Top Preschools & Montessori Schools in Brooklyn
As we anticipate the arrival of summer, now is the perfect time to consider your child’s early educational journey. Whether you’re a first-time parent or exploring new options, finding the right preschool can feel overwhelming. Identifying programs that prioritize creativity, social interaction, and foundational learning is essential. But is a traditional preschool or a Montessori school—which offers a unique approach that encourages child-led exploration and independence—right for your little one? We’ve explored some local preschools and Montessori schools to give you a head start in securing a spot that aligns with your values and nurtures your child’s interests.
ABC Child Center
109 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
(718) 389-9004
ABC Child Center strives to create a caring and safe environment while allowing children to develop to their fullest potential as successful learners, confident individuals, and responsible citizens. Every child is treated as a unique individual. Utilizing an age-appropriate, play-based curriculum and the support of a devoted staff and families, Every Child is assured to achieve success and set them on a path of lifelong learning. The children will experience various age-appropriate activities, including arts and crafts, science, early mathematics, music and dance, dramatic play, circle time, sign language, and pre-reading skills. Every day, weather permitting, children go for a walk to the park or around the community. The program also includes enrichment classes in yoga and Spanish language.
BASIS Independent Brooklyn
405 Gold St. (PreK– Grade 2)
556 Columbia St. (Grades 3–12)
The Early Learning Program at BASIS Independent Brooklyn engages Pre-K and Kindergarten students in an advanced, comprehensive curriculum featuring Mandarin, STEM, literacy, music, art, and more. From their very first day, Students are led by nurturing, expert teachers who encourage intellectual curiosity, creativity, and independent thinking from day one. The nationally recognized BASIS Curriculum is built from global best practices and designed to inspire students to learn at the highest international levels in a supportive environment.
Brooklyn College Early Childhood Center
1604 James Hall
Brooklyn, NY 11210
Brooklyn College Early Childhood Center
(718) 951-5431
The Brooklyn College Early Childhood Center Universal Pre-K program is open to all eligible 4-year-olds. It prepares children for kindergarten in a developmentally appropriate and nurturing environment. The center is dedicated to celebrating, honoring, respecting, and creating rich and meaningful play experiences and play environments for children. The classroom inside and out is designed to support and encourage the process of inquiry, exploration, and discovery based on your child’s innate interests, and where questions are welcomed, journeys of playfulness and curiosity are joined, and approaches to learning from a multisensory, fully embodied, and meaningful way are deeply valued.
Dillon Child Study Center at St Joseph’s University
Clinton Hill
718-940-5678
The laboratory preschool of St. Joseph’s University offers half- and full-day, mixed-age programming for 2-5 year olds. Classes are in an atmosphere where children are free to express their feelings and ideas. Children learn through play, developing confidence, competence and dispositions for future learning. All programs offered are led by NYS-certified teachers, and assisting in the classroom are students from SJC’s Department of Child Study. The laboratory preschool is composed of modern, spacious classrooms, each of which have an observation booth, and all classes share a beautiful outdoor space. When you visit, you won’t want to leave! Applications are accepted after Labor Day for the next school year and open houses run Sept-Jan each year.
Little Thinkers Montessori
242 6th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
(347) 996-2688
Little Thinkers Montessori (LTM) is currently registering for summer day camp located in the heart of Park Slope, close to Prospect Park. LTM’s Summer Program for children 2-5 years old offers full or half day sessions running for 7 weeks (July 7th – August 22nd). Activities include: Gardening, Science, Art, Yoga, Music, Dance and outside play and trips to the park. Early Drop off and Extended care are available. Morning and Afternoon Snacks and Lunch are provided. Weekly registration is available OR for enrollment in the full 7 week program, a 5% discount applies. At LTM Summer Camp, your child will be immersed in an authentic Montessori environment in Brooklyn where children not only learn and grow, but thrive. Now enrolling for Summer Camp and Preschool for the 2025-26 school year. Contact the school or call (347) 996-2688 to register your child or to learn more about the programs offered.
Montessori Day School of Brooklyn
237 Park Place, Prospect Heights
Montessori Day School of Brooklyn is a warm and welcoming community serving children ages two to five. At MDS, they encourage every child’s natural curiosity and readiness to learn and create a nurturing and fun atmosphere that promotes independence and self-esteem, and creates life-long learners. They work to ensure that our school community is as richly diverse as the city we live in. Their tuition assistance program provides access to an MDS education for all children. Applications open up each year on September 1st. The deadline to apply for the next school year is December 31st. Please reach out with any questions about admissions for the coming school year.
NY Kids Club Preschool
Locations in Park Slope,Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo
The NEW NY Preschool has arrived. Its structured, play-based Tools of the Mind curriculum supports early learning development and nurtures confident, self-regulated learners. The school’s unique, state-of-the-art gym spaces help children build motor skills and body awareness while allowing them to release energy and enjoy themselves. Passionate educators, warm classrooms, and a safe learning environment create a space where students can thrive. At NY Preschool, children develop a love for learning. Enrollment is now open, offering families an opportunity to place their child on the path to a bright future.
PAL Early Head Start
Locations across Brooklyn
The PAL Early Head Start / Head Start programs provide a safe, secure, developmentally appropriate environment and emphasizes active family engagement and strong collaboration with the local community. PAL Staff is composed of certified teachers, social service staff, mental health and health consultants, food service coordinator, nutritionists, dance & music instructors, and an instructor for gardening. There are seven Head Start programs (5 serve Early Head Start children ages 2-3) throughout Brooklyn and Queens. The staff provide families with education, social service, physical and mental health support, etc. PAL EHS/ HS programs operate throughout the year and children are provided a healthy breakfast, lunch and snack daily.
