Preschools in Chicago
11 preschools near Chicago, IL, including Montessori and other private programs. Compare approach, tuition, hours, and location — then save your shortlist.
Guidepost Montessori at Lincoln Park
A Montessori program in the Lincoln Park neighborhood serving infants through preschool-age children.
Near North Montessori School
A Montessori school in the West Town/Noble Square area of Chicago.
Montessori Academy of Chicago
A Montessori school located in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood.
American Montessori Academy - South Loop
A Montessori school in the South Loop, located in the historic Dearborn Station building.
Bennett Day School
A Reggio Emilia-inspired, project-based school in Chicago's West Town neighborhood.
The Green Bean Day School & Nursery
A Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood program in the Bucktown area of Chicago.
The Green Bean Day School & Nursery - River North
A Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood program in Chicago's River North neighborhood.
The Trails School for Early Learning
A Reggio Emilia-inspired, play-based school on Chicago's Near North Side.
Park West Cooperative Nursery School
A parent-run, play-based cooperative nursery school in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Lincoln Park Cooperative Nursery School
A parent cooperative nursery school in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Bubbles Academy
A play-based preschool and child development program in the Bucktown/Logan Square area of Chicago.
Preschool approaches in Chicago
The programs listed here include Montessori, Reggio Emilia, cooperative and play-based. New to the differences? Compare Montessori vs. play-based, read what children learn in preschool, or browse all our guides.
Montessori preschools in Chicago
4 of the programs listed above are Montessori preschools — child-led, mixed-age classrooms with hands-on materials and long, focused work periods. New to the method? Read what Montessori is, compare Montessori vs. play-based, and see how much Montessori costs.
How much does preschool cost in Chicago?
Preschool tuition in Chicago depends on the program, the schedule (half-day vs. full-day), and the approach — Montessori and full-day private programs usually cost more than part-time or co-op options. Where a school publishes pricing it's shown on its listing above; otherwise ask the school for a current quote. Our guide on how much preschool costs shows how to compare the real price, and how to afford preschool covers subsidies, TK, and Head Start that can lower it.
Guides for your preschool search
Preschools near Chicago
Frequently asked questions
What preschool approaches are available in Chicago?
First Cubby lists Montessori, Reggio Emilia, cooperative and play-based programs in Chicago, among others. Each school's approach is shown on its listing.
How much is preschool tuition in Chicago?
Preschool tuition in Chicago varies widely by program, schedule (half- vs. full-day), and approach — Montessori and full-day private programs typically cost more. Pricing is shown on a listing where the school publishes it; otherwise contact the school. Our guide on how much preschool costs explains how to compare the real price, and how to afford preschool covers subsidies and free options.
Are there Montessori preschools in Chicago?
Yes — 4 Montessori programs are listed in Chicago above. Montessori classrooms are child-led and mixed-age with hands-on materials; see our guide on what Montessori is.
Are the preschools in Chicago private?
Most standalone preschools in Chicago are private (tuition-based). Free and lower-cost options can exist too — Transitional Kindergarten, state pre-K, and Head Start — which our guides on preschool cost and how to afford preschool explain.
How do I choose a preschool in Chicago?
Shortlist nearby schools, then tour your top choices. Our guides on how to choose a preschool and the questions to ask on a tour walk you through it step by step.
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