Children at daycare

Best Church Daycare in Gainesville, FL

Compare 14 church daycare in Gainesville. Average rating: 4.4/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Gainesville, Florida at a glance

Programs
14
Avg rating
4.4/5
Parent reviews
533
Top rated (4.5+)
26

Gainesville has 14 licensed church daycare with 533 parent reviews averaging 4.4/5.26 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 54% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 32606 (avg 4.66 stars), while 32605 has the largest selection (12 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Gainesville

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1
    The Kidz House
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    4232 Nw 6th St, Bldg 2, Gainesville, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 37 children

    The Kidz House is a family-owned bilingual daycare in Gainesville that receives consistently high praise from parents. Parents highlight the caring, attentive staff, clean facilities, structured activities, and bilingual education as key strengths. Multiple families report their children were happy, well-adjusted, and sad to leave when transitioning to kindergarten or relocating.

    caring and attentive staffbilingual education (English and Spanish)clean facilities
  2. 2

    1823 Nw 5th Ave, Gainesville, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 115 children

    Open Arms Child Development Center in Gainesville receives consistently high praise from parents who describe the staff as caring, dedicated, and genuinely invested in each child's development and well-being. Parents appreciate the strong communication through the ProCare app, safe and nurturing environment, educational activities, and the family-like atmosphere. Multiple parents report long-term enrollment with their children thriving and excited to attend.

    Caring and dedicated staff with low turnoverexcellent communication with parents via ProCare app and weekly newsletterssafe and clean environmentstrong focus on child development and learning
  3. 3

    301 N Main St, Gainesville, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 148 children

    Holy Trinity Episcopal School receives universal praise from parents across all age groups (infants through VPK). Parents consistently highlight the caring, dedicated staff, strong educational foundation, and safe, nurturing environment that makes children thrive.

    Caring and devoted staffDirector Jason's attentiveness to familieshome-like classroom environmentsstrong VPK program with good kindergarten preparation
  4. 4

    4840 Nw 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children

    Imagine Learning Center in Gainesville receives universal praise from parents for its play-based, child-centered curriculum and warm, caring staff. Parents consistently report their children are excited to attend, feel safe and happy, and develop strong foundations for learning. The facility is described as clean, well-supervised, and thoughtfully designed for young children.

    play-based learning approachchild-centered curriculumwarm and caring teacherssafe and
  5. 5

    1121 Nw 6th St, Gainesville, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 62 children

    Parents consistently praise Persimmon Early Learning Academy for its nurturing, community-focused environment and highly engaged teachers. The school receives universal 5-star ratings, with particular recognition for VPK teacher Mr. Bob's project-based learning approach and the strong bonds formed between families. Parents report their children are academically prepared, emotionally supported, and genuinely excited to attend school.

    caring and attentive teachersstr
  6. 6

    2411 Nw 41st St, Gainesville, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 78 children

    Parents consistently praise Education Station and Preschool for exceptional care, personalized attention, and commitment to child development. Staff members are described as caring, family-oriented, and dedicated to helping each child succeed academically and socially. Multiple reviewers highlight the smooth transition to kindergarten and strong emotional bonds formed between staff and children.

    Excellent staffpersonalized learning approachhealthy meals and snacksstrong manners instruction
  7. 7

    419 Ne 1st St, Gainesville, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 152 children

    First United Methodist Preschool receives strong praise from parents and community members. The facility is highlighted for its inclusive, welcoming environment, quality educational programming, and community involvement. Parents appreciate the leadership, music program, and family-oriented activities.

    Inclusive and welcoming environmentnon-judgmental communityquality preschool program (FUMPers and VPK)strong pastoral leadership
  8. 8
    The Child'S Garden
    4.4 score
    4.5(20)

    3536 Nw 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 30 children

    Parents consistently praise The Child's Garden for its caring staff, strong communication through the Brightwheel app, and engaging educational activities. The facility is described as clean, organized, and well-managed by director Ms. Lulu, with small class sizes and abundant outdoor play time. Multiple families report significant improvements in their children's development and happiness since enrolling.

    Compassionate and attentive staffexcellent communication with parentsthoughtful curriculumengaging activities
  9. 9

    3111 Nw 31st Ave, Gainesville, FL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children

    Flowers Montessori School receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising its Montessori approach, academic rigor, and emphasis on social-emotional development. Parents consistently highlight the peaceful environment, caring staff, and holistic education that prepares children well for kindergarten and beyond. One parent reported poor communication.

    Academic preparation for kindergartensocial-emotional learningpeaceful and organized environment
  10. 10

    2022 Sw 122nd St, Gainesville, FL · Church Daycare · Capacity: 170 children

    The Academy Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring staff, safe environment, and strong educational programs. Parents consistently highlight excellent communication through apps and updates, as well as the facility's Christian values and preparation for kindergarten.

    Loving and compassionate staffsmall class sizeshigh safety standardsexcellent communication via app with photos/videos

Rating Distribution

Based on 48 daycares with Google ratings in Gainesville

4.5 - 5.0
26
4.0 - 4.4
12
3.0 - 3.9
9
Below 3
1

What Parents Value Most

Top qualities mentioned across 533 reviews, analyzed by AI

1Clean facility
7
2Nurturing environment
4
3Engaging activities
4
4Children eager to attend
3
5Safe environment
3
6Excellent communication with parents
3
7Clean facilities
3
8Caring and attentive teachers
3

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Gainesville zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
326067
4.66
4
3260910
4.59
5
3260110
4.57
6
326075
4.37
1
3260512
4.3
4
326086
4.1
0
326417
3.5
2

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Gainesville (19–225 children)

Small

up to 30 children

4

Medium

31–75 children

24

Large

76–150 children

22

Very Large

150+ children

13

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Gainesville based on parent reviews

Holy Trinity Episcopal School

5(8)

301 N Main St, Gainesville, FL

Holy Trinity Episcopal School receives universal praise from parents across all age groups (infants through VPK). Parents consistently highlight the caring, dedicated staff, strong educational foundation, and safe, nurturing environment that makes children thrive.

Caring and devoted staffDirector Jason's attentiveness to familieshome-like classroom environments

First United Methodist Preschool

4.5(20)

419 Ne 1st St, Gainesville, FL

First United Methodist Preschool receives strong praise from parents and community members. The facility is highlighted for its inclusive, welcoming environment, quality educational programming, and community involvement. Parents appreciate the leadership, music program, and family-oriented activities.

Inclusive and welcoming environmentnon-judgmental communityquality preschool program (FUMPers and VPK)

The Child'S Garden

4.5(20)

3536 Nw 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL

Parents consistently praise The Child's Garden for its caring staff, strong communication through the Brightwheel app, and engaging educational activities. The facility is described as clean, organized, and well-managed by director Ms. Lulu, with small class sizes and abundant outdoor play time. Multiple families report significant improvements in their children's development and happiness since enrolling.

Compassionate and attentive staffexcellent communication with parentsthoughtful curriculum

The Academy Preschool At The Family Church

4.5(19)

2022 Sw 122nd St, Gainesville, FL

The Academy Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring staff, safe environment, and strong educational programs. Parents consistently highlight excellent communication through apps and updates, as well as the facility's Christian values and preparation for kindergarten.

Loving and compassionate staffsmall class sizeshigh safety standards

B'Nai Israel Community Day School

4.4(18)

3830 Nw 16th Blvd, Gainesville, FL

B'nai Israel Community Day School in Gainesville receives consistently positive feedback from parents across all reviews. Parents praise the caring, knowledgeable staff, safe environment, and well-rounded curriculum that balances academics with character development. Families report feeling part of a warm, inclusive community where children thrive and look forward to attending school.

caring and dedicated staffsafe and secure facilityclean and well-maintained grounds

Abiding Savior Preschool

5(2)

9700 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL

One parent describes Abiding Savior Preschool as an amazing and well-organized program with a strong curriculum, noting that their son loved attending for two years. Another reviewer simply labels it the best school in Gainesville, highlighting the dedicated teachers and warm support staff.

strong curriculumwell-organizeddedicated teachers

Map

Church Daycare in Gainesville, Florida

There are 14 church daycare in Gainesville, Florida, making up 22% of the 63 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Gainesville have an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 across 48 rated facilities, with 54% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Child Daycare & Preschools facilities lead with an average of 4.54 stars. Our analysis covers 533 parent reviews. Parents in Gainesville most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, nurturing environment, and engaging activities.

When choosing a daycare in Gainesville, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Church Daycare in Gainesville

Showing 14 results

Holy Trinity Episcopal School
Church Daycare
5

Holy Trinity Episcopal School receives universal praise from parents across all age groups (infants through VPK). Parents consistently highlight the caring, dedicated staff, strong educational foundation, and safe, nurturing environment that makes children thrive.

Caring and devoted staffDirector Jason's attentiveness to familieshome-like classroom environments
Address
301 N Main St, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 377-2290
Abiding Savior Preschool
Church Daycare
5

One parent describes Abiding Savior Preschool as an amazing and well-organized program with a strong curriculum, noting that their son loved attending for two years. Another reviewer simply labels it the best school in Gainesville, highlighting the dedicated teachers and warm support staff.

strong curriculumwell-organizeddedicated teachers
Address
9700 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 331-7770
First United Methodist Preschool
Church Daycare
4.5

First United Methodist Preschool receives strong praise from parents and community members. The facility is highlighted for its inclusive, welcoming environment, quality educational programming, and community involvement. Parents appreciate the leadership, music program, and family-oriented activities.

Inclusive and welcoming environmentnon-judgmental communityquality preschool program (FUMPers and VPK)
Address
419 Ne 1st St, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 373-0108
The Child'S Garden
Church Daycare
4.5

Parents consistently praise The Child's Garden for its caring staff, strong communication through the Brightwheel app, and engaging educational activities. The facility is described as clean, organized, and well-managed by director Ms. Lulu, with small class sizes and abundant outdoor play time. Multiple families report significant improvements in their children's development and happiness since enrolling.

Compassionate and attentive staffexcellent communication with parentsthoughtful curriculum
Address
3536 Nw 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 374-8586
The Academy Preschool At The Family Church
Church Daycare
4.5

The Academy Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring staff, safe environment, and strong educational programs. Parents consistently highlight excellent communication through apps and updates, as well as the facility's Christian values and preparation for kindergarten.

Loving and compassionate staffsmall class sizeshigh safety standards
Address
2022 Sw 122nd St, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 642-1290
Rising Star Educational & Therapeutic Academy
Church Daycare
4.4

Recent feedback highlights exceptional care, professionalism, and cleanliness, with specific praise for staff members like Mrs. Bonita, Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Karen, and Mrs. Rose. Parents describe the environment as outstanding and the teachers as patient and caring.

exceptional careprofessionalismcleanliness
Address
1930 Ne Waldo Rd, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 384-3900
B'Nai Israel Community Day School
Church Daycare
4.4

B'nai Israel Community Day School in Gainesville receives consistently positive feedback from parents across all reviews. Parents praise the caring, knowledgeable staff, safe environment, and well-rounded curriculum that balances academics with character development. Families report feeling part of a warm, inclusive community where children thrive and look forward to attending school.

caring and dedicated staffsafe and secure facilityclean and well-maintained grounds
Address
3830 Nw 16th Blvd, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 376-1508
Heavenly Kids Academy
Church Daycare
4

Parents highlight the facility's positive atmosphere and dedicated staff, with one family noting their child has attended since two weeks old. Another review emphasizes the awesome environment for learning and growth.

great teachersgreat environmentquality learning center
Address
309 Ne 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 372-8200
Sonshine Day Preschool
Church Daycare
3.7

One parent reports high satisfaction with the care and environment for their child, while others cite chronic unavailability and significant concerns regarding staff quality. Specific complaints include long waitlists and negative experiences with specific teachers leading to withdrawal from the program.

satisfying caregood for young mindswonderful environment
Address
10000 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 333-0017
Ignite Champion Academy
Church Daycare
3.5

These reviews are for a religious facility (church), not a daycare center. The reviews praise the church's spiritual guidance, welcoming community, and pastoral leadership, with all reviewers rating it 5/5 stars.

welcoming atmospherestrong spiritual growthcompassionate leadership
Address
404 Nw 14th Ave, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 378-0078
Lil Ones World Academy INC
Church Daycare
3

The few reviews so far present sharply contrasting experiences, with some parents praising the nurturing environment and specific teachers while others report serious safety and professional concerns. One parent highlights the school's gentle approach to transitions and personalized care, whereas others describe unprofessional conduct, inadequate supervision, and unreported injuries.

caring owner who knows children by nameteachers Ms. Tangie and Sheenagentle approach to weaning from pacifiers/bottles
Address
1735 Se Hawthorne Rd, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 335-2285
First Presbyterian Preschool
Church Daycare
Address
106 Sw 3rd St, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 376-1818
Star Christian Academy
Church Daycare
Address
908 Se Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 336-5300
The Rock Preschool
Church Daycare
Address
9818 Sw 24th Ave, Gainesville, FL
Phone
(352) 331-7625

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Frequently asked questions

There are 14 church daycare daycares in Gainesville, Florida, out of 63 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Gainesville have an average Google rating of 4.4 out of 5 across 48 rated facilities. About 54% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Gainesville, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with Florida's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Florida)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Gainesville offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 48 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 1 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 14 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in Florida typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Gainesville for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Gainesville must be licensed by Florida's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.