The Best Preschools in Washington, DC
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Washington. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
The River School
The River School
The River School is a highly regarded independent preschool known for its innovative inclusive education model that pairs typically developing children with children who have hearing loss or other communication challenges. The school features a unique partnership with a speech-language pathology graduate program, providing exceptional language-rich environments. With small class sizes and highly qualified teachers, the school emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and hands-on learning. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and exceptional educational quality.
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The Primary Day School
The Primary Day School
While located in nearby Bethesda, The Primary Day School serves many Washington, DC families and is consistently ranked among the top early childhood programs in the metropolitan area. The school offers a comprehensive preschool program focusing on whole-child development through play-based learning and structured academic preparation. With exceptionally low student-teacher ratios and a beautiful campus environment, the school emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and social skills. The facility maintains outstanding safety records and employs highly qualified early childhood educators.
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Lowell School
Lowell School
Lowell School operates a highly respected preschool program that serves Washington, DC families seeking a progressive, child-centered approach to early education. The preschool curriculum balances structured academic preparation with extensive opportunities for creative expression and social development. The school features dedicated early childhood classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and specialized teachers in art, music, and physical education. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and individualized attention for each child. The program maintains excellent teacher retention and strong safety protocols.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Washington, DC:
What is the average cost of preschool in Washington, DC, and are there financial assistance programs available?
Full-time preschool in DC typically ranges from $1,800 to $3,000+ per month, with costs varying significantly by neighborhood and program type. Financial assistance is available through the DC Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families, and many independent preschools offer sliding-scale tuition or scholarships. It's also worth exploring the city's universal Pre-K program for 3- and 4-year-olds, which provides free, high-quality preschool at participating public, public charter, and community-based organizations.
How does DC's universal Pre-K program work, and how do I apply for a spot?
DC's Pay Equity Fund provides free, high-quality Pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds at a network of schools and community-based centers. You apply through the My School DC common application, which is a single lottery and application system for most DC public and public charter schools, including their Pre-K programs. The application opens in the fall for the following school year, and it's crucial to apply during the main lottery round for the best chance of securing a spot at your preferred location.
What should I look for to ensure a preschool is licensed and meets DC's safety and quality standards?
First, verify the program is licensed by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). You can check licensing status and review any compliance reports on the OSSE website. Look for programs that are actively participating in the city's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), known as "Going for the Gold," which assesses factors like curriculum, teacher qualifications, and learning environment. A high QRIS rating is a strong indicator of quality.
How do the preschool options differ between DC's public schools, public charter schools, and private centers?
DC Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools offer free Pre-K through the universal program, often with a structured curriculum aligned with elementary school. Public charters can have specialized educational approaches (like Montessori or language immersion). Private centers and independent preschools offer more variety in schedules (e.g., half-day), pedagogical philosophies (Reggio Emilia, Waldorf), and often have smaller class sizes, but they come with tuition costs. Your choice will depend on your budget, desired educational philosophy, and schedule needs.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and waitlist situations for DC preschools?
Timelines are critical and competitive, especially for sought-after programs. The My School DC lottery deadline for public and charter Pre-K is usually in early March. For private preschools, applications often open in September or October, with deadlines in January or February for the following fall. Many popular private schools have long waitlists, so it's advisable to start researching and touring schools at least a year in advance. Always ask directly about a school's specific timeline and waitlist policy during tours.
Nearby Cities
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