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Preschools · Gilbert, AZ/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Preschools in Gilbert, AZ

Choosing the right preschool is crucial for your child's early development. Here are the best options in Gilbert to consider.

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.

How much does preschools cost in Gilbert? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

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

Totspot Preschool

★★★★★4.8(135 reviews)

With a stellar rating of 4.8 stars from 135 reviews, Totspot Preschool is a favorite among local parents.

Read full review
Best Value
94Score

Primrose School of South Gilbert

★★★★★4.6(56 reviews)

Primrose School of South Gilbert has earned a solid 4.6-star rating from 56 reviews.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
92Score

Cadence Academy Montessori, Gilbert

★★★★★4.6(54 reviews)

Cadence Academy Montessori in Gilbert holds a 4.6-star rating from 54 reviews.

Read full review

All 6, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
Totspot Preschool
Totspot Preschool
Editor's Choice
96Score
4.8★★★★★
135Families seeking a play-based learning environment
2
94Score
4.6★★★★★
56Parents seeking a well-rounded preschool experience
3
92Score
4.6★★★★★
54Parents interested in Montessori education
4
82Score
4.8★★★★★
20Families seeking a small, intimate preschool setting
5
80Score
4.5★★★★★
30Families looking for a structured learning environment
6
78Score
4.3★★★★★
26Families looking for diverse activities
Methodology

How we evaluated all 6 preschools.

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.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Totspot Preschool

★★★★★4.8(135 reviews)
96Score

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
Service areaGilbert, AZ
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per month
2
Best Value

Primrose School of South Gilbert

★★★★★4.6(56 reviews)
94Score

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
Service areaGilbert, AZ
Typical pricing$180 to $350 per month
3
Most Reviewed

Cadence Academy Montessori, Gilbert

★★★★★4.6(54 reviews)
92Score

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
Service areaGilbert, AZ
Typical pricing$220 to $380 per month
4

The Growing Place Preschool

★★★★★4.8(20 reviews)
82Score

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
Service areaGilbert, AZ
Typical pricing$150 to $300 per month
5

Primrose School of Gilbert at Santan

★★★★★4.5(30 reviews)
80Score

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
Service areaGilbert, AZ
Typical pricing$200 to $360 per month
6

The Preschool at Discovery

★★★★★4.3(26 reviews)
78Score

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.

Pros

  • Variety of activities
  • Caring staff

Cons

  • Moderate rating
  • Limited reviews
Best forFamilies looking for diverse activities
Service areaGilbert, AZ
Typical pricing$180 to $320 per month
Before you book

How to choose a preschool in Gilbert

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.