Schools near Glen Ridge, NJ

“My 2 year old started going to this school this year and he loves it, I am really happy with the outcome that I started to see in my child he’s learning colors counting ABC, the teachers are amazing and the staff from the main office are so nice!! I love it I’m so glad my son had the opportunity to get into this school ??!!”

“We are very happy to choose the right school for our daughter. She adapted very quickly and wanted to go to school even on weekends. We are very happy that our daughter climbed the first steps of her education with you. In the meantime, we would like to thank my daughter's teachers, Ms Rabia, Ms Ivonne and Ms Rosa. We love you.”

“I can only say that this daycare has been the best decision for the care of my child. The teachers Ms.Michelle and Ms.Suleyka, plus the directors are exceptional. The teachers are always attentive, the space is very clean and they have a spectacular heart. They always keep me up to date with what my son is doing, what he ate, the projects, the activities. To say that when I look for him he starts to cry because he wants to stay hahaha and they have seen times that I look for him later. The best daycare. Keep up the good work girls.”

“We sent our little one to The Learning Experience when she was about two years old. After visiting numerous daycare centers, we chose TLE for three main reasons: everything was bright and clean, the staff were courteous and friendly, and there was a wide range of diversity among the students and teachers. Even though our little one had a rough first few weeks, the staff were patient and guided us through until we found the right routine for her to follow. Now, we cannot be any happier that we chose TLE! It is clear how much our daughter is learning from her time at The Learning Experience. She looks forward to going to TLE every day and always has a smile on her face when we pick her up. On top of it all, TLE hosts a variety of holiday events that we all look forward to. The center also has a parking lot to make drop-off and pick-up much easier than other centers without that convenience. We want to thank TLE for everyone, especially Ms. Maritza and Ms. Diana, who has gone above and beyond to make us feel welcome!”

“I have my 2 year old daughter at Mickey Academy and she’s been here for 9 months already and I can’t explain how happy I am to have my daughter taken care off at this place, the teachers are great, friendly and they truly care about your child! I’ve seen my daughter developed in so many ways, and most of it it’s all thanks to Mickey Academy! I will recommend this daycare to any parent, and God willing I would want my future kids at this place also!!”

“My kid currently attends Preschool Learn Time (prek 3) and is having the best time in school. She would always talk about her wonderful teacher, Ms. Ewa and all her friends. She always comes home feeling more confident each time and always surprises me with new words and even speaking in sentences. Because of PSL, she has become really good at tracing letters, knows her ABCs and numbers very well, and very social.We find PSL curriculum to be advanced and consistent. They care for their students and also encourage them to try new exciting things.We are very happy she attends Preschool Learn Time. We highly recommend it!”

“Updating 12/23 to add that my daughter is now in her second year at Playhouse and continues to thrive. She has learned so much about how to treat others kindly and express herself constructively. I continue to marvel at the clever teaching methods. For example, they recently did a unit on germs and painted the kids hands with glitter so they could see how the glitter/germs spread around the room as they played.2/23: I am picky about daycares and preschools - most seem to be fine, but not amazing. Playhouse is one of those rare schools that is amazing and we feel so lucky to have found it. Our daughter is thriving - she loves going and she is engaged with the various activities. Every staff member is lovely and wonderful - they create a safe and supportive environment and they do such creative and incredible things with the kids. They have a great library for the teachers to pull from and I so appreciate my daughter's exposure to things (like her class pet) that she otherwise wouldn't be. Highly recommend!”

“This preschool is a absolute gem; we feel so lucky to have found it! Both of my kids attended from 2019-2023. The school (which has been open in Millburn for over ONE HUNDRED years) is still set in the original Victorian house on Taylor Street. There are only 2 classes--3's and 4's--so it is super small and intimate, and because of this, a very close-knit and friendly parent community.They have an amazing playground which backs up to the Millburn community garden. The school owns 3 large plots in the garden and they include it in the curriculum. So the kids get to plant seeds (which they also use for counting & math), watch & learn about the different stages of growth throughout the seasons (science/STEM), and best of all, harvest & eat the fruits & veggies they grow! The school is very tied in with the town, including field trips to the local fire station, the local farmers market (goes with the garden curriculum), and Paper Mill Playhouse.The head teachers and assistant teachers have all been there for 15-25 years I believe, which speaks volumes about the school. They are nurturing, kind, fun, and truly great at what they do. They also make good company at the school happy hours :)The other major selling point of the school for us was the flexible hours. Kids can attend half day, half day + lunch, or full day, anywhere from once a week to 5 days- you customize the schedule. I have never seen another school offer this. This year for the first time they also offered aftercare as yet another option. And of course they have summer camp too.Between my 2 kids and moving around we have attended 4 different schools/daycares in the area, but Neighborhood House is our absolute favorite, hands down.”

“Finding a school for your young child can be a stressful experience. You're entrusting people you may not know with taking care of your kid during some of their most formative years. Orchard School has been absolutely tremendous.We came to them after a negative experience at a chain daycare for our then-6-month-old. The difference was immediate - rather than crying when dropping her off, she would crawl to her teachers and wouldn't want to come home when we came to pick her up. Her growth since joining the 0-5 y/o class has been astonishing. We've enjoyed watching her become a part of the group - the older kids watch out for and play with the younger ones with a care that reminds us of siblings.The teachers do a great job combining play with educational enrichment activities, and the property has a delightful array of spaces for the kids to enjoy, ranging from a ball pit to a pool to mini-rooms with tiny furniture to a track for biking. The staff is super flexible and understanding; it feels like we have true partners in our child's care and understanding.The most important thing I have to say about Orchard is that its staff sees the kids for who they are. They understand each kid is an individual with their own personality and needs, and they do everything they can to encourage each child to be the best version of themself. Our daughter (now 18 months) is growing into a wonderful little person, and Orchard School has played a huge part.”

“I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful care that my child has received while attending your daycare. The dedication and hard work of the teachers especially MS. KIM at your facility have truly made a positive impact on our Child.we have always felt comfortable leaving our child in your care.I would like to mention MS KIM & MS TRACY at your daycare have gone above and beyond to ensure that our child is receiving the best possible care and education.The communication between the teachers and parents has been excellent, and we appreciate the regular updates and feedback on our child's progress. It's clear that the teachers are passionate about what they do and genuinely care about the well-being and development of each child.In closing, I want to thank you and your staff for the exceptional care and education that you provide. It's comforting to know that our child is in good hands and receiving the best possible care. I highly recommend your daycare to anyone in need of quality childcare.”

“I cannot say enough good things about this daycare center. The owners and employees are such sweet, caring employees. My daughter has been in public school for a few months now, but she sleeps every night with her class picture from Play n Learn. Every week before dance, we have to stop and say hello to Ms Natasha.Play n Learn was very good at prepping my youngest for public school. She is already impressing her teachers with her writing and tracing skills. The staff recognized that she was picking up things early and they accommodated her to ensure she was always engaged and learning new skills. They had a very well rounded curriculum for the preschool aged children. The graduation celebration they threw for the children moving up was so precious, and truly above and beyond what we expected. You could tell how proud the teachers were to see their students growing and blossoming.I very much appreciated the app used to communicate and update with photos of activities throughout the day.Ms Lorelei, Mr J, and Ms Jolina have really made a special place here. I am so glad to have found them and have had them in our children's lives.Thank you for taking such good care of our kids.”

“Love Lightbridge Academy...as does my son! So, it's a wordy write-up:

As a parent who has experienced the Lightbridge Academy in Millburn from the infant room through the 3-year-old program, I'm thrilled to share our overwhelmingly positive experience with this exceptional childcare center.

From the moment you step into Lightbridge Academy, you're greeted with warmth and enthusiasm that immediately puts both parents and children at ease.

The staff's attentiveness and genuine care for each child is evident in every interaction. They take the time to get to know each family, understanding the unique needs and personalities of every little one in their care.

The center's rich array of activities and engaging curriculum is truly impressive. Every day brings new adventures and learning opportunities for the children. From sensory play for the infants to imaginative storytelling sessions for the toddlers, and interactive STEAM activities for the preschoolers, Lightbridge Academy ensures that each child's curiosity is nurtured and their developmental needs are met.

Safety is clearly a top priority at Lightbridge Academy. The secure facility, stringent health protocols, and vigilant staff provide parents with peace of mind, knowing our children are in safe hands. The teachers and caregivers are not just attentive but proactive in ensuring the well-being of every child. We are constantly updated and never find ourselves wondering about anything. I truly appreciate the communication and effort to keep us updated.

What sets Lightbridge Academy apart is its exceptional leadership and management. The center runs like a well-oiled machine, with clear communication, consistent policies, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Parents are kept in the loop through regular updates, newsletters, and an easy-to-use app that provides real-time information about their child's day.

The classrooms are vibrant, colorful spaces that spark imagination and creativity. From the cozy reading nooks to the bustling art corners, every area is thoughtfully designed to encourage exploration and learning. The outdoor play area is a particular highlight, offering a safe space for children to burn off energy and develop their gross motor skills.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Lightbridge Academy is the sense of community it fosters. The center organizes family events, holidays, Mothers Day, Fathers Day and opportunities for families to connect, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the classroom walls.

As parents, we've been incredibly grateful for the journey we've experienced at Lightbridge Academy. Watching our child grow from a tiny infant to a confident, curious 3-year-old has been a joy, made all the more special by the dedicated team at in every room.

The emotional support, educational guidance, and nurturing environment have been invaluable in our child's development. THANK YOU! ?

If I really had to think up some cons, here they are:

Parking is sometimes tricky so take time to figure out how things work and when the crossfit athletes are going to dart out of the gym in front of your car. Yikes!

If you have more than one kid daycare gets expensive.

We've had a few experiences with two other day cares in the area and hands down, love Lightbridge, the staff and Ms. Elizabeth and Ms. Nazu!”

“After researching and visiting many daycares in Wayne , I found Primrose to be the standout option. From the moment I scheduled a tour, I had the pleasure of meeting April, who was absolutely delightful and professional in every aspect of her role. The experience from start to finish was impressive. Unfortunately, my toddler fell ill and couldn’t continue attending. However, the response to this situation truly set Primrose apart. The owner personally reached out to express her care and took every step to address our concerns, which was deeply appreciated. Nicole, too, was very sweet and handled our situation with utmost professionalism. This level of care and attention has made me seriously reconsider Primrose for my little one in the future. Their compassionate and professional approach has left a lasting impression”

“My family and I have had the absolute pleasure of sending our children to PSA for the past four years, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about this incredible school. From the moment we first stepped through the doors, we knew we had found a nurturing and enriching environment for our kids.Located in the heart of Montclair, PSA is a true gem in the community. What sets this preschool apart is its unwavering commitment to the growth and development of every child who walks through its doors. It definitely fosters a family environment.The teachers and staff are exceptional. They treat every child with love, respect, and individualized attention. It's evident that they genuinely care about the well-being and success of each student.The school is always clean, secure, and well-maintained. We are very pleased with their response to the pandemic and sent our kids back with ease. Additionally, the classrooms are filled with age-appropriate toys, books, and materials that encourage exploration and creativity. My little ones loved the imagination play!If you are looking for a preschool that values your child's growth, happiness, and overall well-being, I wholeheartedly recommend Park Street Academy. It truly is a place where families become part of a loving and supportive community. Thank you, PSA, for four amazing years, and for laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning and success for our children.”

“This daycare is clean and provides a positive space for our child. I've been most impressed with the preschool curriculum. My daughter is reading beyond sight words because her teacher's have given her the foundational steps to sound out words. Their patience and work with my daughter has given her confidence with reading I couldn't imagine. She is well prepared for kindergarten and I couldn't be happier.”

“I can say that I was extremely nervous to step into a classroom setting for the very first time. I wondered if I would be a good fit and if I had anything valuable to give growing and impressionable future leaders. When I started Primrose, I was taken in immediately as if I’ve always been there. I appreciate that administration and the teachers were so patient and understanding with me being new to a classroom setting. Before you knew it, I felt like I could take on any classroom or situation with the same grace and encouragement that I received from Primrose. I will always remember everything and I will always appreciate Primrose, so thank you for the experience and thank you for making me feel included.”

“Jennifer runs this place with SO MUCH care and attention.. she puts in 1,000% every single day in making sure the children are cared for and attended to in every situation. All the staff members that I've met are wonderful beyond expectation. Rebecca, especially has been so kind and helpful on numerous occasions. I can't thank everyone enough!”

“I truly can’t say enough great things about marigold academy (formerly education station) in Bloomfield. It is such a special, well-rounded daycare with amazing, caring staff, exceptional + big outdoor playground space/toys, and tons of learning and toys inside. I was absolutely blown away with how much my child learned there and felt it was the perfect mix of play + lots of educational learning. My child absolutely thrived at marigold academy and we were SO sad to leave due to moving out of town. The child to teacher ratios are also amazing and small- much better than most other daycares. The staff does so many fun things to keep kids smiling and having fun such as weekly music class, holiday decorations and music, yoga, outdoor play, water play in the summer, etc. I love this place and recommend it so highly!!”

“Brainiacs child care center has a phenomenal loving and caring staff and director . They cater to the needs of my child without hesitation! I have no concern when leaving my child in their care ! I know he is going to be taken very good care of ! The teachers are always loving and welcoming ! I wouldn’t trade this center in for anything else ! I HIGHLY recommend this center above ANYTHING ELSE !”

“We are absolutely thrilled with MELC! The teachers are warm, caring, and genuinely invested in our four-year-old's development. We are very happy to see our child making significant strides socially and academically. The location is highly convenient too. We're in GR and it takes less than four minutes to get to. We wholeheartedly recommend MELC to parents seeking a nurturing and academically enriching environment for their kids.”

“We absolutely love the Goddard School of West Orange! Our oldest has been there since they opened and has learned a great deal. We are fully confident she will be very well prepared for kindergarten in the fall! Our second child has also been there for a year and half and is doing amazing. Not only have both of our children learned a great deal and have developed excellent social skills but they are truly loved by all of the teachers/staff at the school. It feels like a family and we couldn't be happier with our experience at Goddard West Orange!”

“Absolutely love this daycare! The curriculum is fun and educational! The teachers are loving and caring. The owners are just as involved as the teachers and they are so nice! If you are looking for a preschool I would highly recommend sending your child! Couldn’t have brought my son to a better preschool! They will not disappoint!”

“I have been working at the school for 3 months and only have great things to say about the owners (especially Ms. Ekta) and staff. They are very appreciative and are great to work for and it has been an absolute pleasure working there. Communication is excellent towards staff and families.”

“I have tried several day-cares in the area and it’s safe to say this is the best place for my son. Amazing staff filled with people who really understand and care about their work. Highly recommend!”

“I know of some who bring their children here and have nothing but good things to say about this school. When my child is old enough I would definitely consider bringing her here. They are excellent with kids!”

“I can't express enough gratitude for the incredible care and learning environment provided by Appletree. From the moment we stepped in, the staff's warmth and professionalism instantly put our minds at ease - especially after touring a bunch of the other local daycares ?My 15m old daughter has been attending since she was 3 months old and absolutely loves it here. The communication between the staff and parents is impeccable with daily updates and pictures that provide insight into her day, reassuring us that she's in excellent hands.Overall, Appletree has exceeded our expectations in every aspect. It's not just a daycare; it's a second home for our child and we’re so so thankful for the community it has provided ?”

“My girls have been at Applecore for the past school year and have had a wonderful experience. Everyone who works there cares so much about the kids, and my girls say "yay" every morning when they ask if it's a school day and it is!”

“Great school, communication from the school is excellent, exceeds expectations, the attention given to each child from what I can tell, via the daily and weekly reports and the projects that come home, are specific and detailed enough one could think there was only one kid in the class. Our son smiles when we drop him off and when we pick him up. And he's learning so much there, from his teachers and his peers.”

“Both my kids enrolled here and they went to super talkative from non verbs It is so great to trust Goddard family I know that my kids there are safe and teachers will do their best for them in all aspects”