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Daycares · Memphis, TN/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Daycare Centers in Memphis, TN

Choosing the right daycare is essential for your child's early development. Here's a detailed look at Memphis' best options.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceMemphis Childcare Academy
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Memphis-metro daycares businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

Finding a reliable daycare center in Memphis is crucial for working parents. The right environment supports your child's growth while offering you peace of mind.

In a city where trust is still forming among daycare providers, we evaluated 10 local centers, focusing on their ratings and reviews. The results highlight the best options for families seeking quality care.

10daycare centers evaluated in Memphis
4.72average rating across the field
548customer reviews analyzed

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

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

Our top picks

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

Memphis Childcare Academy

★★★★★4.8(111 reviews)

With a 4.8 rating from 111 reviews, Memphis Childcare Academy earns high praise for its nurturing environment and attentive staff.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

D.E. Academy

★★★★★4.8(51 reviews)

D.E.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Paradise Kidz Place

★★★★★4.8(50 reviews)

Paradise Kidz Place has a 4.8 rating from 50 reviews, making it a popular choice among local parents.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
4.8★★★★★
111Families seeking a strong educational foundation
2
D.E. Academy
D.E. Academy
Best Value
95Score
4.8★★★★★
51Budget-conscious families
3
Paradise Kidz Place
Paradise Kidz Place
Most Reviewed
94Score
4.8★★★★★
50Families seeking an interactive experience
4
92Score
5.0★★★★★
26Parents prioritizing cleanliness and development
5
91Score
4.8★★★★★
37Families seeking a faith-based education
6
90Score
5.0★★★★★
16Families seeking an energetic approach
7
85Score
4.5★★★★★
100Families prioritizing educational structure
8
84Score
4.6★★★★★
38Families seeking a warm environment
9
83Score
4.5★★★★★
77Families seeking a creative environment
10
82Score
4.4★★★★★
42Families valuing play-based learning
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 daycare centers.

Our evaluation process involved analyzing the Vetted Scores, which reflect the ratings and number of reviews from parents. Each daycare was assessed for its reputation and reliability, ensuring that our rankings are based on genuine feedback.

We do not allow any business to pay for placement in our rankings. Our list is refreshed monthly, keeping it current and relevant for Memphis families.

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

Memphis Childcare Academy

★★★★★4.8(111 reviews)
96Score

With a 4.8 rating from 111 reviews, Memphis Childcare Academy earns high praise for its nurturing environment and attentive staff. Parents appreciate the curriculum that fosters early learning and social skills. However, the facility can be busy, which might be overwhelming for some children. Overall, it's ideal for families looking for a strong educational foundation.

Pros

  • Nurturing environment
  • Strong educational focus
  • Experienced staff

Cons

  • Can be busy at times
  • Limited outdoor space
Best forFamilies seeking a strong educational foundation
Service areaMemphis, TN
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per week
2
Best Value

D.E. Academy

★★★★★4.8(51 reviews)
95Score

D.E. Academy holds a 4.8 rating with 51 reviews and is known for providing excellent value for quality childcare. Parents highlight the supportive atmosphere and diverse activities available to children. While the smaller review base may raise some concerns about consistency, many families appreciate the personalized attention their kids receive.

Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Supportive atmosphere
  • Diverse activities

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Limited facilities
Best forBudget-conscious families
Service areaMemphis, TN
Typical pricing$150 to $350 per week
3
Most Reviewed

Paradise Kidz Place

★★★★★4.8(50 reviews)
94Score

Paradise Kidz Place has a 4.8 rating from 50 reviews, making it a popular choice among local parents. Reviewers commend the engaging programs and caring staff, which create a positive learning environment. However, some parents mention a need for more structured activities. This center is well-suited for families looking for a lively and interactive experience for their children.

Pros

  • Engaging programs
  • Caring staff
  • Positive learning environment

Cons

  • Need for more structured activities
  • Smaller facility
Best forFamilies seeking an interactive experience
Service areaMemphis, TN
Typical pricing$180 to $360 per week
4

Memphis Childcare Academy (East Memphis)

★★★★★5.0(26 reviews)
92Score

Memphis Childcare Academy (East Memphis) has a perfect 5.0 rating from 26 reviews. Parents appreciate the friendly staff and clean environment. This center is particularly praised for its focus on early childhood development. However, with fewer reviews, some may find it less established compared to other options. 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 parents prioritizing cleanliness and development. It serves East Memphis, TN, with $200 to $400 per week pricing, and the honest trade-offs are fewer reviews and limited visibility.

Pros

  • Friendly staff
  • Clean environment
  • Focus on development

Cons

  • Fewer reviews
  • Limited visibility
Best forParents prioritizing cleanliness and development
Service areaEast Memphis, TN
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per week
5

Lindenwood Christian Child Care Center

★★★★★4.8(37 reviews)
91Score

Lindenwood Christian Child Care Center holds a 4.8 rating with 37 reviews. Families appreciate the nurturing environment and Christian values instilled in the curriculum. However, some parents feel that the facility could benefit from more outdoor play areas. This center is ideal for families looking for a faith-based approach to early education.

Pros

  • Nurturing environment
  • Christian values
  • Caring staff

Cons

  • Limited outdoor play areas
  • Smaller facility
Best forFamilies seeking a faith-based education
Service areaMemphis, TN
Typical pricing$180 to $350 per week
6

KIDazzle Childcare Inc: Memphis Flying Start

★★★★★5.0(16 reviews)
90Score

KIDazzle Childcare Inc: Memphis Flying Start has a perfect 5.0 rating from 16 reviews. Parents love the enthusiastic staff and innovative learning activities tailored to younger children. However, the limited number of reviews raises questions about long-term reliability. This center is best for families wanting a fresh and energetic approach to childcare.

Pros

  • Enthusiastic staff
  • Innovative learning activities
  • Positive atmosphere

Cons

  • Limited number of reviews
  • Newer establishment
Best forFamilies seeking an energetic approach
Service areaMemphis, TN
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per week
7

Little Harvard Childcare Inc.

★★★★★4.5(100 reviews)
85Score

Little Harvard Childcare Inc. has a solid 4.5 rating from 100 reviews. Parents appreciate the structured curriculum and focus on early education. However, some reviewers express concerns about the staff turnover. This center is a good fit for families who value educational structure but may want to inquire about staff consistency.

Pros

  • Structured curriculum
  • Focus on education
  • Experienced staff

Cons

  • Staff turnover concerns
  • Busy environment
Best forFamilies prioritizing educational structure
Service areaMemphis, TN
Typical pricing$190 to $370 per week
8

Kid Station

★★★★★4.6(38 reviews)
84Score

Kid Station has a 4.6 rating from 38 reviews. Parents commend the friendly staff and diverse activities available for children. However, the facility may feel cramped during peak hours. This center is suitable for families looking for a warm environment with plenty of activities for kids. 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 a warm environment. It serves Memphis, TN, with $160 to $340 per week pricing, and the honest trade-offs are cramped during peak hours and smaller facility.

Pros

  • Friendly staff
  • Diverse activities
  • Positive environment

Cons

  • Cramped during peak hours
  • Smaller facility
Best forFamilies seeking a warm environment
Service areaMemphis, TN
Typical pricing$160 to $340 per week
9

Bright Ideas Enrichment Center - Memphis

★★★★★4.5(77 reviews)
83Score

Bright Ideas Enrichment Center has a 4.5 rating from 77 reviews. Parents appreciate the creative programs and supportive staff. However, some reviews mention inconsistent communication from management. This center is ideal for families seeking a creative learning environment but may want to ensure communication meets their expectations. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is families seeking a creative environment. It serves Memphis, TN, with $170 to $360 per week pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconsistent communication and busy environment.

Pros

  • Creative programs
  • Supportive staff
  • Positive feedback

Cons

  • Inconsistent communication
  • Busy environment
Best forFamilies seeking a creative environment
Service areaMemphis, TN
Typical pricing$170 to $360 per week
10

Ready, Set, Grow Learning Academy

★★★★★4.4(42 reviews)
82Score

Ready, Set, Grow Learning Academy has a 4.4 rating from 42 reviews. Parents like the engaging staff and focus on learning through play. However, the facility may lack some amenities found in larger centers. This option is good for families looking for a playful learning atmosphere but may need to compromise on facility size.

Pros

  • Engaging staff
  • Focus on play-based learning
  • Positive atmosphere

Cons

  • Lacks some amenities
  • Smaller facility
Best forFamilies valuing play-based learning
Service areaMemphis, TN
Typical pricing$150 to $330 per week
Before you book

How to choose a daycare center in Memphis

Selecting the right daycare center involves careful consideration of several factors. Here are key points to guide your decision-making process.

Check Ratings and Reviews

Look for centers with a high number of reviews. Memphis Childcare Academy leads with 111 reviews, providing a solid basis for trust.

Consider Location and Accessibility

Choose a daycare that is conveniently located near your home or workplace. This can make drop-offs and pick-ups easier.

Visit the Centers

Schedule visits to your top choices. Observing the environment and interacting with staff can provide valuable insights.

What it costs

What daycare centers cost in Memphis

Understanding the cost of daycare in Memphis can help you budget effectively. Here's a breakdown of typical pricing tiers.

Infant Care$150 to $300 per week, depending on the facility and services offered.
Toddler Care$140 to $280 per week, with variations based on age and additional programs.
Preschool Programs$130 to $250 per week, typically including educational activities.
After-School Care$100 to $200 per week, often depending on the number of hours and activities provided.

Frequently asked questions

How much does daycare cost in Memphis?

Daycare costs in Memphis typically range from $150 to $400 per month, depending on the center and services offered.

What are the top-rated daycare centers in Memphis?

The top-rated daycare centers in Memphis include Memphis Childcare Academy, D.E. Academy, and Paradise Kidz Place, all with high ratings and positive 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 Memphis families: <strong>Memphis Childcare Academy</strong>

Memphis Childcare Academy leads with a solid 4.8-star rating from 111 reviews, showcasing its reliability and parent satisfaction. Close behind, D.E. Academy matches the same rating but with only 51 reviews, indicating promising quality but less proven trust. Finally, Paradise Kidz Place also holds a 4.8-star rating with 50 reviews, making it a strong contender, particularly for those seeking a nurturing environment for their kids.