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Preschools · Richmond, VA/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Preschools in Richmond, VA

Richmond's preschool market is competitive and growing, with options that cater to diverse educational philosophies and community values.

Editorially independent6 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceChesterbrook Academy Preschool of Richmond - Stony Point
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 6 Richmond-metro preschools businesses evaluated, top 5 ranked by Vetted Score.

Finding the right preschool in Richmond can be a challenge, given the density of options and the varying educational philosophies. With only six providers evaluated, the local market is still forming trust among parents, as most have fewer than 50 reviews.

This ranking is based on Vetted Scores, which reflect actual parent experiences. Each preschool was evaluated for its rating, review count, and overall reputation in the community.

6preschools evaluated in Richmond
4.72average rating across the field
208customer reviews analyzed

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

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

Our top picks

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

With a rating of 4.8 from 104 reviews, Chesterbrook Academy Preschool of Richmond - Stony Point receives high praise for its dedicated staff and engaging curriculum.

Read full review
Best for Nature-Based Learning
95Score

The Nature Preschool at Good Shepherd Episcopal School holds a perfect rating of 5 from 9 reviews, showcasing its unique approach to education through nature.

Read full review
Best for Small Class Sizes
94Score

Hilltop Preschool

★★★★★4.9(10 reviews)

Hilltop Preschool has an impressive rating of 4.9 from 10 reviews, with parents praising its nurturing environment and individualized attention.

Read full review

All 5, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
4.8★★★★★
104Families seeking a well-rounded educational experience
2
95Score
5.0★★★★★
9Families interested in outdoor and experiential learning
3
Hilltop Preschool
Hilltop Preschool
Best for Small Class Sizes
94Score
4.9★★★★★
10Families looking for personalized learning experiences
4
82Score
4.6★★★★★
10Families looking for a community-focused preschool
5
78Score
4.3★★★★★
75Families seeking a structured educational environment
Methodology

How we evaluated all 6 preschools.

To build this list, we assessed each preschool's rating and the number of reviews, ensuring a focus on both quality and community feedback. We do not accept any payments for placement, guaranteeing that our rankings are based solely on merit.

This list is refreshed monthly, allowing us to capture the latest changes in ratings and reviews. The result is a trustworthy snapshot of the best preschools in Richmond, helping parents make informed choices.

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

Chesterbrook Academy Preschool of Richmond - Stony Point

★★★★★4.8(104 reviews)
96Score

With a rating of 4.8 from 104 reviews, Chesterbrook Academy Preschool of Richmond - Stony Point receives high praise for its dedicated staff and engaging curriculum. Parents appreciate the focus on early childhood development and the variety of activities offered. However, its popularity may lead to limited availability during peak enrollment periods.

Pros

  • Dedicated staff
  • Engaging curriculum
  • Variety of activities

Cons

  • Limited availability during peak times
  • Higher tuition rates
Best forFamilies seeking a well-rounded educational experience
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$800 to $1,200 per month
2
Best for Nature-Based Learning

The Nature Preschool at Good Shepherd Episcopal School

★★★★★5.0(9 reviews)
95Score

The Nature Preschool at Good Shepherd Episcopal School holds a perfect rating of 5 from 9 reviews, showcasing its unique approach to education through nature. Parents love the outdoor activities and hands-on learning experiences. However, the small number of reviews means trust is still forming among families considering enrollment. 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 interested in outdoor and experiential learning. It serves Richmond, VA, with $600 to $1,000 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and potential for high demand.

Pros

  • Nature-based learning
  • Hands-on experiences
  • Small class sizes

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Potential for high demand
Best forFamilies interested in outdoor and experiential learning
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$600 to $1,000 per month
3
Best for Small Class Sizes

Hilltop Preschool

★★★★★4.9(10 reviews)
94Score

Hilltop Preschool has an impressive rating of 4.9 from 10 reviews, with parents praising its nurturing environment and individualized attention. The small class sizes allow for tailored learning experiences. Still, the limited number of reviews means it may not have the same level of established trust as larger programs. 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 personalized learning experiences. It serves Richmond, VA, with $700 to $1,100 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and less diverse curriculum.

Pros

  • Nurturing environment
  • Individualized attention
  • Small class sizes

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Less diverse curriculum
Best forFamilies looking for personalized learning experiences
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$700 to $1,100 per month
4

First Baptist Preschool

★★★★★4.6(10 reviews)
82Score

First Baptist Preschool has a rating of 4.6 based on 10 reviews. Parents appreciate the supportive staff and community feel, making it an appealing option for families. However, its smaller size and fewer reviews suggest that it may not offer the same breadth of programming as larger facilities. 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 a community-focused preschool. It serves Richmond, VA, with $500 to $900 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are fewer reviews and limited programming options.

Pros

  • Supportive staff
  • Community feel
  • Flexible hours

Cons

  • Fewer reviews
  • Limited programming options
Best forFamilies looking for a community-focused preschool
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$500 to $900 per month
5

The Learning Experience - Midlothian

★★★★★4.3(75 reviews)
78Score

The Learning Experience - Midlothian has a score of 4.3 from 75 reviews. Parents appreciate the structured curriculum and variety of enrichment programs. However, the mixed reviews indicate that experiences can vary, and some families report concerns about staff turnover and 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 seeking a structured educational environment. It serves Richmond, VA, with $600 to $1,000 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are mixed reviews and concerns about staff turnover.

Pros

  • Structured curriculum
  • Variety of enrichment programs
  • Convenient location

Cons

  • Mixed reviews
  • Concerns about staff turnover
Best forFamilies seeking a structured educational environment
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$600 to $1,000 per month
Before you book

How to choose a preschool in Richmond

Selecting a preschool is a significant decision for your family. Consider these key factors to find the best fit for your child's needs.

Location and Service Area

Choose a preschool that is conveniently located near your home or workplace to make drop-offs and pick-ups easier.

Response Time and Communication

Look for preschools with strong communication practices. Quick response times to inquiries can indicate a well-organized facility.

State Licensing and Safety Standards

Verify that the preschool is fully licensed by the state and adheres to safety regulations, ensuring a secure environment for your child.

What it costs

What preschools cost in Richmond

Tuition rates for preschools in Richmond can vary significantly based on location, curriculum, and facilities. Here's a breakdown of typical costs.

Full-time programs$800 to $1,500 per month, depending on the age group and services offered.
Part-time programs$400 to $800 per month, suitable for families needing flexible hours.
Drop-in care$50 to $100 per day, providing options for occasional care.
Registration fees$50 to $200, generally required at the time of enrollment.

Frequently asked questions

How much do preschools cost in Richmond?

Tuition for preschools in Richmond typically ranges from $200 to $1,000 per month, depending on the program and location.

What is the average rating for preschools in Richmond?

The average rating across the evaluated preschools in Richmond is approximately 4.5 stars, with a spread of 0.7 stars among the top providers.

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 Richmond families: Chesterbrook Academy Preschool of Richmond - Stony Point

If you want a well-reviewed preschool with a strong foundation, Chesterbrook Academy Preschool of Richmond - Stony Point is the best choice. Its 4.8-star rating from 104 reviews indicates reliability and satisfaction among parents. For those seeking a nature-focused experience, The Nature Preschool at Good Shepherd Episcopal School offers an exceptional 5-star experience, albeit with fewer reviews. This is perfect for families who prioritize outdoor learning. If you're looking for a small, community-oriented environment, Hilltop Preschool is a promising option, boasting a 4.9-star rating from just 10 reviews, making it a good fit for parents who value individualized attention.