Preschools in Madison
12 preschools near Madison, WI, including Montessori and other private programs. Compare approach, tuition, hours, and location — then save your shortlist.
Isthmus Montessori Academy
A Montessori school in the Pankratz Street area of northeast Madison serving infants through elementary ages.
Preschool of the Arts
A Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool on Science Court in south Madison.
Creative Learning Preschool & Child Care Center
A preschool and child care center on South Butler Street in downtown Madison.
Red Caboose Child Care Center
A nonprofit child care center on Winnebago Street in Madison's Atwood neighborhood.
Big Oak Child Care Center
A play-based child care center on Winnebago Street in east Madison.
New Morning Nursery School
A parent-cooperative nursery school on Gilmore Street in southwest Madison.
University Houses Preschool
A play- and nature-based parent-cooperative preschool on Odana Road on Madison's west side.
Meeting House Nursery School
A play-based part-day nursery school in the First Unitarian Society Meeting House on University Bay Drive.
Montessori Children's House
A nonprofit Montessori preschool on Medical Circle on Madison's west side.
The Playing Field
A child care and education center on Mineral Point Road in Madison's midtown area.
Greenway Crossing Montessori School
A bilingual Montessori school on Greenway Cross in south Madison.
Orchard Ridge Nursery School
A part-day nursery school on McKenna Boulevard in the Orchard Ridge area of west Madison.
Preschool approaches in Madison
The programs listed here include play-based, Montessori, cooperative and Reggio Emilia. New to the differences? Compare Montessori vs. play-based, read what children learn in preschool, or browse all our guides.
Montessori preschools in Madison
3 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 Madison?
Preschool tuition in Madison 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 Madison
Frequently asked questions
What preschool approaches are available in Madison?
First Cubby lists play-based, Montessori, cooperative and Reggio Emilia programs in Madison, among others. Each school's approach is shown on its listing.
How much is preschool tuition in Madison?
Preschool tuition in Madison 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 Madison?
Yes — 3 Montessori programs are listed in Madison above. Montessori classrooms are child-led and mixed-age with hands-on materials; see our guide on what Montessori is.
Are the preschools in Madison private?
Most standalone preschools in Madison 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 Madison?
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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