Preschools, Child Care, and Enrichment Programs for Preschoolers in Greater Rochester, NY
Preschools come in all shapes, sizes, and philosophies. Choose the one that is best for you by browsing through KOA's extensive lists. The following schools have elected to be highlighted on this list. Below that is the huge embedded list of all area preschools who have posted to KidsOutAndAbout. (If you work for a preschool that has not yet listed with us, click here for instructions. It's free to be listed in the scrolling box below.)
View our 2023 Special Edition Rochester Preschool Newsletter, with descriptions of even more local preschools.
Click here for upcoming Open Houses
If there is a preschool that we have missed, please email us to let us know, and we'll add it promptly. Thank you!
The Harley School
Nursery at The Harley School: Joy In LearningDesigned to meet the needs of growing toddlers as well as busy families!
Our experienced early childhood educators understand how children develop, viewing each moment as teachable and masterfully guiding their class with consideration for each student. The children are engaged in a highly intentional way. By creating classroom environments filled with lively discussion, collaboration, social interaction, and play, the wonder of learning is opened up to young children.
The average tenure of our Nursery faculty is 11 years. They are trained to create safe, joyful, and engaging classroom and school communities. Their emphasis is on helping students develop academic, social, and emotional skills in a learning environment that is developmentally responsive to their strengths and needs.
Contact Renee Fishner at RFishner@harleyschool.org or 585-442-1770 to learn more.
Rochester Childfirst Network
RCN (Accredited Preschool) has a vision that every child grows up safe and strong able to achieve his or her full potential. With experienced teachers and a cutting-edge curriculum, RCN nurtures and educates children through play. RCN’s inclusive and integrated programs include Infant,Toddler and Preschool programs (6 weeks – 4yrs.) including UPK, Special Education program from (Birth to age 5); a School-Age Wrap-Around program (Grades K-6); a Summer Camp (Grades K-6); Family Child Care program that offers training and special services to more than 200 home based child care providers with workshops on child development, health and safety along with NYS Licensing assistance and CACFP (food program) registration. Visit http://www.rcn4kids.org/ for more information or call us at (585) 473-2858 for a personal tour.
Woodbury School at the Strong
Woodbury School at The Strong offers a preschool program for three- and four-year-old children and an early kindergarten program for four- and five-year-old children. Both programs are Reggio Emilia-inspired and are therefore responsive to the interests of the children. This approach encourages teachers and students to work together to plan the curriculum and create projects. Guided by teachers who facilitate their explorations, children delve deeply into topics that fascinate and stimulate learning.
Click here for more information and to apply. If you have questions, please contact Tyana Velazquez-Smith at tvelsmith@museumofplay.org.
YMCA of Greater Rochester Child Care
The YMCA of Greater Rochester offers a variety of child care options. New this year is Y School of ROC. Kids ages 5-12 years old continue their education at the Y with support for virtual learning days. Y School of ROC is offered in addition to traditional Before and After School Programs.
The Y also offers Pre-Kindergarten 3 and 4 which is a FREE preschool program for any child in the Rochester City School District ages 3 and 4.
For children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old the Y has five Full Day Child Care Centers that provide safe, supportive environments where children can learn through play and engagement.
Allendale Columbia School
At Allendale Columbia School, we prepare students for the world they will inherit. In our trusting and responsive environment, students in nursery through grade 12 grow in confidence and develop scholastic independence. Together, our students and teachers imagine, design, and create in order to make a positive impact locally and globally. We focus on building foundational skills while providing real-world, authentic learning opportunities. We value and foster these core values: making connections that matter; mastering strategies for learning; inspiring curious and creative learners; sparking resilient spirits; and daring to take risks.
Contact our Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid, Shelby Riter, at sriter@allendalecolumbia.org today to learn more!
St. Lawrence School (PreK-5th Grade)
Full & Half Day PreK 3 & 4At St. Lawrence School, our PreK through 5th grade students are provided with a strong instructional program centered on spiritual growth, academic excellence, and service to others. Our dedicated faculty and staff inspire our students to achieve, while guiding and empowering them to become successful members and future leaders of our community. Students at St. Lawrence are immersed in a small caring community environment, rich with student-centered technology and standards-based instruction, including art, music, physical education, and after school care programs and activities. We invite you to come and visit us at St. Lawrence School to experience how we make a difference in the lives of our students through high standards of academics in a nurturing, faith-based environment.
Please visit our website at www.stlawrenceschool.org or call us at (585) 225-3870 for more information or to schedule a tour. We look forward to welcoming you to our St. Lawrence School Community!
Pittsford United Nursery School
Pittsford United Nursery School is a play-based preschool for 2-5 year olds. At PUNS, we strive to teach the “whole child” through educational instruction and play-based learning, including enrichment courses that enable children to expand on interests in STEM, literature, art and more. Children are further engaged in hands-on learning through educational centers, dedicated gross motor time, our fenced-in playground and the PUNS Garden. We offer small class sizes, experienced teachers and flexible cooperative options. We also pride ourselves on being an allergy-friendly school. At PUNS, our goal is to prepare each student for lifelong success in their educational journey.
St. Ambrose Academy
St. Ambrose Academy is a private, Catholic, coed, elementary school providing academic excellence for students in Preschool through grade 5. We offer Preschool programs for 3 and 4 year olds with the option of full day wraparound extended care. Our caring teachers provide experiences which enrich all aspects of a child's life: spiritual, emotional, social, physical, and intellectual. In addition to the preschool curriculum, students also receive specialized instruction in physical education and music. We invite you to contact our office to arrange for your personal tour. 585-288-0580
Nazareth Elementary – Where Faith, Love and Learning Thrive!
Grade PreK3 - Grade 6In 2021, we celebrated 150 years of quality education! Combine academic excellence in a faith-filled environment with our dedicated, caring teaching staff and your child’s early educational journey will flourish! Our goal is for every child to thrive as a confident learner. Since the pandemic, Nazareth has grown its Academic Intervention program to provide extra support in reading and math. There are also enrichment opportunities at various levels. We are bringing back some pre-pandemic extracurricular activities such as Children’s Choir and Science Club. Nazareth could be the experience you have been searching for! Set your child up for bright future with a Nazareth education today.
Reach out today to join the Nazareth family! Call 585-458-3786 to schedule a tour. For more information on our Preschool to Grade 6 program, please visit us at www.nazarethschools.org.
Generations Child Care
Generations Child Care understands that finding high-quality early education and child care can be hard. Generations accepts Monroe County Child Care subsidies and can help families navigate the application process. Locally owned and operated since 1993, Generations has locations in Fairport, Irondequoit, SW Rochester, Gates, and Downtown Rochester. Serving ages six weeks to ten years, Generations is sure to have a program and location that fits your family's needs.
For more information, visit www.generations-care.com.
Bach to Rock Penfield
In our rockin’ preschool class for ages 3-5, students will work on dynamic musical and movement-based activities, get exposure to live instruments and have musically inspired story-time. They will develop the skills needed to read music, play simple rhythms and develop fine motor control. Classes focus on foundational concepts such as fast and slow, low and high and more! Each class ends with rockin’ out on stage to current music. Perfect for young ones interested in music!
JCC Wolk Children's Center
Wonder. Play. Create. Learn. The JCC Wolk Children’s Center is the only Early Childhood community that instills the skills of collaboration, community, critical thinking, and creativity by creating a safe and nurturing environment that understands children learn by play and social interaction with their friends. Engaged staff and ongoing professional development coupled with our key elements of early education and Jewish values, help us prepare children for the world we live in. We are located conveniently in the heart of Brighton with acres to explore, pools to splash in, and different play areas. More information can be found at https://jccrochester.org/childrens-center/
Archangel School
Authentically Catholic, academically challenging, ardently patrioticArchangel School is a private school with a traditional Catholic curriculum serving students from Pre-K to high school seniors. Located in the Town of Gates, Archangel School is certified by the NYS Board of Regents, but remains non-Common Core and non-CRT. We are very proud to maintain a low pupil to teacher ratio in our classrooms, ensuring individualized attention for our students. We are a family oriented school with teachers who are first and foremost concerned with the education of the whole child. Archangel School provides a curriculum that is academically challenging while instilling Christian values, infusing the truth and beauty of the Word of God into all aspects of student life.
Rochester Christian Day Care and Pre-School
Serving the community since 1972, Rochester Christian Day Care and Pre-School has an outstanding reputation for excellence. For over 40 years, the vision of the program has been to positively impact children and their parents by providing a strong foundation in Christ, in education, and of course, in fun.
We are currently expanding by adding more classrooms, more qualified staff members, and offer a state-of-the-art 1500 sq. foot indoor Discovery Zone play area. In addition, Rochester Christian Daycare has many events throughout the year that you and your children will love! We are now enrolling toddlers (ages 18 months to 2 years) & preschooler's (ages 3+4) and offer flexible hours 6:30am-5:30 pm Monday through Friday. Call or email today to get started: (585) 247-4444 | kellyl@rccm.org
Pittsford Nursery School (PCNS) and Young Kindergarten, a Transitional Kindergarten
Pittsford Nursery School (PCNS) is a cooperative preschool located in the Village of Pittsford, offering classes for children ages 2-5. The school promotes learning through play and respect for self and others. The cooperative experience allows parents/caregivers to come into the classroom on a rotating basis. The curriculum consists of circle time, gross and fine motor activities, snack, and playtime, as well as occasional field trips and special visitors. There are optional enrichment classes at an additional cost to extend the day. Please contact Teresa Zatyko at 585-381-1390 or pcns1952info@gmail.com for more information.
St. Patrick's Preschool
St. Patrick's Catholic Preschool fosters spiritual and educational growth, enabling students to achieve success through human, spiritual, intellectual, social, and emotional development in a safe and supportive child-centered program. We offer faith-based and STEM learning for children. They receive an enriched environment for learning, growing, and playing. We have small class sizes with two teachers per class. All curriculum adheres to NYS guidelines and to the Diocese of Rochester Preschool curriculum.
Programs run September to June for ages 3, 4, and 5. Must be potty trained and age 3 by December 1. We offer 2-day or 3-day morning programs for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds, and a five-day morning program for 5-year-olds. Inquire about full day availability.
