
By the time they’re ready for preschool, your little one is well into their formative years. Their malleable minds are prepared to take in all the world has to offer. But choosing the right Denver preschool program brings with it a whole new level of pressure, especially because you want your child to start their educational journey on the right foot. And with so much advice on what is the best Dever preschool program for your child's future from well-meaning family and friends, how does one cut through the noise to find the right option? By taking a step back, starting small, and asking some basic questions.
Is preschool free? Preschool is generally not free, but of course, there are some exceptions. There are plenty of state, county, and city-subsidized early education programs available to those who qualify. Eligibility for many of these programs is based on income and is extended on a sliding scale, meaning some or even all of the preschool tuition cost may be covered depending on your or your family's income. In some cases, preschools can be free if provided by a local public school.
Kids can start a Denver preschool program anywhere from the ages of 3 to 5, and if you’re wondering if preschool and pre-K are the same thing, they are not. Pre-K is a readiness program designed for children a year away from entering kindergarten. It is meant to prepare them for the transition from preschool to kindergarten.
During your search, you should consider whether your child's potential Denver preschool program aligns with the preschool learning style preferences you have for your child, such as Montessori for a child-led learning approach or Waldorf for structured, creative learning. And you should also consider whether the Denver preschools you’re considering reflect your religious values if that is important to you and your family.

The state of Colorado offers the Colorado Universal Preschool Program (UPK), which is a state-funded early education program that provides funding for low-income and at-risk children to enroll in and attend a Denver preschool program. Children can attend half-time or full-time. Additionally, the city of Denver offers the Denver Preschool Program (DPP). The Denver Preschool Program provides preschool tuition support to all families in Denver with children aged 3 to 4 years old.
The amount of support each family receives is on a sliding scale based on income, and tuition credits from both the Colorado Universal Preschool Program and the Denver Preschool Program can be combined and used at participating schools. Because the state of Colorado offers these funding programs, public school districts within Colorado are not required to provide a preschool program. To find a Denver preschool program that accepts tuition credits, start your search on the Denver Preschool Program website.
There are many diverse options for Denver preschools to meet your child’s unique learning needs. Whether you prefer a faith-based preschool, the free-form of a Montessori school, or a school with an Emergent curriculum focus, you are sure to discover the perfect Denver preschool program for your child.
Crestmoor Learning Center (CLC) is a Denver preschool program dedicated to children’s academic and personal growth using a nurturing, relationship-based approach. More than daycare, the school focuses on age-appropriate lessons in reading, language arts, and math by encouraging learning through exploration and play.
Full-immersion Spanish-language instruction and curriculum to enhance their language skills are available for students aged 3-5. Healthy meals are included in tuition, with fresh fruits and vegetables served daily. This is a great program that fills up quickly.
A trusted pillar in southeast Denver since 1963, Iliff offers high-quality early childhood education based on play, enrichment, and individual attention. Iliff is known for its imaginative learning spaces, including a DC-7 airplane classroom, yes, an actual airplane, known as Charlie 21.
Iliff emphasizes a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum supported by caring educators who have decades of teaching experience. Parents appreciate that the teacher retention rate here is high and that there is good communication from the staff. Overall, Iliff offers an excellent Denver preschool program.
A warm and nurturing environment grounded in early childhood education best practices. Play-based learning and an Emergent curriculum are emphasized at BMH-BJ Preschool, which fosters exploration, confidence, and independence. Lessons are tailored to the students’ interests and are appropriate for the stage of development they’re in.
Jewish culture is infused throughout lessons, with values and traditions included in activities like art, music, storytelling, and food. This lovely preschool thoughtfully combines culture with hands-on, child-led learning to create a wonderful experience for any child’s formative years.
Montview Community Preschool & Kindergarten has been a parent cooperative in Denver for 60 years. It offers a play-based education honoring childhood and diversity. The school nurtures creativity, joy, and empowerment through hands-on lessons, and parents play an active role both in the classroom and the school community.
By emphasizing inclusion and meaningful parent involvement, Montview strengthens the connection between home and school while encouraging children to celebrate and respect differences between themselves and others. Parents say teachers at this Denver preschool program are creative and kind, and that their children thrive thanks to the strong relationships they build at school.
The Beehive Denver is an early childhood education center created to serve Guild employees, but friends and family are eligible for enrollment as well. The purpose of The Beehive is to provide on-site childcare for Guild employees, thereby retaining a solid workforce. Parents praise The Beehive for its warm and nurturing atmosphere and play-based, child-centered curriculum.
Parents also praise the wonderful teachers who give each child individualized attention. Overall, children and parents enjoy the sense of community at The Beehive, where they thrive. Subsidies from the Denver Preschool Program are accepted here to offset tuition. To apply for enrollment, fill out this pre-enrollment form.
While in the early childhood education program at The Denver Waldorf School, children are encouraged to work in groups. They learn how to be good listeners and how to follow a daily routine while also being encouraged to develop their individuality. They are exposed to purposeful work, such as cleaning, making food, and gardening, to help them develop a sense of responsibility and pride.
The teacher-to-student ratio is 1:9, which allows for each student to receive individualized attention. The community at the Denver Waldorf School is tight-knit, with many students attending through high school. Tuition adjustments, scholarships, and payment plans are available. To start the admissions process, the first step is to book a school tour.
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The Denver Cooperative Preschool (DCP) is a play-based parent cooperative that has served Denver since 1960. The school program is grounded in the belief that play is the most vital aspect of learning for young children. Parents are involved in both the classroom and in the operation of the school, which fosters a sense of community responsibility.
Parents appreciate the supportive staff and warm environment, and sense of community at DCP. Financial assistance options for tuition are available via the Denver Preschool Program.
At Bright Horizons Montessori on the Mall, children learn at their own pace. They are taught to question, experiment, and grow according to their interests and readiness. Montessori learning allows children a hands-on understanding of fundamental math, language, and science concepts.
Parents love the kind and enthusiastic staff and teachers at Bright Horizons, and comment that the school is bright and clean. They also note that school directors are communicative and make an effort to get to know each family. Financial assistance options are also available here, thanks to the Denver Preschool Program.
There are many great preschools in Denver to choose from, and we hope that this list has helped you make a more informed decision about which is best for your family. If you’re moving to the Denver area or buying a home in Denver, Move 4 Less is here to help.
Our moving team is one of the best you will work with, guaranteed. We specialize in all kinds of moves, including long distance moving, apartment moving, and school moving. We all make your move easier and stress-free with our expert packing services, storage services, and much more.
Give us a call today at 702-381-1200 for a free moving quote!
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