Best Preschools in Waukee, IA

Preschool

Our Children's House program provides authentic Montessori education, combining preschool and kindergarten in a nurturing environment. Children learn at their own pace through hands-on exploration and teacher-guided lessons, developing independence, concentration, and self-discipline. Our Montessori-trained teachers prepare thoughtful learning environments that honor each child's natural curiosity and cultural background. The program balances child-initiated activities with circle time for songs, discussions, and community building, fostering both academic growth and social connection.

Preschool Program

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.

Bridge Classroom

Children in the Bridge classroom are strengthening their self-care skills, growing in their independence and enhancing the skills they need to be successful in a preschool classroom. The Bridge classroom is a purposeful year of preschool prep designed for children with birthdays later in the year or children who may need more time to strengthen self-care skills or social-emotional development. In this classroom, our Wonder of Learning™ education program supports children's independence as they continue to build skills necessary for handwriting and drawing with increased intentionality, learn foundational math concepts and build strong vocabularies.

Preschool

Preschoolers at New Horizon Academy learn in joyful, curiosity-driven classrooms that build essential academic and social skills. Our award-winning, research-based curriculum lays the foundation for kindergarten readiness, while nurturing each child’s creativity, problem-solving, and self-confidence. Nine learning centers—including Art, Language and Literacy, STEAM, and Dramatic Play—encourage exploration in all developmental areas. Our teachers guide children in making decisions, building relationships, and developing independence as they discover their strengths and grow into capable learners.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our pre-kindergarten program is designed to ensure children enter elementary school with strong academic and social foundations. With a continued focus on language, early literacy, math, and executive functioning, our pre-k students consistently exceed kindergarten readiness benchmarks. In well-equipped, developmentally appropriate classrooms, teachers foster mastery through a balance of structured activities and self-guided exploration. With nine engaging learning centers and a curriculum grounded in early brain research, children build confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.

Discovery Preschool

Preschool program designed to create a strong academic and social foundation. Teachers introduce math, literacy, and science. Activities also include music, movement, art, pretend play, and group games. Children become an active part of their classroom community.

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.

Preschool Program

Preschool Program

Preschool Program

Preschool Program