If you're beginning the search for the right preschool, you know there are many wonderful options to consider. One of the questions we hear most often from local families is, “What preschool programs are available in the area?” To help make the search a little easier, we invited a variety of local preschools to share information about their programs, philosophies, age ranges, and enrollment timelines in their own words. This guide features local preschool programs that chose to participate and share information about their schools. While it isn't a comprehensive list of every preschool in the area, we hope it provides a helpful starting point as you explore the many early learning opportunities available to local families and find the right fit for your child. As you browse the guide, click each school's name to visit its website and learn more about what it has to offer.
Bethel Learning Center offers a part-time preschool program with afternoon options for children ages 2-5, with the school day ending at 2:45 p.m. What sets our preschool apart is our commitment to play-based learning and connecting children with nature. We believe young children learn best through hands-on exploration, creativity, outdoor experiences, and child-led discovery in a warm, nurturing environment. At Bethel Learning Center, we are dedicated to nurturing the whole child—emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually. We believe every child is a capable, curious learner who thrives in an environment that is loving, caring, and responsive to their individual needs. Our goal is to help each child feel significant and successful, grow in confidence, develop empathy for others, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. Grounded in research and inspired by the natural world, our teaching philosophy embraces play as the foundation for early learning. Through purposeful play and exploration—both indoors and outdoors—children develop essential skills in problem solving, language, literacy, creativity, and social understanding. Nature provides endless opportunities for wonder and discovery, fostering curiosity, imagination, and a deep connection to the world around them. Our professional teaching staff create engaging, age-appropriate experiences that support emotional security, social growth, and academic readiness. By honoring each child’s unique journey and encouraging hands-on exploration, we help children build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging within their classroom and community. We are open and welcoming to all families and strive to create an inclusive community where children feel safe, valued, and celebrated. Registration is currently open, enrollment for 2027-28 will open in November.
Buttons and Bows Preschool provides a warm, nurturing environment for your child’s first “school” experience. We have been in existence in Elmhurst for 67 years and have evolved over the years to meet the needs of area children and families. We are a special community of amazing families! Buttons and Bows is a play based preschool as so much is learned through social interactions in play. Emphasis is also given to daily creative art media, music, and literacy. Four year olds are prepared for kindergarten socially, emotionally, and academically as encouraged by local kindergarten teachers. We offer half day classes for children ages 2-5. Two year olds-one or two mornings a week. Three year olds-two or three mornings a week. Four year olds-three or five mornings or afternoons a week. Registration begins in early December for the following school year and continues until classes are filled. Feel free to visit our website or contact Jami Sharko at 630-833-2141.
Christ Church Preschool offers exceptional kindergarten readiness and both part-time and full-time academic programs within a nurturing, faith-based environment for children ages 2 to 5. We have phenomenal teachers who collectively offer decades of experience and truly partner with the families to encourage growth and development for each and every student. Also, our facilities are incredible with large and clean classrooms, outdoor playground space, and indoor gross motor space. We would love to schedule a tour with you to show off our beautiful space and tell you more about all that we have to offer - from our curriculum to our focus on growing a preschool community that you can fully be a part of! Registration opens in January.
Elmhurst Montessori Preschool offers part-time and full-time Montessori education for children ages 2 to 5 years old. Classrooms are led by certified Montessori teachers with many years of early childhood education experience and follow each child's natural abilities and desires through individualized learning plans. Classrooms are mixed ages allowing for older children to help the younger ones, which reinforces their learning by teaching concepts they have mastered. The school fosters independence, self-discipline and acceptance of others, while instilling in each child a love of learning that will last throughout his or her lifetime. Our mission is to prepare students socially, emotionally and academically to be fulfilled individuals who make a positive contribution to society. We are a not-for-profit school founded by three certified Montessori teachers who are Elmhurst moms. Registration opens January 2027.
Elm Tree Christian Child Care serves children ages 2.5 to 5 years old and offers full-time 4- and 5-day options, as well as part-time 4- and 5-day options (part-time spaces are reserved for children attending the district ECE program for a half day). Our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable early childhood education that supports the whole child — academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually — while building strong partnerships with families and the community. As a small nonprofit program, we are able to create a warm, relationship-focused environment where children are truly known as individuals and families become part of our community. We value open communication, strong family partnerships, and creating meaningful early learning experiences that help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We are proud to offer a high-quality program that remains accessible to families, including those utilizing CCAP assistance, and we are continually working to grow and improve through our commitment to quality initiatives like ExceleRate Illinois. Most importantly, we want families to know that their children will be cared for, encouraged, celebrated, and supported each day they walk through our doors. Registration begins in February of each year and remains open until all available spots are filled. Because of this, we operate on a rolling enrollment basis, allowing families to enroll throughout the year as openings become available.
Fia Mia Academy is an Elmhurst family owned and operated Reggio Emilia- inspired preschool offering both part-time and full-time programs for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old. Our commitment to excellence in early childhood education is rooted in the belief that children are capable, wondrous people. A strong foundation is imperative for future success, and it is our goal to guide your child as they recognize their endless potential. Our campus features one acre of outdoor learning space, a private chef serving whole, real, organic meals, and experienced educators with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. Registration is in January, but it is recommended to fill out a waitlist application on our website at any time.
Hummingbird Therapeutic Academy
Hummingbird is a play-based, neuro-affirming pediatric therapy practice that supports children and their families. The Academy is a unique, small-group, evidence-based therapeutic enrichment program for children ages 2-6 (2-10 in the summer) at our locations in Westmont, Woodridge, and Elmhurst. The Academy structure varies depending on the age from 2-4 days a week, for approximately 2.5 hours a day. Some children stay for private therapy sessions after the Academy class. Our curriculum is play-based and centered on social-emotional development. It was designed by speech & language pathologists, occupational therapists, feeding therapists, physical therapists, and counselors/social workers, who are also in the Academy with the children for a 1:1 ratio. We offer pediatric physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and feeding, and counseling for all ages of children from newborns through their twenties. If you ever have any questions about your child's development, Hummingbird has a free milestone tracker on our website:https://hummingbirdpediatrictherapies.com/devscreener. We begin enrolling in March for fall starts but are open enrollment year round.
Immaculate Conception Grade School
Immaculate Conception Grade School offers a Catholic preschool education. Our school has many different options, before care and after care and half- day/ full -day options. There is also a robust parents club and community. Embracing our Catholic identity, Immaculate Conception Grade School (“ICGS”), as an educational ministry of Immaculate Conception Parish, forms our students on the foundations of faith, family, and academic excellence. We teach our students to embody these values, to center their life on Christ, and to strive for their greatest academic potential. Registration is open now and we are accepting applications. ICGS is a wonderful place to send your children if you are looking for a great community and Catholic education.
Immanuel Lutheran School offers a Christ-centered, academically excellent education for children in preschool through 8th grade. Our early childhood programs support the diverse paths of young learners in their unique growth and development. Our child-focused approach helps young children develop the foundational learning and social skills they need to help them become confident learners. We blend student interests, cross-curricular themes, proven curricular programs, and play to meet each child's needs. The accomplished and nurturing staff of Immanuel Lutheran are renowned for providing exemplary loving care to every child. Contact: [email protected], 630-832-9302.
Little Dukes Preschool offers a part-time program for children ages 3 to 5 years old. We are a unique preschool lab program that allows high school students at York to gain experience and build skills while teaching and supporting the preschoolers. Our mission is to provide a nurturing, play-based learning environment where preschool children and high school students grow and learn together through meaningful, hands-on experiences. Having eager, creative, and passionate high schoolers available to play with, and teach the kids, and to create lessons, activities, art projects, and learning centers, all helps make an atmosphere of learning, discovery, and play, where each child can feel supported and cared for. As a lab preschool within the Child Development program, we foster curiosity, creativity, and collaboration by empowering high school students to design and implement engaging lessons, activities, and art projects while gaining real-world teaching experience. Through exploration, cooperative learning, and purposeful play, preschool children develop cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills in a supportive and enriching environment that values discovery, connection, and lifelong learning. Children must be potty trained. Additionally, all parents will receive case study portfolios to report on their child's abilities, skills, and successes, including observations, art projects, and cognitive, language, physical, and social emotional assessments compiled by one of the high school students. Registration begins September, 2026 for the Spring 2027 session.
Prairie School of DuPage is a private school in Wheaton, IL offering a progressive, environmentally focused and Experiential education for preschool through eighth grade. Prairie School of DuPage offers a part-time program with after-care options available through 3:25pm. Our mission is to educate and inspire the whole child, and prepare each student for a life of discovery by cultivating a strong sense of self, compassion and respect for others, and a deep connection with the natural world. Prairie School of DuPage is situated on 42 acres of woods, water, orchards and open fields in downtown Wheaton, IL. Registration begins in mid-January.
St. Joseph School is an award-winning private, Catholic school located in Downers Grove, Illinois. We have provided excellence in education to our community since 1910 and have grown over the years to serve preschool through 8th grade. Our preschool offerings include half and full-day preschool options for 3 and 4 year olds. Prayer and Catholic teachings are incorporated into our curriculum, which is designed to be fun and engaging while preparing children for success in Kindergarten in a safe, nurturing and faith-building environment. We believe that children learn through play and provide opportunities for exploring and discovering through hands-on activities. Both teacher-directed and child-initiated activities are used to cover all areas of development. Our preschool teachers have over 20 years of teaching experience, and together with our paraprofessionals in each classroom of 20 students, we are able to provide a personalized learning environment. We are proud to have received the Suburban Life Readers Choice Best Preschool and Grade School award for the past 8 years, which is a testament to our dedicated, talented and passionate teachers and welcoming, supportive and active families and parish. Throughout the year we host a variety of events for students, parents, and families to foster fellowship, camaraderie and Crusader pride such as our annual father daughter dance, mother daughter tea, mother son and father son outings, Green & White Gala, Forever Green Athletic & Booster events, and Crusader Cup Golf Outing. We offer various opportunities for parents to get involved within the school community to share their time and talent. Open enrollment; Enrollment for 2027-2028 will open up by mid-January 2027. Our Application for Enrollment can be found here. We are hosting open house events on November 15, 2026 and January 31, 2027 from 10 am to noon. Tours can be arranged by calling the school office at 630-969-4306.
St. John’s Lutheran School is a Preschool through 8th grade Christian school in Lombard, Illinois, serving families since 1889. Our LCMS Lutheran preschool program provides a warm, nurturing environment where children ages 3 and 4 grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually while developing the confidence and school-readiness skills needed for future success. We offer both full-time and part-time preschool options with flexible scheduling, including mix-and-match half day and full day programs, along with before and after care for families needing coverage as early as 7:00 a.m. and as late as 6:00 p.m. Families may choose 3, 4, or 5 days per week to best fit their schedules and budget. What sets St. John’s apart is the unique opportunity for preschool students to be part of a larger Preschool through 8th grade school community. Our students benefit from a strong academic foundation, Christ-centered values, weekly chapel, enrichment classes, and meaningful interactions with older students and school-wide activities that help develop independence, confidence, and essential classroom skills long before kindergarten begins. Our mission is “To equip students for a life to be lived for Christ and to educate the whole child.” Through hands-on learning, caring teachers, and a faith-filled environment, we partner with families to help children thrive. Early Enrollment for the upcoming school year takes place each December during our annual Early Enrollment Extravaganza for both current and prospective families. Community enrollment opens in January and continues until classes are full.
Sunbeams and Rainbows Preschool
Operated by the Elmhurst Park District, Sunbeams and Rainbows Preschool offers a part-time preschool program for children 2 to 4 years old. Sunbeams and Rainbows preschool provides a safe and nurturing learning environment that embraces all children and their diverse learning styles, needs and interests. Our instructors offer unique learning experiences that are play-based, developmentally appropriate, and respectful of social, cultural, and linguistic diversity. We prepare preschoolers for elementary school and beyond by incorporating activities that promote social-emotional, physical, language and cognitive development. Registration is currently open.
The Gardner School of Oak Brook
The Gardner School offers part-time for preschool and Pre-K age groups from 6 weeks to PreK (5 years). At The Gardner School, children are known, nurtured, and encouraged every day. Our experienced educators, research-informed curriculum, and warm, welcoming school community create an environment where children build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Our mission is to provide a safe, purposeful, and enriching school community where children thrive, families feel supported, and every child is inspired to become their very best. We believe meaningful relationships, joyful learning, and intentional experiences build the foundation for future success. Choosing a preschool is an important decision, and we're honored to be part of that journey. We invite families to visit, meet our educators, and experience firsthand the caring community that has helped children and families flourish for more than 20 years. Registration is open year-round.
Timothy Christian offers both part-time and full-time preschool options for children ages 3 to 5, with a play-based, flexible schedule that includes à la carte options to meet the needs of families. Our mission is, For the glory of God, Timothy Christian Schools exists to uphold Biblical truth, ignite academic growth, and inspire courageous leadership one student at a time. The priority application deadline is January 31 for the following school year, after which admissions are offered on a rolling basis. We would love to meet you and give you a personal tour!
Tree Town Cooperative Nursery School
Tree Town offers part-time preschool programs for children ages 2 to 4 and has been serving Elmhurst families since 1968. As part of a cooperative preschool, parents are offered the unique opportunity to be an integral part of the school's mission and vision. Both students and their families reap the benefits of this environment and enjoy a special sense of community that is not typical at other preschool programs. One of the benefits of a cooperative experience is the ability to join the classroom to become familiar with your child's development and gain insight into how your child interacts with his or her peers. Registration begins in January.
At W Montessori Academy in Elmhurst, we are proud to be a Montessori school serving families for over 20 years. We are well known throughout the community for our warm, authentic approach to education. We genuinely love what we do, and our passion is guiding children to become confident, independent, curious, and happy learners through hands-on experiences, respect, and a lifelong love of learning. We serve children ages two - Kindergarten and offer part-time (8:30-11:30am), full day (8:30am-3:30pm), year round or academic year (September-May), and summer camp. What sets WMA apart is our authentic Montessori foundation, deep-rooted presence in the community for over 20 years, and our heartfelt commitment to nurturing independent, confident, and genuinely joyful learners. W Montessori Academy provides an academically enriched program based upon the philosophy and teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori. At W Montessori Academy each child is respected and treated as an individual. The Academy fosters independence, self-discipline and acceptance of others, while instilling in each child a love of learning that will last throughout their lifetime. We would be honored to welcome your child into our WMA family. Our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared to inspire a true love of learning. We are passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported, and excited to grow and learn each and every day! Registration is open with current start dates beginning June 2026-September 2026.
There are so many great local options for your children. As enrollment timelines and offerings may change, we encourage families to reach out to schools directly for the most up-to-date information. Experience the only Preschool Fair in the Western Suburbs on November 12th, 2026, hosted by Elmhurst Area Moms (EAM) in the beautiful and historic Wilder Mansion. This special evening brings together representatives from more than two dozen preschools, childcare centers, and early learning programs serving Elmhurst and nearby communities. Whether you’re exploring 2s, 3s, or 4s programs, this event is the perfect opportunity to meet local educators face-to-face and find the best environment for your child to grow and thrive. Stay in touch with us on social media @kellystetlerrealestateteam for more updates on what’s happening in the Western Suburbs and for all things local real estate!