How do I choose the right preschool in Des Moines?

When selecting a preschool in Des Moines, consider: Visit the facility in person to observe the environment Ask about teacher qualifications and experience Check licensing status with Iowa'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 Des Moines, IA — Compare 12

Q: How much does preschool cost in Des Moines, Iowa?

Preschool costs in Des Moines 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 Iowa may have state-funded pre-K programs for qualifying families. Contact individual facilities for current tuition rates.

Best Preschools in Des Moines

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.

Bethany Preschool

4.55 score

4.9(8)

720 Ne 52nd Ave, Des Moines, IA · Capacity: 30 children

Bethany Preschool is a religious facility in Des Moines with perfect 5/5 ratings. Reviews highlight it as a welcoming community church known for family atmosphere, community engagement, and religious activities.

welcoming environmentfamily-friendly atmospherecommunity dinnersbible study groups

Grace Preschool

4.39 score

4.5(17)

3700 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA · Capacity: 72 children

Grace Preschool is highly praised as an award-winning facility with nurturing, kind teachers who use project-based learning focused on curiosity and creativity. The preschool operates within Grace United Methodist Church, a welcoming community institution known for inclusive values and extensive community outreach programs.

Nurturing and supportive teachersproject-based learning approachfocus on curiosity and explorationaward-winning program

Hope Lutheran Preschool

4.38 score

5(3)

3857 E 42nd St, Des Moines, IA · Capacity: 24 children

Parents highlight the high-quality, Christ-centered curriculum and patient staff, noting significant social and character growth in their children. Reviewers appreciate the preparation for Kindergarten and the engaging annual VBS program.

Christ-centered foundationpatient and experienced staffstrong social skill developmentKindergarten preparation

Science Center Of Iowa Preschool

4.32 score

4.4(20)

401 W Mlk Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA · Capacity: 80 children

Parents consistently praise the Science Center of Iowa Preschool as an excellent interactive learning facility for young children. The center offers diverse hands-on exhibits including LEGO activities, water play, nature displays, and space/dinosaur exhibits that engage children for hours. Staff enthusiasm, cleanliness, and value are frequently highlighted as strengths.

Interactive exhibitshands-on learning activitiesLEGO displayswater play areas

Wakonda Preschool

4.17 score

5(1)

3938 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA · Capacity: 100 children

A single parent highlights the kindness and accommodating nature of the teachers and staff, describing the overall experience as exceptional. No specific drawbacks were noted in this review.

kind staffaccommodating teacherspositive overall experience

Color My World Child Care & Preschool

4.05 score

4.1(6)

2900 Easter Lake Dr, Des Moines, IA · Capacity: 149 children

Color My World receives mostly positive reviews praising caring staff, safety, and educational quality, particularly for younger children and preschool preparation. However, recent reviews indicate a decline in service quality, with concerns about staff changes, communication issues, and increased screen time in the 3+ age groups.

Caring and loving staffstrong safety commitmentexcellent preschool preparation for kindergartenopen communication from teachers and administrators

Lil Scholars Preschool

3.76 score

3.7(20)

756 9th Street, Des Moines, IA · Capacity: 181 children

Parents consistently praise Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center Downtown for exceptional staff care, strong communication, and a family-oriented atmosphere. Children reportedly thrive developmentally and emotionally in this environment. All reviewers express high trust in the center's ability to care for their children.

Caring and attentive staffexcellent communication with daily updatesexperienced teachers with college degreeslow staff turnover

Preschools in Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines has 12 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 Des Moines, 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 12 preschools in Des Moines, Iowa. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.

Most preschool programs in Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Iowa may have state-funded pre-K programs for qualifying families. Contact individual facilities for current tuition rates.

When selecting a preschool in Des Moines, consider:

Visit the facility in person to observe the environment
Ask about teacher qualifications and experience
Check licensing status with Iowa'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 Des Moines, IA