Schools near Kinnelon, NJ

“We absolutely love this preschool. Both of our kids have attended, and it has truly become like a second home for our family. The teachers and staff go above and beyond every single day. You can tell how much they genuinely care about the kids and their happiness. They create such a welcoming, family- like atmosphere and fill the year with so many fun and creative activities that our children look forward to every day.

It is such a special place, we can't recommend it enough to anyone looking for a perfect start to their child's education. We'll be so sad when our time here comes to an end - this school has been such a wonderful part of our family's journey!”

“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!”

“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!”

“As our 5-year-old daughter graduates, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible three years she has spent here since age two.
When she started, she was very shy, but the teachers’ constant warmth, ready smiles, and accommodating nature quickly helped her blossom. What we love most is how the school celebrates every single occasion throughout the year with wonderful, creative activities. These events kept her excited to learn and truly nurtured her overall growth.
The academic focus is equally fantastic. We are so proud that she is already doing simple addition and subtraction, and has started basic reading! Her Kindergarten orientation went exceptionally well, which is a true testament to how thoroughly this school prepares children for the future. Thank you to the phenomenal staff for loving and teaching our daughter!”

“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.”

“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.”

“KinderCare of Denville was Liam's first daycare, and I couldn’t be happier with our experience! Liam has been attending for over two years now, and there are days he doesn’t even want to leave because he loves it so much. The entire faculty has been incredibly caring and supportive of his growth and learning.

Special thanks to Ms. Melly, Ms. Mar, Ms. Sam, Laura, Leah, and all the amazing teachers who have made a tremendous impact on his education. Thanks to their dedication, Liam is now speaking in full sentences and learning something new every day. The teachers are attentive, nurturing, and always ensure he’s engaged in meaningful activities.

I wholeheartedly recommend KinderCare of Denville to any parent looking for a daycare that feels like a second home for their child!”

“So I can’t speak on behalf of any room except the infant A room. My daughter started here part time when she was 5 months old and the teacher Ms. Lourdes and Ms. Stephanie are the only reason I felt comfortable leaving her at such a young age. Every infant has their own schedule and it’s very personalized. The babies are very well taken care of, naps are difficult however (naturally).”

“we absolutely love miss kathleen!! she is fun, entertaining, and so welcoming. not to mention the sweetest person ever. my son has felt at home at gymboree pine brook since he started and looks forward to her classes every week ?”

“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.”

“The daycare/childcare industry is tough but they truly do the best they can with balancing care for children, parents and their needs, and supporting their staff/team.

I have 3 kids at Kids R Kids. We toured many places and spoke to lots of parents/referrals. After finishing a very thorough tour, my husband and I immediately agreed this would be where we want our kids.

It is nerve racking putting your kids in the care of someone else but we do feel comfortable leaving our kids here. Quickly, KRK became very inviting - in that the front team knows you, the office girls are always present for a hug (my daughter loves giving them hugs), the team ready to say hi in the hallway and often with your kids name (they remember all the kids’ names!). Even better, when you walk into the smell of homemade waffles in the morning that the full time chef makes along with all the other snacks and meals that my kids enjoy/eat.

This will be our kids first time in their summer program and what a great schedule they have lined up for the kids! Field trips for the older class, splash pad days, ice cream trucks days, programs and shows. I love all the dedicated play areas for the kids (not hugged up against a Main Street and the sound of cars like many other places we went to) and they all are individualized to the kids ages.

They even offer chicken coupes/eggs to take care of when the weather is nice.

My just turned 4 year old confidently writes her name. Gets excited to do her homework and sings the star spangled banner. My 2 year old loves his teachers and went from hating going to leaving me at the door with a simple bye mommy.

I like the camera access given especially during the 1st week the kids are there. The billing is easy and auto drafted. They run emergency drills. They have many events for holidays. We get to do check ins with the teachers - no questions asked and they don’t make us feel like we are annoying them.

I like the convenience of the covered drop off area and the face recognition needed to enter. They lock off the door after normal drop off hours too which is nice and reassuring.

They have instructors to support language and my whole family loves the education coordinator who is engaged, interactive and super caring with the children. She even took the time to go over potty training for my son one on one.

Additionally, we love how everyone works together regardless of their roles. The front will help out in many classrooms. Ralph has dressed up as the Easter bunny for the kids. I’ve seen the girls in the office in the classrooms offering up some love and attention. That’s a great team mentality.”

“The best daycare I’ve ever known. It’s always very clean, and the staff is wonderful and caring. The teachers are kind, attentive, and truly dedicated to the children. The director is also an exceptional and very respectful person. I feel completely at peace and happy knowing my daughter is in such a loving and safe place. I highly recommend it! ??✨”

“The director, Mike, and every single staff member are amazing. I've recently relocated and leaving them is so unfortunate because I've gotten the best childcare service that I've ever had. Mike is such a kind, reasonable, genuine, humble person and you can tell he really loves what he does. The center itself is a good size with good teacher to student ratio. The backyard is spacious and full with enough toys and jungle gyms for all the kids. They are consistently active on the app, sending pictures and updates before I can ask. They dealt with potty training like champs and my son always came back happy and with some type of work/project that they had done that day. They made it easy to go about my day without worrying about my child and if I could take them with me to my new area with me, I would in a heartbeat. Thank you Mike and Away We Grow staff for being the rockstars you are to my son and I!”

“We can’t say enough great things about this daycare!

As a parent, entrusting the care of your child to others is one of the most significant and emotional decisions you'll ever make. I can say with absolute certainty that choosing this daycare was one of the best choices we've made for our family. From the moment we walked through the doors, we were greeted with warmth, sincerity, and a palpable sense of dedication that is simply unmatched!

The owner Genesis is nothing short of extraordinary — her passion for early childhood development, her unwavering commitment to safety, and her deeply nurturing spirit shine through in every detail of the facility. Genesis and her staff are amazing at keeping parents updated through an app they use and always give us feedback on their daily activities.
She leads with heart and integrity, creating an environment that is not only safe and stimulating, but also filled with love, laughter, and learning.

The staff is equally phenomenal. Each caregiver exhibits remarkable patience, compassion, and professionalism. They communicate with genuine care and attentiveness, and it's clear they treat each child as if they were their own. My children have flourished emotionally, socially, and cognitively under their care — and the joy on their face at drop-off says it all.

This daycare is more than a childcare center — it is a second home for our children , a place where children are truly seen, valued, and cherished. I am endlessly grateful to the entire team for their dedication, empathy, and excellence. If you're looking for a place that will nurture your child's mind and heart, look no further!”

“Both of my daughters have been going to Lightbridge Academy in Mountain Lakes over the past few years and I can't say enough wonderful things about the teachers and the facility. All of the teachers have been incredible and caring with both of my girls and I appreciate all they do so much. I know it isn't easy being with young children all day, but you would never be able to tell by the professionalism and love that I have experienced at each drop off a pick up every day. By the age of 1, my daughter knew her ABC's, colors, shapes and more. It is a great place to send your children. I know they are in great hands there each day.”

“I have had the wonderful experience of having childcare provided by Monarch, from day 1, I was impressed by the warmth and professionalism of the staff. Caregivers are kind, attentive, and dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing environment for children. Recommended 100%”

“A Grateful Reflection on PBJC ECC: The School That Changed Everything

When we first considered enrolling our son at PBJC ECC, I’ll admit I had serious reservations. Coming from a highly regarded preschool, I worried that transitioning to PBJC might be a step down—especially in terms of education, structure, and academic growth. I had first hand knowledge and knew all the accolades about Agudath Israel and believed, like many do, that it was the premier early childhood option in the area.

But I was wrong. Not just a little wrong—completely, wonderfully, life-changingly wrong.

PBJC ECC has redefined what I thought a preschool could be. What I initially feared would be a less rigorous environment turned out to be the most enriching, warm, and intentional educational experience my son could have had. This place isn't just a preschool—it’s a nurturing community, a space where children are truly seen, known, and celebrated for who they are.

The staff and teachers are nothing short of exceptional. They don’t just teach—they connect. They pour their whole hearts into the kids, blending warmth and love with an incredible gift for early childhood education. Every classroom moment is thoughtful and full of purpose. Our son was not only learning—he was thriving. His confidence blossomed, his curiosity deepened, and his joy became contagious.

And then there's The Giggle Zone—an environment that lives up to its name in the most beautiful way. It’s pure joy.

Looking back, the only thing I’d change is enrolling sooner. That’s the bittersweet part—knowing now just how right this place was for him, and wishing he could’ve had even more time here. It’s also a reminder that sometimes the most respected or “popular” option isn’t the best fit for every child. Agudath may be a great school—and it deserves credit—but PBJC ECC is not just another option. For our family, it has been the best option.

As our son moves on, we are filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the teachers and staff who nurtured him. Gratitude for the friendships he built. Gratitude for the community we’ve become a part of. These past two years at PBJC ECC have given him so much more than we could have imagined—and they’ve given us, as parents, a deeper understanding of what truly matters in a child’s early education.

Thank you, PBJC ECC, for giving our son a place to laugh, learn, grow, and shine. You’ll always have a piece of our hearts.”

“One of the BEST daycares I have ever encountered. Having 3 boys (ages 3 and under) I was concerned about where they would be but I instantly realized they were in great hands! The owner and staff made us feel SO incredibly welcomed and the boys instantly felt loved! If you have second thoughts, DON’T - you’ll see so much educational progress and growth in politeness and advancement in socialization skills!”

“My son has been going to this school since he was 4. He loved it! He still talks about Miss Nancy and we’re all feeling a little bitter sweet leaving for KINDY. Cindy, Cathy and Jen are wonderful too and know all the kids by name and are friendly and easy to chat with.”

“We have been sending our child for a year and a half. That first day of drop off we worried because leaving your little one with someone who isn’t family just doesn’t feel right, but somehow we managed and we are so grateful for the teachers here! They are welcoming, everyone knows our child’s name even if they are not the classroom teacher. I love that there is an indoor and outdoor play area and that the outdoor play area is attached. Some others I visited the children had to be walked over to the play area. There is a library too! The daycare is kept extremely clean, decorated very cute and always smells nice. Each month there is something going on or a theme. Ok so the one possible downfall you may find is the cost, but listen I went to a few other daycares that were not much cheaper, but had a lot of negatives! These days what isn’t expensive? But when it comes to the safety and happiness of my child there is none and our child loves it there. Drop offs are easy and pick ups are sometimes hard because they want to stay lol. Also I will point out that daily AM and PM snacks for the kid is included which I think is pretty cool. Check the place out for yourself I don’t think you will be disappointed.”

“I couldn’t be more thrilled with our experience at Kiddie Academy. The teachers show genuine care for my little one, and I’m impressed every single day. Knowing my baby is in such capable hands gives me complete peace of mind. We feel so fortunate to have found this wonderful daycare!”

“My daughter is attending her second year there and I could not think of a better place to send her. The teachers are incredibly kind and caring, the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. My daughter loves going there and her progress is outstanding I cannot recommend this place enough.They also make the nicest gifts and art to bring home”

“Very nice daycare. Wonderful, friendly and caring staff. Excellent program for children's development. Our child was always happy. We are very glad that we chose you. We are very grateful for everything.”

“Great staff,
Such a wonderful owner
Lovely ambience,
safe and clean for kids just the best!
If I could give more stars, I would
??????????”

“My son first came here as a baby in the world before the pandemic. The world was put on pause during the plague, but he returned a little more than a year later as a toddler. He then went on to Jr. Preschool, Preschool and Pre-K. I sit here tonight before his last day as he gets ready to go off to Kindergarten and cannot help but marvel over what a wonderful journey he has had with Carousel of Learning. He was always safe there and it was the perfect place to help him grow from baby into the big boy he is becoming. He learned so much there, made friends and had a great time. I highly recommend the team here.”

“By far the best daycare in little falls. They are amazing and dedicated to the students. Nice and clean school. Amazing teachers. Donna is awesome and such a pleasure to work with.”

“We absolutely love Gingerbread Kids Academy! Our daughter started there when she was just six months old, and from day one, the staff made us feel comfortable, supported, and confident in our decision. As first time parents facing the transition back to work was terrifying, but it was incredibly reassuring to know she was in such caring and capable hands.

The teachers and staff consistently go above and beyond for anything we could have ever asked for. They have always treated us like family, and their kindness, communication, and genuine love for the kids shine through every day. Because of them, returning to work was so much easier, and we never had to worry about our daughter while she was in their care. Everyone, from the morning staff to the afternoon staff, has been absolutely wonderful. Our daughter is in love with all of her teachers. We truly couldn't imagine sending her anywhere else. Gingerbread Kids Academy has been such a blessing to our family, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do. Five stars just isn't enough.”

“We have had a positive experience with LLA. The teachers and administrators really care about the kids and are also very communicative with parents. The pre-k class really prepares the kids well for kindergarten.”