Best daycares in miami: Top 5 Daycares in Miami

Miami’s 10 Best Private Preschools

This article was updated November 12, 2020.

For parents looking for the best private preschools and daycare facilities for their toddlers and pre-kindergarteners, Miami has a variety of options to choose from, with a wide array of schools that follow diverse teaching philosophies and approaches.

Note that the average cost of private preschool or daycare for a child in Miami-Dade County ranges from about $7,000 to $20,000 yearly, with some schools offering discounts for multiple siblings, and others allowing part-time scheduling to help parents keep tuition costs down. Many private schools also provide scholarships for eligible students.

To help you get an idea of your options, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten preschools in the area, ranging from those that serve only infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, all the way to those where a child can grow up in the same learning environment, from preschool all the way through elementary school or even high school.

These schools have received the highest rankings and best parent reviews on sites such as Private School Review, GreatSchools, and niche.com, as well as Yelp reviews written directly by local parents. They are listed by chronological order according to the age that you may register your child.

1. KLA Schools of Coral Gables

4573 Ponce de Leon Blvd Coral Gables, FL 33146
Phone number (305) 668-0552
Ages 3 months – 5 years

KLA Schools of Coral Gables is a progressive educational environment inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and providing excellence in early childhood education. KLA Schools of Coral Gables was founded in 2009 by a small team of committed educators to provide a top-quality preschool program for neighborhood families, and features specialized education for kids from 3 months to age 5 with a focus on helping children learn from past experiences as well as from multisensory stimuli and an enriched learning environment that encourages self-sufficiency.

2. Brickell International Academy

1101 Brickell Ave Fl 8 North Tower, Miami, FL 33131
(786) 718-1560
Ages 3 months – 5 years

Brickell International Academy is a bilingual preschool program for children aged 3 months to 5 years, along with a Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) and an Afterschool Program. BIA is a full-service preschool that operates for year-round, with Spanish immersion, challenging academics, creative arts and athletic activities in a nurturing and caring student-centered environment.

3. The Learning Nest

1801 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33132
786 414 8968 and 305 375 0770
Ages 18 months – 6 years

The Learning Nest is a bilingual preschool based on the Montessori philosophy operating in a spacious state-of-the-art facility serving children ages 18 months to 6 years old. The program’s core Montessori Academic Program is complemented by an art program modeled after the Reggio Emilia philosophy, a Music and Movement Program inspired by Sanford Jones, Spanish-immersion, physical education, organic nutrition and gardening, and such studies as aromatherapy, all provided in an environmentally conscious context.

4. Coconut Grove Montessori School

Toddler Campus 3280 Bird Ave Coconut Grove FL 33133
Preschool & Elementary Campus 2850 SW 27th Ave Coconut Grove FL 33133
305.444.4484
Ages 18 months – Grade 5

Coconut Grove Montessori School is among the least expensive private schools in Miami, and also offers rolling admission so students may apply year-round. The school provides nursery education for children as young as 18 months through Grade 5 based on the Montessori Method of education as developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, which has been used globally for over 100 years successfully, providing holistic, child-centered education that is based on the natural developmental process of children from birth to adulthood.

5. The Roig Academy

8000 SW 112st, Miami, FL 33156
305-723-1352
Ages 2-4 PreK + K-8 International Baccalaureate Programme

The Roig Academy is a small, selective school with only 100 students. The school provides a rolling admissions policy and an impressive 7:1 student-teacher ratio. The Roig Academy provides fully bilingual Spanish/English education for students from age 2-4 in their Pre-K program and for Kindergarten through 8th grade students in their International Baccalaureate Programme, with a focus on a global approach to education. The Roig Academy also accommodates gifted students and students with special needs.

6. Centner Academy

4136 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33127
Phone: 786 378 8646
Ages 2.5 – 5 years

Centner Academy is a progressive independent school that provides foreign language immersion programs in Spanish and Mandarin, along with a conscience-building, values-based education for children from as young as 2.5 years to 5 years of age in an innovative environment focusing on five key educational pillars: language mastery, leadership, mindfulness, character, and life skills. The Academy incorporates a variety of progressive and child-centered educational approaches, including inquiry-based, multidisciplinary, project-based, and self-directed learning opportunities by means of personalized instruction, small classrooms, and low student-teacher ratios.

7. The Cushman School

592 NE 60th St Miami, FL 33137
305.757.1966
Ages 2 – Grade 12

Established in 1924, The Cushman School is an exclusive and respected private school in Miami’s residential Buena Vista District, with approximately 550 students ranging in age from 2 all the way through grade 12, and an impressive student-teacher ratio of 7:1. Cushman has earned national recognition for its challenging academic environment with a focus on global studies, advanced STEM courses, visual and performing arts, as well as Cushman’s diverse student body and charming campus.

8. Riviera Day School

6800 Nervia St. Coral Gables, FL 33146
305.666.1856
Ages Toddlers – Grade 5

Founded in 1950, Riviera is a co-educational day school for students from Pre-Kindergarten through High School. Riviera is renowned for excellence in academic offerings, low student-teacher ratios, and creative and child-centered teaching approach, as well as its leading role in community advocacy. Small classes and a highly qualified staff help each student to develop at their own pace with personalized attention every step of the way.

9. Gulliver Academy

12595 Red Road Miami, FL 33156
305.665.3593
Ages 3 – Grade 12

Gulliver Academy is a top rated, private school with four campuses, some 2,200 students enrolled in grades PK and K-12, and a student-teacher ratio of 8 to 1. Gulliver is nationally and internationally renowned for its state-of-the-art academic and athletic offerings, as well as multidisciplinary arts education, and progressive approach to education that builds confidence and brings out the best in each student.

10. Miami Country Day School

601 NE 107th Street | Miami, FL 33161
305.779.7200
Ages 3 – Grade 12

Miami Country Day School is a nonprofit interdenominational community with about 1350 students ranging from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade and representing over 40 countries. Founded in 1938 as a residential boarding school for boys, Country Day now provides top-tier education for boys and girls on an inspiring 21-acre campus. The programming at Miami Country Day focuses on culture and artistic expression, as well as athletics and top-level academics, with an outcomes-based and student centered teaching approach.

L’Atelier School 

5960 S.W. 71st Street   |  South Miami, FL 33143
(305) 662-2326
Ages 1-6, Grouped by Age

Established in 1994, L’Atelier School bases its educational philosophy on the Reggio Emilia method, emphasizing self-guided education that encourages learning through exploration and creativity, with creativity being the innate intelligence that connects all human beings and their diverse ideas. At L’Atelier, each classroom is staffed with a minimum of two teachers, and curriculums focus on creative exploration and expression, helping children learn at their own pace and focus on their own interests, expanding their potential for academic success and personal fulfillment.

Key Point Academy

609 Brickell Avenue | Miami, FL 33131
(305) 998-5413
Age 3 – Grade 8

Key Point Christian Academy is located at First Miami Presbyterian Church in Brickell and provides a diverse Christian-based curriculum for children from pre-school through middle school. The preschool curriculum is called “Splash into Preschool” and encompasses a comprehensive and integrated program based on Conscious Discipline Strategies that focus on emotional, physical, cognitive and linguistic learning, while also developing a healthy social-emotional core. The pre-K program immerses children in activities that prepare them for kindergarten and elementary school, covering such basic subjects as reading and language arts, math, science, social studies, health, and creative arts.

La Piazza Academy

3100 S Dixie Hwy | Miami, FL 33133
(305) 443-0066
Age Toddlers – Grade 5

LaPiazza Academy (LPA) is a unique private school that accommodates students from toddlers to 5th grade, with a progressive education curriculum that combines Social Constructivism, the Reggio Emilia philosophy, and Montessori education. The school focuses on community and social responsibility while nurturing the socio-emotional well-being of each child to help each one become a well-rounded world citizen. With focused guidance, students learn to master major concepts, processes, and skills through self-directed exploration as well as by engaging in collaboration with teachers and peers. Closely tracking the natural developmental stages of early childhood, the school’s yearly curriculums build upon the previous year’s curriculum in order to help children develop in naturally appropriate ways.

Cover photo: Tanaphong Toochinda

Springview Academy – Preschool & Childcare Center Serving North Miami Dade, Hialeah and Kendall, FL.

ENRICHING

A Solid Environment Full Of Education And Engagement

Nurturing, certified, and highly experienced teachers guide your child every day. The center’s top priority is to be a place to foster growth and help your child reach important milestones.

BILINGUAL

A Fully Bilingual Program Strengthens Communication Skills

A full English and Spanish environment awaits your child. Bilingualism is well documented to be a significant competitive advantage later in life for college and job opportunities.

SOCIAL

​Social Skills That Promote Emotional Growth

Your child interacts with other children and adults in a respectful manner, learning how to share, play together, and ask for help when needed.

Trusted Curriculum Prepares Children To Soar

Through an engaging curriculum and teaching staff, your child is more than ready for Kindergarten and grade school years – perhaps they may even lead their peers.

YES! We Offer Montessori Education

ATTENTION

PERSONALIZED INDIVIDUAL CHILD CARE & ATTENTION

Teachers strive to provide each student with one-on-one time to monitor their development and work on specific skills. The goal is personalized care and attention to help your child discover their potential.

SAFETY

Trusted Safety Measures Give You Peace Of Mind

All of your teachers have first-aid and CPR certifications. The school has an updated readiness plan in case of emergency. The center’s top priority is always safety first.

Frequently asked questions

How can I communicate with my child’s teacher?

Our center uses Brightwheel, an app that connects parents and the childcare center by providing digital daily reports, pictures and messages. In addition, parents may phone or e-mail us at any time. Parents may also request a parent/teacher meeting. We have an open-door policy, so parents may drop in at any time, but please stop by the office so that we can make sure the visit is not disruptive to the child or the classroom.

How can I be involved at school?

We gladly welcome parents to join us for celebrations, birthdays and presentations. A teacher may also ask for parent volunteers to help with an activity. If you would like to participate you may always ask the administration for opportunities. All parents who volunteer in the child’s class must pass a level 2 DCF fingerprint clearance.

Do the children nap?

Infants nap every day from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.

When and how are children’s skills evaluated?

A developmental assessment in conducted annually. In addition, formal assessments are conducted quarterly. These assessments not only help parents to understand where their child is in his or her development, but also what areas can be strengthened. These assessments guide us, as educators, in developing our curriculum so that it matches the needs of the children in the class.

Is the school accredited?

Yes, Springview Academy is accredited by the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA). In addition, we are also the only South Florida Certified Childcare Center in North Dade, Florida.

Is the school secure?

We take the safety of our campuses very seriously. Our school is assessed for safety by the local police department in addition to having all our teachers and staff have all attended active shooter trainings. In addition, there are multiple security check points:

• Secured front entry door.
• Only authorized admittance. Unauthorized persons must wait to be assisted by a staff member.
• Immediate photo identification on office staff computers as parents and children enter to verify identity.
• Instant electronic record of your child’s arrival and departure.
• Computerized record of all individuals authorized to pick up your child.
• Security cameras throughout to ensure safety.
• Keypad system for access to the school.

What is the school’s withdraw policy?

You must give a minimum one month’s notice if you intend to withdraw your child from school, and partial months of attendance must be paid in full.

What should I bring to school?

All students should bring an “emergency” change of clothes. Children who are not potty trained should also bring diapers and wipes as needed.

What hours are you open?

Our locations in North Miami Dade and Hialeah are open from 6:30 am – 6:30 pm. Our Montessori center in Kendall is open from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm.

How many teachers are CPR/First Aid certified?

Every single staff member at Springview Academy is First Aid and CPR certified.

Do you accept financial aid?

Our preschool is an Early Learning Coalition provider and accepts their School Readiness and VPK program.

What is the school policy for sick children?

To keep our children, their families and our staff healthy, we require that any child with a fever, vomiting or contagious disease be kept at home. We ask that children go fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. Students with contagious diseases must bring a clearance letter from the doctor upon their return to school.

Can I visit the school?

We hope you do! We encourage you to visit while the program is in session to get the full experience. We offer individual tours during the day as well as one Open House in the beginning of the school year.

Yes, We Offer Tuition Support Options

Hear What Parents Have To Say.

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“They are very caring towards the kids. Kids are treated fairly and equally, they learn tons!”

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One of the best daycares/School I have step foot in! Very clean, organized, and welcoming. Teachers and Staff very professional, friendly, and respectful. They are very caring towards the kids. Kids are treated fairly and equally, they learn tons! You will NOT be disappointed with this place! Strongly recommended.

– Maria Portobanco

“What an amazing school. My daughter loves it and comes home everyday happy.”

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By far the best decision I made putting my daughter at Springview Academy. What an amazing school. My daughter loves it and comes home everyday happy. The teacher and staff are amazing and caring. Everything is always super organized and clean. I highly recommend this school for any parent looking for a fun learning environment filled with kindness and enthusiasm.

– Claudia Lopez

“I am looking forward to making memories with my daughter and the Springview Academy staff in the years to come.”

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I was nervous putting my two-year-old daughter in daycare for the first time, but after meeting the teachers and staff members of Springview Academy I knew she was in great hands. Every day she wakes up excited to go to school and every afternoon she comes home with a huge smile on her face. I am looking forward to making memories with my daughter and the Springview Academy staff in the years to come.

– Jessica Mijares

“They treated the kids like their own children…Highly recommended…”

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We came to SpringView Academy, both locations, with #Aetkidsfitandfunbus and I absolutely loved the teachers there…They treated the kids like their own children…Highly recommended. ..A+

– Tanya Williams

“The staff always treats you like family. The teachers are very caring and professional.”

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Springview is an amazing school. My daughter has been there since she was one. She is now 5 and attending Springview academy prep and she loves it. The staff always treats you like family. The teachers are very caring and professional. We couldn’t ask for a better school.

– Angela Anaya-Palacios

“She is learning so much! And the teachers are all great!”

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I love this school! Could not have asked for a better school to have my daughter in. She is learning so much! And the teachers are all great! Thank you for all you do!

– Ada Olivares

“They do a lot of hands on activities and the teachers are all very nice a personal.”

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My son has been going to Springview Academy for a few months and we all love it. He has learned so much while being there. They do a lot of hands on activities and the teachers are all very nice a personal.

– Gloryvian Cruz

“I love the staff, it’s always clean and I feel my child is safe.”

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My son is on his 2nd year here (2yr old & 3yr old class) and I will keep him here for VPK as well. I love the staff, it’s always clean and I feel my child is safe. They always have activities for the kids (like the Christmas show, Hispanic heritage parade, and this year snow day) and they encourage the parents to be involved. I truly recommend this place to anyone who is in this area as they do give the best they can to make sure your child is educated and taken care of.

– Crysty Morando

“I wasn’t worried at all to leave him, which made life a lot easier!”

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Springview is a wonderful place! They took such great care of my son! The staff and teachers are super nice and love all of the kids! If we weren’t in the middle of a pandemic I would send him back because he loved it so much there. I wasn’t worried at all to leave him, which made life a lot easier! Definitely recommend!

– Kristen Falepaini

“I can honestly say the staff and overall experience has made me feel secured and more at ease…”

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Very thankful my long time friend recommended this school. As a mother you always worry you don’t make the right decision as to who watches your kids. I can honestly say the staff and overall experience has made me feel secured and more at ease knowing my baby is at a safe and clean place. During these tough times some peace of mind goes a long way. Highly recommend!!!

– Jineth Vazquez

“My kids have been there since they open and it has been the best decision I’ve ever made.”

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Springview Academy is simply the best in everything they do. My kids have been there since they open and it has been the best decision I’ve ever made. I recommend them, they love your kids as if they their own. I thank all the staff and the teachers for all your help and support always. The best daycare you will see the difference!!!

– Vanessa Martinez

“The teachers and administration always have a smile on their faces and truly love our children.”

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My granddaughter has attended Springview for three years. This schools is hands down the best school in the Hialeah/Miami Lakes area. The teachers and administration always have a smile on their faces and truly love our children. Keep up the great work Springview!

– Carmen Garcia

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