Best Preschools in Wilmington, NC
This is where achievement starts early. At The Children’s Courtyard, we provide high-quality child care and early education. Here, purposeful and playful learning leads to a child who thinks...
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
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: Drop-In Care
Responds quickly
Primrose School of North Wilmington is a private preschool offering Balanced Learning® early education and child care, conveniently located on Market Street near Porters Neck Center and Ogden Park....
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.
Early Preschool
Our Early Preschool teachers partner with you to help your child learn important independent life skills like potty training and hand washing while paying close attention to all aspects of your child’s development.
Also offers: Early Preschool, Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and more
Responds quickly
Primrose School of Wilmington at Medical Center is a private preschool offering Balanced Learning® early education and child care, conveniently located on S 16th Street near Cape Fear Country Club and...
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.
Preschool
Your preschooler is beginning to connect letters, sounds and numbers, expanding their world through reading and math. They’re building critical-thinking skills, early physical fitness and an understanding of nutrition. Our teachers support that learning and encourage your child to think in new and different ways.
Also offers: Early Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten
Responds quickly
Site providing childcare and early learning programs for children of all ages. Curiosity, exploration, and discovery are encouraged for social, emotional, and cognitive development. Hands-on...
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.
Responds quickly
Site providing childcare and early learning programs for children of all ages. Curiosity, exploration, and discovery are encouraged for social, emotional, and cognitive development. Hands-on...
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.
Responds quickly
We provide children from infancy to school age with a safe, fun environment to learn and grow. With over 230 schools across 10 states, children are encouraged and guided in order to thrive. Our...
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.
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.
Responds quickly
We provide children from infancy to school age with a safe, fun environment to learn and grow. With over 230 schools across 10 states, children are encouraged and guided in order to thrive. Our...
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 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.
Also offers: Kindergarten Prep Academy: Pre-K
Responds quickly
At Palmetto Preschool, we believe early education should be accessible and rooted in the community. Our schools provide nurturing, high-quality early learning while actively partnering with local...
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.
Responds quickly
Palmetto Preschool is a community-focused early learning program where children are encouraged to explore, build confidence, and develop a love of learning. We believe every family deserves access to...
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.
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.
Responds quickly
We provide children from infancy to school age with a safe, fun environment to learn and grow. With over 230 schools across 10 states, children are encouraged and guided in order to thrive. Our...
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.
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.
Also offers: NC Free Pre-K
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
We provide children from infancy to school age with a safe, fun environment to learn and grow. With over 230 schools across 10 states, children are encouraged and guided in order to thrive. Our...
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 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.
Also offers: Kindergarten Prep Academy: Pre-K
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
We provide children from infancy to school age with a safe, fun environment to learn and grow. With over 230 schools across 10 states, children are encouraged and guided in order to thrive. Our...
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 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.
Also offers: Kindergarten Prep Academy: Pre-K
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
We provide children from infancy to school age with a safe, fun environment to learn and grow. With over 230 schools across 10 states, children are encouraged and guided in order to thrive. Our...
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 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.
Also offers: Kindergarten Prep Academy: Pre-K
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Welcome to Foundations of Wilmington at Carolina Beach! | Opening Summer 2026! At Foundations of Carolina Beach, our daycare & preschool programs give your child a strong educational and social...
Step-Up Early Preschool
Being two is a special time in life. Your child wants to exert independence, but still needs to know there’s a caring adult who has their back. Our early preschool teachers balance these needs in our Step-Up Early Preschool Program by providing a more structured environment that offers room for exploration, learning and fun. Our early preschool program responds to your child’s natural curiosity and assists during this important transition from toddlerhood to preschool.
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.
Also offers: Pre-K
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Childcare center promoting learning through play for infants through Pre-Kindergartners. Preschool classrooms utilize the Creative Curriculum to focus on literacy and language arts development, math...
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Childcare facility offering programs and services for children of all ages. Teachers provide a variety of hands-on learning activities that work on each child's physical, social, emotional and...
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Program offers childcare and early learning services for young children. Curriculum includes reading, writing, math and science lessons in preparation for Pre-K and beyond. Active learning and...
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-Kindergarten
Our Pre-K Program is designed specifically to ensure students are ready to THRIVE in Kindergarten and beyond.
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Preschool and childcare center supporting educational play for infants through school-age children. Classrooms and teachers facilitate child-led learning experiences in language and literacy, math,...
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Childcare facility offering programs and services for infants through school-aged children. Curriculum includes a variety of activities that work on each child's physical, social, emotional and...
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Faith-based early learning program serving toddlers, preschool, and school-age children. Social, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive development is fostered through a balance of child-initiated and...
Speaks Spanish
Faith-based preschool providing services to children and families in Wilmington. Program encourages learning through play. Activities include reading, math, science projects, arts & crafts, music,...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Childcare facility offering programs and services for children of all ages. Children participate in a variety of activities that work on cognitive, communication, emotional, fine motor, gross motor...
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.
Early Preschool - Exploring My World
The Exploring My World program nurtures your child's growing individuality through days filled with interactive learning and group activities. Kiddie Academy provides a safe, supportive environment for your 2-year-old to explore, experiment, imagine, and interact with their peers and educators.
Also offers: Pre-Kindergarten - Ready, Set, Go
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
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...
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.
2-Year-Olds
At Ivybrook Academy, we understand that the age of two is a time of wonder and rapid growth. Our half-day program is thoughtfully designed to nurture your child’s natural curiosity, support their developmental milestones, and foster a love for learning. Through hands-on activities, interactive play, and a compassionate environment, we guide your child on their journey of exploration and self-discovery.
Also offers: 4 & 5 Year-Olds
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Welcome to Foundations of Riverlights! At Foundations of Riverlights, our daycare & preschool programs give your child a strong educational and social foundation. We focus on school readiness,...
Step-Up Early Preschool
Being two is a special time in life. Your child wants to exert independence, but still needs to know there’s a caring adult who has their back. Our early preschool teachers balance these needs in our Step-Up Early Preschool Program by providing a more structured environment that offers room for exploration, learning and fun. Our early preschool program responds to your child’s natural curiosity and assists during this important transition from toddlerhood to preschool.
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.
Also offers: Pre-K
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
This is where achievement starts early. At The Children’s Courtyard, we provide high-quality child care and early education. Here, purposeful and playful learning leads to a child who thinks...
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
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.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Center provides childcare services to toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. Age-appropriate books, toys, and furniture provided. Children have access to an outdoor play area with toys,...
Speaks Spanish
Welcome to our exceptional childcare center in Wilmington, North Carolina, where we provide top-notch care for children ranging from infants to school-age. At Children’s Cottage of Wilmington, your...
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.
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By providing a setting which fosters self-esteem, builds confidence and is based on respect, it is our goal that the children will be empowered to take risks in their learning. Developing a profound...
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.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Childcare facility offering programs and services for children of all ages. Children participate in a variety of activities that work on cognitive, communication, emotional, fine motor, gross motor...
Early Preschool - Exploring My World
The Exploring My World program nurtures your child's growing individuality through days filled with interactive learning and group activities. Kiddie Academy provides a safe, supportive environment for your 2-year-old to explore, experiment, imagine, and interact with their peers and educators.
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.
Also offers: Pre-Kindergarten - Ready, Set, Go
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Pat's Toyland Preschool is a licensed child care home offering preschool programs located in Wilmington, NC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
School readiness program operated by the local school district. Curriculum focuses on building skill sets needed for entry into kindergarten as well as social, mental, and emotional growth. Activities...
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Kiddie Academy of Wilmington is a licensed child care center offering preschool and pre-kindergarten programs located at 7633 Market St in Wilmington, NC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices...
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.
Early Preschool - Exploring My World
The Exploring My World program nurtures your child's growing individuality through days filled with interactive learning and group activities. Kiddie Academy provides a safe, supportive environment for your 2-year-old to explore, experiment, imagine, and interact with their peers and educators.
Also offers: Pre-Kindergarten - Ready, Set, Go
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Located at 1401 N College Rd in Wilmington, NC, Wilmington Christian Academy offers a customized curriculum from PreK to high school, emphasizing academic excellence and spiritual growth. It provides...
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Wrightsboro Elementary is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 2716 Castle Hayne Rd in Wilmington, NC.
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Cape Fear Academy is a private, coeducational PK3-12 school in Wilmington, NC, located at 3900 S College Rd. Established in 1967, it offers a close-knit learning community with a focus on academic...
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St. Mark Catholic School, located at 1013 Eastwood Rd in Wilmington, NC, offers a comprehensive Catholic education from Pre-K to 8th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth,...
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Peace Rose Montessori, located at 2173 Wrightsville Ave in Wilmington, NC, offers authentic Montessori education for children aged 9 months to 9th grade. Emphasizing individualized learning, cultural...
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Friends School of Wilmington, located at 5814 Camellia Ln, is a preschool-8th grade independent school rooted in Quaker values. It fosters a lifelong love of learning and promotes academic excellence,...
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Calvary Christian School in Wilmington, NC, serves students from PK to 11th grade. This private Baptist school focuses on academic excellence and Christian character development. Offering small class...
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Murrayville Elementary is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 225 Mabee Way in Wilmington, NC.
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R Freeman School of Engineering is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 2601 Princess Pl Dr in Wilmington, NC.
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John J Blair Elementary is a K-12 school offering pre-kindergarten programs located at 6510 Market St in Wilmington, NC.
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Southeastern Preschool Educational Center is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 165 Vision Dr in Wilmington, NC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and...
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Carr's Academy is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 4102 Peachtree Ave in Audubon in Wilmington, NC. Contact this provider to inquire about prices and availability.
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Wilmington Bilingual Preschool, LLC is a licensed child care center offering preschool programs located at 606 College Rd in Campus Heights in Wilmington, NC. Contact this provider to inquire about...
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Guides
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The Cost of Childcare in North Carolina: A Comprehensive Guide
Curious how much daycare or preschool really costs in North Carolina? We break down average childcare rates by city, age, and program type—based on real data from local providers.
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How to Find and Apply for Childcare Assistance in North Carolina
Explore financial assistance programs available in North Carolina, including childcare subsidies, tax credits, and free preschool options for eligible families.
FAQs About Wilmington Preschools
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How many preschool programs are in Wilmington?
- Based on Winnie provider data, there are currently 46 preschool programs in Wilmington.
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How much does preschool cost in Wilmington?
- The average monthly price for Wilmington preschools is $1069. This is based on provider data for preschools listed on Winnie.
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How many programs in Wilmington accept preschoolers aged 3-4 years?
- Based on Winnie provider data, there are 42 preschool programs in Wilmington that accept kids ages 3-4 years old.
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What types of preschool curriculums are offered in Wilmington?
- The 10 most popular preschool curriculum types in Wilmington include: Academic-Based, Play-Based, STEAM, Creative Curriculum, Arts-Based, Religious, STEM, Montessori, Project-Based, Emergent.