Deborah McCabeFinding the best kindergarten in Philadelphia can feel like a huge milestone, especially when every school promises a safe, nurturing start.
You want a place where your child feels comfortable, builds confidence, and gets excited to learn without being pushed too hard too soon.
To make the search easier, we looked at local programs with different strengths, from Montessori classrooms and Quaker values to structured academics and city-based learning.
How much does enrolling in kindergarten cost in Philadelphia?
Kindergarten in Philadelphia can cost about $4,900 to $35,000+ per year, depending on whether you choose a parochial, Catholic, private independent, or Quaker school.
| School Type | Annual Cost Range |
| Parochial or Catholic Schools | $4,900 – $5,900 |
| Private Independent or Quaker Schools | $30,000 – $35,000+ |
1. Little City Montessori
Website: https://www.littlecitymontessori.com/
Address: 817 N. 3rd Street
Contact: 215.764.0633
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Finding a school that feels like a natural part of the neighborhood is a big win for local families. Little City Montessori is a licensed private academic school that offers an authentic Montessori experience while staying closely connected to its community.
The classrooms are led by teachers with official American Montessori Society (AMS) credentials, which helps reassure parents that the Montessori method is being used with real structure.
I also like the low 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio in the primary and elementary classrooms because it gives kids more room for individual attention. The school-funded tuition assistance program is another helpful perk for eligible families.
However, all programs usually go through a waitlist for the school year, so families need to plan early and be ready for a slower enrollment process.
2. The Learning Experience – Philadelphia-Logan Square
Website: https://thelearningexperience.com/
Address: 1601 Vine St #100
Contact: (267) 319-8426
Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
The Learning Experience in Logan Square is led by Center Director Jessica, who brings more than 20 years of experience to the role.
The center uses the Learning Experience Academic Program (L.E.A.P.) curriculum, which includes character-based lessons with fun classroom figures like Flexi Flamingo and Penny Polite.
That mix of academics and social learning gives the program a warm, kid-friendly feel.
I also liked how much attention the center puts on communication and security. Parents can follow updates through a secure app with photos and real-time notes, and the check-in process feels very structured.
The main concern is pace. The kindergarten curriculum includes advanced math, science, and foreign language, which may feel too intense for children who need a gentler academic start.
Customer Reviews
Absolutely thriving
I have been a parent at this school for 4 years and have had nothing but wonderful experiences! My daughter is currently in Ms. Nora’s class and is absolutely thriving. Ms. Nora is kind, patient, and incredibly nurturing toward all of her students. I am so grateful for her hard work and dedication!
- Kay Rodriguez | Google Review
A diverse and loving community
My child has been here since she was 7 months old and we have found a great, diverse, and loving community. The staff has consistently been supportive and focused on helping my child thrive. Our family is very happy sending our child here.
- Benjamin Esparza | Google Review
3. Friends Select School
Website: https://www.friends-select.org/
Address: 1651 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Contact: 215-561-5900
Hours: By appointment
Few schools in the city offer the kind of immersion that Friends Select School provides.
This pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade Quaker school uses Center City Philadelphia as a living classroom, giving young students regular access to local museums, libraries, and historic spaces.
One detail that stands out is the unlimited student access to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), which gives children more chances to explore creativity outside a standard classroom. The nearby Free Library also supports hands-on learning.
The school’s Quaker values show up in its focus on reflection, kindness, and whole-child development. Its lower school support team also helps young students settle in academically and socially.
The tradeoff is cost and admissions effort. Families need to pay a $65 application fee before scheduling a visit, and this is clearly one of the more premium options on the list.
Customer Reviews
Excellent education
Our daughter has been there for 3 years and we love it! She is receiving an excellent education in a kind, tolerant, spiritual environment that emphasizes whole person learning. We are happy and proud to be part of this community.
- Beth Goldstein-Huxen | Google Review
4. The Children’s House of Philadelphia
Website: https://phillychildrenshouse.com/
Address: 2607-2611 South Broad Street
Contact: 1 (267) 455-0288
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM – 5:30 PM
Rooted in South Philly, The Children’s House of Philadelphia has a very neighborhood-centered feel.
The school was founded by Mary D’Anella, a lifelong South Philadelphia resident, and that local connection shows in how community-minded the program feels.
The curriculum blends Montessori principles with Cosmic Education, and the kindergarten program is licensed by the State Board of Private Academic Schools. Lead teachers are state-certified, which gives the school a solid professional backbone.
I also like that the classrooms use mixed-age collaboration, since younger children can learn by watching older classmates take on more responsibility.
The outdoor space is another nice surprise on South Broad Street, with room for bird observation and gardening.
The limitation is long-term continuity. The school only goes up to kindergarten, so families will need to plan for a first-grade transition after this program.
Customer Reviews
This school truly is a special place
The classrooms are beautifully prepared and designed to inspire curiosity and confidence. Watching the children grow from mastering practical-life skills to exploring language, math, and cultural activities has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my time here. This school truly is a special place.
- Adrionna Bilbrough | Google Review
Supportive and responsive
We could not be happier with Children’s House. For two kids, we’ve found the educational staff to be so supportive and responsive. The administration is also top notch. They help ensure that business is clear and orderly, and they help the whole community shine.
- Cameron Miller | Google Review
5. KIPP Philadelphia Elementary Academy
Website: https://kippphiladelphia.org/
Address: 2409 West Westmoreland Street
Contact: (267) 687-7283
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
For families looking for a strong focus on future academic success, KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) is a serious contender.
Guided by School Leader Stephanie White, this academy pairs a rigorous academic program with character building to help kids grow into leaders.
The daily schedule is quite robust, featuring two or more hours of literacy and 90 minutes of math. If you find your child needs more support later, looking into tutoring in Philadelphia or specialized math tutors in Philadelphia can be a good next step.
They also include fun classes like yoga, music, and art to keep things balanced. Also, the school serves a completely free breakfast to all students to ensure they start the day energized.
Families even get access to the KIPP Forward program for ongoing college partnerships.
However, the heavy focus on math and literacy might feel a bit intense for some younger learners who aren’t ready for such a long academic day.
