Children at daycare

3 Preschools in Portland, Maine

Find the best preschools in Portland, Maine. Browse 3 options, compare ratings, and choose the right program for your child.

Best Preschools in Portland

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.

  1. 1
    Goldman Family Preschool
    4.53 score
    4.7(15)

    1342 Congress Street, Portland, ME · Capacity: 120 children

    Goldman Family Preschool is highly rated for its exceptional support of children with special needs and medical conditions, with parents praising the expertise and empathy of staff, particularly Director Mary Lily. The center is NAEYC-accredited and fosters a warm, inclusive community environment that welcomes family involvement and serves the broader Portland area.

    Expert staff support for special needs and medical conditionscompassionate and professional teachersstrong director leadershipNAEYC accreditation
  2. 2
    Grammy House Preschool - Stevens Avenue Church
    4.44 score
    5(4)

    790 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME · Capacity: 20 children

  3. 3
    Circle Time Preschool And Day Care Center
    3.45 score
    3(6)

    1364 Washington Ave, Portland, ME · Capacity: 38 children

    Circle Time Preschool has highly polarized reviews. Positive reviews praise the caring, experienced staff and child development support in the infant room. However, multiple negative reviews report serious concerns about the owner's (Donna's) management practices, including alleged discrimination, inconsistent policies, safety issues, billing disputes, and harassment.

    Friendly and knowledgeable staffexperienced with infantssupportive of developmental milestones (

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🎨 Preschools 3
View all daycares in Portland Center-based daycares

Preschools in Portland, Maine

Portland has 3 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 Portland, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Preschools in Portland

Showing 3 results

Grammy House Preschool - Stevens Avenue Church
Church Daycare
5
Address
790 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME
Phone
(207) 797-6531
Goldman Family Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Goldman Family Preschool is highly rated for its exceptional support of children with special needs and medical conditions, with parents praising the expertise and empathy of staff, particularly Director Mary Lily. The center is NAEYC-accredited and fosters a warm, inclusive community environment that welcomes family involvement and serves the broader Portland area.

Expert staff support for special needs and medical conditionscompassionate and professional teachersstrong director leadership
Address
1342 Congress Street, Portland, ME
Phone
(207) 772-1959
Circle Time Preschool And Day Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3

Circle Time Preschool has highly polarized reviews. Positive reviews praise the caring, experienced staff and child development support in the infant room. However, multiple negative reviews report serious concerns about the owner's (Donna's) management practices, including alleged discrimination, inconsistent policies, safety issues, billing disputes, and harassment.

Friendly and knowledgeable staffexperienced with infantssupportive of developmental milestones (
Address
1364 Washington Ave, Portland, ME
Phone
(207) 797-0292

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Frequently asked questions

There are 3 preschools in Portland, Maine. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.
Most preschool programs in Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland 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 Maine may have state-funded pre-K programs for qualifying families. Contact individual facilities for current tuition rates.
When selecting a preschool in Portland, consider:
  • Visit the facility in person to observe the environment
  • Ask about teacher qualifications and experience
  • Check licensing status with Maine's regulatory agency
  • Review the curriculum and daily schedule
  • Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences
  • Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities