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Best Preschools in Paterson, NJ

Find the best preschools in Paterson, New Jersey. Browse 5 options, compare ratings, and choose the right program for your child.

Best Preschools in Paterson

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

    911 E 23rd St/Maria Magda Way, First Floor, Paterson, NJ · Capacity: 92 children

    A parent of three-year-old students highlights exceptional care, noting that staff treat children like family and provide high-quality attention and learning outcomes. Reviewers appreciate the clean, hazard-free facility and the teachers' intelligence, manners, and ability to handle children with love.

    staff treats children like familyhigh quality of carenoticeable learning progressclean and safe facility
  2. 2

    20 Southard Street, Paterson, NJ · Capacity: 34 children

    One parent highlights the nurturing environment, noting that staff passion and expertise helped their son flourish. The reviewer specifically commends the women working at the center for their competence and affectionate approach.

    nurturing environmentknowledgeable staffpassionate staffpositive child outcomes
  3. 3

    69 -75 Montclair Avenue, Paterson, NJ · Capacity: 75 children

    One parent highlights the caring staff and strong academic engagement, noting that children adapt quickly despite the neighborhood's reputation. Conversely, other parents report negative interactions with administration, citing rudeness, unprofessionalism, and cultural insensitivity from specific staff members.

    caring and loving teacherssmooth transition for new studentseffective teaching methods for colorsstrong parent involvement
  4. 4

    511 E. 22nd Street, Paterson, NJ · Capacity: 150 children

    Some parents highlight the school's caring staff and positive early education environment, though one criticizes the administration for unprofessional and potentially biased behavior. A few reviewers note that the facility's location is less desirable, and one parent found the school calendar to result in excessive half-days and closures.

    caring and loving teacherswelcoming environment for young childrenstrong parent involvementeffective early learning support

Preschools in Paterson, New Jersey

Paterson has 5 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 Paterson, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Preschools in Paterson

Showing 5 results

Sha'Terra Memorial Pre-School Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent highlights the nurturing environment, noting that staff passion and expertise helped their son flourish. The reviewer specifically commends the women working at the center for their competence and affectionate approach.

nurturing environmentknowledgeable staffpassionate staff
Address
20 Southard Street, Paterson, NJ
Phone
(973) 684-9870
Paterson - International Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

A parent of three-year-old students highlights exceptional care, noting that staff treat children like family and provide high-quality attention and learning outcomes. Reviewers appreciate the clean, hazard-free facility and the teachers' intelligence, manners, and ability to handle children with love.

staff treats children like familyhigh quality of carenoticeable learning progress
Address
911 E 23rd St/Maria Magda Way, First Floor, Paterson, NJ
Phone
(973) 279-9860
Gilmore Memorial Preschool - Site II
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.6

One parent highlights the caring staff and strong academic engagement, noting that children adapt quickly despite the neighborhood's reputation. Conversely, other parents report negative interactions with administration, citing rudeness, unprofessionalism, and cultural insensitivity from specific staff members.

caring and loving teacherssmooth transition for new studentseffective teaching methods for colors
Address
69 -75 Montclair Avenue, Paterson, NJ
Phone
(973) 977-8977
Gilmore Memorial Preschool INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.6

Some parents highlight the school's caring staff and positive early education environment, though one criticizes the administration for unprofessional and potentially biased behavior. A few reviewers note that the facility's location is less desirable, and one parent found the school calendar to result in excessive half-days and closures.

caring and loving teacherswelcoming environment for young childrenstrong parent involvement
Address
511 E. 22nd Street, Paterson, NJ
Phone
(973) 977-8977
Paterson Ymca Pre-School
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise the Paterson YMCA Pre-School for its caring, dedicated staff who treat children like their own. The facility is noted for strong academic advancement, engaging teaching methods, community focus, and creating a family-like environment. All reviews are 5-star ratings highlighting positive experiences across preschool and after-school programs.

Caring and dedicated staffstrong academic advancementengaging teaching methods
Address
128 Ward Street, Paterson, NJ
Phone
(973) 684-2320

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Frequently asked questions

There are 5 preschools in Paterson, New Jersey. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.
Most preschool programs in Paterson 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 Paterson 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 Paterson 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 New Jersey may have state-funded pre-K programs for qualifying families. Contact individual facilities for current tuition rates.
When selecting a preschool in Paterson, consider:
  • Visit the facility in person to observe the environment
  • Ask about teacher qualifications and experience
  • Check licensing status with New Jersey's regulatory agency
  • Review the curriculum and daily schedule
  • Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences
  • Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities