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Preschools · McKinney, TX/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Preschools in McKinney, TX

Finding the right preschool in McKinney is vital for your child's early development. Here's how to make the best choice.

Editorially independent6 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoicePrimrose School of Stone Brooke
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 6 McKinney-metro preschools businesses evaluated, top 5 ranked by Vetted Score.

Choosing a preschool in McKinney is a significant decision. The quality of early education can shape your child's social skills, emotional development, and readiness for kindergarten. With a mix of well-reviewed leaders and smaller establishments, knowing where to start can be overwhelming.

We evaluated six local preschools, considering ratings, review counts, and overall reputation. Our list highlights the top five, ensuring you have reliable options for your child's early education.

6preschools evaluated in McKinney
4.86average rating across the field
495customer reviews analyzed

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

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

Our top picks

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

Primrose School of Stone Brooke

★★★★★5.0(151 reviews)

Primrose School of Stone Brooke has a perfect rating of 5 stars from 151 reviews.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
95Score

The Goddard School of McKinney - Honey Creek

★★★★★4.9(155 reviews)

The Goddard School of McKinney - Honey Creek holds an impressive rating of 4.9 stars from 155 reviews.

Read full review
Best for Montessori Education
94Score

Applebee Montessori Academy

★★★★★4.9(80 reviews)

Applebee Montessori Academy has a solid rating of 4.9 stars from 80 reviews.

Read full review

All 5, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
5.0★★★★★
151Families seeking high-quality early education
2
95Score
4.9★★★★★
155Parents wanting a play-based curriculum
3
Applebee Montessori Academy
Applebee Montessori Academy
Best for Montessori Education
94Score
4.9★★★★★
80Families interested in Montessori education
4
83Score
4.8★★★★★
76Families wanting a supportive learning atmosphere
5
80Score
4.7★★★★★
33Parents seeking a small and intimate preschool experience
Methodology

How we evaluated all 6 preschools.

To determine the best preschools in McKinney, we analyzed data from various sources, focusing on user ratings and reviews. We do not accept payment for placement, ensuring our rankings reflect genuine quality.

Our rankings are updated monthly, so you get the most current information. Each preschool was assessed based on its Vetted Score, which combines both quantitative and qualitative factors.

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

Primrose School of Stone Brooke

★★★★★5.0(151 reviews)
96Score

Primrose School of Stone Brooke has a perfect rating of 5 stars from 151 reviews. Parents appreciate the nurturing environment and the dedicated staff. It excels in early childhood education with a focus on play-based learning. However, the tuition is on the higher side, which may not suit every budget.

Pros

  • Nurturing environment
  • Dedicated staff
  • Strong focus on early education

Cons

  • Higher tuition rates
Best forFamilies seeking high-quality early education
Service areaMcKinney, TX
Typical pricing$1,200 to $1,500 per month
2
Most Reviewed

The Goddard School of McKinney - Honey Creek

★★★★★4.9(155 reviews)
95Score

The Goddard School of McKinney - Honey Creek holds an impressive rating of 4.9 stars from 155 reviews. Parents commend their well-rounded curriculum and the friendly atmosphere. This school is particularly good for those looking for a play-based learning approach. A downside is the limited outdoor play area, which some families might find lacking.

Pros

  • Well-rounded curriculum
  • Friendly atmosphere
  • Play-based learning

Cons

  • Limited outdoor play area
Best forParents wanting a play-based curriculum
Service areaMcKinney, TX
Typical pricing$1,100 to $1,400 per month
3
Best for Montessori Education

Applebee Montessori Academy

★★★★★4.9(80 reviews)
94Score

Applebee Montessori Academy has a solid rating of 4.9 stars from 80 reviews. Families appreciate its commitment to Montessori principles, fostering independence in children. It's ideal for those who value a child-centered learning approach. However, some parents note that the facility could benefit from more modern amenities. 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 interested in Montessori education. It serves McKinney, TX, with $1,000 to $1,300 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are facilities could use modernization.

Pros

  • Strong Montessori focus
  • Fosters independence
  • Child-centered learning

Cons

  • Facilities could use modernization
Best forFamilies interested in Montessori education
Service areaMcKinney, TX
Typical pricing$1,000 to $1,300 per month
4

The Goddard School of McKinney - Craig Ranch

★★★★★4.8(76 reviews)
83Score

The Goddard School of McKinney - Craig Ranch has a rating of 4.8 stars from 76 reviews. Parents highlight the engaging curriculum and friendly staff. This location is great for families looking for a supportive learning environment. However, some reviews mention occasional staffing issues that might affect the overall experience.

Pros

  • Engaging curriculum
  • Friendly staff
  • Supportive environment

Cons

  • Occasional staffing issues
Best forFamilies wanting a supportive learning atmosphere
Service areaMcKinney, TX
Typical pricing$1,100 to $1,400 per month
5
80Score

The PREP School of McKinney has a rating of 4.7 stars from 33 reviews. Reviewers appreciate its small class sizes and personalized attention. It's a good option for parents who prefer a more intimate setting for their children. However, the limited number of reviews makes it a promising but unproven choice for some.

Pros

  • Small class sizes
  • Personalized attention

Cons

  • Limited reviews make it unproven
Best forParents seeking a small and intimate preschool experience
Service areaMcKinney, TX
Typical pricing$900 to $1,200 per month
Before you book

How to choose a preschool in McKinney

Selecting the right preschool requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are the key points to keep in mind.

Check Ratings and Reviews

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

Visit the Facility

Tour potential schools to observe the environment, staff interactions, and available resources. A personal visit can reveal a lot.

Understand the Curriculum

Inquire about the educational programs offered. Make sure they align with your child's needs and your educational goals.

What it costs

What preschools cost in McKinney

The cost of preschools in McKinney varies based on location, facilities, and the educational approach. Here's a breakdown of typical pricing tiers.

Infant Care$1,000 to $1,500 per month, depending on the age group and specific needs.
Toddler Programs$900 to $1,300 per month, with variations based on curriculum and hours.
Preschool (Ages 3-4)$800 to $1,200 per month, often including part-time options.
Pre-K Programs$700 to $1,100 per month, with preparation for kindergarten as a focus.

Frequently asked questions

How much does preschool cost in McKinney?

Tuition for preschools in McKinney typically ranges from $200 to $1,200 per month, depending on the program and age of the child.

What is the average rating of preschools in McKinney?

The average rating for preschools in McKinney is around 4.7 stars, with the top providers receiving between 4.7 and 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 McKinney families: <strong>Primrose School of Stone Brooke</strong>

Call Primrose School of Stone Brooke first for its perfect 5-star rating and extensive reviews. If you prefer a school with slightly more reviews, The Goddard School of McKinney - Honey Creek is a great alternative at 4.9 stars. Or, for a Montessori approach, consider Applebee Montessori Academy, which also holds a 4.9 rating but with fewer reviews.