guides

Great Local Preschools

By Jen Anderson, Kennett Square Macaroni Kid April 22, 2023

"It takes a big heart to shape little minds." -Unknown

We all want a great start for our children especially when it comes to their early childhood experience. We have a lineup of some top local schools and programs to get you started in your search. Click on each school to read a little about the programs offered and call the school with your questions and to schedule a tour.






Building Blocks Child Care Center

Building Blocks provides a safe and nurturing environment with programs that will foster self-esteem, confidence, and a love of learning. Our professionally trained and educated staff are committed to making a positive difference in your child’s life.

Our educational goal is learning through fun, creativity, and play, with a curriculum designed to nurture the full range of developing skills and interests of your child. Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school age and summer camps.

Building Blocks Child Care Center Website
580 Rosedale Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Email: info@buildingblockscenters.com
Phone: 610-444-0820






Fairville Friends School

Fairville Friends embraces the Quaker vision of education: kindness, wisdom, caring, humility, trust, respect for all, and a deep concern for the whole child. We offer a variety of half- and full-day preschool programs on 2, 3 and 5 day schedules, September through June.

Preschool class sizes are small with six to ten children in each classroom and an average teacher-child ratio of 1:6. The full-day Kindergarten program has no more than 16 students with 2 teachers, allowing for small group and individual curriculum instruction. Healthy vegetarian snacks and lunch are included and prepared in our own kitchen, with great care given to food allergies.

Children at Fairville spend part of every school day engaged in unstructured outdoor play, using their creativity, imagination and initiative to explore the play areas. Teachers also plan purposeful outdoor activities designed to support physical growth and development, encourage scientific discovery and promote stewardship of the earth. Fairville also offers Preschool Playtime sessions for caregivers and children 18–36months, Enrichment Programs for enrolled students, and seven weeks of half-day Summer Camps open to all.


216 Pond View, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Phone: 610-388-1268
Email: info@fairvillefriends.org
Website: 
www.fairvillefriends.org




The Growing Place
511 Schoolhouse Rd. Ste. 600, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Phone: 484-732-8890
Email: info@tgpchildcare.com
Website: tgpchildcare.com/







Kennett Area YMCA
The YMCA is the largest provider of licensed childcare in Chester County. Led by degreed teachers, children flourish in warm, supportive environments, as they develop the essential skills needed for success in school and life. We offer many childcare and early learning programs for children six weeks old to six years old. Our programs provide children with hands-on learning experiences through a comprehensive, research-based curriculum known as Creative Curriculum, which focuses on exploration and discovery as a way of learning. In addition, our programs participate in the Keystone STARS program, which promotes high-quality standards in early learning and school-aged programs.


101 Race Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Email: info@ymcagbw.org
Website: https://ymcagbw.org/preschool-childcare-ymca-greater-brandywine
Phone: 610-444-9622






Calvary Lutheran Preschool
Calvary Lutheran Preschool has been educating the Preschool child since 1971. At Calvary, teachers provide a warm and nurturing classroom environment where students can learn and grow through hands-on, developmentally appropriate, and interactive experiences. Programs offered from students ages 2-5 years old, with various schedule options available. 


730 South New Street, West Chester, PA 19382
Email: calvarypreschoolwc@gmail.com
Website: clcwc.org/preschool
Phone: (610) 696-3427





Chesterbrook Academy Preschool - West Chester
Chesterbrook Academy Preschool has served the families of West Chester since 1995. We provide a safe, nurturing environment where children learn, grow and thrive. Our NAEYC-accredited preschool uses the Links to Learning curriculum, which prepares children for elementary school and beyond by developing important academic, social and emotional skills. Our teachers help each child discover a fascinating world of learning and play. At our Preschool we have programs for children ages 6 weeks - Pre-K2. When our students graduate, many continue their education at our nearby sister elementary school on McDermott Drive in West Chester where we have programs for K-5.  At our elementary school we combine a rigorous, standards-based curriculum with experiences that develop 21st century skills such as creativity, collaboration and communication. We provide a technology-rich environment, including an iPad for each student in kindergarten through fifth grade.


1220 Ward Ave, West Chester, PA 19380
Email: toni.shepherd@chesterbrookacademy.com
Website: Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Phone: (610) 719-0240





 West Chester Dance Works / Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts

West Chester Dance Works is excited to introduce dance to your young ones in a caring and friendly atmosphere. Our Pre-elementary program serves kids ages 3.5-6 with options ranging from Predance, Ballet/Jazz, Hippity Hop and more in our family-run studio. Please ask about how we can bring our engaging dance classes to your preschool!


315 Westtown Road, Unit 9
Phone: 610-692-3398
Email: studio@dianematthewsdance.com
Website:http://www.dianematthewsdance.com/





Goshen Friends School

The program at Goshen Friends, an independent Quaker school founded in 1959, is based on the philosophy that children learn best through dynamic play. Throughout the school year, students are engaged in a variety of activities that are designed to help them grow socially, emotionally, creatively, and academically. Goshen’s experienced teachers honor each child’s individual spirit, helping them to grow independently while teaching them the value of friendship and teamwork. 

Year-round, students learn and play both inside and outside. A robust holistic and experiential curriculum in all classrooms includes thematic, play-based lessons that nurture pre-reading, pre-writing, pre-math, and pre-science skills. All students enjoy “specials” classes in art, music, and Spanish, as well as an outdoor education class that takes advantage of the school’s 10-acre campus with nature-based activities like story walks, treasure hunts, gardening and yoga. The curriculum engages the youngest students in preschool through the oldest students in pre-kindergarten with opportunities for hands-on learning that spark children’s natural curiosity and desire to learn.


814 N. Chester Road, West Chester PA 19380
Email: mimi.ackers@goshenfriends.org
Website: goshenfriends.org
Phone: 610.696.8183





Grove Preschool
55 years and still growing! Grove Preschool has a proud history of helping each child make a smooth transition from home to school with our gentle and nurturing approach. Our purpose is to provide developmentally appropriate experiences in a Christian environment which will enable each child to achieve his/her full potential. 

From younger three-year-olds to five-year-olds, we have a variety of class offerings designed to accommodate your preschooler. In addition to the core class offerings, the children attend music or gym class each month. We also offer a Lunch and Play program to extend the day. New next fall.....Spanish lessons for students in our Full Day 4 classes!Grove Preschool is committed to providing the highest standard of education to all our students, staying current with educational trends, and providing continuing education opportunities for our teachers and staff. Come join our family!


490 W Boot Rd West Chester, PA 19380
Email: preschool@grovechurch.org
Website: grovechurch.org/preschool
Phone: 610-696-8107





Montgomery School
Montgomery School is a PreK-8 independent private school located in Chester Springs, PA. We are committed to meeting the developmental needs of early childhood and early adolescence. Every day, Montgomery students engage in work that not only encourages, but requires the skills and habits that prepare them to fearlessly navigate a complex world. The early learning program at Montgomery School prepares children for Kindergarten by fostering natural curiosity and practicing emerging social skills. 


1141 Kimberton Rd., Chester Springs, PA 19425
Email: admissions@montgomeryschool.org
Website: montgomeryschool.org
Phone: 610-827-7222
 





MUMS Christian Preschool

MUMs is a ministry of Marshallton United Methodist Church offering faith based early education for children ages 3-5 years old. Teachers are committed to model Christian values, teach with enthusiasm and encourage positive social interaction while preparing children for academic success.

MUMs Christian Preschool offers classes for 3 year olds & 4/5 years
Extended day option: 4/5 year olds / PreK 9:00-2:00 every Tue & Thu
Lunch Bunch is also offered Wednesday

Fenced playground, family events, seasonal celebrations, and off-site field trips round out the curriculum.


1282 W. Strasburg Road, West Chester, PA 19382
Email: mumspreschool@gmail.com
Website: marshalltonchurch.org
Phone: 610.696.5247





SALT Playhouse for Preschoolers by Montgomery School
The performing arts are an ideal platform for a child’s first school experience. Three- and four-year-olds respond naturally to music, they often have boundless energy that begs to be channeled (they want to move!), and they are naturally curious and creative. The SALT Performing Arts Playhouse by Montgomery School makes preschoolers feel right at home and gives them the tools and opportunities to express themselves through music and movement.


1141 Kimberton Rd., Chester Springs, PA 19425
Email: kkunsch@montgomeryschool.org
Phone: 610-827-7222
Website: www.montgomeryschool.org





Saint Agnes School
For 150 years, St. Agnes School has provided academic excellence and Catholic values for our students ranging in age from Preschool to Grade Eight.  Faith, Academics, Service and Fun are at the center of all that we do at St. Agnes School!


211 W. Gay Street; West Chester, PA 19382
Email: jnevins@saintagnesschoolwc.org
Website: saintagnesschoolwc.org
Phone: 610-696-1260


  





St. Paul's Preschool
St. Paul's Preschool strives to provide a quality education in a nurturing Christian environment which will foster each child's social, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth. Emphasis is placed on active learning through play to enhance cognitive growth.

We offer small class sizes, weekly bible stories, a special music and movement program, extended afternoon and lunch enrichment programs, lunch bunch and much more.  We have a 5-day Pre-K class for those 4’s and 5’s who will not go to kindergarten due to age or simply need an extra year in a small class.  Our hours for the 3’s, 4’s and Pre-K are from 9 am to 12 noon.


104 S. Village Avenue, Exton, PA 19341
Email: caristpauls@gmail.com
Website: stpaulslionville.org/st-pauls-preschool.html
Phone: (610) 594-9393







Saints Peter and Paul
Preschool and Pre Kindergarten for 3,4,and 5-year-olds.  These programs within our elementary school offer age-appropriate academic environments in a nurturing, structured setting. 


1327 Boot Road West Chester 19380
Email: advancement@sspeterandpaulrc.org
Website: https://school.sspeterandpaulrc.org/
Phone: 610-696-1000 ext 262






Saints Philip and James School
SS. Philip and James School provides a quality Catholic education for students in preschool (3- and 4-year-olds) through grade 8 combining the best of current teaching strategies and technology with traditional Catholic values in a warm and caring atmosphere.


721 E Lincoln Highway, Exton, Pa 19341
Email: advancement@sspj.net
Website:  school.sspj.net
Phone: 610-363-6530




The Friends Play School at West Chester Friends
415 N. High Street West Chester PA 19380
Email:info@wcfriends.org
Website: wcfriends.org/the-friends-play-school/
Phone: 610-696-2962





West Chester Playschool
West Chester Playschool, Inc., is a non-profit preschool, operated and administered by parents since 1975. We are a co-op model and involve both licensed teachers and families/parents in the education of your child. At the heart of our program is PLAY.  In our child centered program children learn through our play-based curriculum from age 2 through PreK.


725 W Miner St, West Chester PA 19382
Email: director@westchesterplayschool.org
Website: westchesterplayschool.org/
Phone: 610-692-6538