guides

Preschools and Childcare in Chester County

By Jen Anderson, West Chester Macaroni Kid June 16, 2025

A child’s education and care is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. West Chester Macaroni Kid has an online Preschool and Daycare Guide for the Chester County area to help parents with this sometimes overwhelming decision. This list will evolve over time, so continue to check back periodically for updated information to assist you in your search. We've included Preschools and Daycares in and near West Chester, Exton, Downingtown, Garnet Valley, Chester Springs, Malvern, Paoli, and in between.

In this resource, you will find program information, such as schedule options and curriculum. You will also find links to school websites and contact information. It's easier than ever to find information on area schools and childcare facilities and to schedule that tour today!

This Local Preschool Guide contains sponsored content.





Bethany Christian School

Bethany Christian is a Preschool through 8th grade school located in Oxford, PA. Our mission is to provide an exceptional academic education through partnership with our families, in a diverse environment that integrates biblical truth throughout all course of study, while equipping every child to impact their world for Christ.

Bethany Christian School Website
1137 Shadyside Rd. Oxford PA
Email: info@bethanychristian.org
Phone: 610-998-0877





Building Blocks Child Care Center

Building Blocks provides a safe and nurturing environment with programs that will foster self-esteem, confidence, and a love of learning. Our professionally trained and educated staff are committed to making a positive difference in your child’s life.

Our educational goal is learning through fun, creativity, and play, with a curriculum designed to nurture the full range of developing skills and interests of your child. Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school age and summer camps.

Building Blocks Child Care Center Website
580 Rosedale Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Email: info@buildingblockscenters.com
Phone: 610-444-0820




Calvary Lutheran Preschool

Calvary Lutheran Preschool, founded in 1971, offers a play-based, developmentally appropriate, and hands-on curriculum for students ages 2-5. With schedules ranging from 2-5 days per week, offering half and full-day options, Calvary’s degreed and certified teachers work in partnership with families to best meet each child’s individual needs, while scaffolding each child as they learn, grow, and explore. Come experience the Calvary Lutheran Preschool tradition! 


Calvary Lutheran Preschool Website
730 South New Street, West Chester, PA 19382
Email: calvarypreschoolwc@gmail.com
Phone: (610) 696-3427





 West Chester Dance Works / Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts

West Chester Dance Works is excited to introduce dance to your young ones in a caring and friendly atmosphere. Our Pre-elementary program serves kids ages 3.5-6 with options including Predance, Ballet/Jazz, Tap/Jazz and Hippity Hop in our family-run studio. Please ask about how we can bring our engaging dance classes to your preschool seasonally or year-round!


 West Chester Dance Works / Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts
315 Westtown Road, Unit 9
Phone: 610-692-3398
Email: studio@dianematthewsdance.com





Goshen Friends School

The program at Goshen Friends, an independent Quaker school founded in 1959, is based on the philosophy that children learn best through dynamic play. Throughout the school year, students are engaged in a variety of activities that are designed to help them grow socially, emotionally, creatively, and academically. Goshen’s experienced teachers honor each child’s individual spirit, helping them to grow independently while teaching them the value of friendship and teamwork. 

Year-round, students learn and play both inside and outside. A robust holistic and experiential curriculum in all classrooms includes thematic, play-based lessons that nurture pre-reading, pre-writing, pre-math, and pre-science skills. All students enjoy “specials” classes in art, music, and Spanish, as well as an outdoor education class that takes advantage of the school’s 10-acre campus with nature-based activities like story walks, treasure hunts, gardening and yoga. The curriculum engages the youngest students in preschool through the oldest students in pre-kindergarten with opportunities for hands-on learning that spark children’s natural curiosity and desire to learn.


Goshen Friends School Website
814 N. Chester Road, West Chester PA 19380
Email: mimi.ackers@goshenfriends.org
Phone: 610.696.8183





Grove Preschool

Grove Preschool has a proud history of helping each child make a smooth transition from home to school with our gentle and nurturing approach. We are committed to providing the highest standard of education to all our students, staying current with educational trends, and providing continuing education opportunities for our teachers and staff. We provide developmentally appropriate experiences in a Christian environment which enables each child to achieve his/her full potential.


Grove Preschool Website
490 W Boot Rd West Chester, PA 19380
Email: preschool@grovechurch.org
Phone: 610-696-8107





Kiddie Academy of Downingtown

Kiddie Academy of Downingtown, one of the nation’s leading early childhood education centers, is now welcoming families! Conveniently located at 595 Bell Tavern Blvd, the academy offers programs for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years, including preschool, Pre-K, and after-school care.


Kiddie Academy of Downingtown
595 Bell Tavern Blvd, Downingtown, PA 19333
Email: downingtown@kiddieacademy.net
Phone: 610-466-5277






Media-Providence Friends School

At Media-Providence Friends School, we ignite the passion and potential in every student, fostering a truly diverse and welcoming community. Our education is guided by timeless Friends values such as Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and a commitment to Stewardship and Service. We believe an MPFS education prepares the whole child for life: developing intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social-emotional strengths. Since 1876, MPFS has been a leader in this unique approach to education for co-ed students ages two through eighth grade, located in downtown Media, Delaware County, Pennsylvania.


Media-Providence Friends School
125 West Third Street, Media, PA 19145
Email: adimaria@mpfs.org
Phone: 610-565-1960
Website: mpfs.org





Montgomery School

At Montgomery School, children as young as age 3 begin a joyful, hands-on learning journey that grows with them through 8th grade. Our small class sizes, strong sense of community, and 60-acre campus create a unique environment where curiosity thrives, confidence grows, and learning breaks free from the walls of a traditional classroom. We ignite each child’s natural curiosity and passion for discovery during their most formative years, nurturing their unique talents and helping them grow into confident, compassionate individuals.

Montgomery School Website
1141 Kimberton Rd. Chester Springs, PA 19425
Email: admissions@montgomeryschool.org
Phone: 610-827-7222





MUMS Christian Preschool

MUMs is a ministry of Marshallton United Methodist Church offering faith-based early education for children ages 3-5 years old. Teachers are committed to model Christian values, teach with enthusiasm and encourage positive social interaction while preparing children for academic success.

MUMs Christian Preschool offers classes for 3 year olds & 4/5 years
Extended day option: 4/5 year olds / PreK 9:00-2:00 every Tue & Thu
Lunch Bunch is also offered Wednesday

Fenced playground, family events, seasonal celebrations, and off-site field trips round out the curriculum.


MUMS Christian Preschool Website
1282 W. Strasburg Road, West Chester, PA 19382
Email: mumspreschool@gmail.com
Phone: 610.696.5247




New Directions Childcare Center

The primary mission of the historic Charles A Melton Arts and Education Center is to provide civic, arts, recreation and education (CARE) programs and services to underserved individuals and families in the West Chester area.

At New Directions Childcare Center we are committed to supporting families in the West Chester area by providing affordable, quality, experienced care. We create a safe, enriching environment where children can thrive. Through our personalized, play-based approach, we empower children to explore their creativity, build essential skills, and grow with confidence, laying the foundation for a bright future.

New Directions Childcare Center
501 E. Miner Street West Chester, West Chester, PA 19382
Email: childcare@meltoncenter.org
Phone: (484) 947-0813





Preschool in the Valley

Preschool in the Valley is a Christian preschool for children age 2 - 5 years old.  We believe that all children learn through play, and seek to provide a child-centered, developmentally appropriate curriculum, which focuses on the growth of the whole child.  Preschool hours are from 9 am - noon with early & extended care options from 8 am - 9am & noon - 3 pm.

Preschool in the Valley
2025 Swedesford Road, Malvern, PA 19355
Email: gvpcpreschool@comcast.net
Phone: 610-540-0234





Trinity Academy of West Chester

As a Ministry of Trinity Assembly of God Church, the vision for Trinity Academy of West Chester is to prayerfully keep focus on Faith, Family, and Education. We desire to bring our students FAITH in Jesus Christ to new depths by partnering with each child's FAMILY in teaching a Christ-centered EDUCATION. Children 8 weeks to 5 years old are welcome!


Trinity Academy
1022 Pottstown Pike West Chester, PA 19380
marielmcallister@trinityag.org
610-692-2451





West Grove United Methodist CMO and Preschool

We are a small, private Preschool but HUGE on fun and learning.  We have classes for 2s, 3s, and PreK.

West Grove United Methodist CMO and Preschool
300 North Guernsey Road West Grove, PA 19390
Email: cmo@westgroveumc.org
Phone: 610-806-5393





YMCA of Greater Brandywine

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine offers licensed childcare and early learning programs for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years across Chester County including Coatesville, Jennersville, Kennett, Lionville, Octorara, Oscar Lasko, UMLY,  and West Chester. Led by certified teachers, our programs utilize the research-based Frog Street curriculum, promoting cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development. We participate in the Keystone STARS quality rating system, ensuring high standards in early learning. Children benefit from additional activities like swim lessons, gymnastics, and music, fostering a well-rounded experience. Financial assistance is available to ensure accessibility for all families.


YMCA of Greater Brandywine
1 East Chestnut Street, West Chester PA
Email: info@ymcagbw.org
phone: 610-643-9622


 



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Need information on getting your school or program included? Email us - JenA@macaronikid.com