How do I choose the right preschool in Charlottesville?

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

Preschools in Charlottesville, Virginia (11 Results)

Q: How much does preschool cost in Charlottesville, Virginia?

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

Best Preschools in Charlottesville

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.

Islamic Society Of Central Virginia/Iscv Preschool & Daycare

4.48 score

4.6(20)

708 Pine Street, Charlottesville, VA · Capacity: 40 children

Reviews are predominantly positive about the Islamic center's worship environment and welcoming community. However, the reviews appear to focus primarily on the masjid facility rather than the preschool/daycare services specifically. One review raises concerns about staff conduct and lack of response to complaints.

Clean and beautiful facilitywelcoming and friendly communitygood place for worshipaccommodating environment

Molly Michie Preschool

4.44 score

5(4)

1901 Thomson Road, Charlottesville, VA · Capacity: 37 children

Jaba Shining Star Preschool

4.27 score

4.5(6)

674 Hillsdale Drive, Suite 9, Charlottesville, VA · Capacity: 31 children

Reviews are inconsistent and appear to contain off-topic content unrelated to a preschool daycare. Most positive reviews praise staff helpfulness and communication, though several reviews reference elderly care and Medicare services rather than childcare. One negative review alleges aggressive telemarketing and commission-seeking practices.

Caring and communicative staffregular parent updateswelcoming environment

Lighthouse Christian Preschool

4.1 score

4.2(5)

3464 Worth Crossing, Charlottesville, VA · Capacity: 88 children

Lighthouse Christian Preschool receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the spacious, bright facilities, knowledgeable and caring staff, and strong teacher-child relationships. However, one family reported feeling judged for their child's normal separation anxiety on the first day and cited a perceived lack of empathy from staff during the adjustment period.

Large and bright facilitiescaring and attentive staffregular parent communicationchildren happy at pickup

Bright Beginnings Preschool - Mill Creek

4.08 score

4.1(20)

1221 Stoney Ridge Road, Charlottesville, VA · Capacity: 142 children

Parents consistently praise Bright Beginnings Mill Creek for its caring, invested staff who genuinely support children's growth and development. Children are reported to be happy, engaged, and thriving academically and socially. The facility offers a balanced curriculum with outdoor play, creativity, and clear daily communication with parents.

Loving and patient staffchild happiness and enthusiasmstrong academic and social developmentbalanced daily structure with outdoor play and creative activities

Bright Beginnings Preschool - Forest Lakes

4.08 score

4.1(20)

1610 Regent Street, Charlottesville, VA · Capacity: 120 children

Bright Beginnings Preschool receives consistently positive feedback from parents whose children have attended from infancy through pre-K. Parents praise the caring and knowledgeable staff, children's enthusiasm for attending, and the center's curriculum with emphasis on outdoor play and structured activities.

Caring and nurturing staffchildren excited to attendsmooth transitions and adaptation supportoutdoor play and physical activity

Abc Preschool

3.36 score

2.3(3)

1015 E. Market Street, Charlottesville, VA · Capacity: 120 children

Preschools in Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville has 11 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 Charlottesville, 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 11 preschools in Charlottesville, Virginia. Browse our directory to compare programs, read parent reviews, and find the best option for your child.

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

When selecting a preschool in Charlottesville, consider:

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

11 Preschools in Charlottesville, Virginia

Best Preschools in Charlottesville

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