A Guide To Best Preschools In Nashville, Tennessee

Children exposed to early child care and education programs get the advantage they need to succeed in school and beyond. Making new friends or discovering new concepts are just some of the exciting encounters children have in early care. That's why parents are encouraged to give their children an early start in education by enrolling them in an early learning program.

If you are going through the daunting task of trying to pick a preschool, we’re here for you! We’ve put together fantastic list of 13 preschools in Nashville.  All of them have excellent reputations for nurturing children’s creativity, curiosity and love of learning in healthy learning environments, sending well-prepared graduates out into the world.

There’s something for everyone here, and we hope it helps you figure out what is best for you and your family!

1. West End Preschool

Location: 2200 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203

Website: http://www.westendumc.org/ministries-west-end-preschool

West End Preschool is dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education. This is evidenced by their 3-Star rated license by the state, the highest rating possible, and their accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Children develop skills in areas including language, math, science, as well as social-emotional and cognitive. Teachers allow children to develop at their own pace and emphasize learning through hands-on activities and play. Program offers weekly music and movement classes.

Serving children from six weeks through five years of age, the Preschool’s mission is to develop within each child a vibrant mind, a healthy body and a caring heart while building a collaborative, supportive community among their families.

2. The Gardner School 

Location (Nashville): 601 Marriott Drive Nashville, TN 37214

Location: (Midtown-Nashville): 1811 State Street Nashville, TN 37203

Website: https://www.thegardnerschool.com/

The Gardner School’s academically-focused, award-winning preschool program has been voted as “Best Child Care Center” in Nashville Parent’s reader’s poll.

There are multiple reasons you should consider enrolling your child in an academically-focused preschool like The Gardner School. They believe that an academic focus helps children succeed in learning and prepares them for kindergarten and beyond. Even more, their programs are designed to encourage an emerging sense of self, while nurturing intellectual growth, exploration, and socialization.

Their diverse selection of researched-based curriculums allow every class to build upon the previous age groups’ learning by reviewing and scaffolding concepts and making connections in new ways through hands-on experience. This creates an environment for children to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

3. Montessori East 

Location: 801 Porter Rd, Nashville, TN 37206

Website: https://www.monteastnash.com/

Montessori East offers each child an individualized education; wherever your child is in their comprehension and interest is where we start each day. Every child at Montessori East learns at their own pace and enjoys freedom of choice in a calm, friendly atmosphere.

Montessori classrooms are bright, beautiful spaces which are prepared in such a way that children work freely and independently after the teacher (known as a guide in Montessori classrooms) gives them a formal lesson. 

The mixed age grouping in their classrooms encourages children to teach and learn from each other. Montessori East's specially prepared environment is designed to draw a child toward a progression of skills. The uninterrupted "work cycle" also allows the child to focus on a task for as long as they would like and master each skill.

With personal respect for each child and a sincere dedication to his or her potential their AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) lead guides help establish a life-long love of learning and a sense of belonging in community.

4. Woodmont Christian Preschool

Location: 3601 Hillsboro Rd, Nashville, TN 37215

Website: https://woodmontchristianpreschool.com/

The program offers low teacher/child ratios, enrichment programs such as:  Music which is on hold during the pandemic. Music is a natural and important part of a young child's growth and development. During weekly group music classes, their specialist exposes each child to a rich music program of singing, rhythm, movement, dance and creative dramatics. 

 A weekly Chapel program to build student’s biblical knowledge. which is taught through video projection in the classroom, during pandemic. Children ages three to five  attend a  weekly 15 minute chapel service in the church sanctuary. A Woodmont Christian Children's Ministry staff member leads the chapel service. Teachers attend with the children and parents are welcome to attend.

Personal Safety is taught through video projection in the classroom. The Department of Human Services (DHS) rules require a personal safety curriculum be presented each year to all children in our care ages three to five years. Keeping Kids Safe teaches and trains in an environment that children can learn valuable safety information while having fun.  

The program is licensed, NAEYC accredited, and 3 Star rated by the state of TN. WCPS offers a strong academic curriculum that is taught through stimulating and experiential play. Staff are well educated and extensively trained to follow best practices in Early Childhood Education.

5. Swiss Avenue KinderCare

Location: 410 Swiss Ave, Nashville, TN 37211

Website: https://www.kindercare.com/our-centers/nashville/tn/301272

Swiss Avenue KinderCare provides daycare for children from ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Established in 1969, Swiss Avenue KinderCare is one of the leading preschools in Nashville.

 Swiss Avenue KinderCare programs provide children a foundation they can build on. The preschool hires tutors who are qualified, certified, verified, and passionate to set a daily rhythm for preschoolers consisting of group time, story time, outdoor play, meals, snacks, naps, and most especially, lots of unstructured play times. SAK builds warm, welcoming, and supportive classrooms for children of all abilities, backgrounds & experiences to prepare for success in school and beyond. 

Swiss Avenue KinderCare is a part of a network of accredited KinderCare centers.

Parents who have children in Swiss Avenue KinderCare report that they feel good bringing their children to this facility, and their children enjoy their time at Swiss Avenue KinderCare. Teachers actively engage with the children at Swiss Avenue KinderCare, from reading to playing with them.

6. The Academy of Harpeth Village

Location: 7836 Learning Lane, Nashville, TN 37221

Website: http://www.academychilddevelopment.com/the-academy-of-harpeth-village/

The Academy of Harpeth Village is a privately-owned and award-winning educational preschool in Nashville. The preschool's goal is to provide the highest quality preschool education to the children in a fun & safe atmosphere. They offer you the peace of mind that your child is receiving the best possible care.

 Their teachers are degreed and experienced in early childhood development. Their award-winning Frog Street Press curriculum makes the academy the leader in educational preschools in Nashville. 

The Academy of Harpeth Village teachers are all CPR and First Aid Certified, certified in Baby Sign Language & trained in SIDS Prevention. The preschool has specialized enrichment rooms complete with computers, a stage, and a daily continental breakfast bar. To their fun and exciting playgrounds, children can enjoy their time with them in an exciting & safe space.

7. A New Leaf

Location: 7520 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209

Website: http://www.anewleafnashville.org/

A New Leaf is a Reggio inspired nature school and farm!

They are passionate about early childhood education and view the child as a human being with whom they can travel on a learning journey and make friends. 

Their Reggio inspired approach to education with hands-on inquiry enables children to express 100 languages, to make models and symbolic representations, and to develop projects. Every day, children can think actively with their hands, body, and mind while they encounter many types of materials, get dirty with nature, and explore ideas from different points of view. 

Their curriculum develops within contexts that value the expressiveness, creativity, and interests of every child in the group and their projects integrate academic disciplines and human development in meaningful ways while they explore environmental sustainability and ecological relationships daily!

8. La Petite Academy Nashville

Location: 1842 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37217

Website: https://www.lapetite.com/

They provide a balance of freedom and instruction to engage and nurture your child. Their early childhood education classroom is designed as a learning community, where your child not only builds skills vital to success in kindergarten, but also gains respect for others, and a strong sense of confidence.

Their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum cultivates strong innovators and thinkers. Children learn best when making connections between diverse skills and concepts. We integrate science, technology, engineering, and math throughout the classroom. Teachers use digital lesson planning tools to generate customized curriculum, based on assessment and observation, to meet the needs of each child, as they progress along 10 developmental scales.

The Preschool program also provides focus on fostering independence, cooperation and communication skills, hands-on learning and literacy and number concepts.

9. Little Professional Learning Center

Location: 228 Shady Grove St., Nashville, TN 37214

Website: https://www.facebook.com/littleprofessionals/

A Daycare center providing childcare and educational services. Their program implements the Mother Goose Curriculum to build children's language, math, science, and art skills, along with social, emotional, and physical development. Daily activities include story time along with indoor and outdoor play. Their teachers provide children with books, music, and videos to expose them to other languages. Their annual events include an Easter egg hunt, Thanksgiving dinner, and a summer festival.

Little Professional Learning Center is there to educate your children and prepare them as they grow into leaders. They provide an exciting and educational environment for their staff, parents and most of importantly, the children. Their purpose is to love, care and educate all children in our daycare facility and keep them safe while in the care of Little Professional Learning Center.

10. Cheekwood Child Development Center

Location: 112 Cheekwood Terrace, Nashville, TN 37205

Website: https://cheekwoodchilddevelopmentcenter.com/

Cheekwood Child Development Center’s mission is to provide a loving and safe environment for all ages, a place where the children feel at home and are able to explore and develop at their individual pace. They want to promote kindness to others, educational excellence, personal responsibility, and balanced growth, to help children discover and develop their talents and gifts.  Self-confidence and a sense of true self-worth are the goals of their school, both academically and socially. 

Their teaching staff of dedicated professionals all receive annual training in both first aid and CPR in addition to receiving a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education in early childhood education topics. All Lead teaching staff hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher and all Teaching Assistants have completed their TECTA certification within the first 12 months of employment.

In accordance with the Department of Human Services, each employee is fingerprinted and receives a background check through TBI. 

At their center, they also encourage the involvement of parents in the activities. They have many events and parties where parents and guardians are welcome to attend. There is also a message board at each room where you can see all upcoming events and important notices. The school sends a monthly newsletter that will be received via email.

11. The Susan Gray School

Location: 110 Magnolia Cir, Nashville, TN 37203

Website: https://www.facebook.com/littleprofessionals/

The Susan Gray School, originally named the Peabody Experimental School, opened in 1968 as an on-campus research-oriented school devoted to educational research involving young children with developmental disabilities and children whose future development was at risk because of conditions such as poverty. In 1986 the School was renamed the Susan Gray School in recognition of Dr. Susan Gray (1913-1992), a Peabody faculty member and national authority on the early education of “disadvantaged” children.

The Susan Gray School has served young children with developmental disabilities and young children who are at risk for developmental delay. The school has the distinction of being the first nationally recognized early intervention program to include typically developing children in educational settings with children with disabilities.

Today, the school’s four-fold mission to service, training, research, and demonstration continues. Susan Gray School is a licensed child care center and has the Tennessee 3-star rating, indicating a program of highest quality.

The SGS playground is accessible to all children and includes a central fort structure with wheelchair accessibility and novel play panels, a variety of swing types, and an outdoor classroom area.

12. Primrose School Of Nashville Midtown

Location: 1915 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Website: https://www.facebook.com/PrimroseSchools/

Primrose Schools is a national family of private accredited early education and care schools across the country. They are more than just a daycare. Through their research-informed Balanced Learning® approach, they provide meaningful learning experiences for children beginning at 6 weeks of age.

Social, emotional, physical, and intellectual skills are fostered through a Balanced Learning curriculum. Age-appropriate lessons are taught in math, science, arts, language, and social studies to help children grow problem-solving skills. Children participate in physical activities at the on-site playground. The curriculum in their classrooms for infants, toddlers, preschool, kindergarten and after-school not only inspire a love of learning but also empower children’s potential preparing them for lifelong success.

Primrose School is independently owned and operated by Franchise Owners, who partner with parents to help children build the right foundation for future learning and life, and offer an environment that helps children have fun while nurturing Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts.

13. Holy Trinity Montessori

Location: 8131 Old Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37221

Website: http://holytrinitymontessori.org/

At Holy Trinity Montessori, their goal is to serve your child with this holistic approach to education. As they seek to educate the “whole child,” they appeal to his or her natural curiosity about the interconnectedness of every interest. This allows the child to recognize the “hows” and “whys” of what they are learning and helps reveal relationships between subjects. This approach also allows each child to explore his or her unique interests and encourages the development of personality shaped by the knowledge, gifts, and talents inherent in the individual.

Students at Holy Trinity Montessori have the opportunity to participate in a variety of age-appropriate extracurricular activities which encourage personal, academic, athletic, and artistic growth. 

The Science program in the Montessori environment begins with caring for things in the environment that are alive. They place an emphasis on the outdoor environment being an extension of the indoor environment. The child's first experience of science comes through the child's care of animals and plants and their gardening work. They then move to materials that support their experiences and ignite further inquiry.

Popular interests have included Music for Kids Keyboard Class, Art Club, Forensics, Piano, Sign Language, Spanish Club, Cross Country and more. 

Tell us what you think!