Ellis HartNewcomers to the local childcare community might want to sit down before looking at prices. In Nashville, securing a spot for your little one can be costly.
A simple babysitter is not enough. You need a second family.
But high prices do not always guarantee quality, and “budget” childcare often means risking safety ratios or facility standards. So if you pay a premium, you need to know it is justified.
We dug past the marketing brochures and tapped into the local “mommy grapevine” to find the best preschools in Nashville where the curriculum, safety, and teacher retention justify the investment.
We focused on centers that balance educational rigor with emotional warmth. This ensures that your monthly tuition buys peace of mind and a true partner in your child’s development.
How much does preschool cost in Nashville?
Newcomers to Nashville childcare services often face immediate sticker shock.
In this competitive market, expect to pay anywhere from $1,100 to $2,600+ per month based on recent averages, depending on the child’s age and neighborhood.
Toddler and preschool programs hover around the $1,200 to $1,500 mark for reputable centers.
While some church-based programs offer lower rates, finding “budget” childcare that maintains safe ratios and facility quality remains difficult. Prices have surged recently due to increased demand and staffing costs, making it even more critical for parents to vet schools thoroughly before signing a contract.
1. Blossom Academy
Website: https://blossomacademytn.com/
Address: 4119 Gallatin Pike
Contact: (615) 649-8255 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Blossom Academy, or “Bloom” as locals call it, leans into a holistic, nature-inspired approach that contrasts sharply with the sterile vibe of corporate school chains.
Their specific “Bloom Sprout” philosophy integrates principles of brain science and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This means focusing just as much on building emotional confidence as it does on academic skills.
The vibe is warm and creative, with teachers who genuinely enjoy the chaos of early childhood and commit to a screen-free environment. They treat the school environment like a garden where every child grows at their own pace.
But for working parents, their strict 5:00 PM closing time may be too early. If you work downtown and hit rush hour on Gallatin Pike, the pickup window might feel tight.
Despite the logistical hurdle, the dedicated staff and focus on social-emotional growth make it a strong choice for East Nashville families who value emotional intelligence alongside ABCs.
It’s everything you would want for your little one!
Blossom Academy has been an absolute blessing to our family. It exudes warmth, care, and creativity. The leadership is approachable and transparent. The teachers are loving and fun and take their roles seriously, pouring so much energy and expertise into their classrooms. It’s everything you would want for your little one!
– Jennifer Wheeler, Google Review
My son is truly blooming.
My son is a Bloom Sprout and he has truly push through the dirt here and starting showing new skills and finding more confidence. Watching him as he talks more and takes new risk I am grateful to Bloom knowing that it is because of the social safe and engaging environment that my son is truly blooming.
– Glynnyale Shiel, Google Review
2. Primrose School of Nashville Midtown
Website: https://www.primroseschools.com/schools/nashville-midtown
Address: 1915 Charlotte Avenue
Contact: (615) 709-9389
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Structure and consistency define Primrose, a leading franchise in the industry.
Their keypad entry systems and uniformed staff immediately establish a polished, professional tone.
Their proprietary “Balanced Learning” curriculum mixes purposeful play and teacher-guided instruction.
This includes their “Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts” framework, which integrates everything from science and math to character development and the arts. These are designed to ensure your child is kindergarten-ready.
The Midtown location offers convenience for parents working in the nearby medical district or downtown.
However, that premium location and top-tier curriculum come with a significant price tag. It is one of the most expensive options in the city, often exceeding $2,200 a month for infant care.
While it might feel more “corporate” or structured than smaller schools, the reliability and educational rigor justify the investment for many families seeking a predictable, high-standard educational path.
The environment is safe, and nurturing
So happy with our experience here. The teachers treat every child with so much love, patience, and genuine care, in our experience they went above and beyond to accommodate and support—the admin staff is so kind and accessible. Our little one comes home each day smiling. The environment is safe, and nurturing, it gives us such peace of mind knowing our child is in good hands. We’re so grateful to Primrose
– mia fabrizio, Google Review
The staff is so helpful and communicates clearly and often
I cannot say enough great things about this school. The teachers seem genuinely happy to be there and meet the kids where they are. The staff is so helpful and communicates clearly and often. It’s so rare that people look up from their work to greet others but I have never walked through the doors without a friendly face saying hello. I am thankful we found Primrose and just wish we had found it earlier!
– Lauren Butler, Google Review
3. The Academy of Harpeth Village
Website: https://www.academychilddevelopment.com/the-academy-of-harpeth-village/
Address: 7836 Learning Lane
Contact: (615) 805-6915
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
The Academy of Harpeth Village is a favorite for Bellevue families needing comprehensive, reliable care.
They use the award-winning Frog Street Press curriculum, which supports early cognitive development through age-appropriate activities. These are designed to boost vocabulary and social skills.
They also hold a 3-star rating from Tennessee’s Star-Quality program, the highest accolade a center can receive here.
Inside the classrooms, an “extended family” vibe prevails. Teachers tend to form deep, lasting bonds with the kids, and the school has been a consistent winner of local “Best of Parenting” awards for over a decade.
But the frequency of communication can vary depending on the teacher. While the front office is great, some parents note that daily updates can be inconsistent.
Still, with hours starting at 6:30 AM, it serves as a lifesaver for parents with early shifts who need a dependable partner in their child’s routine.
We’re so grateful to be part of the Academy family!
We absolutely love the Academy—and so does our daughter! It’s clear that everyone there genuinely cares about the kids; their warmth and dedication are truly felt. Our daughter looks forward to her morning “hellos” from Crystal, hugs from Ms. Toni, and special greetings from Ms. Nessa. Her teacher, Xena, stands out for her exceptional professionalism and care. The facility is always clean and well-maintained, showing the team’s commitment to providing a safe, nurturing environment. We’re so grateful to be part of the Academy family!
– Bailey Woods, Google Review
Great experience.
I have two at the Academy and it has been a great experience. My son was lucky to have Nessa twice! She has been so caring and one of my son’s best friends. He’s had other great teachers too – Xena and Sharon both showered him in love. My daughter has been thriving as well with Ms. Mila and Shae and she had the best care when she first started in infant one with Brooke and Sharon there. Their front office is great as well with Ms Crystal and Gulestan!
– Jessica H., Google Review
4. Unique Kids Childcare Center
Website: https://uniquekidscc.org/
Address: 1828 Old Murfreesboro Pike
Contact: (615) 866-9687 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Unique Kids Childcare Center is a hidden gem located off Old Murfreesboro Pike.
They combine the Frog Street curriculum with the “Love and Logic” philosophy, an approach that helps kids learn responsibility and self-control without relying on harsh discipline.
This method focuses on empathy and allowing children to solve their own problems, fostering resilience early on.
Having one of the biggest outdoor play yards for a private center in the area allows for plenty of gross motor development. It feels less like a franchise and more like a genuine community hub.
The staff would even go above and beyond during personal crises, acting like a second family to the children.
The main drawback is the location: Old Murfreesboro Pike is busy and industrial, which makes drop-offs stressful if you do not already commute that way.
However, for parents seeking a nurturing environment that prioritizes character building alongside academics, the drive is worth it.
Highly recommend!!
I can’t say a enough good things about this school, my daughter has absolutely thrived since she started here last May. Made me realize how much her other school was holding her back. The teachers are so loving and caring and mix in a lot of fun with the learning program. Highly recommend!!
– Cassie Watkins, Google Review
It’s like a second family here!
Both of my sons love going here. My older son starts kindergarten this Friday, but he will miss everyone. My husband was in the hospital and Mrs. Dominique took my children and took care of them like her own. Her mother checked on us constantly and the staff were very concerned. It’s like a second family here! If you’re thinking about enrolling your children RUN dont walk!
– Mercedes Ferdinand, Google Review
5. West Nashville Preschool
Website: https://www.westnashvillepreschool.com/
Address: 6849 Old Charlotte Pike
Contact: (615) 352-2801 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:15 AM – 5:15 PM
West Nashville Preschool (WNCP) operates as a ministry, and the difference is palpable the moment you walk through the doors.
The low student-to-teacher ratios stand out immediately. Since they do not prioritize profit maximization like corporate chains, children receive significantly more one-on-one attention.
They also bring in engaging extras to keep things exciting, such as visits from the Nashville Zoo and the popular Puppet Truck from the Nashville Public Library, which brings professional shows directly to the kids.
The atmosphere here is intimate and inclusive, welcoming children with special needs.
The religious nature of the program is Christ-centered, which aligns with some values but may not suit families preferring a strictly secular education.
Additionally, the 5:15 PM close is earlier than the standard 6:00 PM, which might be tight for some schedules. But to those who can make the hours work, the blend of enrichment and personal care creates a deeply supportive environment.
Our family loves WNCP!
We’ve been at west nashville preschool for 6 months and it already feels like family in such a short amount of time. All of the staff are so warm and welcoming and we always feel like our son is in such good hands. The low student/teacher ratio is so nice because you know your child is getting a ton of one on one attention. Our family loves WNCP!
– Jennifer Sciranko, Google Review
A wonderful learning experience for all four of my children.
WNCP has provided a wonderful learning experience for all four of my children. My kids have loved being able to engage in activities that encourage learning through play. There has never been a day my children did not look forward to going to school and it is because of the wonderful staff and loving atmosphere under the leadership of Rachel Davis and Katie Beasley that has made this program beyond exceptional.
– Trey Patton, Google Review
