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Daycares · Franklin, TN/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Daycare Centers in Franklin, TN

Finding the right daycare in Franklin can be daunting. We ranked the best options based on reviews and reliability.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceAcademy of Cool Springs
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Franklin-metro daycares businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

Choosing a daycare is a significant decision for any parent in Franklin. With a range of options from highly-rated centers to smaller, budget-friendly facilities, it’s crucial to consider what truly matters for your child's care and development.

This list reflects the top daycare centers in the area, evaluated based on their review scores and number of reviews. We've gathered insights to help you make an informed choice, ensuring that you select a place that prioritizes your child's well-being.

10daycare centers evaluated in Franklin
4.85average rating across the field
596customer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does daycares cost in Franklin? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
96Score

Academy of Cool Springs

★★★★★4.9(92 reviews)

With a stellar rating of 4.9 from 92 reviews, Academy of Cool Springs is highly regarded for its engaging curriculum and attentive staff.

Read full review
Best Value
94Score

The Learning Experience - Franklin, TN

★★★★★4.9(83 reviews)

The Learning Experience - Franklin, TN holds a 4.9 rating from 83 reviews, making it a strong contender for families looking for quality care at a reasonable price.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
92Score

The Learning Experience - Franklin, TN

★★★★★4.9(83 reviews)

Also rated 4.9 with 83 reviews, The Learning Experience - Franklin, TN (second location) is known for its structured programs and enthusiastic teachers.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
4.9★★★★★
92Families seeking a vibrant learning atmosphere
2
94Score
4.9★★★★★
83Families seeking quality care at a reasonable price
3
92Score
4.9★★★★★
83Families prioritizing a structured learning environment
4
91Score
5.0★★★★★
45Families looking for a play-based learning experience
5
89Score
4.8★★★★★
83Families wanting a structured, educational environment
6
88Score
4.9★★★★★
50Families prioritizing safety and academic growth
7
87Score
4.9★★★★★
44Families seeking personalized care
8
86Score
4.9★★★★★
41Families valuing a nurturing and creative atmosphere
9
82Score
4.7★★★★★
56Families needing occasional childcare solutions
10
78Score
4.6★★★★★
19Families wanting a smaller, community-focused environment
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 daycare centers.

We evaluated 10 daycare providers in Franklin, TN, ranking them based on their average ratings and the volume of reviews. Each center was assessed on factors such as staff qualifications, safety measures, and parent feedback.

No business paid for placement in this ranking. We refresh our evaluations monthly to keep our recommendations current, ensuring you have access to reliable information when making your choice.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Academy of Cool Springs

★★★★★4.9(92 reviews)
96Score

With a stellar rating of 4.9 from 92 reviews, Academy of Cool Springs is highly regarded for its engaging curriculum and attentive staff. Parents appreciate the nurturing environment and individualized care their children receive. However, some find the location a bit crowded during peak hours. This facility is ideal for families seeking a vibrant learning atmosphere.

Pros

  • Engaging curriculum
  • Attentive staff
  • Nurturing environment

Cons

  • Crowded during peak hours
  • Limited parking
Best forFamilies seeking a vibrant learning atmosphere
Service areaFranklin, TN
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per week
2
Best Value

The Learning Experience - Franklin, TN

★★★★★4.9(83 reviews)
94Score

The Learning Experience - Franklin, TN holds a 4.9 rating from 83 reviews, making it a strong contender for families looking for quality care at a reasonable price. Parents highlight the friendly staff and rich educational programs as key benefits. A downside is the limited outdoor play area, which some families may find restrictive. This facility offers great value for early childhood education.

Pros

  • Friendly staff
  • Rich educational programs
  • Reasonable pricing

Cons

  • Limited outdoor play area
  • Occasional communication issues
Best forFamilies seeking quality care at a reasonable price
Service areaFranklin, TN
Typical pricing$180 to $350 per week
3
Most Reviewed

The Learning Experience - Franklin, TN

★★★★★4.9(83 reviews)
92Score

Also rated 4.9 with 83 reviews, The Learning Experience - Franklin, TN (second location) is known for its structured programs and enthusiastic teachers. Families appreciate the focus on social development alongside academics. However, some parents express concerns about occasional staffing shortages. It remains a solid option for those prioritizing a structured learning environment.

Pros

  • Structured programs
  • Enthusiastic teachers
  • Focus on social development

Cons

  • Occasional staffing shortages
  • Limited field trip opportunities
Best forFamilies prioritizing a structured learning environment
Service areaFranklin, TN
Typical pricing$180 to $350 per week
4

Little Sunshine's Playhouse of Franklin

★★★★★5.0(45 reviews)
91Score

Little Sunshine's Playhouse of Franklin has a perfect 5.0 rating from 45 reviews, with parents praising its warm atmosphere and creative activities. This daycare excels in providing a play-based learning experience that keeps kids engaged. One drawback is that it may be pricier than other options, which can be a consideration for budget-conscious families.

Pros

  • Warm atmosphere
  • Creative activities
  • Play-based learning

Cons

  • Higher pricing
  • Limited spots available
Best forFamilies looking for a play-based learning experience
Service areaFranklin, TN
Typical pricing$250 to $450 per week
5

Kiddie Academy of Franklin

★★★★★4.8(83 reviews)
89Score

Kiddie Academy of Franklin holds a 4.8 rating from 83 reviews, with parents noting the strong educational foundation it provides. The dedicated staff is often highlighted as a significant asset. However, some parents mention that the facility can feel a bit dated compared to newer options. It's a solid choice for families wanting a structured, educational environment.

Pros

  • Strong educational foundation
  • Dedicated staff
  • Structured environment

Cons

  • Facility feels dated
  • Limited outdoor space
Best forFamilies wanting a structured, educational environment
Service areaFranklin, TN
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per week
6

Bedford Way KinderCare

★★★★★4.9(50 reviews)
88Score

Bedford Way KinderCare has a strong 4.9 rating from 50 reviews, praised for its caring staff and engaging curriculum. Parents appreciate the focus on safety and academic development. However, some reviews mention that the facility can be a bit noisy at times. It is a good option for families prioritizing safety and academic growth.

Pros

  • Caring staff
  • Engaging curriculum
  • Focus on safety

Cons

  • Can be noisy
  • Limited flexibility in scheduling
Best forFamilies prioritizing safety and academic growth
Service areaFranklin, TN
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per week
7

Academy of Westhaven

★★★★★4.9(44 reviews)
87Score

Academy of Westhaven scores 4.9 from 44 reviews, with parents praising the individualized attention and educational programs. The dedicated staff makes it a popular choice. However, some families report issues with timely communication. This daycare is well-suited for those seeking personalized care for their children. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is families seeking personalized care. It serves Franklin, TN, with $200 to $400 per week pricing, and the honest trade-offs are communication issues and limited extracurricular activities.

Pros

  • Individualized attention
  • Educational programs
  • Dedicated staff

Cons

  • Communication issues
  • Limited extracurricular activities
Best forFamilies seeking personalized care
Service areaFranklin, TN
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per week
8

PB & J Day School

★★★★★4.9(41 reviews)
86Score

PB & J Day School has a 4.9 rating from 41 reviews, with parents highlighting the nurturing environment and focus on social skills. The program is designed to encourage creativity and exploration. However, some parents feel the facility lacks modern amenities. It is a great fit for families valuing a nurturing and creative atmosphere.

Pros

  • Nurturing environment
  • Focus on social skills
  • Encourages creativity

Cons

  • Lacks modern amenities
  • Limited hours
Best forFamilies valuing a nurturing and creative atmosphere
Service areaFranklin, TN
Typical pricing$180 to $350 per week

Need-A-Break Franklin, formerly known as Kids Kingdom Drop in Day Care, has a 4.7 rating from 56 reviews. Parents appreciate the flexibility of drop-in care and the friendly staff. However, some report that the facility can get busy, especially during peak times. This option is best for families needing occasional childcare solutions.

Pros

  • Flexible drop-in care
  • Friendly staff
  • Convenient location

Cons

  • Can get busy
  • Limited structured activities
Best forFamilies needing occasional childcare solutions
Service areaFranklin, TN
Typical pricing$150 to $300 per week
10

Step Forward Day School

★★★★★4.6(19 reviews)
78Score

Step Forward Day School holds a 4.6 rating from 19 reviews. Parents appreciate the caring staff and personalized attention. However, the limited number of reviews suggests it is promising but unproven compared to other options. This daycare is suitable for families wanting a smaller, community-focused environment. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is families wanting a smaller, community-focused environment. It serves Franklin, TN, with $150 to $300 per week pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and less variety in programs.

Pros

  • Caring staff
  • Personalized attention
  • Community-focused

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Less variety in programs
Best forFamilies wanting a smaller, community-focused environment
Service areaFranklin, TN
Typical pricing$150 to $300 per week
Before you book

How to choose a daycare in Franklin

Selecting the right daycare involves balancing cost with the quality of care. Here are key considerations to guide your decision.

Evaluate Reviews and Ratings

Look for centers with high ratings and a significant number of reviews. This reflects consistent quality and parent satisfaction.

Consider Your Budget

Daycare costs can vary significantly. Determine what you can afford while prioritizing quality to avoid compromising your child's care.

Visit Potential Centers

Schedule tours at your top choices. This gives you a feel for the environment, staff interactions, and overall vibe of the center.

What it costs

What daycare costs in Franklin

Budget OptionsExpect to pay around $150 to $250 per week for basic care at smaller centers with fewer reviews.
Mid-Range CentersMost established daycares charge between $250 to $400 per week, offering a balance of quality and affordability.
Premium FacilitiesHigh-rated centers can range from $400 to $600 per week, providing extensive programs and experienced staff.
Drop-In DaycareFor occasional care, drop-in services typically charge $20 to $30 per hour, giving flexibility for parents.

Frequently asked questions

How much does daycare cost in Franklin?

Daycare costs in Franklin typically range from $200 to $1,200 per month, depending on the age of the child and the services provided.

What is the best-rated daycare in Franklin?

The highest-rated daycare in Franklin is <strong>Academy of Cool Springs</strong>, with a rating of 4.9 stars based on 92 reviews.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Franklin families: <strong>Academy of Cool Springs</strong>

The best overall choice is Academy of Cool Springs, thanks to its stellar 4.9-star rating from 92 reviews. For great value, The Learning Experience - Franklin, TN offers the same 4.9-star rating with a lower price point. If you're ready to splurge, Little Sunshine's Playhouse of Franklin is a premium option with a perfect 5-star rating, albeit with fewer reviews.