Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Wilmington, NC

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.

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.

Parents highlight Mrs. Carolyn's professional and academic approach, noting significant improvements in their children's speech and manners. Reviewers appreciate the safe, fenced backyard and the family-like treatment provided to students.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One parent describes the institution as a wonderful school.

Parents consistently praise Milestones Learning Center for its professional staff, clean facility, and strong educational approach that fosters a love of learning. Children reportedly show significant academic and social development, with long-term success noted through elementary school. Staff stability and outdoor activities are highlighted as key strengths.

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.

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.

Parents highlight the center's homestyle atmosphere and caring staff, noting that children enjoy the fun learning environment and calm setting. One reviewer mentions specific logistical details regarding hours and meal provisions, while another raises questions about contact information and operational transparency.

Happy Kids Development Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with most parents praising the caring staff, clean facilities, engaging curriculum, and children's happiness. However, a small number of parents report administrative issues including billing problems, unresponsiveness, and classroom space concerns.

The Learning Tree receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents praising the caring staff, quality instruction, and supportive environment. However, a serious violation was documented in April 2025 involving a staff member physically hitting children, resulting in immediate termination. One parent also expressed concerns about the facility's Christian environment and military friendliness.

Parents consistently praise the YWCA Youth Enrichment Program for its excellent swim instruction, well-maintained facilities, and welcoming staff. The facility is noted for its quality programs including swim lessons, swim team opportunities, and summer camp, with strong community involvement and accessibility features.

Parents highlight the center's family-oriented atmosphere, noting that staff treat children and families with care, including accommodating breastfeeding needs. While one reviewer expressed satisfaction with the educational outcomes and personal connection, another reported a negative interaction involving rude behavior and slamming the phone.

A few parents express deep satisfaction with Classy Bears Day Care & Preschool, highlighting the family-owned environment and supportive policies for working mothers. However, the limited feedback also includes a single complaint regarding rude staff behavior.

One parent describes the center as clean with caring teachers and ample learning opportunities, while another criticizes the enrollment process for excessive delays and alleged favoritism toward friends.

Parents consistently praise Children's Cottage for exceptional care, communication, and nurturing environment. Children are reported to be happy, engaged, and developing well across multiple age groups. Staff members are frequently highlighted by name as caring, attentive, and invested in each child's growth.

Parents consistently praise EXCEL #3 for exceptional, loving care and staff dedication, particularly highlighting assistant director Megan Hixson's leadership improvements. Multiple reviews mention specific staff members like Ms. Gail, Ms. Stephanie, and Ms. Tyana as exceptionally caring and attentive to children's needs. The facility is described as clean, safe, and nurturing with strong communication between staff and parents.

Feedback for Young Memories Learning Center is divided, with some parents praising the owner's personal dedication and the quality of care over several years, while others report significant issues regarding unprofessionalism, poor communication, and frequent closures. One parent highlights the family-oriented atmosphere and the owner's extra efforts, whereas another describes an experience marked by staff rudeness, lack of accommodation for special needs, and administrative neglect. Additional complaints cite the business closing often and prioritizing the owner's family over clients, leading to a decision to withdraw children from the program.

Dorothy B. Johnson Pre-K Center receives mixed reviews. Parents praise the teaching staff as caring and knowledgeable, with strong kindergarten preparation. However, serious safety concerns about the school's location are cited, including monthly lockdown calls and neighborhood safety issues.

Progressive Child Development Center receives mixed reviews with strong praise from satisfied parents but serious concerns from others. Positive reviewers highlight caring teachers, good communication, and noticeable child development. Negative reviewers report health and safety issues, inadequate cleaning protocols, and poor management communication.

Feedback for Southeastern Preschool Educational Center is sharply divided, with some parents highlighting a loving environment where children are excited to attend, while others report serious concerns regarding staffing, hygiene, and staff conduct. One reviewer describes a positive experience with happy children and kind staff, whereas others cite chronic illness, lice outbreaks, and rude employees as critical failures. Despite the center's low overall rating, the positive comments emphasize emotional comfort and engagement, contrasting with complaints about operational neglect.