We’re lucky to have so many fabulous Madison, WI preschools!
This is our 11th year publishing this guide and one of our most viewed and most searched for posts each year. We appreciate our featured preschools who through their partnership have helped make this guide possible.
Below the featured/sponsored preschools – you will find a comprehensive list of Madison, WI preschools, sorted by location.
If you are a local preschool – interested in being featured, please reach out to: [email protected] and if you have a favorite school – be sure to comment below.
Be sure to also check out our Guide to Private Schools in Madison, WI.
Kids Junction
Kids Junction Preschool’s mission is to partner with families to establish patterns of life-long development in mind, body and Christian character during a child’s most formative years.
Kids Junction Learning Center is a state licensed preschool learning center offering a rich preschool experience as well as childcare and day care services in Madison, WI. We provide all-day preschool for 2’s, 3’s and 4 year old Pre-K, as well as nurturing child care for infants and toddlers. Within our preschool curriculum we offer language arts, math, science, character building, physical education, field trips and exciting enrichment programs.
Each preschool classroom is designed to help enhance learning in all areas. We have two full service kitchens offering fresh and nutritional breakfast, lunch, and snacks each day.
Kids Junction Preschool has two beautiful and secure outdoor playground facilities and access to the spacious gym and rooftop soccer field within the Princeton Club. We also offer on-site parking with reserved parking spaces for convenient drop-off and pick-up.
Ages: Infant – 5+ years
Schedules: Full Days, Half Days, Part-Time, Drop-in,
Other Programming Available: Summer Programming, Non School days, 4k, Before School, After School
Address: 8084 Watts Road – Madison, WI
Phone #: (608) 827-5437
Hickory Hill Academy
Hickory Hill Academy is a family-owned, independent school (12 weeks – 8th grade) on a beautiful 10-acre campus in Madison, WI, with a 30-year foundation in early childhood education. Guided by our vision to cultivate compassionate, confident leaders, their play-based, NAEYC accredited program makes learning joyful, engaging, and meaningful every day!
Rooted in strong values and caring relationships, children grow socially, emotionally, and academically in a community where they are truly known and loved. Outdoor learning is part of daily life — including time with their campus animals like Dolly the mini Highlander and friends, which spark wonder, empathy, and connection.
Why Families Love HHA
- NAEYC accredited, Play-based, developmentally appropriate learning
- Strong focus on character and social-emotional growth
- Nature-rich campus with animals and outdoor exploration
- Enrichments programs: Music, Spanish, Culinary, Bucky Beats, PE, Strings, and Library
- Vision and Values: Cultivating Compassionate Leaders, Campus, Community, & Curriculum
- New family discount available!
Come see the joy for yourself! Inquire on their website to schedule a tour or connect with their Admissions team.
Grades: 12 weeks – 8th grade
Financial Aid Available: Yes (plus new family discount)!
Address: 3276 South High Point Road, Madison, WI
Phone: (608) 845-3245
Guidepost Montessori at Verona
Guidepost Montessori in Verona offers a warm, child-centered environment grounded in the Montessori philosophy, where independence, curiosity, and joyful learning guide each day. Our credentialed Montessori guides create thoughtfully prepared classrooms that support each child’s developmental needs and honor their individual pace. Children engage in hands-on exploration both indoors and outdoors, enjoying our urban playground as well as periodic walks and nature experiences along the nearby Ice Age Trail. With an emphasis on purposeful work, creativity, and real-world skills, we partner closely with families to help each child grow into a confident, capable, and compassionate learner.
Ages: Infant – 5 years
Schedules: Full time, Part time, Full days, Half Days
Other Programming Available: 4k, Before School, After School
Address: 240 Enterprise Drive – Verona
Phone #: (608) 492-0519
University Houses Preschool
University Houses Preschool is a part-day, non-profit, parent cooperative, play based with a nature and kindness focus preschool with 4K. Parent involvement as helpers in our classroom and on our Parent Board is one of the strengths at UHP. Member and nonmember options are available. Our outdoor classroom is open when it’s 50°F or warmer. Outdoor Summer Camp in June and July.
Ages: 2 – 5+ years
Schedules: Half day, Part-time, Drop-in
Other Programming Available: 4k, Summer Programming
Address: 6033 Odana Road – Madison
Phone #: (608) 238-3955
Country Grove Preschool
Ages: 2 – 5+ years
Neighborhood: Near West Side Preschools (Includes Fitchburg/Verona)
Other Programming Available: 4K, Summer Programming, Before School, After School
Address: 3201 Tanglewood Drive – Madison, WI
Phone: (608) 845-7988
Montessori Children's House
Ages: Infant – 5+ years
Neighborhood: Near West Side Preschools (Includes Fitchburg/Verona)
Other Programming Available: Summer Programming
Address: 5530 Medical Circle – Madison
Phone: (608) 273-8600
Other Near Westside Preschools
Countryside Montessori Preschool
Ages: 2 – 5 years
Neighborhood: East Side Preschools (Includes Sun Prairie/McFarland/East Waunakee
Other Programming Available: Summer Programming
Address: 721 Northport Drive – Madison
Phone: (608) 212-7224
Monona Grove Nursery School
Ages: Infant – 5+ years
Neighborhood: East Side Preschools (Includes Sun Prairie/McFarland/East Waunakee)
Other Programming Available: 4K
Address: 4019 Hegg Ave – Madison
Phone: (608) 222-4633
Bright Horizons at the American Center
Ages: Infant – 5 years
Neighborhood: East Side Preschools (Includes Sun Prairie/McFarland/East Waunakee
Address: 5119 American Family Drive – Madison
Phone: (608) 676-7232
Other Eastside Preschools
Blessed Sacrament School
As part of a 3K–8 Catholic school, Blessed Sacrament Preschool offers young learners a warm entry into a larger, connected community where children learn and grow together. Our 3K, 4K, and Montessori Children’s House programs use hands-on, developmentally appropriate learning to build independence, confidence, and foundational academic skills. Multi-age classrooms and schoolwide mentoring help children feel supported by both teachers and older peers, creating a true “family of learners.” Grounded in Catholic values and guided by experienced educators, we provide a joyful, welcoming start to lifelong learning.
Ages: 2 – 5+ years
Schedules: Morning session (8am – 11:30) or full day (8am – 3:15pm). After school care until 5:30pm is available.
Other Programming Available: 4k, After School
Address: 2112 Hollister Ave. – Madison
Phone #: (608) 233-6155
New Morning Nursery School
Play-based preschool. Organized as a non-profit, parent cooperative preschool in 1972. Our preschool curriculum fosters social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development, problem-solving, independence, self-reliance, and respect for others in a safe and nurturing community with the guidance of highly experienced and loving teachers.
Ages: 2 – 5+ years
Schedules: Half days
Other Programming Available: 4k, Summer Programming
Address: 718 Gilmore Street – Madison
Phone #: (608) 233-0433
Preschool of the Arts
At Preschool of the Arts, our mission is to nurture open-minded and open-hearted individuals who learn alongside one another and embrace the world with compassion, creativity, wonder, and joy. For more than 50 years, we have been serving the children and families of Madison, Wisconsin. We are inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy and believe that children are powerful and competent learners and that they learn best in thoughtfully prepared and engaging environments by educators who are loving, enthusiastic, joyful, and careful listeners.
Ages: Infant – 5 years
Schedules: Full days, Half days, 5 days per week schedule
Other Programming Available: 4k, Summer Programming, Before School, After School
Address: 11 Science Court – Madison
Phone #: (608) 233-1707
Woodland Montessori School
Ages: Infant – 5+ years
Neighborhood: Downtown Area Preschools
Other Programming Available: Summer Programming, Before School, After School
Address: 1124 Colby Street – Madison
Phone #: (608) 256-8076
Meeting House Nursery School
Ages: 2 – 5 years
Neighborhood: Downtown Area Preschools
Address: 900 University Bay Dr. – Madison
Phone #: (608) 233-9776
Other Downtown Area Preschools
Wood's Hollow Children's Center
Ages: Infant – 5+ years
Neighborhood: Near West Side Preschools (Includes Fitchburg/Verona)
Other Programming Available: 4K, Summer Programming, After School
Address: 5470 Research Park Drive – Fitchburg, WI
Phone #: (608) 273-4433
Madison Community Montessori School
Ages: 2 – 5+ years
Neighborhood: Far West Side Preschools (Includes Middleton/West Waunakee)
Other Programming Available: 4K, Summer Programming, Before School, After School
Address: 8406 Ellington Way – Madison
Phone #: (608) 827-6267
Other Far Westside Preschools
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Our kids go to Bright Child Learning Center on McKee Road – I am surprised it is not included since it’s fairly large with ~100 kiddos spread across 4 infant classrooms, 4 toddler classrooms, and 2 preschool-5k classrooms.
The Goodman Community Center has a wonderful preschool and 4K program that is super affordable (lots of financial assistance for families who need it — many kids attend for free) and of the highest quality. The program focuses on social emotional learning and building a “school family.” They also have an elementary after-school program that serves kids who attend Lowell and Emerson elementary schools.
Learn more: https://www.goodmancenter.org/children-teens/preschool-4k
The east side list only includes 2 schools? The east side has several great Montessori preschools but I’m surprised Isthmus Montessori Academy is not on the list for East side preschools, it’s a fantastic school for birth through 12 grade using Montessori principles. If this list truly is just a sponsored list there should be a larger disclaimer at the beginning. If interested, other great Montessori preschools are Toad Hill Montessori and Blooming Grove Montessori.
My kids have all gone to Montessori Children’s House on the west side of Madison and have had an amazing experience there. It is a rare school, with staff who have been there since I went there as a child. I highly recommend this school for those with kids ages 2-6, you will not find a better early childhood center.
Thank you for this comprehensive guide! It’s so helpful to have all this information in one place as we prepare for preschool. I appreciate the detailed reviews and tips on what to look for in a program. Can’t wait to explore these options for my little one!
This guide is a lifesaver! As a parent looking for the right preschool for my child in the Madison area, I found the detailed descriptions and reviews super helpful. Thanks for putting this together!
Thank you for this comprehensive guide! It’s incredibly helpful to have all this information in one place as we navigate preschool options in Madison. I’m especially interested in the recommendations and reviews – they really make a difference in our decision-making process. Keep up the great work!
Surprised to not see it listed here but The Village Early Childhood Center in Waunakee has a wonderful program. We absolutely love this preschool! The teachers are nurturing, creative, and truly invested in each child’s growth. I love that our younger kids can be in the daycare program in the same building, so drop-offs are easy and the staff knows our whole family. The curriculum strikes a perfect balance between learning and play, and the community feels like an extension of home.
Hello,
Could you please update Tenney to “Tenney Preschool & Childcare?” And the link to:
https://www.tenneykids.org/
Thanks!