
If you’re living in Denver or considering a move to one of the charming cities near Denver, chances are you’ve started thinking about early education options for your little one. Finding the right preschool can feel like a full-time job. Between touring schools, comparing philosophies, and reading endless parent reviews, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We get it. Choosing a preschool is one of the first big decisions many families make, and it’s a cornerstone for your child’s growth in both social and emotional development and cognitive skills.
That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you. Whether you’re just starting your search or narrowing down your top picks, we’ve compiled a list of top-rated Denver preschools to assist you in this important and often daunting process.
Before we dive into the list, let’s clear up a few common questions:
Whether you’re looking at a play-based program that nurtures curiosity or one that aligns closely with Denver public schools to prepare your child for what’s ahead, we’ve gathered schools that balance quality learning, care, and creativity. From standout offerings to strong academic prep, these programs are as exciting as they are enriching, and enrolling in the right one can make all the difference.

When it comes to early education in Colorado, families have access to a variety of options that support cognitive development and prepare kids for kindergarten. The good news is that Colorado is one of the 12 states that offers a state-funded pre-K program, and as of recent policy changes, many 4-year-olds are eligible for free or low-cost preschool through the Universal Preschool Colorado initiative. While not all 3-year-olds qualify, some may be eligible based on income, age, or other factors like special needs.
In addition to the state program, Head Start, a federally funded preschool option, is available to families who meet certain income requirements. This program is designed to support cognitive development, health, and nutrition for young children and is available in many Denver neighborhoods.
Colorado does not require all school districts to offer a preschool program, but many Denver preschools operate in partnership with Denver Public Schools or are fully licensed independent centers. For families exploring private options, there are also tuition credit and assistance programs to help reduce costs.
From Montessori and Reggio Emilia to play-based and academic-focused schools, Denver offers a wide range of preschool styles. Options include full-day or half day schedules, so families can choose the setting that best fits their needs and their child’s learning style.
Ready to find the best Denver preschool program for your child? To find the best curriculum for your child, you’ll want to check out parent reviews, interview schools, and look at lists like this one. These are the top Denver preschools.
If you’re looking for the best Denver preschools, then you should consider Ilif Preschool. With over 25 years of service in the Denver area, this school sees record enrollment from year to year. The teachers are experienced, and they have an abundance of programs, offering everything from early preschool to Adventure Day Camp for school-aged children.
With gifted teachers and strong literacy programs, Crestmoor Learning Center is one of the best Denver preschools. One of Crestmoor's standout features is that it partners with Spanish teachers to provide kids with a Spanish immersion program for students aged 3 to 5. Students are split into three groups, fireflies (3-year-olds), crickets (4-year-olds), and grasshoppers (5-year-olds), to provide an age-appropriate curriculum.
When it comes to Denver preschools, The Goddard School of Denver stands out for its unique curriculum and fun learning environment. Many parents around the city choose The Goddard School, and the school has several locations throughout Denver. In addition to regular preschool classes, The Goddard School offers special programs with a focus on everything from Art History to Dance to Physical Fitness to American Sign Language. This ensures that your child will receive a fully well-rounded education, preparing them for kindergarten.
Children’s Learning Center is one of the best Denver preschools, providing students with the perfect environment to succeed with confidence. This Denver preschool is a Spanish Immersion institution, providing students with both basic education skills as well as cultural tools. All three meals are included in tuition, and the school prides itself on creating a loving, safe, clean, and respectful environment.
When it comes to the best Denver preschools, Thrive Preschool Denver is at the top of the list. This Denver preschool program offers 2, 3, and 5-day programs for students residing in Denver, Colorado, and tuition starts at $861 per month. The team at Thrive works to facilitate a holistic learning environment, helping students develop social skills, fine motor skills, practical skills, math skills, gross motor skills, and more.
When it comes to pre school Denver students can rely on, Montessori Children’s House of Denver is a great choice. As one of the best Denver preschools around, this institution has an option for residents in any neighborhood, with locations in Central Park, Mayfair, Park Hill, and more. Children’s House offers a Montessori Denver preschool program, which is a type of early childhood education program that emphasizes child-led learning and hands-on activities. This type of learning is designed to help students think independently and make choices on their own.
As one of the best Denver preschools, Early Excellence Program of Denver has been serving the area since 2002. All of the teachers are Level 5 Certified and are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive. The business is locally, women, and minority-owned, and strives to take a diverse and inclusive approach to early childhood education. The school operates year-round, and also provides before and after-school care to help out busy families.
When searching for the best Denver preschools, Tinker Town should be at the top of your list. This fantastic Denver preschool serves children ages 2-4 and offers both full-time and part-time options. Tinker Town prioritizes small class sizes and focuses on hands-on learning. The school prioritizes field trips, taking students to places like the local fire station and libraries to learn more about the community.
If you’re on the hunt for the ‘best rated preschool near me,’ then The Gardner School will likely come up in your search. Located in the Central Park neighborhood, The Gardner School is one of the best Denver preschools. This preschool offers academically focused learning with a research-based curriculum. Parents are always kept in the loop with real-time updates through a parent communications app. The school is also guaranteed to be safe and secure, with two security checkpoints. The Gardner School features a Kids’ Café, a private, large outdoor playground, and yearly family and community events.
Looking for play-based Denver preschools? Check out Denver Cooperative Preschool. This is one of the best preschools in Denver, receiving excellent parent reviews across all platforms. With options for 2, 3, and 5 days a week, Denver Cooperative Preschool offers something for everyone. This school is play-based and aims to guide young children on the adventure of self discovery through play. The preschool classes are split up into young preschool for ages 3 to 4.5 and older preschool for ages 4 to 6. Young preschool has a 1 to 5 educator-to-child ratio, while older preschool has a 1 to 6 educator-to-child ratio.
With so many amazing Denver preschools, you’ll have no problem finding a Denver preschool program that’s a good fit for your child. All of these schools have excellent parent reviews and unique learning programs. If you’re getting ready to move to Denver, then get in touch with the Denver movers at Homegrown Moving & Storage.
Our team can help you navigate Denver moving costs, Denver neighborhoods, and more. To get started with a free quote, give our team a call today at (303) 587-6200.
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