Finding the right preschool in Denver can be challenging due to the competitive landscape and varying quality. Here are our top picks.
MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026
Editorially independent12 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceIliff Preschool, Kindergarten and School-Age Summer Camp
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 12 Denver-metro preschools businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.
In Denver, the preschool market is becoming increasingly competitive, with 12 providers evaluated and only 10 making our list. The density of options means parents have choices, but with most providers having fewer than 50 reviews, trust is still forming in this space.
Our list highlights the best preschools based on their ratings and review counts. We examined each school’s service area, response times, and state licensing to ensure parents get a clear picture of what to expect.
12preschools evaluated in Denver
4.87average rating across the field
426customer reviews analyzed
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
With a 4.9 rating from 67 reviews, The Goddard School of Denver - Highlands is celebrated for its focus on play-based learning and individualized attention.
Families wanting an active role in their child's learning
Methodology
How we evaluated all 12 preschools.
We evaluated preschools based on their Vetted Score, which considers ratings and the number of reviews from parents. No business pays for placement in our rankings, ensuring an unbiased assessment of quality.
Our evaluations are refreshed monthly to reflect any changes in ratings or new reviews, giving you the most current information available.
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.
Iliff Preschool, Kindergarten and School-Age Summer Camp holds a perfect 5-star rating from 63 reviews. Parents appreciate the nurturing environment and strong emphasis on early childhood education. The summer camp program is particularly praised for its engaging activities. However, some parents feel that communication could be improved. This preschool is best for families seeking a well-rounded educational experience.
Pros
Strong emphasis on early education
Engaging summer camp activities
Nurturing environment
Cons
Communication could improve
Best forFamilies seeking a well-rounded educational experience
With a 4.9 rating from 67 reviews, The Goddard School of Denver - Highlands is celebrated for its focus on play-based learning and individualized attention. Parents love the variety of programs offered, which cater to different age groups. A drawback noted by some is the higher tuition rates compared to other local options. This school is ideal for parents looking for a strong educational foundation.
Pros
Play-based learning
Individualized attention
Variety of programs
Cons
Higher tuition rates
Best forParents looking for a strong educational foundation
The Summit Early Learning Academy has a 4.9 rating based on 50 reviews. Parents commend its dedicated staff and stimulating curriculum, which fosters creativity and social skills. The academy's smaller class sizes allow for personalized attention. However, some reviews mention limited outdoor playtime. This option is great for parents who prioritize a creative learning environment.
Pros
Dedicated staff
Stimulating curriculum
Smaller class sizes
Cons
Limited outdoor playtime
Best forParents who prioritize a creative learning environment
The Goddard School of Denver - Park Hill has a solid 4.8 rating from 61 reviews. It is well-known for its structured curriculum and caring teachers. Parents appreciate the communication regarding their child's progress. However, some feel that the facility could use updates. This school works well for families wanting a structured learning environment.
Pros
Structured curriculum
Caring teachers
Good communication
Cons
Facility could use updates
Best forFamilies wanting a structured learning environment
Primrose School at Lowry holds a 4.8 rating from 36 reviews. Parents are impressed by the well-rounded curriculum that promotes emotional and social development. The school has a friendly atmosphere that children enjoy. However, some reviews mention limited extracurricular activities. This option is good for parents who value emotional and social learning.
Pros
Well-rounded curriculum
Friendly atmosphere
Promotes emotional development
Cons
Limited extracurricular activities
Best forParents who value emotional and social learning
Montessori School of Washington Park / Wild Pines has a perfect 5-star rating from 20 reviews. Parents appreciate the Montessori approach that encourages independence and self-directed learning. The teachers are highly regarded for their expertise. However, the limited enrollment may be a concern for some families. This school is best for those who prefer the Montessori method.
Thrive Preschool Denver at Plum Hill has a 4.8 rating from 26 reviews. Parents praise the supportive staff and the focus on social-emotional learning. The school offers diverse activities that help children develop various skills. On the downside, some parents mention that the facility could be larger. This preschool is great for kids needing a supportive learning environment.
Pros
Supportive staff
Focus on social-emotional learning
Diverse activities
Cons
Facility could be larger
Best forKids needing a supportive learning environment
Larks Preschool has a perfect 5-star rating from 15 reviews. Parents love the small class sizes and individualized attention their children receive. The nurturing environment encourages creativity and exploration. However, the limited number of reviews makes it a promising but unproven choice for many. This preschool is ideal for parents seeking a highly personalized experience.
Pros
Small class sizes
Individualized attention
Nurturing environment
Cons
Limited number of reviews
Best forParents seeking a highly personalized experience
Primrose School of Denver Central Park has a 4.8 rating from 20 reviews. Parents appreciate the curriculum that supports both academic and social skills. The friendly staff make the environment welcoming. Some reviews, however, indicate that the school could improve communication with parents. This option is good for families wanting a balance of academics and social development.
Pros
Supports academic and social skills
Friendly staff
Welcoming environment
Cons
Communication could improve
Best forFamilies wanting a balance of academics and social development
Denver Cooperative Preschool has a solid 4.8 rating from 20 reviews. Parents appreciate the community involvement and cooperative model where families participate in their child's education. This approach fosters a unique bond between families and staff. However, limited resources can be a concern for some. This preschool is best for families wanting an active role in their child's learning.
Pros
Community involvement
Cooperative model
Strong family-staff bond
Cons
Limited resources
Best forFamilies wanting an active role in their child's learning
Choosing a preschool in Denver requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are key points to help you make an informed decision.
Location and Commute
Consider the preschool's location relative to your home or work. A shorter commute can make drop-off and pick-up easier.
State Licensing and Accreditation
Check if the preschool meets Colorado’s licensing requirements. Accreditation can also indicate a commitment to quality education.
Class Size and Teacher Ratios
Smaller class sizes often lead to more individualized attention for your child. Look for schools that maintain favorable teacher-to-student ratios.
What it costs
What preschools cost in Denver
The cost of preschool in Denver can vary widely based on location, curriculum, and facilities. Here’s what you can expect.
Budget-Friendly OptionsMonthly tuition ranges from $300 to $600, suitable for families looking for affordable care.
Mid-Range PreschoolsExpect to pay between $600 to $900 per month for quality programs with more resources and staff.
Premium ProgramsFor specialized curriculums or lower student-to-teacher ratios, costs can rise to $900 to $1,500 monthly.
Additional FeesSome schools may charge registration fees or costs for materials, which can add to the overall expense.
Frequently asked questions
How much does preschool cost in Denver?
Tuition for preschools in Denver varies widely, but many programs range from $200 to $1,200 per month, depending on factors like age group and program length.
What are the average ratings for preschools in Denver?
The average rating among the top preschools in Denver is around 4.8 stars, with the highest-rated provider, Iliff Preschool, achieving a perfect 5 stars.
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 Denver families: <strong>Iliff Preschool, Kindergarten and School-Age Summer Camp</strong>
If you're looking for a top-notch preschool experience, Iliff Preschool, Kindergarten and School-Age Summer Camp is the best pick. Its perfect 5-star rating from 63 reviews reflects a strong community trust. For parents seeking a nurturing environment with a solid curriculum, The Goddard School of Denver - Highlands is an excellent alternative, holding a 4.9-star rating with 67 reviews. Lastly, The Summit Early Learning Academy is ideal for families who prioritize early learning in a supportive atmosphere, also earning a 4.9-star rating from 50 reviews. Choose based on what fits your family's needs best.
Cityvetted
