41 Daycare Centers in Hickory, North Carolina

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Hickory

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.

1. 1

   Christ Church Child Development Center

   4.64 score

   4.8(20)

   2416 Zion Church Road, Hickory, NC · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

   These reviews are for Christ Church, a religious facility, not a daycare center. All 10 reviews praise the church's welcoming congregation, Pastor Charles's sermons, worship quality, and community atmosphere. No reviews specifically address childcare services or the child development center.

   welcoming and friendly congregationquality sermons and worshipactive children's ministrymultiple locations and online services
2. 2

   Mt Bethel Umc Child Development Center

   4.43 score

   4.6(13)

   9042 Nc Hwy 127 North, Hickory, NC · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

   Parents consistently praise MT BETHEL UMC Child Development Center for providing a safe, family-oriented environment where children are happy and well-cared for. The facility is part of a welcoming church community with warm, caring staff. All reviews are positive with no significant concerns raised.

   Safe environmentfamily-orientedchildren happy and smilingwarm and welcoming staff
3. 3

   Hickory Foundation Ymca Child Dev. Ctr.

   4.32 score

   4.4(20)

   701 1st St Nw, Hickory, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

   This YMCA facility receives consistently high praise for its welcoming, family-like atmosphere and diverse programming. Members highlight the quality of instructors, cleanliness of the facility, and inclusive approach to fitness for all ages and ability levels. The staff is noted as exceptionally friendly and helpful.

   Variety of classes and programstop-notch instructorsclean facilityfriendly and helpful staff
4. 4

   First Baptist Church Child Development Center

   4.31 score

   4.4(18)

   339 2nd Ave Nw, Hickory, NC · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

   First Baptist Church Child Development Center in Hickory, NC receives consistently high praise from families. Parents highlight the welcoming atmosphere, quality of care from staff, and strong ministry programs for children and youth. The facility is noted for its beautiful downtown location and warm community environment.

   Welcoming and warm staffkind and amazing childcare workersstrong youth and children's ministriesbiblical teaching
5. 5

   Footsteps Child Care Center LLC

   4.24 score

   4.3(20)

   5122 Fleetwood Drive, Hickory, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

   Footsteps Child Care Center receives consistently high praise from parents who report their children are happy, engaged, and learning. Staff members, including owner Don, are described as caring, attentive, and accommodating. Parents appreciate the clean facility, daily communication, flexible hours, and structured learning activities.

   Caring and attentive staffowner involvementchildren excited to attenddaily parent communication and reports
6. 6

   Catawba Ridge Child Development Center

   4.19 score

   4.3(9)

   1635 20th Avenue Drive N E, Hickory, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

   Catawba Ridge CDC receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the caring staff, safe environment, and long-term family relationships. However, two recent negative reviews cite serious concerns including understaffing, inconsistent classroom assignments, poor security practices, and unprofessional teacher behavior toward children.

   Caring and family-like staffsafe environmentreasonable priceslong-term enrollment stability
7. 7

   Tender Care Child Development Center

   4.12 score

   4.2(7)

   3375 Nc Hwy 127s, Hickory, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

   Tender Care Child Development Center receives mixed reviews. Most parents praise the facility as excellent with caring, professional staff and highlight Mrs. Sue as exceptional. However, two negative reviews report serious concerns including unprofessional staff behavior, poor communication about behavioral issues, and an incident involving a sheriff's deputy.

   caring and professional staffexperienced teachers across all age groupscomfortable environmentMrs. Sue's leadership
8. 8

   Northlakes Academy INC

   4.07 score

   4.1(11)

   5638 Grace Chapel Road, Hickory, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

   Northlakes Academy receives mostly positive reviews praising the caring staff, engaging curriculum, and quality care. However, a few parents report concerns about food provision, rising tuition costs, and management practices.

   Caring and loving staffengaging weekly themed curriculumchildren thrive academically and emotionallylong-term families
9. 9

   Children'S Academy #2

   3.85 score

   3.8(14)

   3451 Highland Avenue, Hickory, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

   Parents overwhelmingly praise Children's Academy #2 for its educated staff, child development outcomes, and family-oriented approach. Children are reported to be happy, well-cared for, and making strong academic progress. One parent raised concerns about upfront fee requirements under new management.

   Educated and friendly staffstrong academics and child developmentdaily parent communicationconsistent availability
10. 10

    Children'S Academy I

    3.85 score

    3.8(14)

    411 10th Ave Drive N E, Hickory, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Children's Academy I receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the educated staff, strong child development outcomes, and family-oriented approach. Parents consistently report their children are happy, well-cared for, and make significant developmental progress. One parent expressed concern about upfront fee policies under new management.

    Educated and trained staffchild developmental progressfriendly and welcoming environmentdaily communication with parents

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