Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Wilmington, NC

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Junior Kindergarten

This option is a great in-between step for students who miss the state’s age cutoff, are getting ready for Kindergarten, or would benefit from differentiated curriculum prior to starting school.

Preschool

ELCs’ preschool program encourages these animated, imaginative three- to five-year-olds to think, connect, explore, question and learn well. This includes solving problems, resolving conflicts, playing cooperatively and developing independence. Prices are subject to change.

Junior Kindergarten

This option is a great in-between step for students who miss the state’s age cutoff, are getting ready for Kindergarten, or would benefit from differentiated curriculum prior to starting school.

Preschool

ELCs’ preschool program encourages these animated, imaginative three- to five-year-olds to think, connect, explore, question and learn well. This includes solving problems, resolving conflicts, playing cooperatively and developing independence. Prices are subject to change.

NC Free Pre-K

North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten is free state-funded program designed to enhance school readiness for eligible four-year-olds. Participation in NC Pre-K helps your child strengthen a variety of skills in preparation for kindergarten. Examples include pre-literacy, pre-academic, following directions, persisting at new or challenging activities, interacting with other students, and learning friendship skills. Children must be four years old by August 31st (for the upcoming school year). Families are subject to certain eligibility requirements and available classroom space.

Kindergarten Prep Academy: Pre-K

Focused on preparing your children to begin Kindergarten the next year, our Pre-K classrooms focus on math, literacy, science and communication skills. Our teachers assess each child's development throughout the year, to help guide planning, teaching, and partnerships with parents.

Kindergarten Prep Academy: Pre-K

Focused on preparing your children to begin Kindergarten the next year, our Pre-K classrooms focus on math, literacy, science and communication skills. Our teachers assess each child's development throughout the year, to help guide planning, teaching, and partnerships with parents.

Pre-Kindergarten Prep Academy: Preschool

Our literacy-rich environment prepares your child for their first day of school. Classrooms are divided into learning centers, encouraging your child to learn new skills through self-selected, hands-on activities.

NC Pre-K

Our free NC Pre-K program, students receive a developmentally appropriate environment designed for exploring, growing, & learning. We provide the right blend of whole group, small group, & learning through play opportunities all day to promote whole-child development & kindergarten readiness.

Young Preschool (3-4 years old)

Young Preschoolers learn and grow by participating in our balanced learning experiences. Our program is provides the perfect blend of child-directed activities and teacher-directed instruction.

Pre-K Program (4-5 years old)

Palmetto Preschool’s Pre-K program prepares children for kindergarten with a balance of play-based learning and structured activities. Through early literacy, math exploration, and social development, children build the confidence and skills needed for a successful transition to school.

Young Preschool (3-4 years old)

Our Young Preschool program builds confidence, creativity, and early academic skills through play-based learning, art, music, and exploration. Teachers encourage language, social development, and curiosity as children grow into active and enthusiastic learners.

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Kindergarten Prep Academy: Pre-K

Focused on preparing your children to begin Kindergarten the next year, our Pre-K classrooms focus on math, literacy, science and communication skills. Our teachers assess each child's development throughout the year, to help guide planning, teaching, and partnerships with parents.

NC Free Pre-K

North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten is free state-funded program designed to enhance school readiness for eligible four-year-olds. Participation in NC Pre-K helps your child strengthen a variety of skills in preparation for kindergarten. Examples include pre-literacy, pre-academic, following directions, persisting at new or challenging activities, interacting with other students, and learning friendship skills. Children must be four years old by August 31st (for the upcoming school year). Families are subject to certain eligibility requirements and available classroom space.

NC Free Pre-K

North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten is free state-funded program designed to enhance school readiness for eligible four-year-olds. Participation in NC Pre-K helps your child strengthen a variety of skills in preparation for kindergarten. Examples include pre-literacy, pre-academic, following directions, persisting at new or challenging activities, interacting with other students, and learning friendship skills. Children must be four years old by August 31st (for the upcoming school year). Families are subject to certain eligibility requirements and available classroom space.

Kindergarten Prep Academy: Pre-K

Focused on preparing your children to begin Kindergarten the next year, our Pre-K classrooms focus on math, literacy, science and communication skills. Our teachers assess each child's development throughout the year, to help guide planning, teaching, and partnerships with parents.

NC Free Pre-K

North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten is free state-funded program designed to enhance school readiness for eligible four-year-olds. Participation in NC Pre-K helps your child strengthen a variety of skills in preparation for kindergarten. Examples include pre-literacy, pre-academic, following directions, persisting at new or challenging activities, interacting with other students, and learning friendship skills. Children must be four years old by August 31st (for the upcoming school year). Families are subject to certain eligibility requirements and available classroom space.

Kindergarten Prep Academy: Pre-K

Focused on preparing your children to begin Kindergarten the next year, our Pre-K classrooms focus on math, literacy, science and communication skills. Our teachers assess each child's development throughout the year, to help guide planning, teaching, and partnerships with parents.

NC Free Pre-K

North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten is free state-funded program designed to enhance school readiness for eligible four-year-olds. Participation in NC Pre-K helps your child strengthen a variety of skills in preparation for kindergarten. Examples include pre-literacy, pre-academic, following directions, persisting at new or challenging activities, interacting with other students, and learning friendship skills. Children must be four years old by August 31st (for the upcoming school year). Families are subject to certain eligibility requirements and available classroom space.

Kindergarten Prep Academy: Pre-K

Focused on preparing your children to begin Kindergarten the next year, our Pre-K classrooms focus on math, literacy, science and communication skills. Our teachers assess each child's development throughout the year, to help guide planning, teaching, and partnerships with parents.

Pre-K Program

Pre-K

Pre-K for 4- to 5-year-olds; inspiring a love of learning & readiness for kindergarten! The best Pre-K programs spark curiosity, foster problem-solving skills, and create a lifelong love of learning—and that’s exactly what we offer at The Sunshine House! Our Pre-K program prepares your child for Kindergarten and beyond by combining structured learning with hands-on fun. Using the award-winning Creative Curriculum®, we provide engaging experiences in:

Preschool

A fun & engaging learning experience for your growing preschooler for 3 - 4 year olds. The preschool years are an exciting time of creativity, curiosity, and social growth. At The Sunshine House, we create a stimulating, hands-on learning environment that nurtures your child’s independence, confidence, and love of learning—all while making education fun! At this stage, school readiness is a top priority. Our preschool curriculum provides a strong academic foundation in essential skills needed for Kindergarten and beyond.

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-Kindergarten

Our Pre-K Program is designed specifically to ensure students are ready to THRIVE in Kindergarten and beyond.

Preschool

Our specialized preschool curriculum uses rhymes, stories and hands-on activities to encourage those first steps toward building the foundational skills for reading, writing, math, and science.

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

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.

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.

Pre-K

Pre-K for 4- to 5-year-olds; inspiring a love of learning & readiness for kindergarten! The best Pre-K programs spark curiosity, foster problem-solving skills, and create a lifelong love of learning—and that’s exactly what we offer at The Sunshine House! Our Pre-K program prepares your child for Kindergarten and beyond by combining structured learning with hands-on fun. Using the award-winning Creative Curriculum®, we provide engaging experiences in:

Preschool

A fun & engaging learning experience for your growing preschooler for 3 - 4 year olds. The preschool years are an exciting time of creativity, curiosity, and social growth. At The Sunshine House, we create a stimulating, hands-on learning environment that nurtures your child’s independence, confidence, and love of learning—all while making education fun! At this stage, school readiness is a top priority. Our preschool curriculum provides a strong academic foundation in essential skills needed for Kindergarten and beyond.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our curriculum filled Pre-K program inspires a love of learning through hands-on exploration, art, music, and movement. Inside the classroom, children engage with letter and number games, creative projects, and basic math concepts, while outdoor activities encourage problem-solving and gross motor development. Our flexible, child-centered curriculum blends teamwork, self-expression, and academic growth, creating a dynamic environment where kids are excited to learn and grow.

Preschool

Our preschool program sparks curiosity and confidence through joyful, hands-on learning. Each week, our teachers design engaging lesson plans that inspire children to explore the world around them, whether through a nature project in the garden or a fun science experiment. With a child-centered approach, we support the development of key academic skills like math, science, reading, and writing, all while fostering social and emotional growth through play. Preschoolers build friendships, solve problems, and develop independence in a secure, nurturing environment.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our curriculum filled Pre-K program inspires a love of learning through hands-on exploration, art, music, and movement. Inside the classroom, children engage with letter and number games, creative projects, and basic math concepts, while outdoor activities encourage problem-solving and gross motor development. Our flexible, child-centered curriculum blends teamwork, self-expression, and academic growth, creating a dynamic environment where kids are excited to learn and grow.

Preschool

Our preschool program sparks curiosity and confidence through joyful, hands-on learning. Each week, our teachers design engaging lesson plans that inspire children to explore the world around them, whether through a nature project in the garden or a fun science experiment. With a child-centered approach, we support the development of key academic skills like math, science, reading, and writing, all while fostering social and emotional growth through play. Preschoolers build friendships, solve problems, and develop independence in a secure, nurturing environment.

Pre-K Program

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.

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program

Pre-K Program