Schools near Lakewood, NJ

“My two children of different ages were at this daycare...the teaching and preparation was incredible. When they took their entrance exam for kindergarten, they were surprised by their highest level acquired. It has its details like any place but it is and will be a good place for a great start.”

“I’ve taken both of my grandchildren to Gymboree Play & Music with Ms. Michele, and it’s been a wonderful experience. The facility is always clean, and the activities are thoughtful, engaging, and age-appropriate.

Over the past four years, what’s stood out most is Ms. Michele’s impact on families—especially first-time parents. It’s eye-opening to watch how naturally she reassures them during moments of concern or comparison. Her knowledge, encouragement, and positivity help parents feel confident that their children will grow, learn, and succeed at their own pace.

It’s a truly supportive and enriching environment for both children and their families.”

“I can’t express how grateful I am for the amazing care my child receives at Kindercare. The staff is incredibly nurturing and attentive, creating a warm and welcoming environment where my toddler feels safe and happy. The activities are engaging and educational, fostering both creativity and social skills. I truly appreciate the dedication and love they put into each day. Thank you for being such a wonderful second home for my little Roo.”

“My daughter attends kindercare and it has been a great benefit to her. She has a great time at kindercare in toms river. Her teachers Mrs Gina and Karen are great with her and the other students. Mrs Sue is also great and very interactive with the children. My daughter is always excited to be with her friends every day. I think over all she has had a great experience at kindercare of toms river.”

“My son has been going to Applehill Academy in Howell for 2 years. He loves going to see his friends, his teachers and learn! I am so fond of the way Miss Heather leads her staff and spends time with the kids. Everyone there is always cheerful and excited to see us. I love the switch to Kids and Company as well. The app is awesome and I am always up to date on what my son is doing on a hourly basis. We are definitely an Applehill family!”

“My family loves this Kindercare. After his previous daycare closed, we were able to enroll my son in this location. My niece and nephew went here 15 years ago and many of the same staff members are there. Everyone who works there is warm and friendly. My son has a few medical issues and I feel very comfortable with how they look out for him. My son’s speech therapist also comments on how much he knows and that is because of what he is learning in the classroom.

Ms. Elizabeth is very communicative throughout the day and Marge and Robin are always quick to respond to questions. I look forward to my son continuing to learn and grow here.”

“my daughter has been enrolled at TLE since 6 month & still is at 22 months - she’s already speaking in sentences, can tell you 20+ signs in sign language, can tell you shapes, can count 1-10 in english & spanish & is even in the process of potty training! TLE has such a great curriculum & enrichment that make your child thrive! TLE isn’t just about creating a safe & loving environment space for your child, they truly create such a special bond with your children, not just their teacher but every teacher in the center & even the director Ms. Hilary & the assistant director Ms.Kaitlyn. our family loves the TLE family & we are so incredibly blessed to feel so safe leaving our daughter with the staff at TLE - it’s also such a relief having updates & pictures sent directly to us daily throughout the day with updates of her! our family couldn’t recommend this child care center enough?”

“We have had a wonderful experience at Peppermint Tree this year! It was my son's first year of ever going to school and he had never attended a daycare. He was nervous to say the least. Within the first two weeks of going just a couple times a week it was like he was going to his favorite place! He has learned so much and gained so much confidence. The teachers, assistants and Miss Val have all been so lovely to him and the rest of our family. Family has been encouraged to attend many of the events throughout the school year and there is a very strong sense of community. We've had a wonderful experience and we would gladly recommend Peppermint Tree to anyone!”

“Our kids have been going to Apple Hill Academy for the last 3 years and we love the school. My oldest graduated pre K and and is now thriving in kindergarten thanks to all the knowledge she gained at Apple Hill! I toured quite a few schools in the area before choosing and I was very impressed how quick they were to respond and answer all of my questions, Helene was polite, welcoming, and scheduled our tour right away. Our daughter loved it from the first day and has made many friends there. I like the fact that the kids do a combination of crafts, scholastic activities and outside play. They also learn word in spanish, sign language and learn about well being and calming techniques. They are exposed to different sports, cultures, learn about different holidays, foods/recipes and career choices. We will continue to take our kids here and highly recommend to family and friends!”

“My sons started off at a very popular school in Tom’s River and we had an awful experience there and were forced to find another school. Thankfully we decided to go with Goddard in brick. Both of my sons have now been there for 3 months and I can honestly say we love it. My older son had “behavioral issues” at his old school which I knew were completely out of character for him and due to staffing issues. At Goddard both of my boys are THRIVING. The teachers are amazing, helpful and not bothered by having a discussion or sharing information about the kids days at school. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly and it is such a breath of fresh air. I can honestly say moving my boys to Goddard was the best decision we could’ve made.”

“I’m so happy we found Genius Kids Academy! My daughter absolutely loves it; she’s excited to go every morning and sometimes doesn’t even want to leave. The entire staff is attentive, caring, and truly amazing. It gives me so much peace of mind knowing that when I drop her off, she’s safe, happy, and well cared for. Thank you for everything you do!”

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We absolutely love Ring Around the Rosie! Our son has flourished here, gaining confidence and learning in a nurturing environment. The dedicated staff and engaging curriculum have helped him grow both academically and socially. Highly recommend this wonderful preschool!”

“I can't say enough amazing things about TLE Manasquan. We previously had a nanny, so I was sure the transition to daycare would be a huge adjustment for our daughter and for us. I was skeptical and worried… but I am shocked by how much she loves it, how much we love it, and how quickly she’s learning and developing.

TLE has given me the one thing you can’t buy: peace of mind.

From the moment we walk in, Ms. Julia and Ms. Aga at the front desk make us feel so welcomed and cared for. My daughter talks about them at home, says goodnight to them at night, and cannot wait to see them in the morning.

Her teachers (Ms. Rin, Ms. Jenna, and Ms. Sam) are warm, soft, patient, and incredibly kind. I genuinely don’t know how they do what they do, but I’m so grateful that they do. They’ve created such a loving, safe environment for my daughter to thrive.

I am so thankful we found the right place for us. They put us at ease in a way I didn’t think was possible.”

“Brought my 8 month old son here, and he had the best time. All of the teachers were really engaging. He loved the music and all the activities. It was also great to work on his skills. We can’t wait to come back!”

“It’s my sons first year and we both absolutely love it!! The staff are amazing and are so helpful. I was very nervous at first to leave him there but they reassured me. He’s now always so happy to go to school. I can’t wait until my youngest son is able to come here!”

“Cherry Lane has been an exceptional place for my children. The staff is caring, attentive, and genuinely invested in every child's growth and happiness. It’s been such a joy to watch my kids learn new things and gain confidence each day. The environment is warm, nurturing, and structured in a way that supports both education and play. I couldn’t ask for a better team to help guide my children through these important early years!”

“OKA has been a wonderful daycare / preschool for our little ones. My daughter went here for two years and our son for a couple of months before we moved out of town and had to move our kids elsewhere. We really miss it here.

The staff are kind and caring. Our infant refused a bottle and the girls worked tirelessly to get him to drink milk. It was because of them we were able to narrow down one specific sippy cup he would drink from. They kept me updated around the clock. The communication in this facility is unparalleled.

The girls in the preschool room were always very nurturing with our 3 year old who could sometimes get emotional. Always felt like she was given undivided attention even in a full classroom.

Veanna was always flexible and accommodating with our needs. She is honest about any issues with the kids. At one point another student was rough with our daughter on two occasions and unfortunately the child was expelled but I felt comfort knowing my daughter was safe.

Every experience is different but I’m happy to say ours was exceptional.”

“My daughter loves Happy Days!!! It has completely changed her :) she’s so happy making friends and loves the staff so much!! I recommend Happy Days pre k 100%”

“Our daughter has been attending Little Giggles from 9 months old. She is almost 3. She is so comfortable there, loves all her teachers & is busy all day! It’s been an extension of our home. We love the updates throughout the day on the app and while we wish we can stay with our little one all day long, Little Giggles has made us feel so comfortable leaving our most precious in their care!”

“We were skeptical because of course who isn't when trying to pick a daycare for your child. Our 3.5 year old is very hyper active and NEEDS constant stimulation. He is not rwccomended for a full day of special education day care through toms river but he does go in the morning. We've gone through early intervention and all that. I've had a sour taste in my mouth from the previous schools we've been to - the learning experience in toms river and the learning ladder in lacey. Both were not equipped to handle a hyperactive child whatsoever. I was getting called every single day to pick him up.
Sebastian is thriving at smart start academy after bring there almost 1 month ! Everyone here is so kind. He comes home and talks about his friends. He's happy to go to school and i think that means something coming from a 3.5 year old !! Thank you ♥️”

“The teachers at Goddard are very loving and caring to my child. He has learned so much since starting. Knowing he is always cared for while in school puts my mind at ease.”

“Westminster Nursery School has been my daughters home away from home for the last three years. She truly loved every teacher she has had from Pre-K 3-Kindergarten. It is incredible how much she has learned and grown both academically and personally. She looked forward to going to school every day!
My son started pre-k 3 this year and he had a rough time adjusting at first. His teachers were INCREDIBLY patient and even administration spent some time making him feel more comfortable. By the end of the year, he is crying thinking about leaving his teachers.
From the teachers to the administration, I highly recommend this school to anyone. We had such a great experience and will truly miss it!”

“My daughter attended this daycare and loved it and still says she misses being there.. they are very friendly and attentive to all the children. You can trust your child will be safe and taken care of at Busy Bees ?”