How do I choose the right preschool in Lakeland?

When selecting a preschool in Lakeland, consider: Visit the facility in person to observe the environment Ask about teacher qualifications and experience Check licensing status with Florida's regulatory agency Review the curriculum and daily schedule Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities

Best Preschools in Lakeland, FL — Compare 15

Q: How much does preschool cost in Lakeland, Florida?

Preschool costs in Lakeland typically range from $600 to $1,500 per month for full-time programs. Half-day programs are usually less expensive. Some preschools offer financial aid, and Florida may have state-funded pre-K programs for qualifying families. Contact individual facilities for current tuition rates.

Best Preschools in Lakeland

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

Montessori Preschool Of Lakeland INC

4.44 score

5(4)

334 Doris Dr, Lakeland, FL · Capacity: 54 children

Reviewers highlight a comfortable, clean environment with staff described as patient, loving, and down-to-earth. Parents appreciate the balance of fun and education, noting positive child development and healthy snacks.

excellent staffclean facilityhealthy snacksbalanced curriculum

Florida Southern College Preschool Lab

4.32 score

4.4(20)

111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL · Capacity: 59 children

This listing appears to be incorrectly categorized as a preschool daycare. The reviews are about Florida Southern College campus tours and campus visits, not about preschool or daycare services. Parents praise the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and campus beauty.

Beautiful historic campusknowledgeable tour guideslargest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildingswelcoming staff

Destined For Greatness Preschool

4.29 score

5(2)

2605 Sunshine Dr S, Lakeland, FL · Capacity: 66 children

One parent highlights the kindness of the staff, specifically noting a teacher named Miss Cindy. Another reviewer praises the team for instilling strong values and notes that their son has made progress in writing his name and reading words.

caring and wonderful staffstrong values and moralsteaching foundationacademic progress in writing and reading

Scott Lake Christian Preschool

4 score

5811 Scott Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL · Capacity: 149 children

Little Shepherds Preschool

4 score

175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL · Capacity: 125 children

Treehouse Preschool Academy, INC

3.94 score

3.9(8)

1115 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL · Capacity: 95 children

Treehouse Preschool Academy receives mostly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring teachers, clean facility, and developmental progress of their children. However, some parents have raised concerns about staff professionalism, teacher-to-student ratios, and classroom management issues.

caring and dedicated teachersclean facilitychild development and learning outcomesengaging activities and programs

Hadley'S Early Education Preschool

3.93 score

3.9(13)

1020 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL · Capacity: 72 children

Hadley's Early Education Preschool in Lakeland receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, clean facilities, strong educational curriculum, and family-oriented atmosphere. Parents report their children are happy, well-mannered, and receive individual attention from experienced educators. The center is noted as affordable, conveniently located, and prioritizes children's safety and health.

Caring and professional staffclean facilitiesstrong academic curriculumindividual attention

Beacon Hill Preschool

3.79 score

3.7(12)

801 W Beacon Rd, Lakeland, FL · Capacity: 152 children

Beacon Hill Preschool receives highly polarized reviews with strong praise from most parents about staff kindness, affordability ($40/week), and creating a welcoming environment for children. However, a minority of parents report serious concerns including inadequate supervision resulting in injuries, poor hygiene practices, and alleged mistreatment of children with special needs or minority backgrounds.

Caring and friendly staffaffordable pricingflexible schedul

First Baptist Church Of Highland City Preschool

3.73 score

3.4(4)

5410 Yarborough Ln, Lakeland, FL · Capacity: 71 children

Several parents praise the nurturing, family-like atmosphere and attentive staff, highlighting specific teachers for their care and educational impact. However, one review warns of a potentially hostile environment where the director may dismiss families who question her authority.

supportive communityattentive and friendly staffbalanced Christian educationsafe environment

Little Einstein Preschool LLC

3.67 score

2(1)

3034 Atlantic Ave, Lakeland, FL · Capacity: 75 children

One parent reports that the center is unwilling to enroll children who are not potty trained and lacks changing tables, contradicting their advertised enrollment of all ages.

Preschools in Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland has 15 preschool programs designed to prepare children ages 3-5 for kindergarten. These programs focus on early literacy, social skills, and structured learning in a nurturing environment.

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

Frequently asked questions

There are 15 preschools in Lakeland, Florida. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.

Most preschool programs in Lakeland accept children between ages 2.5 and 5. Many children start at age 3 or 4, about one to two years before kindergarten. Look for signs of readiness such as being comfortable away from parents, ability to follow simple instructions, and interest in playing with other children.

While both provide childcare, preschools in Lakeland typically focus more on structured educational activities to prepare children for kindergarten. Preschool programs often run half-day or school-year schedules, while daycare centers offer full-day, year-round care. Many facilities combine both, offering preschool curriculum within a full-day daycare setting.

Preschool costs in Lakeland typically range from $600 to $1,500 per month for full-time programs. Half-day programs are usually less expensive. Some preschools offer financial aid, and Florida may have state-funded pre-K programs for qualifying families. Contact individual facilities for current tuition rates.

When selecting a preschool in Lakeland, consider:

Visit the facility in person to observe the environment
Ask about teacher qualifications and experience
Check licensing status with Florida's regulatory agency
Review the curriculum and daily schedule
Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences
Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities

Best Preschools in Lakeland, FL