CityVettedCityvetted
Independent. Never pay-to-play.
Preschools · Philadelphia, PA/Updated June 13, 2026

The 8 Best Preschools in Philadelphia, PA

In a city with a thin preschool market, The Goddard School of Philadelphia - 22nd and Pine shines with a perfect 5-star rating from 124 reviews.

Editorially independent8 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceThe Goddard School of Philadelphia - 22nd and Pine
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 8 Philadelphia-metro preschools businesses evaluated, top 8 ranked by Vetted Score.

Choosing a preschool is a significant decision for families in Philadelphia, where the educational landscape is still developing. With only eight providers evaluated in the metro area, the options can feel limited, making it essential to find a place that aligns with your child's needs and your expectations.

We ranked these schools based on their Vetted Scores, which combine ratings and review counts. The Goddard School of Philadelphia - 22nd and Pine leads with a remarkable 5-star rating from 124 reviews, while the rest of the market shows a spread of ratings, indicating varied experiences among families.

8preschools evaluated in Philadelphia
4.70average rating across the field
417customer reviews analyzed

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

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

Our top picks

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

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 124 reviews, The Goddard School of Philadelphia - 22nd and Pine is highly praised for its nurturing environment and dedicated staff.

Read full review
Best for Montessori Education
95Score

Little City Montessori

★★★★★5.0(37 reviews)

Little City Montessori holds a 5-star rating from 37 reviews, with parents praising its child-centered approach and individualized learning plans.

Read full review
Best for Learning Through Play
94Score

The Goddard School of Philadelphia - Spring Garden has a strong rating of 4.8 stars from 53 reviews.

Read full review

All 8, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
5.0★★★★★
124Best overall choice for quality preschool education
2
Little City Montessori
Little City Montessori
Best for Montessori Education
95Score
5.0★★★★★
37Best for parents seeking a Montessori education
3
94Score
4.8★★★★★
53Best for children who thrive in a playful learning environment
4
89Score
4.8★★★★★
40Best for balanced development in preschoolers
5
86Score
4.7★★★★★
24Best for personalized learning experiences
6
84Score
4.5★★★★★
61Best for structured learning
7
84Score
4.5★★★★★
37Best for hands-on learning experiences
8
82Score
4.3★★★★★
41Best for creative arts-focused preschoolers
Methodology

How we evaluated all 8 preschools.

Our evaluation process involved a thorough review of each preschool's ratings, the number of reviews, and overall reputation in the Philadelphia area. We believe in transparency and integrity; no provider pays for placement in our rankings.

We refresh our list monthly to ensure the information is current and accurate. This way, you can trust that our rankings reflect the most reliable data available, allowing you to make an informed decision.

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

The Goddard School of Philadelphia - 22nd and Pine

★★★★★5.0(124 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 124 reviews, The Goddard School of Philadelphia - 22nd and Pine is highly praised for its nurturing environment and dedicated staff. Parents appreciate the engaging curriculum and the emphasis on social skills. However, as the most reviewed preschool in the area, its popularity can sometimes lead to waitlists for enrollment.

Pros

  • Nurturing environment
  • Dedicated staff
  • Engaging curriculum

Cons

  • Potential waitlists for enrollment
Best forBest overall choice for quality preschool education
Service areaCenter City Philadelphia
Typical pricing$1,200 to $1,800 per month
2
Best for Montessori Education

Little City Montessori

★★★★★5.0(37 reviews)
95Score

Little City Montessori holds a 5-star rating from 37 reviews, with parents praising its child-centered approach and individualized learning plans. This school excels in fostering independence and critical thinking skills among its young learners. However, its smaller review base leaves some parents wanting more feedback before committing. 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 best for parents seeking a Montessori education. It serves Philadelphia, with $1,000 to $1,600 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base may raise concerns.

Pros

  • Child-centered approach
  • Individualized learning plans
  • Fosters independence

Cons

  • Smaller review base may raise concerns
Best forBest for parents seeking a Montessori education
Service areaPhiladelphia
Typical pricing$1,000 to $1,600 per month
3
Best for Learning Through Play

The Goddard School of Philadelphia - Spring Garden

★★★★★4.8(53 reviews)
94Score

The Goddard School of Philadelphia - Spring Garden has a strong rating of 4.8 stars from 53 reviews. Parents commend the focus on learning through play and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. This preschool is particularly well-suited for children who thrive in a playful learning environment. However, it has fewer reviews compared to its counterparts, which may impact trust for some families.

Pros

  • Focus on learning through play
  • Friendly atmosphere
  • Welcoming staff

Cons

  • Fewer reviews may affect trust
Best forBest for children who thrive in a playful learning environment
Service areaSpring Garden, Philadelphia
Typical pricing$1,100 to $1,700 per month
4

Primrose School of Center City Philadelphia

★★★★★4.8(40 reviews)
89Score

Primrose School of Center City Philadelphia has a solid rating of 4.8 stars from 40 reviews. Parents appreciate the balanced curriculum that combines academics and character development. The school is known for its friendly staff and clean facilities. However, some parents have mentioned limited outdoor play space as a downside.

Pros

  • Balanced curriculum
  • Character development focus
  • Friendly staff

Cons

  • Limited outdoor play space
Best forBest for balanced development in preschoolers
Service areaCenter City Philadelphia
Typical pricing$1,000 to $1,600 per month

Right Steps of Rittenhouse Square holds a rating of 4.7 stars from 24 reviews. Parents praise its intimate setting and personalized attention. The small class sizes are a highlight, allowing for tailored learning experiences. However, the limited number of reviews raises questions about its long-term 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 best for personalized learning experiences. It serves Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, with $1,200 to $1,800 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited number of reviews.

Pros

  • Intimate setting
  • Personalized attention
  • Small class sizes

Cons

  • Limited number of reviews
Best forBest for personalized learning experiences
Service areaRittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Typical pricing$1,200 to $1,800 per month

Chesterbrook Academy Preschool of Philadelphia - University City has a rating of 4.5 stars from 61 reviews. Parents appreciate the well-rounded curriculum and the focus on early literacy. The school provides a structured environment that many find beneficial. However, some parents have noted that communication 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 best for structured learning. It serves University City, Philadelphia, with $1,000 to $1,500 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are communication could be improved.

Pros

  • Well-rounded curriculum
  • Focus on early literacy
  • Structured environment

Cons

  • Communication could be improved
Best forBest for structured learning
Service areaUniversity City, Philadelphia
Typical pricing$1,000 to $1,500 per month

Chesterbrook Academy Preschool of Philadelphia - Washington Sq. also has a rating of 4.5 stars, this time from 37 reviews. Parents value the caring staff and engaging activities provided for the children. The school emphasizes socialization and hands-on learning. However, the limited number of reviews may leave some parents feeling uncertain about its overall reputation.

Pros

  • Caring staff
  • Engaging activities
  • Emphasis on socialization

Cons

  • Limited number of reviews
Best forBest for hands-on learning experiences
Service areaWashington Square, Philadelphia
Typical pricing$1,000 to $1,500 per month

Chesterbrook Academy Preschool of Philadelphia - Fairmount has a rating of 4.3 stars from 41 reviews. Parents appreciate the friendly and supportive environment, along with the emphasis on creative arts. While the school is well-received, the lower rating compared to others may indicate room for improvement in some areas. 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 best for creative arts-focused preschoolers. It serves Fairmount, Philadelphia, with $1,000 to $1,500 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are lower rating compared to others.

Pros

  • Friendly environment
  • Supportive staff
  • Emphasis on creative arts

Cons

  • Lower rating compared to others
Best forBest for creative arts-focused preschoolers
Service areaFairmount, Philadelphia
Typical pricing$1,000 to $1,500 per month
Before you book

How to choose a preschool in Philadelphia

Selecting the right preschool involves more than just ratings; it's about finding the right fit for your child. Here are key factors to consider when evaluating your options.

Examine the Review Count

Pay attention to the number of reviews. A higher review count often indicates more consistent experiences among families.

Look for Recent Feedback

Recent reviews can provide insights into the current quality of care and education, helping you gauge if the preschool meets your expectations.

Consider Educational Philosophy

Different preschools have various approaches to teaching. Make sure the school's philosophy aligns with your values and your child's learning style.

What it costs

What preschools cost in Philadelphia

Tuition rates for preschools in Philadelphia can vary widely based on location, program offerings, and age groups. Here's a breakdown of what you might expect to pay.

Infant Programs$1,200 to $2,000 per month, depending on the school and facilities.
Toddler Programs$1,000 to $1,800 per month, with variations for full-day or half-day options.
Preschool Programs$800 to $1,600 per month, depending on the curriculum and extracurricular activities offered.
Pre-Kindergarten Programs$900 to $1,700 per month, often including additional resources for school readiness.

Frequently asked questions

How much does preschool cost in Philadelphia?

Tuition for preschools in Philadelphia varies, but you can expect rates around $800 to $1,500 per month depending on the program and location.

What are the best-rated preschools in Philadelphia?

The best-rated preschools in Philadelphia include <strong>The Goddard School of Philadelphia - 22nd and Pine</strong> with a perfect 5-star rating from 124 reviews and <strong>Little City Montessori</strong>, also at 5 stars but with 37 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 Philadelphia families: <strong>The Goddard School of Philadelphia - 22nd and Pine</strong>

Based on the available data, The Goddard School of Philadelphia - 22nd and Pine is the strongest choice with 5 stars from 124 reviews, proving its reliability and quality. Little City Montessori follows closely with a perfect rating from 37 reviews, making it a fantastic alternative for parents looking for a smaller setting. Finally, The Goddard School of Philadelphia - Spring Garden rounds out the top three with a solid 4.8-star rating from 53 reviews, ideal for those who prefer its location.