Sierra DawsonChoosing the right spot for your little one can feel like a full-time job. Between the waitlists and the endless tours, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices in the Mile High City.
You want a place that nurtures their curiosity, keeps them safe, and actually fits your commute. From Montessori methods to play-based learning, the pressure to choose the right environment is intense.
To help you breathe a little easier, I’ve dug into the local scene to find the top spots for early education. Here is my guide to the best preschools in Denver.
How much does Preschool cost in Denver?
Denver isn’t exactly cheap, and childcare costs definitely reflect that. You can generally expect to pay around $1,500 to $1,600 a month for full-time care, which is roughly the cost of a decent studio apartment in some neighborhoods. Of course, this varies wildly depending on whether you go for a premium center or a home-based setup. Some places might dip down to $500, while others soar past $2,600. If you need a standard five-day program, budget somewhere in the middle.
1. The Goddard School of Denver
Website: https://www.goddardschool.com/schools/co/denver/denver
Address: 1400 S Emerson St
Contact: +1 303-722-2336
Hours: Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 6 PM
The Goddard School stands out immediately because of their proprietary Wonder of Learning curriculum. This was designed by experts to spark natural curiosity rather than just drilling facts.
I love that they back this up with Cognia accreditation, ensuring a holistic approach to your child’s growth.
On top of that, the safety tech here is honestly impressive, featuring biometric scanners that gave me peace of mind during my visit. It’s clear they prioritize security just as much as education.
However, it is worth noting the waitlist situation. It can be quite significant, often extending a year or longer.
To be fair, this is a remarkable trade-off: while it confirms the school is highly desirable and stable, it does present a real planning challenge if you are looking for immediate placement. You really need to get on the list early.
Customer Reviews
My wife and I both love this school
My wife and I both love this school. Our daughter had a tough time moving schools and her teacher has been so great in getting her integrated with new friends and feeling comfortable at school. It is really nice to have our child at a school that has great teachers and great administration. I’d strongly recommend the school to anyone.
- Anthony Smith | Google Review
The Goddard School at South Emerson is truly amazing
The Goddard School at South Emerson is truly amazing. They allow time for play and exploration, but also learning. Our kids look forward to school every day. The school staff and teachers go above and beyond with school activities, holiday events, and their day to day curriculum. Goddard has prepared our children well for Kindergarten. Would not have our kiddos at any other school!
- Daniel Arnold | Google Review
2. Iliff Preschool, Kindergarten and School-Age Summer Camp
Website: https://iliffpreschool.com/
Address: 4140 E Iliff Ave
Contact: +1 303-757-3551
Hours: Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 4 PM
Iliff Preschool wins the award for the coolest classroom with their “Charlie 21” airplane fuselage. It captures the imagination instantly and proves that learning environments don’t have to be boring.
Since they have been around for over 60 years, the sense of community history here is palpable.
That said, the staff is incredibly experienced, averaging over 25 years in education, so you know your kids are in steady hands.
They prioritize hands-on play over scripted lessons, which feels essential for this age group.
However, their strict 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM schedule may be challenging for parents who work a traditional 9-to-5 and have a commute.
Customer Reviews
I’m grateful to the school and amazing staff
I’m so grateful a friend recommended Iliff Preschool & Kinder. The school is an absolute gem, affordable with such kind, talented and sweet faculty all around. From Ms. Mary at the front desk to the classroom teachers, it’s such a joy and privilege to be in a school where my 3 year old kiddo is excited to attend and learn each day. My son has learned so much in the year we’ve been there and he hasn’t even started PreK. Plus, they’re affordable and work with families. I’m grateful to the school and amazing staff for making this a great experience.
- Jazmin Chavez | Google Review
The teachers are wonderful
Our daughter is in Pre-K at Iliff, and it has been a great experience! The teachers are wonderful, and the curriculum far exceeds our expectations. They learn STEM, Spanish, Music, Art, Handwriting, and have lots of outdoor play time. My daughter loves going to school every day and I love that she is in a safe and nurturing environment where she is learning new things!
- Amy Campbell | Google Review
3. Larks Preschool
Website: https://www.larkspreschool.com/
Address: 730 S Logan St
Contact: +1 303-778-9988
Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Larks Preschool takes a refreshing Reggio-Emilia inspired approach that views every child as capable and strong.
Their multi-age classrooms are also a standout feature, allowing younger kids to learn from older peers. It creates a warm, family-like atmosphere where leadership skills and empathy develop naturally through everyday interactions.
With a consistently low student-to-teacher ratio, each child receives more personalized attention, ensuring no one gets overlooked or lost in the shuffle.
I spoke with a mom whose son currently attends the school, and she couldn’t stop raving about their partnership with a dedicated speech pathologist.
She shared that this collaboration adds meaningful value by providing extra developmental support and peace of mind for families.
If you’re considering enrolling and learning more about the school, be aware that booking a tour can be tricky. They only offer on-site visits on Fridays after school, which might be hard to fit into a hectic week.
Customer Reviews
Our twins have been so happy at Larks!
Our twins have been so happy at Larks! It is a lovely neighborhood school with a low student:teacher ratio, warm, talented and experienced teachers, and a creative, age-appropriate program. The school also builds strong community amongst the families with monthly playdates and family dinners. Most importantly, our kids have grown so much already, and are having a great first experience at school. We toured many schools before landing on Larks, and highly recommend!
- Sambi | Google Review
We are happy to continue sending our children to Larks every week!
We love Larks! The most wonderful (consistent) teachers and environment for our two children. I love that all ages interact together instead of being separated by age. Finding a play based preschool with a child led approach vs overly structured and rigid was important to me and we found that at Larks. Monthly play dates and family dinners helps to create a wonderful community for children and parents. 3 years in and we are happy to continue sending our children to Larks every week!
- Kelly King Adams | Google Review
4. Children’s Learning Center
Website: https://dclc.co/
Address: 2817 Zenobia St
Contact: +1 303-455-4865
Hours: Mon – Fri: 7:30 AM – 5 PM
Children’s Learning Center creates a fantastic opportunity for early bilingualism with their dual-language immersion program.
Immersion is such a powerful tool for cognitive development, and having it available for preschoolers is a huge advantage.
They are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which is widely considered the gold standard for quality in early childhood education.
More importantly, their beautifully diverse staff represents over 15 countries, bringing a truly global perspective into the classroom.
They also provide three nutritious meals a day, saving families the daily hassle of packing lunches.
However, getting a spot here can be tough. Priority often goes to siblings of current students or specific income brackets, so you might face a waitlist if you don’t fit those criteria.
Customer Reviews
We feel like we are part of a community at CLC
Our son has been going to CLC for 3 months now, and we could not be happier! Sending him to daycare was difficult for us as new parents, but CLC made the transition easier. The teachers are so warm and welcoming, and they made us feel comfortable right from the start. Ms. Mayra and Ms. Lily are so kind and loving! Our son gets so excited every morning when he sees his teachers. We feel like we are part of a community at CLC.
- Morgan McKay Meyer | Google Review
We are very happy and thankful for CLC and the staff
CLC has been an amazing place to send our son. We have been in three of the infant classrooms now and each one had been awesome, the teacher’s are amazing and are so loving to all of the children. We are very happy and thankful for CLC and the staff.
- Andrea Higel | Google Review
5. Primrose School at the Denver Tech Center
Website: https://www.primroseschools.com/schools/denver-tech-center
Address: 8745 E Orchard Rd #500, Greenwood Village
Contact: +1 303-993-3665
Hours: Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 6 PM
Primrose School at the Denver Tech Center excels with their Balanced Learning approach, mixing teacher guidance with child-led play.
They use these adorable puppets to teach character traits like honesty and generosity, making abstract concepts stick.
It’s a thoughtful way to weave social-emotional learning naturally into each day while supporting children’s overall growth.
The convenient location right off I-25 is a lifesaver for Tech Center commuters, and the wide range of classrooms ensures support for every developmental stage.
The main drawback for some families is their strict vaccination policy, as they do not accept immunization exemptions, which can limit enrollment options.
For many others, however, this strong emphasis on health and safety is a major advantage.
Customer Reviews
Primrose DTC is fantastic!
Primrose DTC is fantastic! The staff is excellent and the structure of the program is top notch. We were very happy with the overall experience provided to our son. Communication, structure, education, and overall happy environment for the kids to learn and grow. Couldn’t recommend any more highly.
- Cory T | Google Review
The teachers are caring and skilled, and our kids have truly thrived here
We’ve had both of our children at Primrose School at the Denver Tech Center since they were 4 months old, and the experience has been fantastic. The administration is responsive and organized, the teachers are caring and skilled, and our kids have truly thrived here. Highly recommend.
- Jason Krueger | Google Review
