The decision of which local Columbus preschool to send your child to is one of the most important choices you’ll make regarding their early development and education. It can feel like a difficult process but has huge benefits when you find the perfect place for your little one.
There are many considerations to think about when choosing between the best preschools in Columbus such as their curriculum, their availability, and the type of learning environment. You’ll need to determine whether each location is either a preschool or daycare and identify the age ranges they’ll accept.
What is the difference between a daycare and a preschool? While there are many similarities, the biggest contrast between daycares and preschools is the level of education they offer to children. Daycare centers will typically place a stronger emphasis on playtime, while preschools will dive deeper into a child’s learning and advancement.
Most preschool programs will start children between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. Many preschools will also offer daycare services for kids as young as 4 weeks old.
Find out which of the top preschools in Columbus is the right choice for your child and learn all the details you’ll need to know about these locations.
Best Columbus, OH Preschools
1. Children Of America – Top-rated Preschool in Columbus
At Children Of America, parents can decide between both part-time and full-time preschool options in Columbus. This popular destination offers programs for infants, toddlers, preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten-age kids.
They offer many solutions for parents for their children between the ages of 6 weeks up to 12 years old.
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Children Of American follows what is called the Active learning or the “Plan, Do, Review” approach. They have their own COA STAR Curriculum, which encourages students to make decisions and learn from them as they go. Teachers use many practices and tools as part of the learning process including computers, music, drawing, and spending time outside.
Every day kids will be fed nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day to ensure they stay healthy and active.
The enrollment process is straightforward with rates starting at $113 per week. The costs depend on how many days and hours a week your child is enrolled at the preschool.
- Address: 8360 N High St, Columbus, OH 43235
- Phone number: (614) 914-2810
2. Kiddie Academy of Downtown Columbus – Trustworthy Local Preschool
The team of teachers at the local Kiddie Academy uses the reputable Life Essentials® learning approach and curriculum. It starts with infants as young as six weeks old as they develop natural curiosity and focus on the fundamentals of each child’s growth process.
As each child progresses, they’ll move up through pre-k where they’ll be taught using STEM-infused technology and focus on character education.
Among the most reliable preschools in Columbus, Kiddie Academy keeps parents in the loop with daily communication to build trust and community. Staff members are trustworthy and have been trained in essential first aid as well as CPR and emergency drills.
When it comes to enrollment, your child’s tuition will vary by their age, the program you choose, and the number of hours they’ll attend.
- Address: 37 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone number: (614) 441-0980
3. Future Scholars Learning Academy – Christian Preschool in Columbus
The unique programs at Future Scholars Learning Academy include infant child care, toddler care, or pre-k for your little ones. These programs help children learn a wide variety of skills and forms of communication such as Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and sign language.
Future Scholars is a member of the Ohio Department of Education, which means they’re able to offer free meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as daily snacks.
Educators at this faith-based Columbus preschool teach academics as well as scriptural learning from the Bible. They follow weekly lesson plans that focus on reading, writing, science, sensory learning, math, art, and music.
- Address: 6116 McNaughten Ctr, Columbus, OH 43232
- Phone number: (614) 861-4600
4. Villa Montessori Preschool – Among the Top Private Preschools in Columbus
Ranked with the most trusted Montessori preschools in Columbus, Villa Montessori Preschool follows the Montessori curriculum developed by Dr. Maria Montessori as well as the Reggio curriculum founded by Loris Malaguzzi.
These programs help to teach children independence and self-confidence along with creativity and motivation.
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Villa Montessori Preschool offers options for kids ranging from infants all the way up to full-day kindergarten for 5 to 6-year-olds. They teach children about language and reading comprehension, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Their admissions process suggests you have a walkthrough tour followed by a complimentary Experience Day where your child can spend a day in the school at no cost. Tuition begins with a registration fee and then monthly payments that vary by your specific needs.
- Address: 8999 Gemini Pkwy Suite A, Columbus, OH 43240
- Phone number: (614) 721-4410
5. Our Lady of Bethlehem School and Childcare – Local Columbus Catholic Preschool
Offering pre-k programs five days a week, Our Lady of Bethlehem School and Childcare (OLBSC) is one of only a few Catholic preschools in Columbus. They offer small class sizes with great teachers and a comfortable environment for kids from infants to kindergarteners.
OLBSC is partnered with the Office of Catholic Schools and The Diocese of Columbus to provide faith-based learning that gives children a strong foundation. Their programs are spiritually nourishing, academically enriching, and emotionally nurturing.
The curriculum at OLBSC was created by the Sisters of the Poor Child Jesus church and is in line with Ohio Department of Education’s common core standards.
- Address: 4567 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43214
- Phone number: (614) 459-8285
6. West Broad KinderCare – Popular Chain of Public Preschools in Columbus
With locations all over the nation, KinderCare has long been a trusted name among the best Columbus preschools. Their education programs are split up by age, ranging from 6 weeks to 6 years old.
West Broad KinderCare is licensed and accredited as they consistently measure the growth of their students through regular assessments. Children are given individual attention, academic curriculum, and project-based learning.
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Infants who are in their care are helped to feel loved and safe in the new environment. KinderCare’s transitional kindergarten programs are designed to prepare kids for grade school and the adjustments that come with it.
Tuition ranges from about $139 per week up to $379 per week, depending on the program you pick and the time frame your child will be there.
- Address: 5381 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43228
- Phone number: (614) 851-1431
7. Northside Montessori School – Local Private Preschool
Northside Montessori offers a supportive, challenging, and culturally diverse educational environment for children. This trusted private Montessori preschool in Columbus offers care and education for kids from 18 months up to 6 years old.
With limited space for each age group, toddlers are in a small group of up to 12 kids with two teachers. Preschool and kindergarten children also have comfortable class sizes with two, three, or five-day programs parents can choose from.
The kindergarten system at Northside Montessori School emphasizes reading, numbers, spelling, geography, and even foreign languages.
You can set up a tour of the location to start the enrollment process and determine whether it’s a good fit for your child.
- Address: 2855 Snouffer Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
- Phone number: (614) 761-2727
8. Advantage Early Learning Academy – Affordable Columbus Preschool
Started in 2018, Advantage Early Learning Academy is owned by New Republic Industries LLC, which was founded by the three Weigand brothers. Now run by Scott Weigand and his wife Jennifer, remains a family business that is centered around helping other families.
Passionate about giving all children access to a quality education, Advantage Early Learning Academy offers great teacher-child ratios with only 4 or 5 kids per adult.
They provide care for children as young as 4 months old and offer daycare options for kids up to 12 years old as well.
You can submit a free application to start the enrollment process and learn more about their tuition fees and other steps to get your child started.
- Address: 3777 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207
- Phone number: (614) 957-1662
9. Primrose School of Columbus Downtown – Best Private Preschools in Columbus
Established in 1982, Primrose Schools can be found all over the United States as they offer some of the most well-known private Columbus preschool programs. They provide an exceptional early education and childcare system focused on values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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The Primrose Schools of Columbus Downtown is accredited by Cognia and uses a combined curriculum following trusted programs like Montessori, Piaget, Gesell, and Vygotsky.
Early learning concepts for kids through kindergarten include social studies, language arts and literacy, math, science, creative arts, and more.
- Address: 101 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone number: (614) 429-1900
10. Sprout Early Education Center – Reputable Preschool in Columbus
The Sprout Early Education Center offers Montessori-based activities including sorting items based on color, shape, and sound, while also focusing on math foundations, reading, and more. All children get to experience outdoor play for exercise and fresh air every day. They even take their students on occasional field trips to the library, the water pad, and the Center of Science and Industry.
With an in-house chef offering breakfast and lunch, parents can know their kids are being fed healthy meals and snacks during the day.
Using their own parent communication app, the Sprout Early Education Center allows parents to stay up-to-date through real-time photos, messaging, and daily reports.
You can always keep up with their convenient classroom schedules based on your child’s age.
- Address: 415 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone number: (614) 233-7776
Top Columbus Preschools Map
Which of these Preschools in Columbus is Right for Your Child?
Now that you know about all the best Columbus preschools there are to choose from, you can decide where you’d like your child to go. Many of these locations offer everything from games, songs, and crafts to language arts, math, and science.
Are you searching for the most trusted preschools in Columbus before relocating to the area? The team of top-rated movers here at Krupp Moving is the most reliable choice for your upcoming transition! Get in touch with us today by calling (614) 892-9046 or by completing the Request a Quote form above for a free moving estimate!
