How do I choose the right preschool in Columbia?

When selecting a preschool in Columbia, consider: Visit the facility in person to observe the environment Ask about teacher qualifications and experience Check licensing status with South Carolina's regulatory agency Review the curriculum and daily schedule Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities

Preschools in Columbia, South Carolina (14 Results)

Q: How much does preschool cost in Columbia, South Carolina?

Preschool costs in Columbia 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 South Carolina may have state-funded pre-K programs for qualifying families. Contact individual facilities for current tuition rates.

Best Preschools in Columbia

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.

Spring Valley Baptist Church Preschool

4.56 score

4.7(20)

91 Polo Road, Columbia, SC · Capacity: -999 children

Spring Valley Baptist Church Preschool receives uniformly positive feedback from parents, who praise the Christ-centered curriculum, warm and welcoming staff, and strong relationships teachers build with children. Parents consistently highlight the caring environment, spiritual growth opportunities, and safe, secure facilities. The facility is commended for its animal-themed decor and overall quality of early childhood education.

Christ-centered curriculumcaring an

Mcgregor Presbyterian Preschool

4.5 score

5(5)

6505 St Andrews Road, Columbia, SC · Capacity: -999 children

McGregor Presbyterian Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents who emphasize the caring, professional teachers and nurturing Christian environment. Parents highlight the balance of structured learning activities and play-based learning methods that encourage child development, independence, and kindness.

Caring and committed teacherslearning through playChristian environmentdaily crafts and learning activities

Kathwood Preschool

4.48 score

4.7(11)

4900 Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC · Capacity: -999 children

Kathwood is a religious facility in Columbia, South Carolina, that parents describe as a welcoming and inclusive Baptist church community. Reviews emphasize the friendly atmosphere, strong sense of family, quality fellowship programs, and meaningful pastoral leadership. One parent noted their son attended preschool there in the early 1980s.

Welcoming and inclusive environmentfriendly staff and congregationstrong sense of community and familyquality fellowship and food programs

Spring Valley Presbyterian Church Preschool

4.45 score

4.6(15)

125 Sparkleberry Lane, Columbia, SC · Capacity: -999 children

Spring Valley Presbyterian Church Preschool in Columbia, SC receives consistently positive reviews with a 5/5 average rating. Parents praise the affordable preschool program, kind and hands-on teachers, and the welcoming church community. The facility is noted as a safe environment with additional amenities including soccer fields and space for community organizations.

Affordable pricingkind and hands-on teachersgood preschool programsafe environment

Kilbourne Park Baptist Preschool

4.4 score

4.8(5)

4205 Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC · Capacity: -999 children

Kilbourne Park Baptist Preschool is highly rated for its warm, welcoming environment and faith-based curriculum rooted in Scripture. Parents appreciate the sincere, caring staff, sound Biblical teaching, and strong sense of community. The church offers traditional worship with expository sermons and opportunities for children's Bible study.

Warm and welcoming environmentcaring staffBible-based curriculumsound theological teaching

St. Andrews Baptist Weekday Preschool

4.38 score

5(3)

230 Bush River Rd., Columbia, SC · Capacity: -999 children

Saint John Preschool

4.23 score

4.4(7)

3404 Beltline Blvd, Columbia, SC · Capacity: -999 children

Saint John Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising strong academics, Christian values, attentive staff, and children's developmental progress. One parent reported significant concerns about frequent facility closures, questionable fever screening practices, and inflexible field trip policies that disrupted work schedules.

Strong academic curriculumChristian/biblical foundationSpanish and sign language instructioncaring and communicative teachers

Shandon United Methodist Preschool And Kindergarten

4.17 score

5(1)

3407 Devine Street, Columbia, SC · Capacity: -999 children

Cadence Academy Preschool

4.16 score

4.2(20)

450 Columbiana Drive, Columbia, SC · Capacity: -999 children

Cadence Academy Preschool in Columbia receives consistently high praise from parents, with staff being described as caring, attentive, and genuinely invested in each child's development. Parents highlight strong communication, smooth transitions for new students, and engaging activities. Multiple families report their children thrived academically and socially, with children eager to attend each day.

Caring and attentive staffexcellent communication with parentssmooth transitions for new studentsdevelopmental progress

Asbury Kindergarten & Preschool

4 score

1005 Asbury Drive, Columbia, SC · Capacity: -999 children

Preschools in Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia has 14 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 Columbia, 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 14 preschools in Columbia, South Carolina. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.

Most preschool programs in Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 South Carolina may have state-funded pre-K programs for qualifying families. Contact individual facilities for current tuition rates.

When selecting a preschool in Columbia, consider:

Visit the facility in person to observe the environment
Ask about teacher qualifications and experience
Check licensing status with South Carolina's regulatory agency
Review the curriculum and daily schedule
Read parent reviews for firsthand experiences
Compare staff-to-child ratios across facilities

14 Preschools in Columbia, South Carolina

Best Preschools in Columbia

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