The Best Preschools in Swarthmore, PA
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Swarthmore. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
Swarthmore Friends Nursery School
Swarthmore Friends Meeting
Swarthmore Friends Nursery School is a highly respected, Quaker-based early learning center known for its child-directed, play-based approach that fosters social, emotional, and cognitive development. With small class sizes and experienced educators, it emphasizes community values, outdoor play, and individualized attention. The school maintains an excellent safety record and high parent satisfaction through its nurturing environment and strong teacher qualifications, often with backgrounds in early childhood education.
Programs Offered:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Media is a nationally accredited early childhood education center that serves Swarthmore and the broader Delaware County area. It features a play-based learning curriculum with a strong focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), led by qualified teachers in a secure, state-of-the-art facility. Parents praise its safety protocols, engaging activities, and consistent communication, contributing to its high educational quality ratings and robust parent satisfaction.
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The Malvern School
The Malvern School
The Malvern School in Newtown Square is a premier early learning center with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math readiness, and social skills development. It offers a secure environment with advanced safety features and highly qualified teachers, many holding degrees in early childhood education. Serving Swarthmore families, it is noted for its high parent satisfaction, structured yet flexible programs, and commitment to fostering independence and creativity in young children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Swarthmore, PA:
What is the typical cost of preschool in Swarthmore, PA, and are there any financial assistance options?
In Swarthmore, monthly preschool tuition typically ranges from $300 to $800, depending on the program's schedule (part-time vs. full-day) and philosophy. Some local centers, like those affiliated with Swarthmore United Methodist Church or the Swarthmore Recreation Association, may offer slightly lower community-based rates. For financial assistance, inquire directly with schools about scholarships and explore Pennsylvania's Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program for eligible families.
How do I navigate the enrollment timelines and waitlists for popular Swarthmore preschools?
Many highly-regarded preschools in Swarthmore, such as the Swarthmore Friends Nursery School, have enrollment periods that begin as early as January for the following fall semester, with some utilizing a lottery system. It's crucial to start your research and school visits in the autumn prior to your desired start date. Contacting schools directly to understand their specific process and getting on inquiry lists is the best first step.
What types of preschool programs are most common in Swarthmore, and how do I choose?
Swarthmore offers a variety of approaches, including play-based, Montessori (like The School in Rose Valley nearby), and cooperative models where parents participate. Your choice should align with your child's temperament and your educational values. Visiting schools to observe the classroom environment and speaking with directors about their curriculum philosophy is highly recommended to find the best fit.
Are preschools in Swarthmore licensed, and what safety regulations should I ask about?
Yes, all legal preschools in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). You can verify a Swarthmore preschool's license and review its compliance history online via the DHS website. During tours, ask about staff-to-child ratios, background checks for all employees, emergency procedures, and their outdoor play space safety to ensure they meet or exceed state standards.
Given Swarthmore's walkable nature, are there preschools conveniently located near residential areas or public transit?
Absolutely. Several preschools are centrally located within the borough, making them easily accessible for walking families. For example, Swarthmore Presbyterian Church Nursery School and the Swarthmore Recreation Association's program are in the heart of town. For parents commuting via the SEPTA Media/Wawa Line, selecting a preschool within a short walk from the Swarthmore station is a practical consideration.
Nearby Cities
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