Why Preschool Matters: Early Education in Virginia
Preschools play a crucial role in a child’s early development, fostering social, emotional, and academic skills essential for future success. In Virginia, early childhood education is supported through a variety of public and private programs, including Montessori, Waldorf, cooperative, faith-based, and play-based preschools. With all of this variety, finding Charlottesville’s best preschools can seem overwhelming at first glance, but the search is well worth it and this guide will help trim the time.
Attending a quality preschool prepares children for kindergarten by developing critical skills such as routine adherence, fine motor abilities, letter and number recognition, and social interaction. The Virginia Department of Education emphasizes that children who participate in high-quality day care and preschool programs exhibit improved long-term academic outcomes. Here is a handy guide to Virginia’s research-based Standards for Early Learning and Development Standards.
Average Cost of Preschool in Charlottesville
The cost of preschool in Charlottesville and Albemarle County varies based on factors like program type, schedule, and additional services. Here’s an estimated range:
- Private Preschool Tuition: $8,000 – $15,000 per year
- Montessori & Waldorf Programs: $10,000 – $18,000 per year
- Part-time Preschool (2-3 days a week): $3,500 – $7,500 per year
- Publicly Funded or Subsidized Preschools: Free or low-cost options are available for qualifying families through programs like Head Start and the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI).
For precise pricing, it’s advisable to contact individual schools directly. Resources such as Child Care Aware of Virginia and individual preschool websites provide additional information.
Top Preschools in Charlottesville
Research shows that children who attend preschool are better prepared for kindergarten, demonstrating stronger language, math, and social skills. For parents, daycare and preschool offers a reliable and enriching environment that supports their child’s growth while easing the transition to formal schooling. Investing in early childhood education lays the groundwork for future academic achievement and emotional well-being, making preschool an invaluable step in a child’s development.
Here you will find a list of established Charlottesville preschools including Albemarle County preschools, too. Parents should use this as a guide for starting their own preschool research to find the best fit for their family. Here is a state guide to Virginia Certified Preschools. Preschools with expanded listings are paid partners and have expressed a special interest in reaching out to more families in our community.
ABC Preschool-Daycare
Albemarle Montessori Children’s Community
Barrett Early Learning Center
Bright Beginnings Preschool (Forest Lakes, Mill Creek, Crozet)
Bright Stars Preschool
CBI Preschool & Forest School
Chancellor Street Preschool Cooperative
Charlottesville Catholic School
- Ages Served: Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade
- Phone Number: (434) 964-0400
- Preschool Program Description: Charlottesville Catholic School’s Junior Kindergarten (JK) begins the formal education process by introducing students to the fundamentals of social decorum and giving them the tools they need to start their academic careers. Students work together within different skill centers as they use hands on experiences to explore reading, math, and science concepts and practice fine motor skills. JK operates Monday through Friday from 7:45AM to 3:10PM, and each class is led by a certified teacher and a teaching assistant. JK will follow the all school calendar in regards to start and end date, and holidays.
cvillecatholic.org
Charlottesville Day School
Charlottesville Waldorf School
Children’s Montessori School
C-Street Cooperative Preschool
The Covenant School
- Ages Served: Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade
- Phone Number: (434) 220-7330
- Preschool Program Description: The Covenant School offers a Pre-Kindergarten program designed to provide young learners with a strong academic foundation within a nurturing Christian environment. The curriculum emphasizes the development of early literacy and numeracy skills, alongside fostering social, emotional, and spiritual growth. Students engage in a variety of hands-on activities, including visual and performing arts, to stimulate creativity and critical thinking. The program aims to prepare children for a seamless transition into the Lower School, instilling a love for learning and a sense of community from an early age.
Crozet PlaySchool
Effort Christian School and Preschool
First Baptist Preschool
First Presbyterian Preschool
First Steps
Foundations Child Development Center
Free Union Country School
Frost Montessori School
- Year Founded: 1997
- Ages Served: 24 months to 6 years old
- Phone Number: (434) 979-5223
Preschool Program Description: Frost Montessori School offers a certified preschool program by the American Montessori Society (AMS), designed to inspire a lifelong love of learning. Serving children ages 24 months to 6 years, our program provides a nurturing, child-centered environment led by Montessori-trained educators. Through a thoughtfully prepared environment that balances freedom and structure, children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace. Our curriculum features a strong phonics-based foundation in reading and supports the development of independence, critical thinking, and self-confidence. With a holistic approach, we nurture each child’s academic, social, emotional, and physical development, laying the groundwork for future success in school and life. frostmontessori.com
Generations Montessori School of Charlottesville
Great Beginnings Preschool
Grymes Memorial School
- Ages Served: Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade
- Phone Number: (540) 672-1010
Preschool Program Description: Grymes Memorial School’s Junior Kindergarten program offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners. The curriculum focuses on developing foundational skills in reading and math through structured programs that build knowledge and confidence. Emphasizing a whole-child approach, the program integrates academic learning with social and emotional development, encouraging exploration, creativity, and a love for learning. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty ensure that each child receives individualized attention, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
grymesschool.org
Head Start Programs
Hillsdale KinderCare
International School of Charlottesville
Ivy School House
JABA Shining Star Preschool
Kingswood Christian Preschool
Lighthouse Christian Preschool
Malcolm Cole Childcare Center (UVA)
Mighty Minds Preschool
Millstone of Ivy Preschool and Camp
Mollie Michie Coop Preschool
Montessori School of Charlottesville
Mountaintop Montessori
North Branch School
- Ages Served: 3 to 5 years old
- Phone Number: (540) 456-8450
Preschool Program Description: North Branch School’s preschool program is dedicated to nurturing a love of learning in children aged 3 to 5 years. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning experiences that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Activities are designed to stimulate curiosity, creativity, and cooperation among young learners. The school’s experienced teachers value the uniqueness of each child, providing a diverse environment that fosters respect, nonviolence, and environmental responsibility. Outdoor play is an integral part of the daily schedule, allowing children to explore and engage with the natural world.
charlottesvillefamily.com
Old Dominion Day School
Olivet Preschool
Our Neighborhood Child Development Center
Park Street Christian Preschool
Learn more about Park Street Christian Preschool.
Peabody School
- Ages Served: 3 to 5 years old
- Phone Number: (434) 296-6901
- Preschool Program Description: Peabody School offers a Pre-Kindergarten program tailored for academically advanced children aged 3 to 5 years as well as up to grade 8. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for Kindergarten by fostering early literacy and numeracy skills, critical thinking, and social development. With a maximum class size of 12 students and two teachers per classroom, individualized attention is emphasized to cater to each child’s unique learning needs. The program also integrates arts, physical education, and exploratory activities to cultivate a well-rounded educational experience.
peabodyschool.org
Piedmont Family YMCA
- Ages Served: 0 to 5 years old
- Phone Number: (434) 202-0188
- Preschool Program Description: The Piedmont Family YMCA offers nurturing, play-based early learning programs for ages 0-5 designed to help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a supportive environment. Guided by the Y’s core values as a nonprofit organization—caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—children enjoy a balance of hands-on learning, creative play, outdoor exploration, and early literacy. Using evidence-based curriculum developed at UVA, our highly-trained teachers foster curiosity and confidence, preparing students for kindergarten. Our YMCA Early Learning Center at the Jefferson School is in downtown Charlottesville, and a NEW YMCA Early Learning Center is opening at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital in January 2026. piedmontymca.org.
Rainbow Child Care Center of Charlottesville
Regents School of Charlottesville
Riverbend KinderCare
St. Anne’s-Belfield School
St. Mark’s Lutheran Preschool
The Preschool at JABA
The Preschool at Jefferson School
Westminster Child Care Center
Public Preschool Options in Charlottesville & Albemarle County
Charlottesville City Schools Preschool Program
Charlottesville City Schools offer free, high-quality preschool programs for eligible families through the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) and Head Start. These programs serve 3- and 4-year-olds, prioritizing families based on income and educational needs. The curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness, social-emotional development, and hands-on learning experiences. CCS preschool.
Albemarle County Public Schools Preschool Program
Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) provides several preschool options through the Bright Stars Program, Head Start, and ECSE (Early Childhood Special Education). These programs serve at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds and children with unique needs. Albemarle County’s preschool curriculum aligns with Virginia’s Early Learning Standards and emphasizes language development, early literacy, and social skills. ACPS preschool.
Choosing the Best Charlottesville Preschool for Your Child
- Consider Your Child’s Learning Style: Montessori, Waldorf, language immersion, and faith-based programs each offer different approaches to early learning.
- Location & Schedule: Some preschools offer half-day programs, while others provide full-day options for working parents.
- Accreditation & Teacher Qualifications: Look for programs with state accreditation or affiliations with organizations like the American Montessori Society (AMS) or National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
- Class Size & Environment: Smaller class sizes often provide more one-on-one attention and personalized learning.
- Financial Assistance: Programs like Head Start and Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) offer free or reduced-cost preschool for eligible families.
Charlottesville and Albemarle County are home to a rich variety of preschool options, from the oldest childcare center in Virginia to faith-based, Montessori, Waldorf, and bilingual immersion schools. Whether you’re looking for a structured academic experience, a play-based cooperative model, or a nature-inspired learning environment, there is a preschool to fit every family’s needs.
CHARLOTTESVILLEFAMILY EDITORS are locals who care deeply about family and community. We are almost all parents as well as teachers, journalists and publishing professionals who serve alongside our readers in the PTO and band boosters, coaching sports teams, helping out at preschool and more. Our insider perspective, combined with great research and expert input from our wonderful CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Panel helps us to provide you with trustworthy advice as you raise the next generation of brilliant and compassionate kids.