How do I choose the right preschool in Portland?

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 Oregon's regulatory agency Review the curriculum and daily schedule Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities

Preschools in Portland, Oregon (12 Results)

Q: How much does preschool cost in Portland, Oregon?

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 Oregon may have state-funded pre-K programs for qualifying families. Contact individual facilities for current tuition rates.

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.

Overlook Collaborative Preschool

4.78 score

5(18)

1707 N Jarrett St, Portland, OR · Capacity: 12 children

Overlook Collaborative Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its warm, welcoming environment and thoughtful, child-centered approach to education. Parents highlight the dedicated leadership of owner Erin and her teaching staff, along with the school's excellent daily communication and play-based learning model. Children are reported to show enthusiasm for attending, confidence growth, and strong social-emotional development.

Warm and welcoming environmentthoughtful and caring teacherschild-led/play-based curriculumdaily email updates with pictures and stories

Irvington Preschool Co-Op

4.71 score

5(12)

2710 Ne 14th Ave, Portland, OR · Capacity: -999 children

Irvington Preschool Co-Op is a highly regarded play-based preschool in Portland where parents consistently praise the warm, respectful community and child-led learning approach. Teacher Sam is repeatedly highlighted as exceptional, deeply understanding individual children and fostering their social-emotional growth. The co-op model is valued for enabling meaningful family involvement and authentic community building.

Play-based learning environmentchild-led approachTeacher Sam's exceptional care and skillwarm and respectful community

Dragonfly Preschool

4.5 score

5(5)

2837 Ne 10th Ave, Portland, OR · Capacity: 12 children

Dragonfly Preschool in Portland receives universal 5-star praise from parents who highlight the caring leadership of Lisa and her teaching team. Parents consistently mention the balanced curriculum combining outdoor play, art, music, and learning, along with the warm, communicative environment where children feel known and appreciated. Families report their children were well-prepared for elementary school and happy to attend daily.

caring and attentive teacherscreative curriculumoutdoor play spaceart and music activities

Runnabouts Family Preschool

4.29 score

5(2)

7016 Se Boise, Portland, OR · Capacity: 10 children

Mt Carmel Preschool & Daycare

4.29 score

5(2)

515 Sw Maplecrest Dr, Portland, OR · Capacity: 24 children

Valley Christian Preschool

4.29 score

5(2)

8060 Sw Brentwood St, Portland, OR · Capacity: 44 children

St. Clare Preschool & Daycare (St. Clare Church)

4.17 score

5(1)

1812 Sw Spring Garden, Portland, OR · Capacity: 68 children

Little Lambs Preschool (Good Shephard Lutheran Church)

3.94 score

3.8(2)

3405 Sw Alice St, Portland, OR · Capacity: 30 children

Abc University Preschool At Linnton Community Center

3.93 score

3.9(12)

10614 Nw St Helens Rd, Portland, OR · Capacity: 20 children

ABC University Preschool at Linnton Community Center receives mostly positive reviews praising the facility, staff friendliness, and community programs like yoga and food services. However, some parents report significant administrative issues including poor registration processes, inconsistent staffing, limited availability, and unresponsive management.

Nice and helpful staffwell-maintained facilityaffordable yoga classesfood assistance programs

Wild Lilac Preschool

3.93 score

3.8(3)

3829 Se 74th Ave, Portland, OR · Capacity: 15 children

Preschools in Portland, Oregon

Portland 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 Portland, 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 Portland, Oregon. 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 Oregon 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 Oregon's regulatory agency
Review the curriculum and daily schedule
Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences
Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities

12 Preschools in Portland, Oregon

Best Preschools in Portland

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