Choosing the right preschool is crucial for your child's early development. Here are the best options in Gilbert to consider.
MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026
Editorially independent6 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceTotspot Preschool
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 6 Gilbert-metro preschools businesses evaluated, top 6 ranked by Vetted Score.
Gilbert's preschool market is still forming, with a handful of providers competing for families' attention. With only six evaluated businesses and a rating spread of just 0.5 stars, parents should carefully consider their options as they seek quality early education for their children.
This list ranks the best preschools in Gilbert based on real parent reviews and ratings. We focused on businesses with solid feedback and a proven track record, providing a reliable resource for parents navigating this essential decision.
6preschools evaluated in Gilbert
4.60average rating across the field
321customer reviews analyzed
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
To determine the best preschools in Gilbert, we evaluated six local providers based on their Vetted Scores, which reflect their ratings and review counts. Each business was assessed for its reputation, service area, and responsiveness to parents' needs.
We do not accept payment for placement, ensuring our rankings are unbiased and trustworthy. Our evaluations are refreshed monthly to keep the information current, offering parents the most accurate insights into their options.
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.
With a stellar rating of 4.8 stars from 135 reviews, Totspot Preschool is a favorite among local parents. Reviewers frequently commend the nurturing staff and engaging curriculum that promotes creativity and social skills. It's particularly well-suited for families looking for a play-based learning environment. However, the high demand means spots can fill quickly, so early enrollment is recommended.
Pros
Nurturing staff
Play-based curriculum
Strong community feedback
Cons
Limited enrollment spots
Potential waitlist
Best forFamilies seeking a play-based learning environment
Primrose School of South Gilbert has earned a solid 4.6-star rating from 56 reviews. Parents appreciate the balanced curriculum that emphasizes both academics and character development. It's a great choice for those looking for a well-rounded preschool experience at a competitive price. However, some parents note that the facility can be busy during peak drop-off times.
Pros
Balanced curriculum
Focus on character development
Competitive pricing
Cons
Busy during drop-off
Limited outdoor space
Best forParents seeking a well-rounded preschool experience
Cadence Academy Montessori in Gilbert holds a 4.6-star rating from 54 reviews. The school is praised for its Montessori-style teaching, which encourages independence and exploration. It’s ideal for parents who want their children to learn through hands-on activities. However, some reviews indicate that communication with parents could be improved. 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 parents interested in Montessori education. It serves Gilbert, AZ, with $220 to $380 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are communication issues and smaller facility.
Pros
Montessori teaching approach
Encourages independence
Hands-on learning
Cons
Communication issues
Smaller facility
Best forParents interested in Montessori education
The Growing Place Preschool has a rating of 4.8 stars based on 20 reviews. Parents appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the personalized attention their children receive. It's best for families looking for a more intimate preschool experience. However, with only a handful of reviews, it remains a promising but unproven option.
Pros
Welcoming atmosphere
Personalized attention
Cons
Limited reviews
Small class sizes may not suit everyone
Best forFamilies seeking a small, intimate preschool setting
Primrose School of Gilbert at Santan has a solid 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews. Parents often highlight the engaging curriculum and friendly staff. It's a good option for families who appreciate a structured learning environment. However, some reviewers have noted that the facility can feel crowded at times. 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 looking for a structured learning environment. It serves Gilbert, AZ, with $200 to $360 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are crowded facility and limited outdoor play area.
Pros
Engaging curriculum
Friendly staff
Cons
Crowded facility
Limited outdoor play area
Best forFamilies looking for a structured learning environment
The Preschool at Discovery has a rating of 4.3 stars from 26 reviews. Parents appreciate the variety of activities offered and the caring staff. It's suitable for families seeking a diverse preschool experience. However, with only a moderate rating, some parents may prefer to explore other options first. 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 looking for diverse activities. It serves Gilbert, AZ, with $180 to $320 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are moderate rating and limited reviews.
Selecting a preschool involves more than just ratings. Consider these factors to find the right fit for your family.
Location and Accessibility
Choose a preschool close to home or work to make drop-offs and pick-ups convenient.
State Licensing and Accreditation
Verify that the preschool meets Arizona's licensing requirements for safety and education standards.
Curriculum and Learning Approach
Evaluate the preschool's curriculum to ensure it aligns with your child’s developmental needs and learning style.
What it costs
What preschools cost in Gilbert
Infant Care$800 to $1,200 per month for infants, depending on the provider and the number of days per week.
Toddler Programs$700 to $1,100 per month, with options for part-time and full-time attendance.
Preschool Programs$600 to $1,000 per month, varying by curriculum and additional activities.
Pre-Kindergarten$500 to $900 per month, often offering a more structured learning environment.
Frequently asked questions
How much does preschool cost in Gilbert?
Tuition for preschools in Gilbert typically ranges from $200 to $800 per month, depending on the program and age of the child.
What is the average rating of preschools in Gilbert?
The average rating across the evaluated preschools in Gilbert is around 4.5 stars, with a total of 321 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 Gilbert families: Totspot Preschool
If you want a top-notch experience for your little one, Totspot Preschool is the clear leader with its 4.8-star rating from 135 reviews. It's ideal for parents seeking a well-reviewed program with a solid track record. For those looking for a nurturing environment with a slightly different approach, Primrose School of South Gilbert offers a strong alternative, rated at 4.6 stars. Meanwhile, Cadence Academy Montessori, Gilbert is perfect for families interested in a Montessori method, also scoring 4.6 stars but with fewer reviews. Choose based on your specific needs and preferences.