Children at daycare

3 Montessori Daycares in Columbia, South Carolina

Find the best montessori daycares in Columbia, South Carolina. Browse 3 options, compare ratings, and choose the right program for your child.

Best Montessori Daycares in Columbia

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

  1. 1
    Lake Murray Montessori School
    4.37 score
    4.6(8)

    312 Elders Pond, Columbia, SC · Capacity: -999 children

    Lake Murray Montessori School receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the Montessori curriculum, dedicated teachers, and individualized attention that helps children excel academically and socially. However, one parent reported their child was isolated at a separate table during meals and activities, and felt the owner and teacher dismissed their concerns.

    Montessori curriculum effectivenesschildren advanced academicallydedicate
  2. 2
    Montessori Early Learning Center INC.
    4.29 score
    4.4(13)

    1101 Balsam Road, Columbia, SC · Capacity: -999 children

    Montessori Early Learning Center is highly praised by parents for its dedicated staff, strong Montessori methodology, and nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and personal development. Parents consistently report that their children thrive intellectually, socially, and emotionally, with many noting accelerated academic progress and a genuine love of learning. The school is described as a foundational investment in their children's education and future success.

    Dedicated and caring teachersstrong Montessori curriculumaccelerated academic developmentearly reading and math skills
  3. 3
    The Montessori School Of Columbia
    4.24 score
    4.3(20)

    411 S. Maple St., Columbia, SC · Capacity: -999 children

    Parents consistently praise The Montessori School of Columbia for its supportive, nurturing environment and strong focus on whole-child development including social-emotional growth. Children are reported to thrive academically and personally, with staff described as caring, experienced, and responsive to feedback. The school is noted for its authentic Montessori approach and inclusive community values.

    Experienced and caring teachersauthentic Montessori methodsocial-emotional developmentstudent engagement and motivation

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Montessori Daycares in Columbia, South Carolina

Montessori daycares in Columbia follow the Maria Montessori method, emphasizing child-led learning, mixed-age classrooms, and hands-on materials. These 3 programs offer an alternative to traditional daycare with a focus on independence and self-directed activity.

When choosing a montessori daycare in Columbia, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Montessori Daycares in Columbia

Showing 3 results

Lake Murray Montessori School
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Lake Murray Montessori School receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the Montessori curriculum, dedicated teachers, and individualized attention that helps children excel academically and socially. However, one parent reported their child was isolated at a separate table during meals and activities, and felt the owner and teacher dismissed their concerns.

Montessori curriculum effectivenesschildren advanced academicallydedicate
Address
312 Elders Pond, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 788-7522
Montessori Early Learning Center INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Montessori Early Learning Center is highly praised by parents for its dedicated staff, strong Montessori methodology, and nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and personal development. Parents consistently report that their children thrive intellectually, socially, and emotionally, with many noting accelerated academic progress and a genuine love of learning. The school is described as a foundational investment in their children's education and future success.

Dedicated and caring teachersstrong Montessori curriculumaccelerated academic development
Address
1101 Balsam Road, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 772-2262
The Montessori School Of Columbia
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Parents consistently praise The Montessori School of Columbia for its supportive, nurturing environment and strong focus on whole-child development including social-emotional growth. Children are reported to thrive academically and personally, with staff described as caring, experienced, and responsive to feedback. The school is noted for its authentic Montessori approach and inclusive community values.

Experienced and caring teachersauthentic Montessori methodsocial-emotional development
Address
411 S. Maple St., Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 783-8838

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Frequently asked questions

There are 3 montessori daycares in Columbia, South Carolina. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.
The Montessori method is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori that emphasizes child-led learning, hands-on activities, and mixed-age classrooms. Children choose their own activities from a range of options, learning at their own pace. Montessori classrooms use specialized materials designed to develop practical life skills, sensory awareness, language, math, and cultural understanding.
Most Montessori programs in Columbia serve children from infancy (as young as 6 weeks) through age 6, with some extending to elementary and even middle school. The core Montessori age groups are infant/toddler (0–3 years), primary/preschool (3–6 years), and lower elementary (6–9 years).
Montessori school tuition in Columbia typically ranges from $800 to $2,000+ per month for full-time enrollment, depending on the child's age and the program. Infant and toddler programs tend to cost more due to smaller group sizes. Some Montessori schools offer financial aid, sliding scale fees, or sibling discounts.
When selecting a montessori daycare in Columbia, consider:
  • Visit the facility in person to observe the environment
  • Ask about teacher qualifications and experience
  • Check licensing status with South Carolina's regulatory agency
  • Review the curriculum and daily schedule
  • Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences
  • Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities