Schools near Old Tappan, NJ

“Mindful Montessori has been an incredible experience for our family. The teachers are exceptional—so patient, caring, and attentive. They helped my little one transition from a tearful start to genuinely enjoying school each day!! Seeing him excited to go to school now means everything to us. We are so grateful!❤️”

“We recently moved from another country, and the team at Old Tappan KinderCare made the transition for our four-year-old daughter incredibly warm, pleasant, and welcoming. Starting in a new new environment can be challenging, but they helped her feel comfortable and safe from the very first day.

The center’s director, Jessica, is exceptional — highly professional, caring, and always attentive to both the children and the parents. She creates a calm, supportive atmosphere that truly sets the tone for the entire center.

The assistant director, Holly, is also wonderful. She is warm, approachable, and consistently goes out of her way to support families and ensure the classroom environment runs smoothly. Her kindness and attention to detail make a real difference.

Our daughter’s teacher, Ms. Diana, has been amazing as well. She is patient, kind, and truly understands how to connect with children while helping them grow socially, emotionally, and academically. Our daughter absolutely loves her and looks forward to school every day.

We are extremely grateful for the thoughtful care, communication, and professionalism of the entire team. Highly recommended for any family looking for a nurturing and high-quality Pre-K experience.”

“For a daycare, both the people running it and the facilities are important. This place has the best dedicated building that's a school and not just some office space or a converted house. It also has a nice playground that they just put soft flooring in. The owner Ms. Lisa and the principal Ms. Jackie are really on top of things and the class teachers are all great. Your child will switch classes as he/she gets older and will meet different teachers. Currently we're with Ms. Annika and she's amazing. Our previous teachers were also amazing. Our daughter really likes going there although it took her a while to get used to it. Every time she falls or trips like toddlers do all the time, they take an incident report and show it to us. They really look after your kids and value them. They're in very good hands at TLE Englewood Cliffs.

Suggestion for improvements: Please upload higher quality photos, and video in the app so we can see our little ones clearer and in motion. We'll even pay extra for it!”

“All About Me has been the best thing that has happened to our family. We have gone through multiple nightmares with different daycares in the area. Our biggest mistake was not coming to AAM sooner. The staff really show that they care for our son and are invested in his progress. They also work and collaborate with his therapists that come to the center, which is HUGE! Ever since he started here he began talking in full sentences within a month. More progress has been made in the 5 months he’s been here versus the previous place he was for nearly 2 years! That showed us that this is the right place for him. Thank you to all of the staff for really taking a lot of our anxiety/stress away from us and for caring so much for our boy!”

“Both my kids attend Goddard and have been there since they were both 5 months old. It has been such a joy watching them grow up there. They have learned so much and it's truly amazing to see. We have had such great experiences with all the teachers that we have had. The teachers are so caring, compassionate and always there to help. My kids walk in with a smile and leave with one. Knowing they are in great hands while my husband and I are work, makes our day easier. The pictures and videos help a lot too! The Goddard School of Norwood will always hold a special place in our families hearts and we are forever grateful!”

“The experience my grandchildren 6 mths and 3 years have had and have presently at Gan Henel has been and IS Excellent. It is a warm, caring, loving and professional daycare. I highly recommend it.
The children are treated with the upmost care
and the staff are truly concerned about the welfare of the children in their care. Great , loving environment to send ur kids.”

“You can take systematic and professional basic classes Lv.2 Lv3.
Serai instructor is good for beginners who are learning the basics of swimming.
I also recommend learning from Kyle and Branden after beginners.
You can learn more about advanced swimming skills and professional games, skills, and postures.
I took the class from lv.2 for exactly 1 year, and my 6-year-old child passed the swimming team evaluation.
When looking at the growth and classes objectively over the past year, the best advantage of the center's classes was that the swimming instructors explained sufficiently and made class kids and parents understand.
They suggested ways to think about, approach, and enjoy exercise, not just classes.
Therefore, my little piggy was able to learn happily without giving up.

If consider, swim team. Jcc coach Nile is a specialist and not only him, but also sub coaches are also very good.
AS parents, we expect the kids to be good swimmers. Here in JCC, not only good swimmer but also learn attitude and mind. I really respect this teaching approach, and thanks.
My little piggy will be the center's proud one day or someday, and this program's instructors and programs are my proud.

More than my references, good ?”

“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!”

“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 son was enrolled in another local toddler school before this and had a very negative experience. He became scared to attend school and his personality started to change. After keeping him home for two months, we were nervous to send him to another school, but thank goodness we did! Since attending TLE Hackensack, I’ve not only seen my son’s personality come back, but I’ve seen him develop a deeper love for learning. He is excited to go to school and talks about his teachers often. There is no greater feeling as a parent than knowing your child is in a safe a nurturing environment!”

“Our family has had a very positive experience with The Goddard School. My son attended Goddard when he was younger, and Ms. Kate was his teacher at that time. Years later, she still remembers him and greets him with a big hug whenever he comes with me to pick up his little sister. It says so much about the genuine care and love she has for her students.

My daughter is now in Ms. Kate and Ms. Toni’s classroom, and we are very grateful for both of them. They are experienced, caring, loving teachers who keep the classroom well organized and create a warm, structured, and nurturing environment for the children.

We have seen our daughter grow academically as well as socially and emotionally. She is becoming more confident, more independent, and more engaged in learning. We also feel that Goddard’s curriculum gave our son a solid foundation for his academic development, and we are glad our daughter is having the same wonderful early childhood experience.”

“My older son has been at Red Owl Academy for 3 years and my younger son is completing his 2nd. Ms. Liana is a special person, she is passionate about early child development bring her school to a very high standard. Her teachers are each amazing people and have shown my boys care, love, attention to listen to them, respect and of course education. We looked at more than a dozen schools and very pleased with our decision to send our boys to Red Owl Academy. I have never worried after dropping my boys in the morning. I know they are is a safe and nurturing environment. They have developed friendships and bonds with classmates. What more could a parent ask for?”

“I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about TLE—they are, without a doubt, the best program out there. I explored several options before enrolling my daughter, and nothing compares.

The management team is exceptional—friendly, accessible, caring, and genuinely happy in what they do. That positivity carries through to the entire staff. Every morning, my daughter is greeted not just by her teachers, but by other staff members as well, and they all say goodbye to her at the end of the day. It really feels like a family here.

The teachers are incredible. My daughter is 4 years old and has learned so much in the nearly two years she’s been there. The program strikes a perfect balance between academics and play, and they offer such fun and enriching activities—she’s even doing yoga!

I’m especially grateful to Perla (Director of Operations) and Heather (Educational Director), who are both amazing at what they do and clearly love their work. Ms. April, who helps with meals, is fantastic—no complaints from us at all when it comes to the food!

Her current teachers, Ms. Christina, Ms. Shannon, and Ms. Luz, are truly wonderful. They’ve been incredibly supportive in helping us identify and understand our daughter’s individual needs, and they treat all the children as if they were their own. They take the time to explain the curriculum and provide thoughtful updates during pickup, which we really appreciate. They are never in a rush to leave—they genuinely love the kids and are always willing to stay a little longer when needed, which speaks volumes about their dedication.

Her previous teachers—Ms. Felicia, Ms. Magaly, Ms. Kayla, Ms. Gabi, Ms. Adrienne, and Ms. Aticia—were just as caring and dedicated. My daughter learned a tremendous amount while in their care. Ms. Kayla even took the time to braid my daughter’s hair beautifully, which we loved (sometimes during her lunch break).

Communication is excellent—we receive multiple updates each day about what she’s eaten, the activities she’s participated in, and photos, which we really appreciate. The weekly “learning bag” is such a thoughtful and fun touch. The facilities are great as well, including “Magic Boulevard” for imaginative play and a lovely playground.

If you’re considering childcare options, I highly recommend TLE. It’s a place where your child will feel loved, supported, and will undoubtedly thrive. As a parent, you’ll feel completely at ease.”

“We've had nothing but an incredible experience with our children at this school. The teachers and staff have been instrumental in shaping their abilities to learn how to read and write and frankly be good people. I can't recommend this place enough. Shout out to Jill and Gabby, who oversee operations there.

Further, in the summer they do extra enrichment programs, and our kids have a blast there. It was worth every penny saving that year.”

“We love this daycare so much! My 3 year old is always so happy to RUN through the doors everyday. My 7 month old just started here last month! The teachers and staff are absolutely amazing, compassionate, and caring people - that truly care about every individual child. The relatively large indoor gym is key for those rainy days or any afternoon when the kids just need to play and run around with their friends. They bring optional extracurricular activities into the center such as super soccer stars, karate, and dance (for an extra cost), which is awesome to have available! I also enjoy the daily updates and pictures on what my kids are up to! We couldn’t be happier sending our kids to this school!”

“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.”

“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.”

“Gorgeous center. Staff are amazing. Equipment is always top of the line. Classes are diverse with talented instructors. Experienced personal trainers. Clean and welcoming. Five star experience everytime.”

“I cannot say enough wonderful things about this daycare. I started with my oldest daughter 2½ years ago, and later my younger daughter joined as well. From the very beginning, the staff made my girls feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. They created a nurturing, caring, and fun environment where children can truly thrive.

The teachers are patient, attentive, and genuinely treat each child as if they were their own. They always kept me informed about my girls’ progress, celebrated their milestones, and offered reassurance whenever I needed it as a parent. Knowing my daughters were in such compassionate and capable hands gave me incredible peace of mind.

Today was our last day, and I can honestly say that nothing has been harder about leaving the neighborhood than saying goodbye to all of you. You have been such an important part of our family’s journey over the past 2½ years. The love, kindness, encouragement, and care you showed my girls will never be forgotten.

Thank you for every hug, every lesson, every smile, and every memory. We are forever grateful for the impact you’ve had on our daughters’ lives. I wholeheartedly recommend this daycare to any parent looking for a place where their children will be genuinely cared for, supported, and loved.”

“Amazing experience getting my new Cadillac from Eddie Carter. He made the whole process fast, easy and seamless. 5 stars all around for the entire Trinity Cadillac team!! Thank you!!”

“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”

“I would like to say that Tiniest Footprints is a great Early Learning & Childcare Center. We were so lucky to have found this center and enrolled one of our daughters. She attended Pre-K3 & Pre-K4. We were so pleased how prepared our daughter was once she started Kindergarten. We currently have our 1 year old attending the center and it once again we are very satisfied with the staff and how attentive they are. We recommend Tiniest Footprints 1000%.”

“I love them, my son was attending to Kids Place daycare before joining public school and he loved all his teacher and get excited every time he go back when the school is close!”

“The co-op nursery school has been the best choice we made since moving to the area. My son, now in kinder, thrived with the warm, caring staff and well thought out curriculum, balanced with plenty of play time. He graduated more than prepared both academically and socially. I have a daughter now in the 3's class and another who will be going in a few years! Between meeting friends (both for moms and kids!) and the awesome events and caring community you can bring your kids knowing they are cared for like they are the teachers own. Would recommend 1000%.”

“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.”

“Amazing Amazing team at Goddard. The teachers and directors in charge have been exceptional. They always go above and beyond for the children. They have a genuine love and passion for the children. They provide a loving environment where all my 3 children are thriving!”

“There is just no place quite like Lindgren, (look and you won’t find) It carries a unique spirit of childhood and wonder that only 82 years of growth and understanding passed down from generation to generation can accumulate. My son (and I) were blessed to have 3 wonderful years there, and now a 1st grader, he continues to go to their summer camp, a perfect way to balance a year of public school :) , now a tradition he looks forward to. He thrived in this outdoor woodland wonderland, made strong friendships, developed an avid imagination, is unconventionally creative, unafraid, never “bored”, has low interest in devices, and I really believe it’s thanks in big part to the foundation built at Lindgren.
His skilled and nurturing warm teachers walked with him from year to year, and being a single mom, they sometimes walked with me too. The school continues to grow and develop with lovely additions like the pottery studio in the barn, a beautiful greenhouse and gardening area, and let’s not forget the always adorable collection of farm animals to love…and so much more.
If you’re looking for a place that’s nature based, literally down to earth, will support you in growing a loving, kind and confident human with a foundation that will last a lifetime, then count your lucky stars you found Lindgren.
Knowing that I could go to work everyday and had full confidence my child was in fantastic hands, was priceless.”

“Lightbridge Academy of Bergenfield is an absolute standout. Amanda, the Director, runs a truly fantastic program and is highly involved in the day-to-day activities of the school. Amanda goes above and beyond to accommodate the needs of each family, and is aided by a wonderful office staff and group of teachers who really invest in each child under their care. Parents and children are personally greeted upon entering the school each morning, adding to the warm and cheerful nature they've created. Lightbridge Bergenfield has not just been a daycare for our son, but a truly enriching academic environment.”

“Being our first child, my wife and I were very anxious to send our new baby to daycare. We looked at all the centers in the area and could not be happier with our decision to join WCL Kindercare. From day one the director Renee has been warm and welcoming, professional, attentive, and quick to make sure our family’s needs are met. My child’s teachers are terrific. They took time to get to know our family and care for our son as if he’s their own. We get lots of updates and pictures throughout the day too. The director Renee has lots of fun family events that you can bring your other children to, all fun and all included in enrollment. Can’t recommend enough.”

“From the moment my children were born, I carried a quiet fear how could I ever trust anyone else to care for them the way I do? I put my career on hold, stayed home, and poured myself into every moment of their early years. And when it was finally time to start looking for a school, I searched endlessly not just for a place, but for a home away from home.

And then we found TLE

From the very first tour, something just felt right. The way the school prioritized kindness, safety, and emotional well-being. The no-bullying, no-hitting policy. The thoughtful updates even before my kids officially started. I still remember that first call: “It’s not an emergency…” and how those simple words saved my heart from sinking.

Through every picture, every message, every tiny moment shared through the app, I felt like I was there present in their world, even while apart. Your teachers didn’t just teach they loved from Ms. Eliana, Ms.Reyes to Ms. Parker
They saw my children. They celebrated their joy, soothed their struggles, and helped them grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Ms. Kionna is truly remarkable at what she does from knowing every child’s name to understanding each one’s unique needs. She’s a true leader in every sense, always compassionate.
Ms. Keah is the sunshine . Brings such incredible energy and warmth you can feel her love for the students the moment she walks into a room. She leads with so much grace and joy that kind of grace that just gives you security.

Even walking through the hallways, there’s something special in the air. You can feel the love not just from the teachers, but from every staff member. It’s clear that TLE chooses educators who genuinely love what they do, and it makes all the difference.

Now, as we prepare to leave, I want to say this loud and clear:

This is the place !!!!!
The school you dream of for your little ones.
A place led by two incredible women whose hearts are as strong as their vision.

Thank you for giving us not just an education but a family.
We will never forget it.”