Skip to main content

Best-Rated Daycares & Preschools in Charlotte for 2025: A Parent’s Real Estate Guide

When families relocate to Charlotte—or even just move within the city—one of the first things they ask me is:  “Where are the best daycares and preschools near us?”

Whether you're planning ahead for your little one or making a move soon, this guide gives you a look at Charlotte’s most highly rated early childhood education centers in 2025—plus how to find a home close by. 


Top-Rated Daycares & Preschools in Charlotte (2025 Edition)

Here are some of the top picks based on parent reviews, accreditation, safety, curriculum, and community reputation

1. LeafSpring School at Ballantyne

📍 9915 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
✅ NAEYC accredited
✅ Offers infant to kindergarten prep
✅ Large outdoor play spaces and STEAM programming
⭐️Why parents love it: Structured curriculum, strong safety protocols, and individualized care.

2. Primrose School of Lake Norman

📍 19620 W Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031
✅ Trusted franchise with consistent excellence
✅ Spanish language integration
✅ Focus on character development + academics
⭐️ Why parents love it: Consistency, clear communication, and well-prepped kids for elementary school.

3. The Goddard School (North Charlotte)

📍 3025 Prosperity Church Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269
✅ Play-based learning with structured curriculum
✅ Secure campus with keypad entry
✅ Daily activity reports via app
⭐️ Why parents love it: Staff longevity and how their kids genuinely look forward to going.

4. Shining Stars Academy

📍 1328 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054
✅ One of the highest-rated independent programs west of Charlotte
✅ Focus on early literacy and social-emotional growth
✅ Offers full-time and part-time care
⭐️Why parents love it: Local feel, affordable pricing, and real community support.

5. Park Road Montessori Pre-K (CMS)

📍 3701 Haven Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209
✅ Public option under Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
✅ Montessori curriculum with certified staff
✅ Great intro for families planning to stay in CMS
⭐️ Why parents love it: Early intro to the CMS magnet pipeline and calm, structured environment.

Want to Live Near One of These? Here’s What You Need to Know:

Most of these programs have waitlists, so location matters—and being close by can help with drop-off, pick-up, and securing a spot.

Charlotte neighborhoods near top-rated preschools are in high demand. Some top picks include:

  • Ballantyne – for LeafSpring, Primrose, and proximity to top public schools

  • Lake Norman/Cornelius – for a suburban feel with strong community centers

  • University City/Prosperity Village – for access to The Goddard School and quick city access

  • SouthPark/Montford – for families eyeing Park Road Montessori and walkable conveniences

What to Ask When Touring a Preschool or Daycare:

Here are a few must-ask questions to help you compare:

  • What is the student-to-teacher ratio?

  • What’s the staff turnover like?

  • What’s included in the tuition (meals, supplies, extended care)?

  • How does communication work between school and parents?

  • Is the school part of a waitlist or lottery system?


Thinking about moving closer to one of these top-rated schools? I specialize in helping families find homes in Charlotte’s best school zones. Let’s talk about where you want your child to grow—and how we can make that move happen.

Until next week!


Evie DeJesus

Your Trusted Go-To Charlotte Real Estate Advisor


YouTube


Search for Homes in NC




Labels:
Location: Cornelius, NC, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcome to Real Talk with Evie DeJesus: What You Need to Know About Real Estate, Without the Fluff

Welcome to the very first post of “ Real Talk with Evie DeJesus .” Thank you for checking out my blog!  If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise and confusion that comes with navigating real estate, you’re in the right place. My goal is pretty simple: to break down the complex world of real estate into practical, no-nonsense advice you can actually use—without the BS! Who I Am I’m Evie DeJesus, a Trusted Realtor in the Charlotte, NC Metro area and a Life Insurance Broker. I journeyed from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, NYC, to the beautiful welcoming landscapes of Huntersville, NC back in 2009 in search of a better place to raise my boys. As a dedicated mother of two boys, I understand the nuances of family needs in finding the perfect home, the right schools, the right neighborhood.  In a world where real estate can feel overwhelming or even intimidating, my promise is to be the down-to-earth, relatable guide who’s got your back. I am committed to deliver...
Post a Comment
Read more

Top 5 Schools in Charlotte (2025): Where to Live to Get In & Set Your Kids Up for Success

Thinking about moving to Charlotte? If you're a parent (or plan to be), chances are schools are at the top of your priority list. But here's the thing — even if you don’t have kids, buying in a top-rated school zone can boost your home's value and make resale easier when the time comes. As a local Realtor who helps families relocate every day, I’ve seen firsthand how the right school choice transforms not only your child's life but also your entire homeownership experience. Let’s break down the T op 5 schools in Charlotte for 2025 , plus where to live if you want to secure that coveted spot. 🥇 Providence High School One of the most in-demand public high schools in Charlotte, Providence High is known for its strong academics, competitive sports programs, and a supportive community vibe. Where to live: Providence Plantation, Lansdowne, and parts of Matthews. Average home prices: $650K–$1M. 🥈 Ardrey Kell High School Located in Ballantyne, Ardrey Kell is famous for...
Post a Comment
Read more

Your Summer Home Maintenance Checklist—What to Do Now to Protect Your Investment

Charlotte’s hot summers can take a toll on your home—especially if you skip seasonal maintenance. This blog gives you a simple, practical checklist to help you protect your investment, boost curb appeal, and avoid expensive repairs later. Whether you’re staying put or thinking of selling soon, these tips will keep your home in top shape through the Carolina heat. Let’s be real—summer in Charlotte brings the heat. And while you’re soaking up the sunshine (or dodging the humidity), your home is taking the hit. If you want to protect your biggest investment and avoid surprise repairs, now’s the time to check in on your property. Here’s your no-fluff, high-impact summer home maintenance checklist to help you keep things running smoothly—and maybe even boost your resale value: ✅ 1.  Check Your HVAC You do not want your AC dying mid-July. Schedule a service now to clean filters, check coils, and make sure it’s running efficiently. Pro tip: A well-maintained system lasts longer an...
Post a Comment
Read more