The Best Preschools in Ada, MN
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Ada. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
Ada Head Start
Mahube-Otwa Community Action Partnership
Ada Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services to income-eligible families in the Ada area. The program focuses on school readiness, social-emotional development, and family engagement. With highly qualified teachers and a research-based curriculum, they offer full-day programming that includes educational activities, health screenings, nutritious meals, and family support services. The center maintains strong community partnerships and has served Norman County families for decades with a focus on preparing children for kindergarten success.
Programs Offered:
The Goddard School of Fargo
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located approximately 45 minutes from Ada in Fargo, The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program that serves families throughout the Red River Valley region. The school features a F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. With highly degreed teachers, low student-teacher ratios, and state-of-the-art facilities, they provide comprehensive early learning programs for children from six weeks to six years old. The school maintains excellent safety records and high parent satisfaction ratings.
Programs Offered:
Primrose School of Fargo
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Fargo, located about 45 minutes from Ada, offers a nationally recognized Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The school serves as a regional destination for quality early childhood education, featuring a research-based curriculum that develops character, creativity, and critical thinking skills. With secure facilities, comprehensive safety protocols, and highly qualified staff, Primrose provides exceptional educational experiences for infants through pre-kindergarten. The school maintains outstanding parent satisfaction and educational quality ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Ada, MN:
What are the typical costs for preschool programs in Ada, MN?
In Ada, preschool costs can vary significantly. Community-based programs like those at the Ada Community Center or local churches may charge $100-$200 per month, while private, full-day childcare centers with preschool curricula can range from $600-$900 monthly. It's important to inquire about potential income-based scholarships or state assistance programs like Child Care Assistance (CCA) that many Minnesota providers accept.
How do I verify the quality and licensing of a preschool in Ada?
All licensed preschools and childcare centers in Ada must comply with Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) regulations. You can verify a program's license status and review any past licensing violations on the Minnesota DHS Licensing Information Lookup website. Additionally, many local programs participate in Minnesota's Parent Aware Star Ratings, a voluntary quality rating system—a 4-star rating is the highest indicator of school readiness quality.
What types of preschool programs are available in Ada, and are there public options?
Ada offers a mix of private, faith-based, and public preschool options. The Ada-Borup-West Public School District typically offers free, part-day preschool programs for 4-year-olds, with enrollment priority often given based on developmental screening results. Other options include in-home family childcare providers offering preschool learning and private centers that may provide full-day care with an educational curriculum.
When should I start looking and applying for preschool in Ada, given the small-town setting?
Due to limited slots in a smaller community, it's advisable to start your search and inquiries at least 6-12 months before your desired start date, especially for the popular public school program. Many programs in Ada begin their enrollment processes in early spring (February-March) for the following fall. Contacting providers directly in January is a good strategy to get on mailing lists for open house dates.
What are key local factors to consider for safety and convenience in Ada?
Given Ada's rural setting and potential for harsh Minnesota winters, consider a preschool's drop-off/pick-up logistics, indoor play space for cold months, and storm closing policies. For safety, inquire about staff training specific to severe weather and their child-to-staff ratios, which in Minnesota are 1:10 for 4-year-olds. Proximity to home or work is especially important to minimize long drives on county roads.
Looking for More Options?
Explore preschools in other cities across Minnesota or search our full directory of early learning centers nationwide.