Best Daycare Centers in Sarasota, FL
Compare 87 daycare centers in Sarasota. Average rating: 4.32/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Sarasota, Florida at a glance
- Daycares
- 87
- Avg rating
- 4.32/5
- Parent reviews
- 681
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 34
Sarasota has 87 licensed daycares with 681 parent reviews averaging 4.32/5.34 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 53% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 34231 zip code, averaging 4.67 stars across 12 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Sarasota
Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.
- 1Capoeira Volta Ao Mundo INC. Capokids4.74 score5(14)
4672 Mcintosh Lane, Sarasota, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children
Capokids receives universal 5/5 star ratings from parents who praise the caring staff, family-like environment, and unique capoeira-based program. Parents consistently report their children love attending, show increased confidence, and develop strong friendships while learning Brazilian culture and physical activity alongside academics.
Caring and professional stafffamily-oriented environmentcapoeira instruction combined with academicsflexible hours - 2Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Preschool4.72 score4.9(20)
800 Mcintosh Road, Sarasota, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 44 children
Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Preschool is a religious facility in Sarasota, Florida, with a 4.9/5 Google rating based on parent reviews. Parents consistently praise the Bible-based curriculum, welcoming and family-oriented community, and caring staff. The facility operates as part of a larger church and school system with strong Christian values emphasized throughout.
Bible-based and scripturally sound teachingswelcoming and friendly communityfamily-oriented atmospherecaring and dedicated staff and pastors - 3Bright Start Child Development Center4.72 score4.9(20)
2935 E. Hillview St., Sarasota, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 32 children
Bright Start Child Development Center in Sarasota receives consistently excellent reviews with parents praising the caring, attentive staff led by Ms. Agata. Parents highlight the warm environment, strong communication, cleanliness, and structured curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten. Multiple families note significant improvements in their children's development and emotional well-being after switching from other daycares.
Caring and compassionate staffexcellent communication with parentsclean and well-maintained facilitystructured kindergarten-prep curriculum - 4St. Boniface Preschool4.64 score4.8(20)
5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 45 children
St. Boniface Preschool in Sarasota is a religious facility with a 4.8/5 Google rating. However, the recent reviews provided are not about the daycare itself, but rather about candlelight concert events held at the facility. These concert reviews consistently praise the music quality, venue atmosphere, and overall experience.
Beautiful venuetalented musiciansexcellent music selectionwelcoming atmosphere - 5Capokids The Martial Arts School Preschool4.63 score4.8(19)
2240 Proctor Road, Sarasota, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 80 children
CapoKids is a highly-rated preschool and VPK program in Sarasota that combines traditional curriculum with capoeira martial arts, yoga, and cultural activities. Parents consistently praise the staff's dedication, the program's effectiveness in building children's confidence and social skills, and the unique blend of physical activity with academics. The school creates a welcoming, family-like environment where children thrive both emotionally and academically.
Builds confidence in shy or timid childrenExcellent staff who are caring and passionateVPK-approved curriculumIncorporates capoeira - 6Little Peoples Place4.59 score4.8(14)
374 Scott Ave, Sarasota, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 104 children
Parents consistently praise Little Peoples Place for exceptional staff care, educational focus, and family-like environment. The owner, Ms. Debbie, and her team are described as loving, nurturing educators who treat children as individuals and go above and beyond expectations. Multiple families have returned or recommended the facility based on their positive experiences.
Caring and nurturing staffstrong educational focusclean facilityfamily atmosphere - 7Angels Child Development Center4.58 score4.9(9)
3813 Alden Way, Sarasota, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 42 children
Angels Child Development Center in Sarasota receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the professional, caring staff, welcoming environment, and strong child development outcomes, with many noting their children are happy and eager to attend.
Professional and attentive staffcaring teachers who genuinely love their jobswelcoming and friendly environmentstrong child development and learning outcomes - 8Good Shephard Lutheran School4.58 score4.8(13)
5651 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 100 children
Good Shepherd Lutheran School receives uniformly positive feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring, creative teachers, strong kindergarten preparation, family events, and safe learning environment. Many parents report their children look forward to attending and have enrolled multiple children at the facility.
Caring and patient teacherscreative engagement and hands-on activitiesdaily photo updates shared with parentskindergarten preparation - 9Wooden Shoes Child Care Center4.56 score4.7(20)
4875 Swift Rd, Sarasota, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 75 children
Wooden Shoes Child Care Center in Sarasota receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring and attentive staff, strong owner involvement, engaging curriculum, and clean facility that has positively impacted their children's development and happiness.
Patient and caring staffactive owner involvementdaily picture updatesengaging arts and crafts activities - 10The Renaissance Preschool INC.4.56 score4.7(20)
2500 10th St, Sarasota, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 73 children
The Renaissance Preschool in Sarasota receives consistently positive feedback from parents, with all reviews rating the facility 5/5 stars. Parents praise the attentive and caring staff, clean environment, structured curriculum with hands-on learning, and strong communication from leadership. Children show measurable academic and social development, with parents reporting high satisfaction and willingness to recommend the center.
Attentive and caring teachersclean facilitystructured daily schedulehands-on learning approach (minimal technology)
Rating Distribution
Based on 64 daycares with Google ratings in Sarasota
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 681 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Sarasota, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Sarasota zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34231 | 12 | 4.67 | 6 | |
| 34239 | 8 | 4.61 | 5 | |
| 34232 | 7 | 4.59 | 5 | |
| 34243 | 7 | 4.32 | 2 | |
| 34233 | 7 | 4.28 | 4 | |
| 34237 | 12 | 3.98 | 2 | |
| 34234 | 11 | 3.81 | 1 | |
| 34236 | 6 | 3.63 | 0 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Sarasota (15–170 children)
Small
up to 30 children
11
Medium
31–75 children
44
Large
76–150 children
24
Very Large
150+ children
5
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Sarasota based on parent reviews
Capoeira Volta Ao Mundo INC. Capokids
4672 Mcintosh Lane, Sarasota, FL
Capokids receives universal 5/5 star ratings from parents who praise the caring staff, family-like environment, and unique capoeira-based program. Parents consistently report their children love attending, show increased confidence, and develop strong friendships while learning Brazilian culture and physical activity alongside academics.
Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Preschool
800 Mcintosh Road, Sarasota, FL
Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Preschool is a religious facility in Sarasota, Florida, with a 4.9/5 Google rating based on parent reviews. Parents consistently praise the Bible-based curriculum, welcoming and family-oriented community, and caring staff. The facility operates as part of a larger church and school system with strong Christian values emphasized throughout.
Bright Start Child Development Center
2935 E. Hillview St., Sarasota, FL
Bright Start Child Development Center in Sarasota receives consistently excellent reviews with parents praising the caring, attentive staff led by Ms. Agata. Parents highlight the warm environment, strong communication, cleanliness, and structured curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten. Multiple families note significant improvements in their children's development and emotional well-being after switching from other daycares.
St. Boniface Preschool
5615 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL
St. Boniface Preschool in Sarasota is a religious facility with a 4.8/5 Google rating. However, the recent reviews provided are not about the daycare itself, but rather about candlelight concert events held at the facility. These concert reviews consistently praise the music quality, venue atmosphere, and overall experience.
Capokids The Martial Arts School Preschool
2240 Proctor Road, Sarasota, FL
CapoKids is a highly-rated preschool and VPK program in Sarasota that combines traditional curriculum with capoeira martial arts, yoga, and cultural activities. Parents consistently praise the staff's dedication, the program's effectiveness in building children's confidence and social skills, and the unique blend of physical activity with academics. The school creates a welcoming, family-like environment where children thrive both emotionally and academically.
Little Peoples Place
374 Scott Ave, Sarasota, FL
Parents consistently praise Little Peoples Place for exceptional staff care, educational focus, and family-like environment. The owner, Ms. Debbie, and her team are described as loving, nurturing educators who treat children as individuals and go above and beyond expectations. Multiple families have returned or recommended the facility based on their positive experiences.
Map
Daycare types in Sarasota
Browse by type in Sarasota
Daycare Centers in Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota offers a robust selection of 87 childcare facilities, ranging from faith-based preschools to independent centers, ensuring parents have diverse options for their children's early education. Many families highlight the importance of a clean, safe environment where kids feel excited to attend, making the search for the right fit both meaningful and manageable. Whether you prefer a neighborhood close to the water or a quiet residential area, this directory helps you navigate the local landscape with confidence.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Sarasota have an average rating of 4.32 out of 5 across 64 rated facilities, with 53% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.49 stars. Our analysis covers 681 parent reviews. Parents in Sarasota most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, children excited to attend, and safe environment.
When choosing a daycare in Sarasota, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
All Daycare Centers in Sarasota
Showing 87 results
Faith Early Learning Center received consistently high praise for its exceptional director Amanda Grados and dedicated staff who provided outstanding care and early learning curriculum. However, multiple recent reviews indicate the center was taken over by the affiliated church in May 2022, resulting in the departure of the director and staff, prompting several families to withdraw their children due to concerns about declining quality and accreditation.
- Address
- 7750 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
A few reviews describe severe neglect, including children being left dirty, hungry, and exposed to contagious illnesses without notification. Parents report unsafe conditions such as being strapped in chairs facing walls, the presence of random adults, and staff refusing to answer questions or provide basic care.
- Address
- 611 N. East Avenue, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
One parent gives the facility a perfect score, expressing strong affection for the center with an enthusiastic exclamation. The limited feedback does not provide specific details about programs or staff interactions beyond this general positive sentiment.
- Address
- 1658 4th Street, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
Little Scholars receives highly polarized reviews ranging from 1-5 stars. Positive reviewers praise the owner Sandra's management, academic curriculum, safety measures, and staff qualifications, while negative reviewers cite concerns about the director's management style, lack of parent camera access, food withholding as punishment, and high teacher turnover.
- Address
- 5745 Rosin Way, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 1050 S. Euclid Ave, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 1700 Gore Street, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 11011 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
La Petite Academy Sarasota receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the caring, patient, and compassionate staff. Parents highlight strong teacher-child relationships, effective communication, clean facilities, and a balanced approach to play-based and structured learning. Children show measurable growth in confidence, social skills, and development.
- Address
- 4507 Vintage Dr, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- (941) 355-7677
- Address
- 2350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Way, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
Parents highlight the center's loving, organized environment and exceptional staff who foster early development and family engagement. However, a recent negative experience at the North Port location cited unprofessional communication, sudden program closures, and unresolved refund issues during the pandemic.
- Address
- 1742 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 1773 Morrill St, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
Parents praise the Early Care Center for exceptional care and staff stability, with long-tenured employees who genuinely care for children. The facility is described as highly demanding with limited openings, particularly for infants. Parents report their children are happy, well-cared for, and thrive developmentally.
- Address
- 104 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 521 N Lime Ave, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 8490 Mcintosh Rd, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- (941) 926-4777
- Address
- 5600 Deer Drive, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 3631 Tallevast Rd, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- (941) 355-6857
- Address
- 4141 Desoto Road, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 2811 17th St, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 7950 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 2674 Dr. Mlk Jr. Way, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- (941) 914-5732
- Address
- 6220 Mcintosh Rd., Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 3318 Wilkinson Rd., Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 2923 Ashton Road, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 5237 Ashton Road, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 447 N. Lime Ave, Sarasota, FL
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
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Frequently asked questions
- Licensing status with Florida's regulatory agency
- Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Florida)
- Safety measures and cleanliness
- Daily routines and educational curriculum
- Parent reviews and ratings
- Location and hours that fit your schedule
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 64 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
- Church Daycare — 20 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 1 facilities