Preschools · Virginia Beach, VA/Updated June 13, 2026
The 8 Best Preschools in Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach's preschool market is competitive but still developing, with many options vying for your child's early education.
MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026
Editorially independent8 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceSonshine Preschool and Kindergarten
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 8 Virginia Beach-metro preschools businesses evaluated, top 8 ranked by Vetted Score.
Finding the right preschool in Virginia Beach is essential for your child's early development. With a growing number of options, parents can choose from various educational philosophies and environments tailored to young learners.
Our list ranks the top eight preschools based on Vetted Scores, which reflect both parent reviews and overall quality. Each provider was assessed for their commitment to education, safety, and nurturing environments, ensuring you have the best choices available.
8preschools evaluated in Virginia Beach
4.58average rating across the field
291customer reviews analyzed
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
To evaluate preschools in Virginia Beach, we analyzed a comprehensive set of data, including parent reviews, ratings, and the number of reviews for each provider. We believe transparency is key; thus, no business pays for placement in our rankings.
Our list is updated monthly to reflect changes in ratings and reviews, ensuring you have the most current information. This approach allows us to present a fair comparison of the preschools, helping you make informed decisions for your child's education.
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 perfect rating of 5 stars from 50 reviews, Sonshine Preschool and Kindergarten is a standout in Virginia Beach. Parents praise the nurturing environment and dedicated staff, making it an excellent choice for early childhood education. However, as with any top-rated school, the demand can lead to limited availability.
Pros
Nurturing environment
Dedicated staff
Strong parent reviews
Cons
Limited availability
Best forParents seeking a highly rated preschool with a caring approach
Toddler Station Preschool holds a strong rating of 4.7 stars from 55 reviews. Parents appreciate the engaging curriculum and supportive staff. This preschool offers a great balance of quality and affordability, making it a smart option for families. The only downside is that it may not have as many extracurricular options as larger schools.
Pros
Engaging curriculum
Supportive staff
Affordable pricing
Cons
Fewer extracurricular options
Best forFamilies looking for quality education at a reasonable price
The Goddard School of Lynnhaven boasts a solid 4.6-star rating from 70 reviews. Parents appreciate the structured learning environment and the experienced teachers. As the most reviewed preschool in the area, it offers a wealth of feedback. However, some parents note that the costs can be on the higher side compared to other local options.
Pros
Structured learning
Experienced teachers
Extensive reviews
Cons
Higher cost
Best forParents seeking a well-reviewed preschool with a structured curriculum
Seaside School has a rating of 4.8 stars from 18 reviews, indicating strong satisfaction among parents. Reviewers highlight its friendly atmosphere and personalized attention. It's a great choice for families who want a smaller, community-focused preschool. However, the limited number of reviews suggests that it may not be as established as others.
Pros
Friendly atmosphere
Personalized attention
Cons
Limited number of reviews
Best forFamilies seeking a close-knit preschool environment
Beach Day School has a perfect 5-star rating from 10 reviews, showcasing the satisfaction of its small parent base. Reviewers praise the intimate setting and hands-on learning. It's ideal for parents who prefer a less crowded experience for their children. However, the thin review base makes it a promising but unproven option.
Pros
Intimate setting
Hands-on learning
Cons
Thin review base
Best forParents wanting a cozy preschool experience
Thalia Day School has a rating of 4.6 stars from 19 reviews. Parents appreciate the caring staff and engaging activities. It's a solid choice for families who value a supportive learning environment. However, its limited review count leaves some uncertainty about its overall reputation. 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 supportive preschool environment. It serves Virginia Beach, with $160 to $320 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review count.
Pros
Caring staff
Engaging activities
Cons
Limited review count
Best forFamilies looking for a supportive preschool environment
The Montessori Academy of Virginia holds a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews. Parents appreciate the Montessori approach to education and the emphasis on independent learning. This school is a good fit for parents who want a unique educational philosophy. On the downside, some parents feel the school lacks traditional structure.
Pros
Montessori educational approach
Emphasis on independence
Cons
Less traditional structure
Best forFamilies interested in Montessori education
Primrose School of Virginia Beach South has a 3.7-star rating from 39 reviews. While parents appreciate the curriculum and facilities, some express concerns about consistency in staff. It may be suitable for families looking for a well-rounded program, but the mixed reviews suggest it may not be the most reliable choice.
Pros
Well-rounded program
Good facilities
Cons
Inconsistent staff
Best forFamilies seeking a balanced preschool program
Selecting a preschool involves considering several factors unique to the Virginia Beach area. The competitive nature of local preschools means you can find a variety of programs that fit your child's needs.
Consider the location
Look for preschools close to your home or workplace to minimize commute times and ensure convenience.
Evaluate state licensing
Confirm that the preschool meets state licensing requirements, ensuring a safe and regulated environment for your child.
Review parent feedback
Take time to read reviews from other parents. This insight can help you gauge the quality of education and care provided.
What it costs
What preschools cost in Virginia Beach
Preschool costs can vary significantly based on factors such as location, program type, and duration. Here’s what you can expect to pay in Virginia Beach.
Standard Programs$200 to $600 per month for typical preschool programs with basic curriculum offerings.
Montessori or Specialized Programs$400 to $800 per month for Montessori or other specialized educational approaches.
Full-Day Programs$600 to $1,200 per month for full-day preschool options that provide extended hours.
Part-Time Programs$150 to $400 per month for part-time or half-day preschool sessions.
Frequently asked questions
How much does preschool cost in Virginia Beach?
Tuition rates for preschools in Virginia Beach vary, but you can generally expect costs ranging from $200 to $1,000 per month, depending on the program and age group.
What is the average rating for preschools in Virginia Beach?
The average rating for preschools in Virginia Beach is around 4.2 stars, with a total of 291 combined reviews across the evaluated 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 Virginia Beach families: <strong>Sonshine Preschool and Kindergarten</strong>
If you're seeking the best overall experience for your child, Sonshine Preschool and Kindergarten should be your first choice. It has a perfect 5-star rating from 50 reviews, indicating strong parent satisfaction. For families looking for a nurturing environment with slightly more flexibility, Toddler Station Preschool is an excellent option with a 4.7 rating from 55 reviews. Lastly, The Goddard School of Lynnhaven is ideal for those who prioritize a structured curriculum, holding a solid 4.6 rating from 70 reviews. Choose based on your specific needs and values.