Children at daycare

64 Daycare Centers in Wilmington, North Carolina

Browse all 64 daycare centers in Wilmington, North Carolina. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Wilmington

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews โ€” daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1
    Cadence Academy Preschool
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    7131 Market Street, Wilmington, NC ยท Child Daycare & Preschools ยท Capacity: -999 children

    Parents consistently praise Cadence Academy/Gateway Academy for exceptional care, safety, and child development. Staff members, particularly leadership (Monica and Jessica/Danielle), are commended for going above and beyond and treating families with genuine compassion. Children show marked improvements in confidence, social skills, and academic readiness.

    Safety and cleanliness standardsorganized activities and curriculumstaff dedication and compassionstrong communication with parents
  2. 2

    3830 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC ยท Child Daycare & Preschools ยท Capacity: -999 children

    Wilmington Preschool of the Arts receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring, patient staff, strong curriculum emphasizing arts and creativity, and safe, nurturing environment where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

    Compassionate and patient teacherscaring director (Ms. Missy)safe environmentarts-focused curriculum
  3. 3

    3802 Princess Place Drive, Wilmington, NC ยท Child Daycare & Preschools ยท Capacity: -999 children

    Child Development Center in Wilmington, NC receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring staff and quality care provided. Parents report the facility significantly reduced their stress and created a positive, nurturing environment for their children. Several reviewers note lasting friendships formed and positive long-term impacts on their children.

    Caring and wonderful staffstress relief for parentspositive early childhood experienceslasting friendships formed
  4. 4

    3910 Princess Place Drive, Wilmington, NC ยท Child Daycare & Preschools ยท Capacity: -999 children

    Training Up A Child Enrichment Center receives consistently high praise from parents and former students. Reviews highlight exceptional staff care, positive long-term impacts on children, and a supportive environment for families. Former attendees report lasting friendships and fond memories of their experience.

    Caring and wonderful staffstress relief for parentspositive child developmentlasting friendships formed
  5. 5
    The Learning Center
    4.59 score
    4.8(14)

    2310 Scientific Park Drive, Wilmington, NC ยท Child Daycare & Preschools ยท Capacity: -999 children

    The Learning Center in Wilmington, NC receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents highlight excellent staff, strong early education, and a nurturing environment where children thrive and enjoy attending. Multiple parents note clear communication, caring teachers, and noticeable developmental progress.

    Enthusiastic and caring staffsmall class ratiosexcellent early education programskilled classroom management
  6. 6

    6743 Amsterdam Way, Wilmington, NC ยท Child Daycare & Preschools ยท Capacity: -999 children

    Rising Stars of Wilmington receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the caring, friendly staff and family-oriented environment. Parents appreciate the center's detailed planning of activities, effective communication, and the genuine relationships staff members build with children and families. The facility is noted for being clean and well-managed.

    Staff friendliness and carefamily-oriented environmentdetailed activity planningeffective communication
  7. 7

    1401 S College Road, Wilmington, NC ยท Church Daycare ยท Capacity: -999 children

    Reviews praise the facility's friendly and welcoming staff, community atmosphere, and well-organized seasonal events like their pumpkin patch. Parents appreciate the welcoming environment for both regular attendees and visitors. The facility is noted for its community involvement and pleasant physical space.

    Friendly and helpful staffwelcoming atmospherestrong sense of communitywell-organized seasonal activities
  8. 8
    Carr'S Academy
    4.5 score
    5(5)

    4102 Peachtree Avenue, Wilmington, NC ยท Child Daycare & Preschools ยท Capacity: -999 children

    Parents consistently praise CARR'S Academy (Learning Bridge) for its caring, passionate staff and warm, positive environment. Families report their children thrive academically and socially, with strong friendships formed and new skills developed. The facility is noted for cleanliness, engaging curriculum, and excellent communication with parents.

    Dedicated and passionate teacherswarm and positive environmentexceptional classroom facilitieshigh cleanliness standards
  9. 9

    4700 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington, NC ยท Church Daycare ยท Capacity: -999 children

    Winter Park Baptist Preschool & Kindergarten receives consistently positive feedback from parents. Reviews highlight excellent communication, caring staff, and a welcoming environment where children quickly adapt and thrive. Parents praise the director and teachers by name and note the program works well for families of various backgrounds.

    Excellent parent communication with photo updatescaring and wonderful teacherssafe environmentsmooth transition and adjustment for shy children
  10. 10

    4126 S College Road, Wilmington, NC ยท Child Daycare & Preschools ยท Capacity: -999 children

    Learning Bridge Development Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the caring staff, clean facilities, and developmental programs. Parents report their children thrive and form lasting friendships. One parent had a negative experience regarding vaccine requirements and the center's decision to unenroll their children.

    Loving and attentive teachersclean and bright facilitydaily communication and updates with parentsdevelopmental activities (music

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Wilmington based on parent reviews

Cadence Academy Preschool

4.9(20)

7131 Market Street, Wilmington, NC

Parents consistently praise Cadence Academy/Gateway Academy for exceptional care, safety, and child development. Staff members, particularly leadership (Monica and Jessica/Danielle), are commended for going above and beyond and treating families with genuine compassion. Children show marked improvements in confidence, social skills, and academic readiness.

Safety and cleanliness standardsorganized activities and curriculumstaff dedication and compassion

Wilmington Preschool Of The Arts

4.9(20)

3830 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC

Wilmington Preschool of the Arts receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring, patient staff, strong curriculum emphasizing arts and creativity, and safe, nurturing environment where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Compassionate and patient teacherscaring director (Ms. Missy)safe environment

Child Development Center

5(8)

3802 Princess Place Drive, Wilmington, NC

Child Development Center in Wilmington, NC receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring staff and quality care provided. Parents report the facility significantly reduced their stress and created a positive, nurturing environment for their children. Several reviewers note lasting friendships formed and positive long-term impacts on their children.

Caring and wonderful staffstress relief for parentspositive early childhood experiences

Training Up A Child Enrichment Center L.L.C.

5(8)

3910 Princess Place Drive, Wilmington, NC

Training Up A Child Enrichment Center receives consistently high praise from parents and former students. Reviews highlight exceptional staff care, positive long-term impacts on children, and a supportive environment for families. Former attendees report lasting friendships and fond memories of their experience.

Caring and wonderful staffstress relief for parentspositive child development

The Learning Center

4.8(14)

2310 Scientific Park Drive, Wilmington, NC

The Learning Center in Wilmington, NC receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents highlight excellent staff, strong early education, and a nurturing environment where children thrive and enjoy attending. Multiple parents note clear communication, caring teachers, and noticeable developmental progress.

Enthusiastic and caring staffsmall class ratiosexcellent early education program

Rising Stars Of Wilmington

4.8(12)

6743 Amsterdam Way, Wilmington, NC

Rising Stars of Wilmington receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the caring, friendly staff and family-oriented environment. Parents appreciate the center's detailed planning of activities, effective communication, and the genuine relationships staff members build with children and families. The facility is noted for being clean and well-managed.

Staff friendliness and carefamily-oriented environmentdetailed activity planning

Map

Daycare Centers in Wilmington, North Carolina

There are 64 daycare centers in Wilmington, North Carolina. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington

Showing 64 results

Page 3 of 3ยท 64 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 64 all daycares in Wilmington, North Carolina. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
When choosing a daycare in Wilmington, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with North Carolina's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in North Carolina)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Wilmington offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools โ€” 52 facilities
  • Church Daycare โ€” 5 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare โ€” 7 facilities
Each type serves different needs โ€” center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in North Carolina typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Wilmington for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Wilmington must be licensed by North Carolina's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.