Schools near Hawthorne, NJ

“Checkout the learning tree! Diane and Mike run it l. They are husband and wife and have been doing it for over a decade. Highly recommend it if you’re looking for a place where children truly feel at home. The staff runs this daycare with such warmth and heart, creating an environment that feels more like an extended family than just a program. We toured many daycares in the area (9 to be exact) and this one was the breath of fresh air I needed. Don’t let the old hallways fool you, their classrooms are top-notch, clean and well maintained. The staff (most importantly) exceed expectations each and every year. They lead with love. Through their hands-on, play-based learning approach, my children have thrived and developed new skills in a fun, nurturing way. The team goes above and beyond to ensure each child feels loved and supported, and I’ve seen firsthand how much my children have learned, not just academically, but in social and emotional growth as well. It’s a truly special place! My kids are in the school full time 5 days. I wouldn’t trust anyone else. Go check them out!”

“We have been here for 5 months so far and we love it. The teachers are great , management is kind and responsive and dedicated to making the center a place full of activities and positive energy!”

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5-Star Review for Bright Star Academy

Bright Star Academy has been a wonderful experience for our family! My son learned so much during his time there — not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. The teachers are caring, patient, and truly dedicated to the children. I was so impressed with the program that I’ve now enrolled my youngest daughter too!

The staff communicates well with parents, keeps us informed, and always makes safety a top priority. It’s such a comforting feeling to know my kids are in a nurturing and secure environment. I’m beyond grateful for everything Bright Star has done for my children. I highly recommend them to any parent looking for a quality preschool!”

“We had such a wonderful experience at Little Achievers ! From the very first day, the teachers made my boys feel welcome . The staff go above and beyond to communicate with parents. We’re so grateful for everything they’ve done for my boys .”

“TLE Cedar Grove has been incredible for our family and have been crucial to the development of our 4 year old child. Our son has made so many friends and learned so much from all of his teachers ever since he was a 1 year old. We will forever be grateful to the staff for helping my wife and I navigate parenthood. Thank you TLE!”

“It’s truly hard to let go of Preschool Learn Time, as it has been such a wonderful experience for my son, who has been part of the school since he was almost 3 yrs old. I am so grateful to Ms. Pavana and the wonderful teachers that welcomed him from day one and cared for him with so much love and attention. This place has meant so much to my family.
Thank you for all the love, care, and dedication you and your team have given my son over the years. We will truly miss it.”

“My kid loved going to Emma every day. Everyone there is so reliable, warm, and professional, and they truly care for the kids with love. We’re so sad he won’t be able to go to Emma anymore. We’ll miss everyone there so much! If anyone I know is looking for a daycare, I would definitely recommend Emma!”

“A Second Home for Our kids
Mickey Academy has been an absolute blessing for our family! From the moment we walked in, we felt the warmth, professionalism, and genuine care from the entire team. Ms. Jackie, Ms. Isamar, Ms. Olga, and Ms. Gaby go above and beyond every single day to create a loving, safe, and fun environment for the kids.

Our kids has grown so much—socially, emotionally, and academically—since starting here. Each day is filled with engaging activities, learning moments, and lots of smiles. What we appreciate most is how much attention and love the staff gives to every child, treating them like their own.

Communication is fantastic, and we always feel included in our kids day through updates and photos. As parents, there’s no better feeling than leaving your kids in hands you truly trust.

Thank you, Mickey Academy, for being such a wonderful part of our kids early years. We are so lucky to have you!

With love,
Ivan & Ivette”

“We have had a wonderful experience with KinderCare with my son. The teachers are loving and enthusiastic. They provide meals and snacks. They provide bedding and cots for naps and they launder the bedding for you. It feels secure as they require a pin to be able to enter the school. I get tons of pictures and updates throughout the day so I can watch my son having so much fun and learning every day. My son has food allergies and KinderCare has dealt with it seamlessly and provided alternative food options for my son to keep him safe. They even worked with me to help with his skin allergies/eczema so he was getting skin treatments throughout the day. KinderCare has given my son a safe, secure childcare option while also fostering his social and academic growth.”

“As a dad, nothing matters more to me than knowing my child is safe, happy, and loved—and the teachers from TLE in ER from Toddler B group, Ms. Mellany and Ms. Melinda have completely earned my trust. From day one, they’ve gone above and beyond to create a warm, nurturing environment that feels like a second home.
They don’t just watch the kids—they engage with them, teach them, comfort them, and cheer them on through every little milestone. I’ve watched my toddler grow so much socially and emotionally, and it’s 100% thanks to the amazing care and energy these teachers bring every day.
It’s clear they love what they do, and as a parent, there’s nothing more reassuring than that. Thank you for everything you do—you’ve made a huge difference in our lives.”

“Cadence is an education center that nurtures, supports and encourages learning in and out of the classroom. My son has been welcomed with warm hugs and welcoming hands! I am very thankful for all the teachers, their kindness, creativity and efforts to guiding their milestones.”

“I've had both my children here under 1 and 3+ and I've had a great experience and highly recommend Primrose of Wayne. Below is my honest and thorough review listed as pros and cons.

PROS
FOOD & WATER - I don't have to worry about packing lunch, because they feed the kids. All meals are made in house like beef w/ lo mein, chicken brown rice and veggies, and cheese tortellini in marinera sauce with side of peas. No Juices, only water (I love this). Not things like chicken nuggets and pizza.
ADMIN - Communication is fantastic. They always pick up and read my messages right away. Address my concerns (e.g. daughter said she didn't have friends when they changed classroom-got fixed right away). They've always had the same admin staff since I've been there and they are all amazing and very attentive, kind, welcoming, and reassuring.
TEACHERS- Simply kind and caring. My daughter loves her teachers and wants to go to school every day.
CLEANLINESS- compared to other places I've toured, this daycare looks and feels clean and organized.
EDUCATION: Great. I love that they practice writing names every day, learning math, and science.
SERVICES/EXTRACURRICULARS: They connected me with speech therapy faciliated at the school and soccer in spring is wonderful.
Note: Before picking this place for my daughter, I went on the state website to check for complaints or violations during state inspections and they passed with flying colors. There were places closer to me that after seeing those inspection reports, it was a no brainer that I would choose Primrose.

CONS (but not really)
PRICE - Their price is great, but childcare in general is expensive. Paying over $3,000 a month for two kids was rough for me this year.
ITEMS - My milk bottle caps got lost on more than 2 ocassions. For baby/toddler rooms, label everything if you can. Check your bag to make sure its yours before you leave. I left with other baby's bag twice because it was handed to me and I didn't check until I got home.
NEW STAFF - Mistakes like getting the wrong backpack, jackets, or other things is most likely going to happen with new staff or staff that don't normally cover that room. This is normal in any place, so just be mindful.
Note: I was friendly with two moms who changed their kids to a different school because they were not satisfied with their experience here, but with the few parents I've spoken to in my child's classroom, including myself, are very satistified with the quality of care at primrose.”

“We had a wonderful experience with Park Street Academy! The teachers were kind and caring, and the summer camp is wonderful. Ms. Alexa, who runs it, cares so much about making it a good experience.”

“Our oldest daughter is now just wrapping up her time in pre k4 at Appletree Preschool and I have to say it's been such a positive experience for her. She's been attending since Jan 2022 and she's loved every minute of it. From the teaching curriculum to the different activities throughout the day its been a fun journey. All of the teachers and staff have been so kind and amazing and its been so great seeing her always coming home with a smile on her face because the day at Appletree was so enjoyable. While I'm sure it's not easy and it will be a big change, I think Appletree definitely prepares kids well for the next journey into Kindergarten. We're looking forward to having our youngest daughter enroll in Appletree in a couple of years.”

“My daughter attends Lightbridge Academy and I would highly recommend it! She had a hard time being away from home at the beginning and they were so loving and patient with her and gave us updates every day at pickup with how she was adjusting. After a couple of weeks she started having such a great time and is learning so much. She’s less than 2 and starting to since abc’s, recognizing letters and numbers, and has grown so much with her social/emotional skills. If you are looking for a daycare I would definitely recommend Lightbridge academy in Wayne! From the owner, to the office staff, to the teachers, everyone is there to help and make sure your child is taken care of.”

“We are very grateful for Adrianna! She has been watching our daughter, and we couldn't ask for a better caregiver.
Our daughter lights up every single morning when we drop her off. She is incredibly patient, kind, and always has a bright energy in the classroom.”

“We are so happy with the care our son Angad receives in the Khaki Kangaroo classroom. Ms. Ximena and Ms. Daniela are amazing—caring, patient, and attentive. Angad comes home happy and excited about what he learns each day, and we can see how much he’s growing under their guidance. We’re so grateful for the love and support they give him every single day!”

“Loving Touch is a great nursery school!! My child loves it there. She has such a special bond with her teachers and I feel at ease when she is there. 5 stars for everything they do!”

“We enrolled our daughter at Kiddie Academy this year, and so far the experience has been wonderful! The teachers are warm, caring, and truly attentive to each child’s needs. They have a nice curriculum where she’s learning through play, music, and creative activities. The biggest plus for us is the live surveillance and on-site meal prep which gives us peace of mind. The facility is clean, secure, and well-equipped. Her teachers Ms. Paula and Yarelin are just amazing. My daughter lights up as soon as she sees them. Ms. Paula remembers ever child's personal items which shows such great attention to detail.
Special mention of course is the site director Ms Ronnie. She is such a positive person. Always smiling and welcoming. She is willing to help and put our mind to ease whenever our daughter needs some extra love or attention some days. Overall, its been a wonderful experience!”

“If you are looking for PEACE OF MIND in a preschool/ daycare for your child/children, look no further than RMS Bloomfield. As two full-time working, parents, my husband and I are thrilled and extremely satisfied with the care our children are receiving here for the past soon to be 3 years. They provide an ultra safe, clean, fun and engaging environment and we truly feel that our children are being loved in our place during the day! Not to mention, compared to others-it is reasonably priced. We so appreciate the teachers and staff and feel very grateful to have them as part of our family’s community (and lives). I’ll tell anyone who’ll listen- we love Rainbow Montessori.”

“The Goddard in Fairfield has been an extraordinary place for our son. His growth and development have been impressive. But most of all, we're grateful that we have the assurance that he's in good hands. He's always looking forward to going to school and he comes home happy. The curriculum is excellent and the sense of community and events is very much appreciated, not to mention the regular updates on what he's doing throughout the day.”

“Little Tykes Preschool is a great school with excellent teachers who create a great learning atmosphere for my son. He's learned so much since he's started attending.”

“We are grateful we found MCDC. Our son has grown so much academically and socially. Teachers and staff are welcoming and friendly. Shout out to Mrs Perez, Mrs Chavez, Ms Newbia, Ms Eman, and Mrs Bautista. Thank you.”

“I put my kids there my daughter was happy and popular Everytime she come home she be like mom everybody knows me and my son was so happy Everytime they come back I love Danna daycare”

“We’ve had an excellent experience at The Goddard School of Elmwood Park and can confidently recommend it to any parent. In just one year, we’ve seen tremendous growth in our daughter—academically, socially, and emotionally.

The school is always clean, well-organized, and clearly run with care. A big plus is that they warm up the children’s lunches making it one less thing parents have to worry about. Most importantly, the kids are truly engaged throughout the day—there’s always something purposeful happening, and my daughter is genuinely excited to go to school every day.

What stands out most is how the teachers interact with the children. They are both assertive and loving—setting clear expectations while making each child feel seen, respected, and cared for.

Ms. Lisa and Ms. Destiny’s classroom deserves special recognition. Ms. Lisa brings years of experience and a thoughtful, intentional approach to teaching. Ms. Destiny adds a warm, energetic, and fun dynamic that makes learning exciting. From gingerbread hunts to planting seeds and outdoor walks to observe signs of spring, they create meaningful, hands-on experiences. Together, they are a true dynamic duo.

We are incredibly grateful to be part of this school community and highly recommend it to any family looking for a nurturing, engaging environment.”

“Having experienced other daycares and preschools with our older children, we can confidently say that MLU truly sets itself apart from the moment you walk through their doors. Beyond their impressive, state-of-the-art facility, what genuinely captivated us was their deep commitment to sharing their mission and vision for early childhood education. They thoughtfully took the time to understand and address our specific needs and concerns as parents, fostering a level of confidence in us from day one that has only grown stronger. Our entire experience since has been nothing short of exceptional.

The teachers and staff at MLU are simply phenomenal – consistently warm, incredibly patient, and profoundly dedicated to each child. What truly distinguishes MLU is not just the nurturing and loving environment they provide, but also the unparalleled sense of partnership and connection we've felt as parents. From daily updates and open communication to genuine collaboration in our son's care, we've always felt fully informed and valued.

Our son has flourished remarkably here, achieving significant milestones both academically and socially. It's evident that the teachers consistently go above and beyond, pouring their hearts into supporting each child's individual development with incredible love and personalized attention.

While it's bittersweet to be leaving, we are immensely grateful for the strong foundation, cherished memories, and incredible growth MLU has given our family. This preschool is, without a doubt, truly one of a kind and an absolute treasure for any family seeking the best for their child!”

“I am currently an employee here & I promise you "Happy Happens Here" I love this job & I'm glad that other people see that for me, everywhere I go people are like I love that you love your job you look like you have so much fun I'm happy for you & that makes me happy Thank you for making me a part of a wonderful team & a wonderful place ‼️ #TLEWaldwick #MsQ #ThankYouDenielle”

“Our now eleven-month-old has been with KinderCare since December, and overall it’s been a great experience. We had a rocky start, he refused to eat or nap, but we knew it would take time. As he adjusted, things improved and the consistency made a huge difference. He’s now eating and napping well. Our son is obsessed with Ms. Ruth. We love you Ms. Ruth and Ms. Taylor!
KinderCare feels very family-oriented, where everyone knows each other. All the teachers we’ve met have been incredibly kind and caring. At this stage, our son clearly shows who he’s comfortable with, and it’s obvious that he loves his teachers, and that they genuinely care for him too.
As a parent, it’s never easy leaving your infant in someone else’s care. There were moments I felt overwhelmed, but the teachers were always reassuring and supportive, reminding us that it would get better, and it did. Receiving photo updates throughout the day—whether he’s playing with other infants, taking selfies with teachers, or enjoying time outside, truly makes our day.
I highly recommend Paramus KinderCare. Thank you to all the teachers and staff!”

“Friends School is a truly special place that fosters a deep sense of community while nurturing young minds. The teachers are all exceptional and care for the students in a way far exceeds a traditional standard. Both our children have attended the program and we have seen tremendous growth and emotional development during their time at the school. Ms Amanda leads from the front having recruited, and importantly retained, a wonderful faculty who embrace play based learning in a natural environment. What stands out most to me is the creativity that this setting inspired in our children, you can see their minds expanding as they begin to develop a life long love of learning. The families you find at Friends care deeply about one another and the community leading to warm personal friendships outside of the school as well.”