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8 Preschools in Wilmington, North Carolina

Find the best preschools in Wilmington, North Carolina. Browse 8 options, compare ratings, and choose the right program for your child.

Best Preschools in Wilmington

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
    Cadence Academy Preschool
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    7131 Market Street, Wilmington, NC · Capacity: -999 children

    Parents consistently praise Cadence Academy/Gateway Academy for exceptional care, safety, and child development. Staff members, particularly leadership (Monica and Jessica/Danielle), are commended for going above and beyond and treating families with genuine compassion. Children show marked improvements in confidence, social skills, and academic readiness.

    Safety and cleanliness standardsorganized activities and curriculumstaff dedication and compassionstrong communication with parents
  2. 2
    Wilmington Preschool Of The Arts
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    3830 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC · Capacity: -999 children

    Wilmington Preschool of the Arts receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring, patient staff, strong curriculum emphasizing arts and creativity, and safe, nurturing environment where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

    Compassionate and patient teacherscaring director (Ms. Missy)safe environmentarts-focused curriculum
  3. 3
    Winter Park Baptist Preschool & Kindergarten
    4.5 score
    5(5)

    4700 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington, NC · Capacity: -999 children

    Winter Park Baptist Preschool & Kindergarten receives consistently positive feedback from parents. Reviews highlight excellent communication, caring staff, and a welcoming environment where children quickly adapt and thrive. Parents praise the director and teachers by name and note the program works well for families of various backgrounds.

    Excellent parent communication with photo updatescaring and wonderful teacherssafe environmentsmooth transition and adjustment for shy children
  4. 4
    Creative Minds Preschool
    4.29 score
    5(2)

    11207 Us Highway 17, Wilmington, NC · Capacity: -999 children

  5. 5
    Classy Bears Day Care Preschool II INC.
    4.18 score
    4.4(4)

    6620 Windmill Way, Wilmington, NC · Capacity: -999 children

  6. 6
    Classy Bears Day Care & Preschool
    4.18 score
    4.4(4)

    6620 Windmill Way, Wilmington, NC · Capacity: -999 children

  7. 7
    Southeastern Preschool Educational Center
    3.38 score
    2.6(4)

    4308 S 17th Street, Wilmington, NC · Capacity: -999 children

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🎨 Preschools 8🎒 After School Programs 5
View all daycares in Wilmington Center-based daycares

Preschools in Wilmington, North Carolina

Wilmington has 8 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 Wilmington, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Preschools in Wilmington

Showing 8 results

Creative Minds Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
11207 Us Highway 17, Wilmington, NC
Phone
(910) 686-6775
Winter Park Baptist Preschool & Kindergarten
Church Daycare
5

Winter Park Baptist Preschool & Kindergarten receives consistently positive feedback from parents. Reviews highlight excellent communication, caring staff, and a welcoming environment where children quickly adapt and thrive. Parents praise the director and teachers by name and note the program works well for families of various backgrounds.

Excellent parent communication with photo updatescaring and wonderful teacherssafe environment
Address
4700 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington, NC
Phone
(910) 799-2029
Cadence Academy Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Parents consistently praise Cadence Academy/Gateway Academy for exceptional care, safety, and child development. Staff members, particularly leadership (Monica and Jessica/Danielle), are commended for going above and beyond and treating families with genuine compassion. Children show marked improvements in confidence, social skills, and academic readiness.

Safety and cleanliness standardsorganized activities and curriculumstaff dedication and compassion
Address
7131 Market Street, Wilmington, NC
Phone
(910) 686-5777
Wilmington Preschool Of The Arts
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Wilmington Preschool of the Arts receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring, patient staff, strong curriculum emphasizing arts and creativity, and safe, nurturing environment where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Compassionate and patient teacherscaring director (Ms. Missy)safe environment
Address
3830 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC
Phone
(910) 794-3025
Classy Bears Day Care Preschool II INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4
Address
6620 Windmill Way, Wilmington, NC
Phone
(910) 791-7872
Classy Bears Day Care & Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4
Address
6620 Windmill Way, Wilmington, NC
Phone
(910) 791-7872
Southeastern Preschool Educational Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.6
Address
4308 S 17th Street, Wilmington, NC
Phone
(910) 799-4160
Wilmington Christian Academy Preschool
Before or After School Daycare
Address
1401 N College Road, Wilmington, NC
Phone
(910) 791-4248

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Frequently asked questions

There are 8 preschools in Wilmington, North Carolina. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.
Most preschool programs in Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 North Carolina may have state-funded pre-K programs for qualifying families. Contact individual facilities for current tuition rates.
When selecting a preschool in Wilmington, consider:
  • Visit the facility in person to observe the environment
  • Ask about teacher qualifications and experience
  • Check licensing status with North Carolina's regulatory agency
  • Review the curriculum and daily schedule
  • Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences
  • Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities