
Compare 128 child daycare & preschools in Minneapolis. Average rating: 4.39/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Minneapolis has 128 licensed child daycare & preschools with 867 parent reviews averaging 4.39/5.43 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 51% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 55410 (avg 4.83 stars), while 55411 has the largest selection (15 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
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.
1430 W 28th St, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 64 children
Grace Neighborhood Nursery School receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the warm, nurturing environment and highly trained, caring teachers. Parents highlight the play-based learning approach, strong community, enrichment programs, and convenient bus transportation as major strengths. Multiple families report their children thrived academically and socially, with strong preparation for kindergarten.
2510 Cleveland St Ne, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children
Neighborhood Children's House receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents who praise it as an exceptionally high-quality preschool. Parents highlight the caring, intentional teachers (especially director Alison), well-rounded curriculum blending academics with arts and social-emotional learning, and the warm, nurturing community environment. Multiple families report their children thrived and smoothly transitioned to kindergarten.
2730 E 31st St, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 15 children
Bright Prospects is a cooperative preschool in Minneapolis with perfect 5-star ratings across all reviews. Parents consistently praise the experienced and caring teachers, play-based curriculum, beautiful classroom space, and strong sense of community fostered by the cooperative model. The required parent involvement through monthly volunteering and administrative participation is presented as a meaningful benefit rather than a burden.
2600 26th Ave S, #300, Minneapolis, MN · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 74 children
2nd Home Childcare LLC, operated by Denice, receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise Denice's warm, nurturing approach to childcare, structured yet flexible programming that balances learning with play, and reliable, consistent availability. Children show strong school readiness and long-term positive memories of their experience.
1601 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 113 children
Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion receives universal praise from parents who highlight the caring, skilled teachers and strong Spanish language instruction. Parents report their children thrive academically and emotionally, with genuine excitement about attending daycare. The center is noted for its warm, family-like environment and NAEYC accreditation.
115 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 47 children
Bernie's Montessori School in Minneapolis receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents. All reviews are 5-star ratings praising the caring, experienced staff, strong academic instruction, and engaging activities including field trips. Parents consistently report their children are happy, thriving, and eager to attend.
4901 Chowen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children
Lake Harriet United Methodist Preschool receives perfect ratings from parents who consistently praise the nurturing, engaging teaching staff and welcoming community environment. Parents highlight the play-based learning approach, strong social-emotional development, and excellent kindergarten preparation. Many families send multiple children and report lasting positive effects into elementary and high school.
3312 Silver Lk Rd Ne, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 149 children
Parents consistently praise Nativity Child & Family Center for its exceptional staff, caring teachers, and strong community atmosphere. The center is noted for its quality curriculum, emphasis on school readiness, outdoor play, and well-maintained facilities. All recent reviews are 5-star ratings with overwhelmingly positive feedback.
2324 Emerson Ave S, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 105 children
Temple Israel Early Childhood Center has a 4.8/5 Google rating, though most recent reviews appear to relate to the synagogue facility itself rather than the daycare program. The limited daycare-specific feedback mentions children feeling safe and staff being attentive.
5712 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children
Parents consistently praise HOPE Preschool and Child Care Center for its caring, attentive staff and nurturing environment. The center is noted for its creative programming, strong communication with families, and commitment to child development. All reviews are 5-star ratings highlighting parent satisfaction and children's enthusiasm for attending.
Based on 85 daycares with Google ratings in Minneapolis
Top qualities mentioned across 867 reviews, analyzed by AI
Average ratings by facility type in Minneapolis, based on parent reviews
Minneapolis zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55410 | 6 | 4.83 | 3 | |
| 55419 | 11 | 4.67 | 6 | |
| 55417 | 5 | 4.6 | 4 | |
| 55418 | 9 | 4.49 | 3 | |
| 55403 | 10 | 4.47 | 2 | |
| 55407 | 11 | 4.4 | 3 | |
| 55411 | 15 | 4.31 | 4 | |
| 55409 | 7 | 4.3 | 0 | |
| 55404 | 12 | 4.29 | 5 | |
| 55414 | 5 | 4.23 | 1 |
Capacity distribution of daycares in Minneapolis (15–529 children)
Small
up to 30 children
20
Medium
31–75 children
59
Large
76–150 children
54
Very Large
150+ children
4
Highest rated daycares in Minneapolis based on parent reviews
1430 W 28th St, Minneapolis, MN
Grace Neighborhood Nursery School receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the warm, nurturing environment and highly trained, caring teachers. Parents highlight the play-based learning approach, strong community, enrichment programs, and convenient bus transportation as major strengths. Multiple families report their children thrived academically and socially, with strong preparation for kindergarten.
2510 Cleveland St Ne, Minneapolis, MN
Neighborhood Children's House receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents who praise it as an exceptionally high-quality preschool. Parents highlight the caring, intentional teachers (especially director Alison), well-rounded curriculum blending academics with arts and social-emotional learning, and the warm, nurturing community environment. Multiple families report their children thrived and smoothly transitioned to kindergarten.
2730 E 31st St, Minneapolis, MN
Bright Prospects is a cooperative preschool in Minneapolis with perfect 5-star ratings across all reviews. Parents consistently praise the experienced and caring teachers, play-based curriculum, beautiful classroom space, and strong sense of community fostered by the cooperative model. The required parent involvement through monthly volunteering and administrative participation is presented as a meaningful benefit rather than a burden.
1601 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion receives universal praise from parents who highlight the caring, skilled teachers and strong Spanish language instruction. Parents report their children thrive academically and emotionally, with genuine excitement about attending daycare. The center is noted for its warm, family-like environment and NAEYC accreditation.
4901 Chowen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Lake Harriet United Methodist Preschool receives perfect ratings from parents who consistently praise the nurturing, engaging teaching staff and welcoming community environment. Parents highlight the play-based learning approach, strong social-emotional development, and excellent kindergarten preparation. Many families send multiple children and report lasting positive effects into elementary and high school.
3312 Silver Lk Rd Ne, Minneapolis, MN
Parents consistently praise Nativity Child & Family Center for its exceptional staff, caring teachers, and strong community atmosphere. The center is noted for its quality curriculum, emphasis on school readiness, outdoor play, and well-maintained facilities. All recent reviews are 5-star ratings with overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Finding the right childcare in Minneapolis involves navigating a diverse landscape of 128 local facilities, ranging from neighborhood centers to specialized preschools. Parents consistently highlight clean environments and caring staff as the defining features of their chosen providers. One standout area, the 55408 zip code, has earned a perfect average rating across its three listed locations, suggesting strong community trust in that specific neighborhood.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Minneapolis have an average rating of 4.39 out of 5 across 85 rated facilities, with 51% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Before or After School Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.97 stars. Our analysis covers 867 parent reviews. Parents in Minneapolis most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, caring staff, and field trips.
When choosing a daycare in Minneapolis, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
Showing 128 results
Mandala Montessori receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the warm, individualized approach to child development and strong teacher-parent communication. The Montessori curriculum and caring community environment are frequently highlighted as standout strengths. One detailed negative review describes serious communication breakdowns and mishandling of health concerns by administration.
Mandala Montessori receives nearly universal praise from parents for its warm, child-centered Montessori approach and supportive community. Parents consistently highlight strong teacher relationships, excellent communication, and visible child development. One negative review describes poor administrative communication and handling of a health concern.
Bethlehem Child Care Center receives unanimous praise from parents for its well-organized operations, caring staff, and engaging activities. Parents consistently highlight the warm, reliable staff who make children feel safe and welcome, along with quality programming including daily park visits and field trips.
Pillsbury House Early Education Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with staff praised for being loving, attentive, and genuinely engaged. The center excels in child development, community connections through the Pillsbury House + Theatre, arts enrichment, and creating an inclusive environment. One serious safety incident was reported involving inadequate supervision of a child.
A single review provides a highly positive rating of 5 out of 5 stars, though the accompanying text is informal and lacks specific details about the childcare experience. No additional feedback is available to assess the center's operations or care quality.
Trinity First Lutheran Child Life Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with all recent reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the caring, compassionate staff who treat children as their own, the Christian faith-based environment, and the center's commitment to helping each child reach their potential.
Hooyo Child Care Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the small, family-like environment, bilingual Spanish-English instruction, educational focus, professional staff, and reasonable pricing. The center holds a 4-star Parent Aware quality rating and has strong staff retention.
Reviews praise Kids Care Zone Limited (operated by Sabathani Community Center) for its welcoming atmosphere, supportive staff, and valuable community resources. Parents highlight the cultural richness of the facility, positive programs like The Father Project, and the center's important role in the South Minneapolis community.
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the facility and community services. Parents praise the welcoming atmosphere, supportive staff, and diverse programming. However, reviews appear to focus more on community center services (food shelf, job fair, concerts) than childcare specifically.
La Creche Early Childhood Centers receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating the facility 5 stars. Parents highlight the caring, passionate staff who treat children like their own, create a safe environment, and provide strong educational programming including field trips and art projects.
These reviews appear to be for Mayflower UCC, a church/religious institution, not a daycare center. Reviews praise the welcoming community, personalized services, and community involvement, but do not address childcare quality or daycare operations.
Jack & Jill is highly praised by parents for its exceptional educational quality, structured yet fun learning environment, and warm, dedicated staff. Parents consistently highlight strong communication, nutritious meals, engaging activities, and a strong sense of community. Multiple families report long-term enrollment and would not consider switching providers.
Parents consistently praise Multicultural Therapeutic Children's Programs as an excellent facility with caring, hands-on staff. Reviewers highlight the quality of teaching, therapeutic services, and the supportive environment for their children. The center receives strong recommendations from long-term families.
Parents highlight the program's holistic approach, staff passion, and strong community involvement, with some noting that children enjoy the experience and progress smoothly to school. However, one review raises concerns about staff workload and potential burnout, citing an instance of a caregiver appearing overwhelmed and distressed while managing a large group of children.
Reviewers highlight the center's strong community support and caring staff, while one parent details extensive free services including meals and health care but questions the financial structure and executive compensation. Feedback emphasizes the program's value for low-income families alongside concerns about administrative costs.
Judson Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its play-based curriculum, warm and caring staff, strong community atmosphere, and child development outcomes. However, one recent parent raised serious concerns about incident reporting delays, inadequate handling of special needs, and administrative communication failures.
Parents highlight the center as a supportive community pillar with caring staff and comprehensive services, including free meals and health resources for children aged 0-5. One reviewer notes the program's broad support system but raises concerns regarding high executive compensation and the financial burden on government taxpayers.
While one parent highlights the staff's caring nature and their son's academic progress, another reports serious concerns regarding safety, supervision, and staff professionalism. Specific complaints include teachers engaging in distracting behaviors, inadequate diaper changes, and a lack of managerial intervention. Parents are advised to exercise caution and utilize camera systems given the reported incidents of injury and unprofessional conduct.
Parents praise the Minneapolis Downtown YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center for its high-quality care, experienced and certified staff, and ability to work with children with special needs. The facility is noted for its cleanliness, diversity, community engagement, and structured approach that supports child development from infancy through preschool.
Parents highlight the center's cleanliness, quality staff, and nutritious food, with one noting the facility is beautiful and the director is excellent. However, a single review describes the experience as 'soo bad,' offering no specific details on the cause of dissatisfaction.
Parents consistently praise IKRAM CHILD CARE LLC for its professional, caring staff and clean, safe environment. Children reportedly enjoy attending and develop socially and academically. The family-owned business is noted for treating clients with warmth and kindness.
One parent describes Liban Child Care Center as an awesome facility that engages children through field trips, parties, park visits, arts and crafts, and new learning activities daily. The reviewer highlights the quality of the food and expresses strong appreciation for the teachers.
Parents highlight the center's high accreditation and nurturing atmosphere, yet one family reports severe distress for their toddler, citing staff disengagement and inappropriate food sharing practices. This reviewer also notes unresolved tuition refund issues and ignored communication from management after withdrawing their child.
One parent describes a loving environment where their grandchildren thrived as infants, while another reports leaving after witnessing a staff member physically dragging a preschool student by the arm. The few reviews so far highlight both strong emotional attachment and serious safety concerns.
McKnight Early Childhood Family Development Center has mixed reviews. Positive reviewers praise the school as one of the best and report satisfaction with their children's care over multiple years. However, negative reviews cite serious concerns including alleged physical abuse by staff, poor discipline procedures, rude teachers, unreliable transportation, and inconsistent management changes.
Parent feedback for this center is polarized, with one long-term attendee describing a highly recommended experience, while another details serious safety and discrimination concerns. The latter account cites unfiled incident reports for physical injuries, a mouse infestation, and a dismissive response to accommodation requests for a child with health needs.
One parent highlights the staff's dedication to kindergarten preparation, while another praises the center as an ideal start for educational success. Conversely, a single negative review describes the facility as being in 'complete shambles' and in urgent need of a complete rebuild inside and out.
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