Preschools and Daycare in Cherry Hill, NJ

Finding the right preschool or daycare is one of the most important decisions Cherry Hill parents make. Whether you need full-time daycare while you work or a part-time preschool program to prepare your child for kindergarten, the options in and around Cherry Hill are abundant and varied.

What to Look for in a Preschool

Before diving into specific schools, it helps to know what matters most. Here are the key factors Cherry Hill parents should consider:

• Licensing and accreditation — Look for state-licensed programs and accreditation from organizations like NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children).
• Teacher qualifications — Ask about staff education, turnover rates, and teacher-to-child ratios. Lower ratios mean more individual attention.
• Curriculum approach — Some schools follow Montessori, Reggio Emilia, play-based, or academic-focused approaches. Choose what fits your child's learning style.
• Location and hours — Consider commute time from home or work, and whether the school offers extended hours to accommodate your schedule.
• Classroom environment — Visit in person. Observe how teachers interact with children, whether the space feels welcoming, and how the daily schedule is structured.

Top-Rated Preschools in Cherry Hill

Clockwise Learning Center

Located at 1808 Haddonfield Berlin Road, Clockwise Learning Center is one of the highest-rated preschools in Cherry Hill with 4.6 stars on Yelp. Parents praise the warm, family-like atmosphere and the attentive, caring staff. The center offers programs for infants through preschool age.

Right Steps

Right Steps is consistently ranked among the best education-based preschools in the area with a 4.8-star rating. Known for its structured learning environment and dedicated teachers, Right Steps prepares children well for kindergarten while fostering a love of learning.

Sunny Days Children's Academy

Located at 1210 Chambers Avenue, Sunny Days has been serving Cherry Hill families for over 18 years. They offer full-service childcare including infant care, toddler programs, preschool, and before/after-school care. The school is known for its experienced staff and comprehensive curriculum.

National Franchise Preschools

Several nationally recognized preschool franchises have locations in Cherry Hill, offering consistent, research-based curricula:

The Goddard School of Cherry Hill (2050 Springdale Rd) offers a play-based learning approach with a strong focus on social, emotional, and cognitive development. The school serves children from 6 weeks through 6 years.

Primrose School of Cherry Hill (1875 NJ-70) follows a balanced learning approach that combines academics with character development. Their curriculum includes music, foreign language, and physical activity.

Cadence Academy Preschool (1600 Chapel Ave W) offers a comprehensive early education program with a focus on building confidence and school readiness. The trained staff and structured environment make it a popular choice.

The Learning Experience - Cherry Hill (421 3rd Ave) provides a comprehensive early childhood education program with a proprietary curriculum that includes phonics, mathematics, and sign language for infants and toddlers.

Faith-Based Preschools

For families seeking a religious foundation in early education, several options exist:

St. Andrew's Nursery School & Kindergarten (327 Marlton Pike W) is a well-established program with a strong local reputation. It offers a nurturing environment with a Christian foundation.

Katz JCC (Sari Isdaner Early Childhood Center) (1301 Springdale Rd) welcomes children of all faiths and is widely praised for its caring teachers, excellent facilities, and engaging programs. The JCC also offers a range of family programs and summer camps.

Resurrection Catholic School (402 Kings Hwy N) offers a preschool program within its Catholic school setting, giving families a seamless path from preschool through 8th grade.

Montessori and Alternative Approaches

Cherry Hill families interested in Montessori education have several nearby options. Montessori schools emphasize child-directed learning, hands-on materials, and mixed-age classrooms. While there are no traditional Montessori schools directly in Cherry Hill, nearby Haddonfield and Moorestown have well-regarded Montessori programs.

Lightbridge Academy and Chesterbrook Academy also offer preschool programs with unique educational approaches that may appeal to families seeking alternatives to traditional daycare.

Preschool Costs in Cherry Hill

Preschool costs in Cherry Hill vary widely depending on the program type, hours, and age of the child. Full-time infant care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month, while part-time preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds range from $500 to $1,200 per month. Many schools offer sibling discounts and flexible scheduling options.

Waiting Lists and Timing

The best preschools in Cherry Hill often have waiting lists, especially for infant and toddler programs. It is not uncommon for families to join waiting lists before their child is born. If you are moving to Cherry Hill, start researching preschools as early as possible and contact schools directly about availability.

Preschool and Your Home Search

The location of your home affects which preschools are convenient, and it also determines your child's eventual public school assignment. If you are planning to move to Cherry Hill with young children, I can help you find a home that balances access to great preschools with strong elementary schools for the future. Contact me to start your search.

Choosing a preschool usually happens alongside choosing an elementary school, so the public schools guide, school ratings, and private schools guide are natural next reads. Families comparing areas will also find the best neighborhoods guide and family living guide helpful.