Comprehensive Guide to Preschools in the DC Area

With so many amazing preschools in the DC area, it can be hard to decide which is best for your child and family.

We created this comprehensive list of local preschools to help ease the decision-making process for you. Read about some of our sponsored schools, and take a look at the tabs below for a list of all of the wonderful preschools in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

From free Pre-K3 in some public schools, to charter schools, private schools, and more, there is an awesome, accessible preschool program for every family!

For over 60 years, Aidan has built its legacy on a tradition of Montessori excellence, cultivating a love of learning in generations of students. With the innovative and proven Montessori Method at our core, Aidan prepares children to learn confidently, think independently, and succeed wherever they go.

Aidan Montessori School is a co-ed, independent private school for children ages 18 months through grade 6. Founded in 1961, Aidan is the only school in DC that holds accreditation from the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools and American Montessori Internationale.

Aidan follows the highest standards of Montessori pedagogy to prepare children for successful and fulfilling lives. Everything at Aidan revolves around how children learn best. Our students grow into independent thinkers, confident learners, effective collaborators, and responsible citizens.

Student Ages:
18 Months to Grade 6

Open Houses:
October 13, 2023
November 3, 2023
November 16 (Virtual)
December 1, 2023
January 5, 2024
January 10, 2024 (Virtual)

Application Deadline:
January 12, 2024

Primrose Schools is the Leader in Early Education and Care®

A child’s experiences in the first five years shape health, development, learning, character and happiness. At Primrose schools, teachers empower your child when it really counts.

Now enrolling for children six weeks and older!

Student Ages:
Infant – Pre-Kindergarten

Application Deadline:
Rolling admissions

Two Birds is a Reggio-inspired school for infants through pre-k. Their all-inclusive approach to education supports the entire family through unique spaces, services and building a sense of community. In addition to full-time care during the week, Two Birds families receive complimentary access to weekend programming, coworking space, and community partners.

At Two Birds, children explore and research the world around them through a project- and play-based philosophy that embraces their natural curiosity, asking questions, deep dives into topics and small group learning. Developmental domains are fundamentally integrated into classroom investigations and interactions with teachers, classmates, and open-ended materials. Work is highlighted through classroom documentation as well as through opportunities for families to engage in and experience children’s work during exhibitions and family events.

Locations:
West End, DC
Tenleytown, DC
Old Town, VA

Student Ages:
Infants through Pre-K

Admission Deadline:
Rolling Admissions

Tours:
Virtual and In Person
By Appointment

Early Childhood Center (ECC) offers a play-based learning program for children ages 2 – 5 years old. Families love our small class sizes, low student to teacher ratios, nurturing environment and highly qualified degreed teachers.

For over 50 years, we have inspired children to develop a love of learning that will continue to grow with them throughout their lifetime.

Student Ages:
2 – 5 years

Application Deadline:
Rolling Admissions

Everbrook Academy® supports young learners, from infants to school-age students. Our curriculum features hands-on learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Enrichment opportunities, such as Spanish and yoga, are available, while immersive quarterly programs—in art, culinary, world cultures, and more—expand each child’s horizons.

Get peace of mind, knowing health and safety are our top priority. Plus, our Grow Fit® initiative meets the needs of growing children through fitness and nutrition, including fresh fruits and vegetables, organic milk, and vegetarian selections. You can stay connected all day with live streaming video and real-time mobile updates.

Learn more: EverbrookAcademy.com.

Student Ages:
6 weeks – 5 years

Accredited Montessori School serving our community since 1997. Our school is a family oriented school dedicated to the Montessori philosophy.

The school is family owned and operated by a mother and daughter team, and we welcome all students and their families.

Student Ages:
18 months – 12 years

Welcome to Saint Ann Catholic School Preschool! Our Christ-centered family provides a loving and nurturing environment where students flourish as their unique gifts and talents emerge and develop. Our teachers love and care for each individual child, who is created in the image and likeness of God. We are proud to offer an educational program that nourishes the mind, body, and soul as we work with parents to prepare their children for kindergarten.

This nurturing environment fosters confidence and the ability to achieve class and individual goals. You won’t believe what students from our small and mighty school go on to do after they leave Saint Ann’s – rocket scientists, doctors, lawyers, engineers, foreign service officers, teachers… the list goes on and on.

The Saint Ann Catholic School family believes, achieves and inspires. We believe in the Gospel teachings of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. We achieve personal excellence in an academic community that nurtures mind, body and soul. We inspire one another to glorify God by embracing his call to love and serve.

Student Ages:
3 years through 8th grade

Application Deadline:
Rolling admissions

Private Tours:
By appointment

Discover the British International School of Washington (BISW), a Nord Anglia Education school in Washington, D.C. Providing the highest quality education from Pre-Nursery (2 years old) to high school (IB Diploma Programme), BISW boasts a globally renowned curricula, internationally qualified educators, and a diverse student body, fostering a global mindset.

Our truly personalized approach to learning enables our students to make remarkable personal and academic progress, transitioning confidently through their educational journey. Our focus on learning through a range of life-enhancing experiences enables your child to develop as an independent and critical thinker, becoming involved in a range of leadership and service opportunities. Through the Nord Anglia Education Global Campus, BISW students connect with 70,000 peers across 81 schools and 32 nations, nurturing true global citizens.

Embark on limitless possibilities with BISW.

Student Ages:
2 – 18 years

Application Deadline:
Rolling Admissions

Founded in 1965, Lowell is a progressive co-ed PK-8th school in Washington, DC.

We believe in authenticity, inclusivity, and respect for children. We honor each child’s individuality, giving them space to grow while challenging them to push themselves and try new things. This results in highly motivated learners with a strong sense of self-worth and efficacy.

Our students engage in active, collaborative learning, with emphasis on building conceptual understanding and developing strong creative, critical, and analytical thinking skills. We carefully integrated learning experiences across subjects and to draw on student interests and what’s happening in the world around them.

Student Ages:
Pre-K – 8th grade

Application Deadline:
January 8, 2024

School Tours:
By appointment

With two campuses in Chevy Chase and Kensington, Maryland, Oneness-Family School has served families who value student-centered learning and personal growth alongside a rigorous curriculum for 35 years. At Oneness-Family School, academic, social, and emotional skills are championed to prepare every student for life, not just for school.

For students age two through 12th grade, the learning program combines a traditional Montessori curriculum emphasizing mindfulness, social-emotional development, and leadership skills. Students are taught to be compassionate and courageous world citizens with an enduring love of learning.

Student Ages:
2 years – Grade 12

Application Deadline:
Rolling Admissions

Open Houses:
October 14, 2023 – 10:00 AM
November 1, 2023 – 9:00 AM (Zoom Meet the Teachers Event)
December 2, 2023 – 10:00 AM
February 1, 2024 – 10:00 AM (Primary Programs Open House)
February 3, 2024 – 10:00 AM (High School Open House)

CCBC Children Center’s educational practice is guided by the belief that children learn best through meaningful, child-centered play. CCBC educators are dedicated to creating an engaging and responsive program that puts fostering children’s curiosity, independence, and joy at the forefront of their work.

CCBC’s daily schedule ensures time for children to engage with thoughtfully chosen materials and learning experiences, develop peer relationships, and strengthen motor skills through daily outdoor play. The supportive environment of CCBC acknowledges and celebrates the many moments of childhood, stringing together joyful experiences that help grow lifelong learners.

Student Ages:
15 months – 5 years

Application Deadline:
February 10, 2024

Open Houses:
November 3, 2023
December 1, 2023
January 5, 2024
February 1, 2024
February 2, 2024

Recognizing that each child has innumerable gifts and abilities, ALG supports children by encouraging what comes naturally to them: play. Throughout the years, ALG has remained committed to 3 core principles:

1. Play is the foundation of all learning.
2. Children need the skills to resolve conflicts and work collaboratively.
3. The outdoors is critical in developing the whole child.

As a nature-based and cooperative preschool, families contribute their unique experiences and talents to the school by working in our outdoor and indoor classrooms.

Children leave ALG ready to embrace, question, and contribute to their community.

Student Ages:
2.5 – 5 years

Application Deadline:
February 2, 2024

Open Houses:
November 1, 2023
November 15, 2023
December 6, 2023
December 13, 2023
January 10, 2024
January 17, 2024
January 24, 2024

Email director@amazinglifegames to sign-up for a tour!

Welcome to AppleTree Early Learning Public Charter School, with locations in Spring Valley and Columbia Heights, with a Waterfront Station campus coming soon!

Our school is a vibrant and imaginative place where learning is engaging and fun, fostering creativity and curiosity. We prioritize our students, valuing their unique qualities and abilities and creating an inclusive environment where every child thrives. Our commitment is to provide a strong foundation for your child’s future success through our Every Child Ready Curriculum.

Join our school and experience the magic of AppleTree, where imagination and learning come together for an exciting educational journey. We are excited to welcome you and your child to our AppleTree family!

Learn more about us today by filling out our interest form to stay up-to-date about family and community events: appletreedc.org/3gGzwRr.

Student Ages:
PK3 & PK4

Application Deadline:
My School DC is the common application and common lottery for the District’s public school options. Find everything you need right here to learn, apply, and enroll. Families must apply between December 12, 2023 and March 1, 2024 at https://www.myschooldc.org/.

Spring Valley Open Houses:
December 13, 2023 (Virtual)
January 17, 2024 (In-Person)
February 7, 2024 (In-Person)
February 8, 2024 (In-Person)
March 13, 2024 (In-Person)

Columbia Heights Open House:
January 17, 2024 (Virtual)

Waterfront Station Open Houses:
January 11, 2024 (In-Person)
January 24, 2024 (Virtual)
February 15, 2024 (In-Person)
March 16, 2024 (In-Person)

Discover The Gardner School of Union Row: Where Learning Is A Joy

Give your child an exceptional early childhood education experience at The Gardner School of Union Row. Our brand-new location is now open and enrolling children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. We offer year-round full-time and part-time early childhood education in a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where every child can thrive.

Our approach to education focuses on all aspects of a child’s development to nurture well-rounded individuals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to thrive in all areas of life. Schedule a tour today to learn how The Gardner School can make a positive impact on your family.

Student Ages:
6 weeks – 5 years old

Application Deadline:
Rolling Admissions

Nestled in the nation’s capital in the richest museum complex in the world is the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC), a model early childhood program that places children at the center of every experience. The vast collections are the foundation for the culturally diverse curriculum, which offers a rare opportunity for learning.

SEEC’s preschool and kindergarten provide a rich, exciting school experience in a unique museum setting. Offering a balance between academic readiness and social/emotional development, our goal is that every student will gain a passion for learning, a love of museums, and individual confidence. At SEEC our ordinary is extraordinary!

Student Ages:
Birth – Kindergarten

Application Deadline:
Currently accepting Pre-K and Kindergarten applications on a rolling basis.

Deadline for 2024-25 school year is March 1, 2024.

St. Columba’s Nursery School celebrates the joy and discovery of early childhood.

In their inclusive community, children learn to make and be a friend, grow confident by taking “safe risks,” and explore the world with a spirit of curiosity and love. St. Columba’s believes that young children learn best through plan. They also have an expansive playground where children engage in daily outdoor learning experiences.

Please visit our website for more information about our program!

Student Ages:
2 – 5 years

Application Deadline:
February 23, 2024

School Tours:
Tours are scheduled between October and February. Please sign up for a Talk & Tour for the 24-25 school year here!

Pinecrest School has nurtured curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning since 1957. The school is committed to providing a positive environment for student development for children age three through 6th grade.

With small class sizes, teachers individualize instruction, allowing each child to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We provide a solid foundation in core academic subjects, while also endeavoring to cultivate in our students a sense of caring for the world around them and an evolving understanding of how they can make positive contributions in our community and beyond.

Student Ages:
3 years – 6th Grade

Application Deadline:
Rolling Admissions

The Primary Day School in Bethesda, Maryland, is a school for boys and girls from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 2.

We are the only school in the area that focuses exclusively on children in this unique age group, and we do so for a very important reason. These are the most crucial learning years in children’s lives, a time when they are bursting with potential, ready for quantum leaps of development.

At Primary Day, everything we do focuses on helping young children flourish—as learners and as people—during this vitally important time of life.

Student Ages:
4 – 8 years

Admission Deadline:
January 12, 2024

Open House:
Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Feynman School celebrates each student’s intellectual curiosity and sense of self, promote inquisitive and creative thinking, and foster caring and concern for others. Kids tinker, get their hands dirty, think and question in a fun, dynamic setting.

Here, children revel in learning and prepare for full, fulfilling lives. Along with the thrill of a challenge, children need the nurturing and guidance to develop the self-awareness, self-confidence, curiosity, creativity and caring to make the most of their natural gifts. Through their years together, Feynman students expand their minds, build their talents and keep the wonder that makes learning simply a joy.

Student Ages:
Preschool – Middle School

Admission Deadline:
Rolling Admissions

Open Houses:
October 15, 2023
October 19, 2023
November 12, 2023
December 10, 2023

Conveniently located on Connecticut Avenue in Northwest DC, Franklin Montessori guides children’s growth as unique individuals through careful observation, persistent collaboration, and organized work within an inclusive and diverse community.

Franklin has fully-equipped Montessori classrooms that serve the Infant, Toddler, Primary levels; indoor and outdoor play spaces; a well-stocked library; a beautiful art studio for Primary students; and easy access to Rock Creek Park. Mixed-age classrooms aid in students’ social development, allowing older children to act as role models for younger ones. Franklin is accredited by the American Montessori Society and cultivates an environment of resilience, confidence, independence, and joy.

Student Ages:
3 months – 6 years

Application Deadline:
Rolling Admissions

Open Houses:
Private tours by appointment

NCRC (National Child Research Center) Preschool is an independent preschool for children ages 2-5 serving the Washington D.C. area since 1928. NCRC’s child-centered program is a play-based emergent curriculum rooted in sound, current research in Early Education and developmentally appropriate practices that reveal each child’s skills.

NCRC believes in children’s capacity to ask questions and engage in deep discovery around meaningful topics. NCRC teachers collaborate with their students in generating a curriculum that inspires. NCRC provides a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community, where every constituent is recognized, celebrated, and cherished.

Student Ages:
2 – 5 years

Application Deadline:
January 15, 2024

Open House:
November 11, 2023

The Rock Creek Montessori School, located in a beautiful wooded setting in Silver Spring, MD, serves children from 18 months through kindergarten using the philosophy and curriculum of Dr. Maria Montessori.

Rock Creek follows the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori. It recognizes the child’s need to learn academic skills, observe the environment, do independent work and cooperate in a community. The goal of the school is to enable children to follow their greatest interest while learning about the world immediately around them. The classrooms will allow children to be discoverers in the learning process.

Student Ages:
18 months – Kindergarten

Application Deadline:
Rolling Admissions

Open Houses:
To be announced via our website

Takoma Children’s School (TCS) is a progressive year-round preschool serving 2 to 5 year-old children and their families with part-time through full-day options. Our school’s outstanding teachers and staff provide a nurturing, safe, and fun-filled environment that fosters creativity and a love of learning through play and exploration.

TCS is a play-based program inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. We value each child’s unique needs and contributions, as we foster social, emotional, physical, and thinking skills that children will need and use throughout their lives. Our TCS family is committed to celebrating and reflecting the diversity of our community.

Student Ages:
2 – 5 years

Application Deadline:
February 28, 2024

Open Houses:
October 17, 2023
November 8, 2023
December 14, 2023
Contact for additional dates and times.

Concord Hill School values and cultivates children’s curiosity in the early years of development. Through a dynamic program rooted in nurturing relationships, Concord Hill inspires the personal and academic growth of a community of lifelong learners.

Your child’s journey is filled with many firsts and their first school experience is one of the most important. Our School is a place of not only academic excellence but also of joy, purpose, inclusivity, and leadership development.

Since 1965, Concord Hill has celebrated the magic of the early years of a child’s life, grounding every decision in what is best for our young learners.

Student Ages:
Pre-K 3 – Third Grade

Application Deadline:
January 12, 2024

Open Houses:
October 20, 2023 – 9:30 – 11:00AM
November 17, 2023 – 9:30 – 11:30AM
December 8, 2023 – 9:30 – 11:30AM
January 12, 2024 – 9:30 – 11:30AM

Encouraging a lifelong love of learning!

As Potomac’s hidden gem, Geneva Day School provides exceptional classes and extraordinary programs for children aged two through kindergarten.

Join as a two. . . This nurturing and innovative school grows with you. Many students maintain lifelong friendships and a number of graduates enroll their children so as to grant the gift of a Geneva education.

Geneva’s enriching, academic curriculum is powered by STEAM (science-technology-engineering-arts-math) and includes specialized Art, Environmental Education, Mindfulness, Music, and Physical Education. An “outdoor classroom” presides over gorgeous, Maryland Green School grounds, often visited by the very butterflies that serve as the school’s mascot.

See you outside!

Student Ages:
2 years – Kindergarten

Application Deadline:
Rolling Admissions