11 preschools near Tampa, FL, including Montessori and other private programs. Compare approach, tuition, hours, and location — then save your shortlist.
Montessori Academy of South Tampa
503 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609
Montessori · Inquire
A Montessori school located in the South Tampa neighborhood off MacDill Avenue.
Program details(from the school's own site)
Approach: Montessori Method; Primary program uses hands-on materials and mixed-age learning with an emphasis on language, math and responsibility
Ages served: Infants from 6 weeks through 6 years (Kindergarten); Toddlers between 18 months and three years; Primary ages three to six
Hours: Open year-round, Monday–Friday 7 am – 6 pm. Half Day 8:45 am – 12 pm; Full Day 8:45 am – 2:45 pm; Extended Day 7 am – 6 pm
Calendar: Year-round
Meals: Not included — families provide food
The Montessori Children's House of Hyde Park
2416 W Cleveland St, Tampa, FL 33609
Montessori · Inquire
A Montessori program in the Hyde Park area of Tampa serving early childhood through elementary ages.
Program details(from the school's own site)
Approach: Authentic Montessori education; accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and holds full accreditation with the Florida Council of Independent Schools. Founded in 1996 by Montessorian Amanda Linton-Evans.
A Montessori early learning center in the Carrollwood area of north Tampa.
Program details(from the school's own site)
Approach: Montessori-inspired, phonics-based; "Experience Curriculum" for toddlers focused on sensory exploration, early language and practical life skills; VPK program meets state VPK standards
Languages: Spanish-speaking teachers available
Ages served: Children ages 1 through kindergarten; Toddler program ages 1 to 2½ years; Preschool 3-year-olds; VPK and Kindergarten offered
Hours: Monday–Friday 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM (closed Saturday and Sunday); the 1-year-old toddler program runs until 3:00 PM. Morning-only and part-time (3 days per week) programs offered.
A half-day preschool in Tampa Palms blending Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies with play-based learning.
Program details(from the school's own site)
Approach: Hybrid curriculum drawing on the Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies and the Theory of Multiple Intelligences; balances structured learning with play-based activities, integrating literacy, math and science with art, music and physical education, plus outdoor play and nature-based learning; social-emotional emphasis on cooperation, empathy and resilience
Ages served: 18 months through Kindergarten — Toddler (18 months–2 years, half-days only), Two-Year-Old, Three-Year-Old and Four/Five-Year-Old programs, plus Private Kindergarten
The Goddard School of South Tampa
2401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
Play-based · Inquire
A play-based preschool and daycare located along Kennedy Boulevard in South Tampa.
Program details(from the school's own site)
Approach: Wonder of Learning® curriculum; accredited by Cognia ("Accredited with Merit"). Florida DCF licence C13HI0683.
Languages: American Sign Language; "Secondary Languages" offered (specific languages not named)
Extracurricular: American Sign Language, basketball court, chess, engineering, handwriting, learning technologies, music appreciation, nutrition, outdoor classroom, physical fitness, playground(s), secondary languages, sports & fitness, world cultures, yoga & mindfulness; After School program
Ages served: 6 weeks through Kindergarten — Infant (6 weeks–12 months), Toddler (12–24 months), Twos (2–3 years), Bridge (2.5–3.5 years), Preschool (3–4 years), Pre-K (4–5 years), Kindergarten and After School
Hours: Monday–Friday 6:30 am – 6:00 pm
The Goddard School of Tampa (Temple Terrace)
13401 Tampa Oaks Blvd, Tampa, FL 33637
Play-based · Inquire
A play-based preschool and daycare in the Temple Terrace area of Tampa.
Program details(from the school's own site)
Approach: Wonder of Learning proprietary play-based early-childhood curriculum
Languages: American Sign Language offered
Extracurricular: Chess, engineering, handwriting, music appreciation, physical fitness, sports & fitness, yoga & mindfulness, world cultures
A developmental, play-based preschool in the Seminole Heights area of Tampa.
Program details(from the school's own site)
Approach: Student-centered, constructivist self-guided curriculum; self-directed, experiential learning in a relationship-driven environment (since 2000)
Hours: Monday–Friday 6:00 am – 6:30 pm
Meals: Included
Corbett Preparatory School of IDS
12015 Orange Grove Dr, Tampa, FL 33618
Preschool · Inquire
An independent school in the Carrollwood area of Tampa with a preschool program for young children.
Published tuition(from the school's own site)
PreKindergarten 3 (Half Day) · half day — $14,169/year
PreKindergarten 3 (Full Day) · full day — $18,190/year
PreKindergarten 4 · full day — $20,052/year
Kindergarten · full day — $23,005/year
Fees: Enrollment deposit (applied to tuition) $1,000 · Capital assessment (one-time, new families) $1,000
Program details(from the school's own site)
Approach: International Baccalaureate — Primary Years Programme (PreK3–5) and Middle Years Programme (6–8); gifted education for all; research-based, hands-on, STEAM-inspired
An independent school in north Tampa's Carrollwood area offering early childhood and preschool programs.
Program details(from the school's own site)
Approach: International Baccalaureate World School — PYP (preschool–5), MYP (6–10), DP (11–12); Early Childhood Campus blends HighScope, Conscious Discipline and Responsive Classroom
Preschool tuition in Tampa 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.
First Cubby lists play-based, Montessori and Reggio Emilia programs in Tampa, among others. Each school's approach is shown on its listing.
How much is preschool tuition in Tampa?
Preschool tuition in Tampa 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 Tampa?
Yes — 3 Montessori programs are listed in Tampa above. Montessori classrooms are child-led and mixed-age with hands-on materials; see our guide on what Montessori is.
Are the preschools in Tampa private?
Most standalone preschools in Tampa 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 Tampa?
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.