55+ Best Preschools & Daycare in Columbia, SC

What is the learning environment like? Gateway Baptist Preschool provides a warm, Christ-centered environment where children grow through play, friendship, skill development, and daily learning about God’s world and His love for them.

Is this a year-round program? No, the program runs September through May, following the Lexington 5 school holiday and in-service day schedule. Hours are 9:00 am–12:00 pm, with days varying by age level.

Best For: Families in the Columbia area seeking an award-winning, faith-rooted preschool for ages 1–4
Location: Columbia, SC
Website: gatewaybc.com/preschool

Living Springs Lutheran Church Child Development Center has full-day classes for infants through 5 year olds.

Serving children from six weeks old through Kindergarten. Rooted in a Christ-centered philosophy, our program emphasizes whole-child development.
Preschool is part time, from 9 am – 12 pm and follow a school year schedule.

Kathwood Baptist offers a preschool program for children 6 weeks through 4 years old. There are full-time and part-time options.

Welcoming infants as young as six weeks up to Pre‑K (around age 5).

They utilize a “Links to Learning” curriculum in a play‑based yet intentional environment for elementary preparation.
The academy is in Northeast Columbia near Fort Jackson.

They also offer summer camp options.

Dates: May – August 2026 
Ages: Rising Kindergarten – 5th grade  
Price: $215
Full day available

Chapin Baptist Child Development Center is a Christ-centered curriculum with developmentally appropriate learning for ages 6 weeks–4 years; licensed full-day childcare
They also offer afterschool pick up from Chapin Elementary, Chapin Intermediate, Lake Murray Elementary, and Piney Woods Elementary for school aged children.

Mt Olive Lutheran Church Preschool is a half-day program for children ages 2-4.

• Full-Day preschool and childcare for infants (8 weeks) through 4K
• After-school program for 5K-8th grade (year-round or school year only)
• Full-Day Summer Camp for 5K-8th grade

Summer Discover Camp: Program is a full day from 7 am until 6:30 pm. Kids are divided by grade level and participate in extra mini camps (with no additional charge) like Art, Soccer Shots, Literacy Legends, Sports Superstars, and Clay Sculpting.

Shandon Weekday School also offers an after school program from 2:30 pm to 6 pm during the school year and from 7:30 am to 6 pm during the summer. To find the bus your child will ride visit their website.

Saint Joseph Catholic School offers a traditional education with cutting-edge teaching techniques combined with Catholic teachings based on the Diocese of Charleston.
Grades: 4K- 6th grade
In addition, they offer enrichment courses such as art, music, physical education, guidance, technology, and Spanish

Half-Day Preschool in Columbia for ages 1-4 at Spring Valley Baptist Church. The half-day, play-based program is from 9 am to noon, weekdays.

St. John Neumann Catholic School: Catholic teachings blended with traditional education courses.
Grades: Preschool – 6th grade
Programs in advanced math and instructional technology are available
Tuition: Rates begin at $8.8K annually for Elementary and up
Financial aid available
The school also offers extended care, advanced math, community service opportunities, and special interest courses.

Riverland Hills Day School provides care for children ages 2 – 5. Hours are Monday – Friday from 7:30 am – 5:30 pm. Two, Three, and Five day plans are available.

Northside Christian Academy: Christ-centered education with academics, athletics, and arts.
Ages: K -12
Tuition: ~$7.9K – $10.4K annually (depending on grade level)

They also have an Early Education Center for children ages 6 weeks old through kindergarten at their West Campus. 742 Kitti Wake Drive, West Columbia

Midlands Montessori School offers full-day and part-day programming for children ages 3-5 years old.

• Primary Program for 3-6 year olds
• Lower Elementary Program for 6-9 year olds
• Upper Elementary for 9-12 year olds

Preschool program for 8 weeks to 4 years old in Columbia, SC

Montessori Early Learning Center is a private school with an education curriculum based on Montessori-style learning.
The facility has 6 primary, multi-aged classrooms. The facility has observation mirrors installed in every classroom door for parent use at any time without an appointment.

Preschool program for ages 6 weeks old to 4 years old

Harmony School: A secular private school offering
Blended curriculum inspired by Waldorf, Montessori, and Inquiry-based learning.
Ages pre-K – Elementary school
After-school care is available
Tuition rates: School Day runs 8:30 AM–2:30 pm (drop-off from 7:30 am), with Preschool (2.5 years–PreK) at $700/month and Elementary (K–5th) at $750/month

Their preschool is offered for ages 30 months to 5 years.

One of Columbia’s longest running preschools in the Ravenwood area, Little People’s Learning Center is open from 6:30 am-6 pm for Monday through Friday care.
Offers care for ages 6 weeks – 8 years of age.

Union Day School offers half-day and full-day preschool programming for children ages 6 weeks to 4K.

Trinity Learning Center in Columbia, SC offers full day preschool programming for infants through 4-year-olds. They also offer an after school program from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm for children ages Kindergarten through 5th grade.

We are committed to providing authentic Montessori education and preparing the whole child to interact with the world. We provide a small classroom environment where independence, curiosity, and the spirit of the child are nurtured. Our qualified and passionate staff members are dedicated to the value of the Montessori method and pedagogy. Ages 2 1/2 years to 6 years old welcome.

Holland Avenue Baptist Church offers a half-day preschool program for children 6 weeks old through kindergarten.

B-Hive Daycare and Learning Center LLC offers daycare services, tutoring, summer camps, and after school care. Weekly rates are available on their website.

Cadence Academy Preschool offers childcare programs, summer camps, and an after school program called “The Clubhouse.” The program schedule can be found on their website.

Childcare Programs for:

• Infants (6 weeks-1 year)
• Toddlers (1-2 years old)
• Early Learners (2-3 years old)
• Preschool (3-4 years old)
• Pre-K (4-5 years old)
• School-Age (5-12 years old)

Locations in Harbison, SC, Lexington, SC and Northeast Columbia, SC:

450 Columbiana Drive, Columbia
5307 Sunset Boulevard, Lexington
1130 Sparkleberry Lane Extension, Columbia

After School Program at Cadence Academy: Includes homework help and free transportation from schools local to each Cadence Academy location

Summer Camp: Full-day summer camp for ages 5 to 12 that offer fun and activities to prepare kids for the next school year.

Lake Murray Presbyterian Day School is a preschool program for children ages 6 weeks old through 5 years old. There’s a full-day program and a part-time program.

The YMCA of Columbia is a charitable organization working toward a better community for all. We strengthen the foundation of community through: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

Trenholm Road United Methodist Preschool has full time programming for children ages 6 weeks to 4 years. They also have an afterschool program for grades 5K through 5th grade.

The Incarnation Lutheran Child Development Center has preschool programming for children who are 8 weeks old through 4 years old. There’s also an After School Program where students are picked up by the church bus and brought back to the center.

Programs for infants – preschoolers, including kindergarten prep, located at the Columbia Federal Center.

Lake Murray Baptist Preschool offers programs for children ages 1 through 5 years old.

Kiddie Academy of Columbia is an early learning academy serving infant – school age (3rd grade) with a nationally recognized curriculum. We offer top quality education for early learners.

They also offer after-school care for school aged children from ages 5 – 12.

Monumental Kids Academy Learning Center fosters tomorrow’s leaders through a safe, inclusive, stimulating learning environment, nurturing knowledge, character, and creativity in every child.

Full-day preschool programming for infants (6 weeks old)-4 years old. The school is located at Brookland Baptist Church.

Programming for infants-5th graders. Preschool programming goes through 4 years old.

Willowdale Children’s Academy is a play-based STEAM curriculum with Learning Without Tears; serves ages 6 weeks–school age (up to ~8) with full- & part-day care

CFL is an Independent Early Childhood Program offering care for children 12 months to 4 years of age in their Child Development Program.

CFL also offers kindergarten through 5th grade in their academy program.
Curriculum: Standards-aligned CFL curriculum with STEAM plus Spanish & Mandarin.

Full-Day preschool and daycare for ages 6 weeks – Pre-K designed to prepare kids for kindergarten.

Midlands Primary Learning Center has full day preschool classes for children ages infants-4 years old.

Abner Montessori School is a Montessori curriculum with hands-on academics & Godly Play Biblical foundations for ages 3–12; primary & elementary programs

Grace Christian School: Christ-centered, traditional education.
Academics, athletics, fine arts, and spiritual development programs.
Ages: PreK – 12th grade.
Grace Christian School also has an Early Learning Center for infants (6 weeks old) – 2 years old.
Tuition: ~ $5.5K-$7K for Kindergarten – 5th grade annually
~$8K – $8.5K for Middle/High School annually
Scholarships are available

Preschool programs in Columbia, SC and Lexington, SC for infants through Pre- 4K, utilizing the Learning Beyond Curriculum.

1103 B Ave, West Columbia
320 S Lake Drive, Lexington
1535 Lorick Ave, Columbia

Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Child Development Center has preschool classes and programs for children ages 2 through 4.
There’s also an Afterschool Program for kindergartners through 5th graders.

Spring Valley Presbyterian Church Preschool offers 2, 3, and 5 days a week programming for children ages 2-4. Preschool days are half days, but there’s an extended care option, too.

Heyward Street Methodist Preschool offers partial-day programming for 2, 3, and 4 year olds. Hours are 8:30 am – 2:30 pm or 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Heritage Christian Academy is a private school located in Lexington County.
It offers a Christian-based education for grades K4 – 8th grade.

Preschool and kindergarten in Columbia, SC for ages 2-5. Programs are partial day, and there are options for attendance 3-5 days per week.

Kids Garden is play-based, commitment-free, health-conscious care, modeled after Montessori, Reggio, and play-based learning theories. Children have the freedom to explore and learn through play.

Their after-school program is enrichment-based, with drop-off Monday-Friday from 3:30 – 5:30 pm.

Birthday Parties: Kids Garden also hosts creative, educator-led birthday parties for kids ages 12 months to 12 years at 4714 Forest Drive — weekend bookings available.

• Party packages start at $300 for members and $350 for non-members
• Parties include 90 minutes of play time

McGregor Presbyterian Preschool offers classes for 1 year olds through 4 year olds. You can choose from 2, 3, or 5 days per week. Classes are half-days.

View a virtual tour of McGregor Presbyterian Preschool.

Private Montessori school for Pre-K through 12th grade

MEGA Child Development Center offers full day programming for 2-4 year olds.

Pisgah Child Development Ministries has programs and classes for children ages 18 months through 4 years old.

St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Preschool: Play-based early childhood program with low-ratio classrooms and full-day care; serves ages 8 weeks–4 years

Mt Hebron Dayschool has half-day preschool programs for infants through kindergarten.

Lake Carolina Early Learning Center offers preschool programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years

Half-Day and Full-Day Preschool Programs in Columbia, SC for infants-4 years old

They also offer after-school care for Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Lexington Baptist Preschool has classes for children 18 months old through 5K. There are options to choose between 2, 3, and 4 day attendance.

Ben Lippen Schools: A Christ-centered school
Highly rated with academic, arts, specialized programs, and athletics
Ages: PreK -12th grade
Tuition and Financial Aid information is available
Tuition rates are between $10k and $18k depending on grade level

Ben Lippen has three campuses in the Columbia, SC area.

• Monticello Road Campus: Pre-K3 through 12th Grade
  7401 Monticello Road, Columbia
• Northeast Campus: Pre-K4 through 4th Grade
  3513 Hard Scrabble Road, Columbia
• St. Andrews Road Campus: Pre-K3 through 4th Grade
  500 St. Andrews Road, Columbia

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School is a highly rated Episcopal private school
Rigorous academics, character development, and a supportive community are part of the curriculum
Ages: 2 – 12th grade.
Tuition: ~$18K-$24K for elementary – high school; ~$12.5K for ages 2-4
Financial Aid is available in addition to several scholarships

The campus is situated on 122 acres of wooded wetlands and has incorporated natural “outdoor” education into its curriculum.

• Programs for infants-4K
• Before & After School Programs, including pick up from local schools.
• Summer Camps

Locations in West Columbia, Lexington, and Irmo:

3912 Leaphart Rd, West Columbia
110 Hadleigh Drive, Lexington
101 North Royal Tower Drive, Irmo

North Trenholm Baptist Church has a Weekday Preschool for children ages 12 months-4 years old. School days are full days.

Love Learning Center has classes for children 8 weeks through Pre-K. Programs are full-time.