How do you choose the best preschool in Boston? Selecting the right preschool in Boston for your child can be confusing, stressful, and overwhelming. With many different types of programs to choose from, how do you find the right one? The best schools have good teachers, good facilities, and programs that incorporate fun, engaging activities in the learning process. So, how do you find the best preschools? We’ve put together a list of the 10 best preschools in Boston to help you find the one that’s right for your child.
Many parents are unsure if preschool and pre-k (pre-kindergarten) are the same or not. They are similar in that both offer meaningful learning programs that include social and emotional growth, preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. Preschools typically include children between 2 ½ and 4 ½ years old. Pre-k is for 4 and 5-year-olds who will be attending kindergarten the following year, so the program is structured more toward kindergarten readiness.
If you’re wondering whether daycares are the same as preschools, daycares offer a safe environment for children while parents are working but don’t include educational activities.
Here are the 10 best preschools in Boston to help you decide where to enroll your child!
Mount Hope Christian School | Premier Christian Preschool in Boston
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Mount Hope Christian School has a high quality preschool program in Boston for children from two years to those entering kindergarten. The curriculum is designed to help children develop socially, emotionally, intellectually, physically, spiritually, and individually. Mount Hope focuses on literacy as the foundation of a child’s education. Their reading curriculum empowers reading skills and comprehension and is developmentally appropriate for these young ones. They play a lot, but also have structured learning!
Mount Hope has the mission to create God’s highest and best plan for their children’s lives by identifying their academic and behavioral needs and implementing plans to support those needs. Activities include instructional time, social and interactive play, circle time, and outdoor play. Full-day tuition ranges from $6,800 for 2 days a week to $9,350 for 5 days a week.
3 McGinnis Drive, Burlington, MA, 01803, (781) 272-1014
Billy Dalwin Pre-School | Top-Rated Jewish Preschool in Boston
The Billy Dalwin Pre-School (BDPS) is an award-winning school for children aged 2 – 5. The teachers and staff are dedicated and well qualified. Children are encouraged to explore their interests and talents while learning important social skills for school and life. They have half-day or full-day programs that include crafting, cooking, and reading as well as Judaic-based activities. Outdoor playtime keeps the children active and engaged. Depending on the child’s age, classes meet two, three, or five days a week. Parents are encouraged to participate in weekly Shabbat Sing groups and other activities to be part of the learning process. Although BDPS emphasizes developing Jewish identity, they welcome children and families of all religious and cultural backgrounds.
9 Piper Road, Lexington, MA 02421, (781)861-0708
F.U.S.E. Preschool | Affordable Full-Day Boston Preschool
FUSE Preschool accepts students from preschool age through first grade. Their innovative approach to early learning involves arts, sports, and social skills. The experienced staff includes certified early childhood educators and speech pathologists. The curriculum uses tools like nonverbal problem solving, collaboration and flexibility, pretend play, social communication, and coping strategies to develop the whole child. They also offer summer camps with fun activities such as water games, sports, and field trips.
110 Hartwell Avenue, Suite 100 Lexington, MA 02421, (781) 658-3009
Gentle Dragon Preschool | Parent-Led Pre-K in Boston
Gentle Dragon Preschool is a cooperative school designed to engage parents and their children aged 3 to 5. Parents are encouraged to participate in daily story time and craft activities and to work alongside teachers to help provide a safe, nurturing environment for children to discover and grow. The curriculum blends play and structure, encouraging individuality and confidence. The staff is dedicated to developing children’s unique talents and providing them with the skills they’ll need to excel in kindergarten and beyond.
Gentle Dragon Preschool is small, enrolling 13 children a year. Priority is given to siblings of current and alumni families. Selection beyond that is based on available spots by age, gender, cultural diversity, and families who are enthusiastic about being part of a cooperative school. Tuition runs from $550/mo for 3 days a week to $675/mo for 5 days.
111 Arlington St, Medford, MA 02155, (781) 391-2301
Piccola Italia Preschool | Bilingual Italian Curriculum
Piccola Italia Preschool offers an excellent enriched bilingual learning experience in a fun and safe environment. The school uses an immersive approach, exploring drama, art, music, creative movement, and more. Academics such as science, math, and geography encourage natural skills and creativity. Piccola’s immersion environment helps children develop social skills and explore the world around them while building a solid foundation for future success.
The school celebrates Italian holidays, cooks typical Italian meals, and teaches children traditional Italian songs and dances. Each activity is geared toward stimulating children to think, process, and reason. Social interaction is encouraged, allowing children to express their needs, feelings, and abilities as well as listen to those of others. Piccola accepts applications for children aged 2.9 – 5, and they make sure all the kids have adequate napping and play time throughout their learning.
51 Dix Street, Waltham, MA 02453, (440) 935-1742
Pine Village | Spanish Preschool in Boston
Pine Village is a Spanish immersion pre-k with core values that include love, laughter, language, and learning. The staff is passionate about educating and nurturing every child in a culturally diverse, bilingual environment that encourages individuality and builds on the interests of the children. The program highlights guided and unstructured play, teacher-led activities, and problem solving to develop communication skills, self-confidence, and self-reliance. This helps children develop to the fullest of their capabilities. Pine Village believes in a strong relationship between community, parents, children, and teachers to provide a positive learning experience for every child. Pine village has 10 locations in the Boston area.
700 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, 617-416-7763
Russell Cooperative Preschool | Private Preschool With Parents
At Russell Cooperative Preschool, teachers and parents work together to promote creativity, encourage individual expression, and provide children with the support and guidance they need to flourish. With small class sizes, individualized attention, and a comprehensive curriculum, children are exposed to a wide range of activities such as cooking, science, math, and the arts. They enjoy plenty of indoor and outdoor playtime to keep them active and engaged throughout the day.
Children from ages 3 to 5 can apply, and programs are available for 3, 4, or 5 days a week. The classrooms are large and sunny, providing a tranquil environment. Large indoor areas allow kids plenty of room to play when the weather outside is bad. Parents assist the teachers every day as part of the cooperative in such things as preparing and serving the morning snack, setting up lunch, and getting the cots ready for afternoon rest time.
35 Church Street, Watertown, Massachusetts, 02472, (617) 926-0511
Cambridge Montessori School | Montessori Preschool in Boston
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The Cambridge Montessori School follows Montessori philosophy to foster a love of learning in children and creating caring, socially responsible students. Children from 3 to 6 learn in the same classroom with qualified teachers. Montessori believes in developing the whole child through supportive, stimulating, and thoughtfully prepared learning programs. Children develop physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. The curriculum includes math, language, science, history, geography, and practical life skills. Children also learn how to be kind and compassionate. Preschool tuition for mornings only is $23,130. The 5-day full-day tuition is $28,650.
161 Garden St, Cambridge, MA 02138, (617) 492-3410
SolBe Learning | Top-Rated Preschool in Boston for Spanish Immersion
SolBe Learning provides a Spanish immersion curriculum, a specially-trained, professional staff, and emphasizes a healthy nutrition program. The school uses award-winning, adaptive spaces to stimulate children. The curriculum is play-based and emergent. They are passionate about keeping children healthy and growing strong, so Solbe features seed-to-table nutrition. They preach about the learning ecosystem consisting of people, spaces, programs, and wellness that all interact to create an exceptional experience.
SolBe strives to meet the needs of both parents and children. They believe that you are your child’s first teacher and should be involved in their learning experience. Family programs such as Jungle and Ocean Yoga allow parents to promote health and wellness with their children.
631 VFW Pkwy, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, (617) 942-7179
Old South Preschool | Professional Boston Pre-K
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Old South Preschool is a state-of-the-art learning facility, providing exceptional instruction for early learners. The teachers are licensed and experienced in delivering meaningful, age-appropriate, and developmentally appropriate lesson plans. The emergent curriculum is designed to allow children to explore and learn based on their interests. The teachers encourage parents to partner with them to enhance their child’s growth.
Old South offers flexible 3, 4, and 5-day schedules to meet parent’s needs. Enrollment is available to all families, without regard to religious or political beliefs, race, cultural heritage, etc. Tuition rates are $11,865 for 3 days, $15,540 for 4 days, and $19,425 for 5 days.
645 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116, (617) 536-1970
Map of the Best Boston Preschools
Preschools in Boston can vary greatly as far as philosophy, tuition cost, curriculum, and availability. The best Boston preschools on this list can help you narrow down your choice by finding the criteria that are important to you and your child so you can make the right decision when selecting a preschool in Boston. Are you looking up Boston pre-k programs because you’re moving to Boston? If so, work with our top-rated Boston movers to help you relocate! Call Mass Bay Movers today at 978-587-3775 for a free quote!
