Best preschools in Memphis
These are the 11 preschools we track in Memphis, TN, ranked by how much verified, published information each one shares — state licensing and inspection records, published tuition, staff ratios, and program details. It's a transparency ranking (the programs you can actually vet), not a paid list and not a subjective quality verdict. Tour your shortlist before deciding.
1. Idlewild Presbyterian Children's Center
1750 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
A church-based preschool and children's center in the Midtown area of Memphis.
Published tuition (from the school's own site)
- Infant (6 weeks–12 months) · Full day 7am–6pm — $375/week
- Toddler (13–23 months) · Full day 7am–6pm — $375/week
- 24–35 months · Full day 7am–6pm — $350/week
- 3 years (36–47 months) · Full day 7am–6pm — $350/week
- 4 years · Full day 7am–6pm — $350/week
Fees: Application fee $50 · Deposit (one week's tuition, applied to final week) 1 week's tuition · Cot fee $25 · Activity fee $25 · Yearly registration fee (January) $100 · Late pickup fee (after 6:00 pm) $5 per minute
Program details (from the school's own site)
Approach: Emergent curriculum focused on brain development, social-emotional growth, self-regulation, and creativity; 'Touch, Talk, Read, and Play' philosophy. Not a religious program. Licensed by Tennessee DHS.
Extracurricular: Summer camp; Parent Enrichment Program
Ages served: 6 weeks through age 4
Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
Calendar: Year-round
Meals: Included
Allergy policy: Nut-free center; two snacks/day (over 7 months) and lunch (over 12 months); families may pack a lunch meeting USDA CACFP guidelines; birthday treats must be nut-free in original packaging.
Potty-training: Not required
Discipline: Positive behavior management (conflict resolution, prevention, redirection); corporal punishment and shaming strictly forbidden; a detailed prevention/expulsion policy applies.
Sick policy: Excluded for temperature of 100.4°F within 24 hours, diarrhea or vomiting within 24 hours, or any communicable disease; written doctor's clearance to return; pick up within one hour of illness. Annual health exams and immunizations required.
Withdrawal: Two weeks' written notice required; without notice, billed for an additional 2 weeks; accounts must be current at withdrawal.
Dress code: Two complete labeled changes of clothes kept at school; season-appropriate; more during potty training.
2. St. Mary's Episcopal School - Early Childhood
71 N Perkins Rd, Memphis, TN 38117
A Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood program at an independent school in East Memphis.
Published tuition (from the school's own site)
- St. Mary's Place (2-yr-olds), 2-day program · 2 mornings–2 full days — $5,600–$7,200/year
- St. Mary's Place (2-yr-olds), 5-day program · 5 mornings–5 full days — $10,050–$14,100/year
- Pre-Kindergarten (3-yr-olds), 5-day program · 5 mornings–5 full days — $12,760–$17,800/year
- Junior Kindergarten (4-yr-olds), 5-day program · 5 mornings–5 full days — $14,620–$20,400/year
Fees: Meal plan (optional, SMP–JK, by days enrolled) up to $1,135 · Snack fee (by days enrolled) up to $375 · Instructional & activities fee (SMP–JK) $425
Program details (from the school's own site)
Approach: Reggio Emilia-inspired, project-based, hands-on exploration; language- and literature-centered; Bridge to Caring character education and weekly Chapel
Languages: Spanish, 2–3 times per week for all Early Childhood students
Extracurricular: Art, music, pre-ballet/creative movement, STEM/science, P.E., library, chapel
Ages served: Girls ages 2 through Senior Kindergarten (part of a school serving age 2 through grade 12)
Hours: Mornings 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., full days 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; classrooms open 7:30 a.m.; After3 aftercare until 5:30 p.m. Over 30 schedule options.
Meals: Included
Teacher credentials: Two lead teachers per classroom, supported by an Early Childhood Learning Specialist, special-subject teachers, a counselor, and a school nurse
Withdrawal: Tuition Refund Plan (insurance) required for new students, financial-aid recipients, and monthly-plan families — protects tuition if a student withdraws.
Dress code: Play clothes in the Early Childhood Center; uniforms begin in 1st grade.
3. Threshold Montessori School
581 Ellsworth St, Memphis, TN 38111
A Montessori preschool in the University District of Memphis.
Published tuition (from the school's own site)
- Toddler Class (5 days/week) · 5 days — $900/month
- Toddler Class (3 days/week) · 3 days — $700/month
- Pre-K (ages 3–5, 5 days/week) · 5 days — $875/month
- Pre-K (ages 3–5, 3 days/week) · 3 days — $680/month
Fees: Registration fee (per family, with application) $225 · Re-enrollment fee (each new school term) $150 · Before-school care $30–$50/month · After-school care $60–$100/month
Program details (from the school's own site)
Approach: Montessori, founded on the 'Joy of Learning' principle; founder AMI-certified (St. Nicholas centre, London)
Ages served: 18 months to 5 years (Toddler; Pre-K ages 3–5); 3, 4, and 5 day programs
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; all children must arrive by 8:30 a.m. for the first group lesson
Teacher credentials: Founder and administrator both Montessori-certified (founder AMI-certified); no ratios published
Discipline: Montessori freedom-within-limits: a child may work with any material whose purpose they understand, but may not disturb other children at work or misuse equipment.
4. Presbyterian Day School
4025 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38111
An independent school for boys in East Memphis with a junior kindergarten and lower school.
Published tuition (from the school's own site)
- Young Knights (2-year-olds) · 5 Half Days — $8,480/year
- Young Knights (2-year-olds) · 5 Full Days — $13,790/year
- Pre-Kindergarten · 5 Half Days — $11,590/year
- Pre-Kindergarten · 5 Full Days — $17,800/year
- Junior Kindergarten · 5 Full Days — $21,550/year
Fees: Matriculation fee (new students) $500 · Monthly payment plan fee $300 per year · Lunch & drink plan (optional, annual) $1,200 · Aftercare (optional, annual) $950–$2,500
Program details (from the school's own site)
Approach: Christian preschool and elementary school for boys.
Extracurricular: Optional after-school sports ($200–$250 per sport); aftercare available
Ages served: 2-year-olds (Young Knights) through Junior Kindergarten in preschool (all-boys; full school through 6th grade)
Meals: Not included — families provide food
5. Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School
246 S Belvedere Blvd, Memphis, TN 38104
An Episcopal school in the Midtown area of Memphis serving preschool through eighth grade.
Published tuition (from the school's own site)
- Little Saints (16 months) · 5 Full Days — $14,585/year
- Little Lukers (age 2) · 5 Full Days — $14,585/year
- Pre-Kindergarten (age 3) · 5 Full Days — $16,675/year
- Junior Kindergarten (age 4) · 5 Half Days — $14,000/year
- Junior Kindergarten (age 4) · 5 Full Days — $18,675/year
Fees: Admission application fee $90 · Matriculation fee (new students) $100 · Tuition deposit (with enrollment agreement) $500 · Security fee $50
Program details (from the school's own site)
Approach: Play-based learning ('play with a purpose'); guided by the Formative Five (empathy, self-control, integrity, embracing diversity, grit); mindfulness and outdoor learning. Nine classrooms, maker space, outdoor classroom/garden.
Extracurricular: ACE: After School & Enrichment (fees vary)
Ages served: 16 months through age 4 / Junior Kindergarten (full school serves Preschool–Grade 8)
6. Hutchison School - Abston Early Childhood Center
1740 Ridgeway Rd, Memphis, TN 38119
A play-based early childhood program at an all-girls independent school in East Memphis.
Published tuition (from the school's own site)
- Little Hive (2-year-olds) · 2 full days — $6,990/year
- Little Hive (2-year-olds) · 3 full days — $9,570/year
- Little Hive (2-year-olds) · 5 full days — $13,990/year
- Pre-Kindergarten (3-year-olds) · 3 full days — $12,690/year
- Pre-Kindergarten (3-year-olds) · 5 full days — $17,815/year
- Junior Kindergarten (4-year-olds) · 3 full / 2 half days — $18,345/year
- Junior Kindergarten (4-year-olds) · 5 full days — $20,590/year
Fees: New student matriculation fee (one-time) $150 · Annual enrollment deposit per child (credited to tuition) $600
Program details (from the school's own site)
Approach: Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum; the Abston Early Childhood Center sits on Hutchison's 52-acre campus. All-girls.
Ages served: 2 through 4 years (all-girls)
7. Lipman Early Learning & Research Center
3771 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38111
A Reggio Emilia- and Montessori-based laboratory preschool operated by the University of Memphis in East Memphis.
Published tuition (from the school's own site)
- Reggio Emilia Inspired Preschool (2 years) · School day 8:00 am–3:15 pm — $13,505.63/year
- Reggio Emilia Inspired Preschool (3 years) · School day 8:00 am–3:15 pm — $11,620.35/year
- Reggio Emilia Inspired Preschool (4 years) · School day 8:00 am–3:15 pm — $11,620.35/year
- Montessori (3–6 years) · School day 8:00 am–3:15 pm — $12,292.88/year
- Summer Camp (ages 2–6) · 8:00 am–5:00 pm, Jun–Jul 2026 — $295/week
Fees: Advanced registration deposit (per new student contract) $215.00
Program details (from the school's own site)
Approach: Two tracks — Reggio Emilia Inspired (self-guided, learning through exploration and projects) and Montessori (ages 3 through kindergarten). Laboratory demonstration preschool for the University of Memphis.
Extracurricular: Enrichment activities daily 3:15–5:00 pm at no additional cost
Ages served: Children ages 2 through 5 (Montessori track ages 3–6)
Hours: School day 8:00 am–3:15 pm; enrichment activities 3:15–5:00 pm at no additional cost. Summer camp 8:00 am–5:00 pm
8. The Maria Montessori School
740 Harbor Bend Rd, Memphis, TN 38103
A Montessori preschool in the Harbor Town area of downtown Memphis.
Published tuition (from the school's own site)
- Toddler (18 mo–3 yr), half day 8:30–11:30 · Half day — $11,460/year
- Toddler (18 mo–3 yr), full day 8:30–3:15 · Full day — $12,670/year
- Primary (3–4+ yr), half day 8:30–11:30 · Half day — $10,530/year
- Primary (3–4+ yr), full day (with nap) · Full day — $11,790/year
- Primary (5–6+ yr), extended day · Full day — $11,990/year
Fees: Application fee (waiting list) $100 · Tuition deposit (per student, applied to tuition) $400 · New Family Fee (one-time community fee) $1,500 · Supply fee (Toddler & Primary, per student) $400 · Building/grounds maintenance fee (or 20 volunteer hrs/semester) $500
Program details (from the school's own site)
Approach: Montessori; affiliated with and certified by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)
Extracurricular: Art, library, outdoor environment
Ages served: 18 months to 14 years (Toddler 18 mo–2.5 yr; Primary 2.5–6 yr; then Elementary and Middle School)
Hours: Half day 8:30am–11:30am; full day 8:30am–3:15pm
Teacher credentials: AMI-trained/Montessori-certified staff; founder certified through the Montessori Institute of Atlanta (AMI, ages 3–6)
9. Porter-Leath Early Childhood Center - American Way
4207 American Way, Memphis, TN 38118
A nonprofit early childhood center in southeast Memphis.
Program details (from the school's own site)
Approach: Evidence-based, research-based curriculum with play-based activities, direct instruction, and hands-on projects (language, reading, writing, math, science); developmental screenings and family involvement. NAEYC-accredited; maintains a 99% QRIS score.
Extracurricular: Two outdoor playgrounds; multipurpose room; home-based support for prenatal families and infants to age 3
Ages served: 6 weeks through age 5 (Early Head Start, Head Start; Head Start serves children 3 or 4 by Aug 15, 2026)
Hours: Head Start 8:00 am–3:00 pm, Monday–Friday
Meals: Included
Staff ratios: Two teachers per classroom (described as a low student-teacher ratio); numeric ratio not stated
Teacher credentials: Ongoing professional development via Porter-Leath's Teacher Excellence Program
10. 1st Class Montessori School
1336 Peabody Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
A Montessori school in the Midtown area of Memphis.
Program details (from the school's own site)
Approach: Montessori method combined with other strategies; American Montessori Society (AMS) affiliated and certified by the Tennessee Department of Education
Languages: Foreign languages offered as an enrichment area (specific languages not named)
Extracurricular: Foreign language, music, practical-life food preparation (enrichment areas)
Ages served: Toddlers, preschool, kindergarten through 3rd grade
Teacher credentials: Founded by Evelyn Thorpe-Hibbler; emphasizes small class sizes (no ratios/credentials published)
11. Natural Learning School
1992 Nelson Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
A Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool in the Central Gardens area of Midtown Memphis.
Program details (from the school's own site)
Approach: Reggio Emilia approach — children of any age as natural learners; art projects, daily outdoor play (weather permitting), story time, and child self-selection of activities
Extracurricular: Art, Green Learning, summer camp, outdoor play
Ages served: Infant-Toddler and Preschool (about 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten)
Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; before care 8:00–9:00 a.m. and after care 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Allergy policy: Snacks are healthy and food allergies are accommodated
How we ranked these
Schools rise on this list when they publish information a parent can check: a verified state child-care license with a clean inspection record, published tuition (8 here do), listed staff-to-child ratios, and detailed policies. We never take payment to rank a school, and we never invent numbers — a blank means the school hasn't published it, not that it scored zero. Read more about how to check a preschool's license and what to ask on a tour.
See all preschools in Memphis →
Every program we track in Memphis, with tuition, licensing, and approach.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best preschools in Memphis?
First Cubby ranks the 11 preschools it tracks in Memphis by how much verified, published information each one shares — state licensing and inspection records, published tuition, staff ratios, and program details — so you can compare the programs you can actually vet. The order is a transparency ranking, not a subjective quality score; tour your shortlist before deciding.
How does First Cubby rank preschools?
We order schools by the depth of verified, published data a parent can check: a verified state child-care license with a clean inspection record, published tuition, listed staff-to-child ratios, and detailed policies. We never take payment to rank a school and we never invent numbers — a blank means the school hasn't published it.
How much do the best preschools in Memphis cost?
8 of the programs here publish their tuition, shown on each listing. Cost varies by schedule and approach; our guide on how much preschool costs explains how to compare the real price, and how to afford preschool covers subsidies, TK, and Head Start.
Find & compare preschools near you →
Free. Save your shortlist, track tours and deadlines, and compare side by side.