood education in a nurturing environment. The preschool program focuses on age-appropriate academics, social skills...
Speaks Spanish
At The Learning Cottage, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive and nurturing environment for both our children and teachers. Our dedicated staff receives continuous professional development and...
Pre-Kindergarten
Children in Private Pre-Kindergarten follow a small group rotation working on kindergarten standards, featuring an artist of the month, a monthly theme, and weekly sub-themes. Pre-K children enhance their math, science, and language development in the classroom, outdoor areas, gardens, and more. During child choice opportunities, children can choose from Montessori lessons, creative center play, or natural experiences. They also follow monthly character development, life skills, and Spanish themes and activities.
Preschool
Using The Blend curriculum and state standards, we follow an academic rotation that includes arts, math, science, & language while working in small groups. Through our unique approach, children enhance their learning goals through play and smaller classroom ratios, and enjoy Spanish lessons.
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An Apple A Day Academy is a licensed childcare center offering programs for infants through preschoolers. The center provides a safe, nurturing environment where children engage in age-appropriate...
Speaks Spanish
Multi-age preschool program offering Judaic curriculum in creative environment that encourages well-roundedness and self-confidence. Program follows modified Montessori approach to lessons.
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At The Treehouse, we pride ourselves in providing a warm, safe, inclusive environment where children can learn and flourish. With small class sizes (7 max in each class) we give individualized...
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Early learning program serving infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. Stimulating, hands-on environment enables learning through investigation and discovery. Program is based on the Beyond...
Speaks Spanish
Family-oriented school providing services to preschool-age children. Curriculum features Kindergarten preparation, and children are given the necessary tools in order to grow and learn.
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Early childhood education center offering a hands-on, developmentally appropriate preschool curriculum for toddlers. Program also overs Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK). Daily enrichment classes are...
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NewGate is a family-friendly, international Montessori school serving children from early childhood through adolescence. Our mission is to inspire a passion for excellence, nurture curiosity,...
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Mangrove School of Sarasota is an outdoor, nature-based, and inspired-by-Waldorf school for children aged 4 through 12th grade. Our Owlet and Bluebird kindergartens are gentle and developmentally...
Speaks Spanish
Capokids The Premier Preschool in Sarasota offers Acrobatics, Music, Portuguese, ABC and 123's. With a high class score from VPK. Overall, while a high-class score in VPK is not the only factor that...
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Capokids The Premier Preschool in Sarasota offers Acrobatics, Music, Portuguese, ABC and 123's. With a high class score from VPK. Overall, while a high-class score in VPK is not the only factor that...
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Ivybrook Academy provides a hybrid curriculum that takes an innovative approach to early learning while also drawing from three different educational approaches: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and the...
4 & 5 Year-Olds
At Ivybrook Academy, we understand the exciting growth and readiness of four and five-year-olds as they prepare for the next steps in their educational journey. Our half-day Pre-kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten programs are thoughtfully designed to challenge, inspire, and prepare young learners through a balanced approach of academic exploration and creative play.
3-Year-Olds
At Ivybrook Academy, we celebrate the natural curiosity and energy of three-year-olds by providing an environment that fosters exploration, creativity, and foundational learning. Our half-day program is thoughtfully crafted to balance academic growth with imaginative play, empowering your child to build confidence and develop critical skills during this transformative stage of early childhood.
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Baby Fox Academy provides early childhood education and care in a nurturing environment. The center focuses on age-appropriate learning through play and structured activities.
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Children learn through discovery in an enriching environment. Teachers act as catalysts to learning by providing activities that allow the children to think and ask questions, promoting...
Speaks Spanish
The Renaissance Preschool provides early childhood education in a nurturing environment. The center follows a play-based learning approach while incorporating age-appropriate academic foundations.
Speaks Spanish
Bilingual Spanish and English immersion preschool program. VPK and School Readiness (SR) programs are offered.
Speaks Spanish
We are a small family-owned and operated daycare accepting children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Unlike most daycare centers in the area, we offer breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. We accept ELC...
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First Montessori Academy provides authentic Montessori education for children ages 18 months through kindergarten. The school follows Dr. Maria Montessori's proven educational methods, with mixed-age...
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Learning Ladders Child Development Center is a licensed child care center offering daycare programs located at 7323 Merchant Ct in Sarasota, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Beautiful Blessings ELC is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 1609 10th St in Gillespie Park in Sarasota, FL. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Hershorin Schiff Community Day School, located at 4335 Wilkinson Rd in Sarasota, FL, offers a diverse, project-based learning environment for PK-8 students. Fostering academic excellence and global...
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Incarnation Catholic School in Sarasota, FL offers a Christ-centered education from preschool to grade 8. Located at 2911 Bee Ridge Rd, it provides a Catholic classical liberal arts curriculum within...
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St. Martha Catholic School, located at 4380 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL, is a private Catholic school offering education for PK through 8th grade. It maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17:1 and...
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Ascension Lutheran School, located at McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, offers a Christ-centered education from preschool to 8th grade. It is a nationally accredited institution known for its low...
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Mangrove School of Sarasota, located at 6210 Crestwood Ave, offers a nature-inspired curriculum for grades PK to 8, focusing on holistic development through hands-on learning experiences.
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Foundations Christian Montessori Academy, located at 4141 Desoto Rd in Sarasota, FL, is a private, Christian school offering a Montessori education for ages 12 months through 9th grade. It combines...
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Nur Academy, located at 4350 N Lockwood Ridge Rd in Sarasota, FL, is a nonprofit private Islamic school serving grades K-7. It offers quality academic and Islamic education, fostering diverse and...
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The Classical Academy of Sarasota, located at 8751 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL, offers a rigorous, content-rich classical liberal arts education. It emphasizes academic excellence and character...
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Providence Community School is a Christ-centered institution located at 5600 Deer Dr in Sarasota, FL. It combines traditional classroom instruction with home schooling elements to foster academic and...
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Located at 5237 Ashton Rd in Sarasota, NewGate School is a family-friendly, international Montessori institution serving students from toddlers to high school. This independent, non-profit school...
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Imagine School at Palmer Ranch is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 6220 McIntosh Rd in Sarasota, FL.
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Tatum Ridge Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 4100 Tatum Rd in Sarasota, FL.
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Emma Elementary Booker Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 2350 Dr Martin Luther King Way in Sarasota, FL.
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Lakeview Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 7299 Hand Rd in Sarasota, FL.
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Community Haven for Adults and Children With Disabilities is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 4405 Desoto Rd in Sarasota, FL.
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The Florida Center for Child and Family Development is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 4620 17th St in Sarasota, FL.
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Children First is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 1723 N Orange Ave in 17th Street in Sarasota, FL.
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Ashton Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 5110 Ashton Rd in Sarasota, FL.
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Alta Vista Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 1050 S Euclid Ave in Alta Vista in Sarasota, FL.
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Wilkinson Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 3400 Wilkinson Rd in Sarasota, FL.
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Gulf Gate Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 6500 S Lockwood Ridge Rd in Sarasota, FL.
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Tuttle Elementary School is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 2863 8th St in Sarasota, FL.
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Ese Special Programs is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 1960 Landings Blvd in Sarasota, FL.
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Guides
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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.
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Childcare Assistance in Florida
Explore financial assistance programs available in Florida, 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 Sarasota Pre-K Programs
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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.
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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.