Finding the right preschool is critical for your child's early development. Our rankings reveal the best options in Memphis based on real reviews.
MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026
Editorially independent8 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceLa Petite Academy on Coleman Road
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 8 Memphis-metro preschools businesses evaluated, top 8 ranked by Vetted Score.
Choosing a preschool is a significant decision for parents in Memphis. The right environment can lay the foundation for your child's future learning and social skills. In a city where trust is still forming, with most providers having under 50 reviews, the rankings here reflect a careful analysis of local options.
We evaluated eight preschools in the Memphis metro area, focusing on their ratings and review counts. The leader, La Petite Academy on Coleman Road, shines with a 4.9-star rating from 89 reviews, while the runner-up, Porter-Leath Early Childhood Academy in South Memphis, matches that rating with only 36 reviews. This reveals a stark contrast in trust levels within this thin market.
8preschools evaluated in Memphis
4.76average rating across the field
364customer reviews analyzed
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
To create this ranking, we assessed each preschool based on their Vetted Score, which combines star ratings and review counts. Our goal is to provide an honest, transparent view of each option available to Memphis parents. Importantly, no preschool has paid for placement in our rankings, ensuring impartiality.
We refresh our evaluations monthly, keeping our data current and reliable. This allows you to make informed decisions based on the latest feedback from other parents in the community.
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 4.9 from 89 reviews, La Petite Academy on Coleman Road receives high marks for its nurturing environment and dedicated staff. Parents appreciate the engaging curriculum and the focus on social skills. However, some note that the tuition may be on the higher side compared to other local options.
Pros
Highly rated staff
Engaging curriculum
Focus on social development
Cons
Higher tuition costs
Limited outdoor space
Best forParents seeking a strong early learning foundation
Porter-Leath Early Childhood Academy in South Memphis also holds an impressive 4.9 rating from 36 reviews. Families praise the affordability and community-oriented approach. The curriculum emphasizes emotional and social growth. However, with fewer reviews, some parents may feel hesitant about making a decision without more feedback. 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 budget-conscious families looking for quality care. It serves South Memphis, with $150 to $350 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are fewer reviews and limited extracurricular activities.
Pros
Affordable tuition
Community-focused curriculum
Strong emotional support
Cons
Fewer reviews
Limited extracurricular activities
Best forBudget-conscious families looking for quality care
La Petite Academy on Meadow Vale Drive has a solid rating of 4.7 based on 76 reviews. Parents commend the interactive learning environment and attentive teachers. This location is ideal for families seeking a well-rounded preschool experience. However, some reviews mention occasional staffing issues that could affect consistency. 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 wanting an interactive preschool experience. It serves Meadow Vale area in Memphis, with $180 to $380 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are occasional staffing issues and higher turnover reported.
Pros
Interactive learning
Attentive teachers
Well-rounded curriculum
Cons
Occasional staffing issues
Higher turnover reported
Best forFamilies wanting an interactive preschool experience
La Petite Academy on New Allen Road has a commendable rating of 4.7 from 54 reviews. Parents appreciate the structured curriculum and caring staff. It's a strong choice for families focused on academic preparation. However, some have noted that the facility could benefit from updates and renovations. 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 prioritizing academic readiness. It serves New Allen Road area in Memphis, with $200 to $400 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are facility needs updates and limited outdoor areas.
With a rating of 4.5 from 66 reviews, La Petite Academy on Hickory Hill Road is well-regarded for its friendly staff and diverse learning activities. Parents commend the emphasis on creativity and exploration. However, some reviews highlight concerns about communication between staff and parents, which 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 families looking for a creative learning environment. It serves Hickory Hill area in Memphis, with $180 to $380 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are communication issues and mixed feedback on consistency.
Pros
Friendly staff
Diverse learning activities
Emphasis on creativity
Cons
Communication issues
Mixed feedback on consistency
Best forFamilies looking for a creative learning environment
KidzTown Academy has achieved a perfect 5.0 rating from just 6 reviews, indicating a promising but unproven option for families. Reviewers highlight the warm atmosphere and personalized attention. However, the thin review base makes it hard to gauge long-term satisfaction and reliability. 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 seeking a highly personalized experience. It serves Memphis metro area, with $150 to $300 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are thin review base and limited history.
Pros
Warm atmosphere
Personalized attention
Strong initial feedback
Cons
Thin review base
Limited history
Best forFamilies seeking a highly personalized experience
Porter-Leath & University of Memphis Early Childhood Academy at Orange Mound holds a rating of 4.4 from 35 reviews. Parents appreciate the strong connection to the university and the innovative programs offered. However, some reviews mention a need for more staff training to enhance the overall experience. 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 interested in innovative educational programs. It serves Orange Mound area in Memphis, with $150 to $350 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are need for staff training and limited facilities.
Pros
University connection
Innovative programs
Community involvement
Cons
Need for staff training
Limited facilities
Best forFamilies interested in innovative educational programs
Higher Learning Enrichment Academy has a perfect rating of 5.0 from just 2 reviews, making it a promising choice for parents. Reviewers mention a supportive environment and innovative activities. However, with so few reviews, it remains a riskier option for families seeking consistent feedback. 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 fresh, innovative approaches. It serves Memphis metro area, with $150 to $300 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very few reviews and unproven track record.
Pros
Supportive environment
Innovative activities
Strong initial feedback
Cons
Very few reviews
Unproven track record
Best forFamilies looking for fresh, innovative approaches
Selecting the right preschool involves considering several key factors. Here are some guidelines to help you make the best choice for your child.
Review Ratings
Start by examining the star ratings of each preschool. Pay attention to the number of reviews as well; a high rating from a limited number of reviews may not be as reliable as a slightly lower rating with many more reviews.
Curriculum and Activities
Look into the curriculum and daily activities offered. Some preschools focus on structured learning, while others may emphasize play-based education. Consider what aligns best with your child's needs.
Location and Environment
Proximity can be important, but also consider the physical environment of the preschool. A safe, welcoming space can significantly impact your child's comfort and enjoyment.
What it costs
What preschools cost in Memphis
Preschool costs can vary widely in Memphis. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay.
Under $300 per monthSome smaller or less established preschools may charge lower rates, making them a budget-friendly option.
$300 to $600 per monthThis range typically fits mid-tier preschools that offer a balanced curriculum and activities.
$600 to $900 per monthHigher-end preschools often fall into this category, providing more resources and specialized programs.
Over $900 per monthPremium preschools with extensive facilities and highly qualified staff can charge above this range.
Frequently asked questions
How much does preschool cost in Memphis?
Tuition rates for preschools in Memphis vary, but you can expect costs to range from $200 to $800 per month, depending on the facility and age of the child.
What is the average rating of preschools in Memphis?
The average rating across the eight evaluated preschools in Memphis is approximately 4.5 stars, with a total of 364 reviews contributing to this score.
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>La Petite Academy on Coleman Road</strong>
The strongest evidence points to La Petite Academy on Coleman Road as the best choice, with a stellar 4.9-star rating from 89 reviews. Close behind is Porter-Leath Early Childhood Academy | South Memphis, also rated at 4.9 but with only 36 reviews, making it promising but less proven. Rounding out the top three is La Petite Academy on Meadow Vale Drive at 4.7 stars from 76 reviews, which may be a solid option if you're looking for alternatives.