Best Preschools, Elementary Schools, and Daycares in Jersey City
Choosing a daycare or school for your child can be a nerve-wracking and overwhelming experience. At JCFamilies, we want you to find the right fit for your child, there are so many choices as you search for the right option for your child(ren) and family. Moreover, here’s a list of our Best Preschools, Elementary Schools, and Daycares In Jersey City. Additionally, with each listing, you’ll find contact information and a few details to help you become informed and make the best decision possible.
The Brunswick School:PreSchools & DayCares in Jersey City
189 Brunswick Street, Jersey City NJ 07302 – Phone:201-478-8886
https://thebrunswickschool.com
Email: [email protected]
Hours: M-F 7 am-7 pm
(7th Street Entrance, street, and parking lot parking)
The mission of the Brunswick School (TBS) is to provide a safe, nurturing, and inspiring learning environment, and holistic education that considers children’s physical, cognitive, social/emotional, language, and life-skill development and progress. TBS helps children reach developmentally-appropriate milestones, using an adaptable curriculum that meets the unique needs of each child and allows teachers to scaffold learning catering to each child’s talents and strengths.
TBS believes that fostering creativity, offering hands-on experiences, and connecting the classrooms with the real world through monthly themes, are effective ways to engage and develop young minds so they can thrive in elementary school and beyond.
The school was founded on the belief that we should celebrate the diversity of Jersey City. We are committed to fostering meaningful connections with those in our neighborhood and extended community of students, families, teachers, and staff.
RSVP for an open house or schedule a private tour by sending them an email to [email protected].
Smart Start Academy:PreSchools & DayCares in Jersey City
JERSEY CITY – Smart Start Academy: 180 Newark Avenue, Jersey City NJ 07302 – Phone: 201.461.6262
Hours: 7 am – 7 pm
Use the following link for information about tuition: Newark Ave Tuition Information
THE HEIGHTS- Jersey City – Smart Start Academy: 462 Central Ave, Jersey City NJ 07307 – Phone: 201.461.6161
Hours: 7 am – 7 pm
For local tuition information, check out this link: The Heights Tuition Information
JERSEY AVENUE Jersey City – Smart Start Academy: 532 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City NJ 07302 – Phone: 201.461.0101
Hours: 7 am – 7 pm
Find tuition information for their Jersey Avenue location here.
Smart Start Academy has teacher-student ratios of 1:3 for infants through toddler years and a 1:5 ratio for preschool and pre-k children.
HOBOKEN – Smart Start Academy: 552 9th Street, Hoboken NJ 07030 – Phone: 201.461.6363
http://smart-startacademy.com/
Hours: 7 am – 7 pm
For tuition information for their Hoboken location, use this link: Hoboken Tuition Information. If you are looking to park your car, check out Hoboken Parking Information here.
World of ABC, The Waldo School
110 1st Street, Jersey City NJ 07302
Phone: 201-721-6000
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Students pursue their individual talents and dreams through a comprehensive academic program and a range of after-school classes. World Of ABC, The Waldo School inquiry-based educational approach provides every opportunity for children to ask questions, grow, think critically, develop, collaborate, and express themselves in different ways. Additionally, they offer an increased emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education as well. Click here for tuition information.
Ivy Primary Prep
Instagram: @IvyPrimary
Ivy Primary Prep is an early childhood education center catering to ages 18 months through 6 years. The center focuses on primary learning and early childhood development, offering academically focused programs. Ivy Primary Prep takes an innovative approach to the development of the whole student by emphasizing a curriculum that includes physical, social, and emotional components. The teaching method revolves around interactive and workshop-based lesson plans. To foster an academically challenging environment and maximize student-teacher engagement, each classroom is capped at 10 students.
Ivy Primary Prep is not a school adjusting to COVID, but a new facility built and structured during COVID with the health and safety of Little Ivies, staff, and community always being top priority.
The French American Academy
Jersey City Campus: 209 Third Street, Jersey City NJ 07302 – Phone: 201.338.8320 press 2
Email: [email protected]
The French American Academy provides a bilingual and comprehensive curriculum in an atmosphere that encourages critical reasoning, wonder, enthusiasm, and a strong ambition. Also, the French American Academy believes learning a second language at an early age is a lifelong advantage. Moreover, they also believe every child has the potential for excellence and to work passionately to educate the whole child. Additionally, the teacher-student ratio is better than the state-required teacher ratio: 5:1 Pre-K, 8:1 for three-year-olds in Pre-K, 10:1 for four-year-olds in Pre-K, and 12:1 for Kindergarten and up. The impressive ratios make it one of the best preschools, elementary schools, and daycares in Jersey City.
Academy of Excellence
Academy of Excellence Preschool is a prestigious early learning center in the heart of downtown Jersey City. Owned and operated by Dorota Mani who has led the school for over ten years now in the same location, as a director. Her two beautiful daughters were the inspiration and driving force, behind this exciting educational endeavor. Though her children are now moving into middle school and high school, she takes pride in continuing to foster a love for learning in our JCT youngest community, who continue to attend her academically acclaimed school. On many occasions, we have heard Dorota proudly talk about her team of educators, each coming to her school with a passion for teaching and a wealth of experience in the early childhood setting. We hope you will enjoy this glimpse into AOE as we did. It has been a pleasure to get to know some of the AOE staff and hear what the teachers had to say.
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
255 Brunswick Street, Jersey City NJ 07302 – Phone: (201) 241 -4443
Kiddie Academy is an educational center in Jersey City which will exceed your expectations. The key ingredient of their educational philosophy is the Life Essentials program and children learn, grow, and play in a safe, nurturing, as well as clean environment. Additionally, Kiddie Academy offers something for everyone from 6 weeks of age through 12 years old as well.
Waterfront Montessori
150 Warren St #108, Jersey City NJ 07302- Phone: (201) 333-5600
http://www.waterfrontmontessori.com/
Email: recruiting@waterfrontmontessori.com
Hours: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Waterfront Montessori uses a Montessori curriculum for toddlers through grade 5, and a Montessori and International Baccalaureate (IB) combined curriculum for grades 6 through 8. Moreover, the student-to-teacher ratio is 1:4 for toddlers, 1:10 for primary and lower elementary students, and 1:8 for upper elementary and middle school students. Additionally, students are exposed to visual and fine arts, choral and instrumental music, and theater, as well as music appreciation. Tuition fees range from $15,900 to $28,900. Click here for more tuition information.
Learning Ladders:PreSchools & DayCares in Jersey City
33-35 Hudson St, Jersey City, and 160 Morgan St, Suite # 2, Jersey City, NJ 07302, Phone: 201.918.6334 / 201.918.6643
Email: [email protected].
Hours: 7.30am – 6.30pm
Learning Ladders International Baccalaureate World School is an independent, private, non-sectarian school with locations in historic Paulus Hook and in downtown Grove St of Jersey City. Not to mention, Learning Ladders fosters independence, promotes, analytical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Also, they are open M-F throughout the year and, offer flexible schedules, and have the least number of closings a year. Among other features, weekly enrichment classes are conducted as well as digital daily reports are sent to each family. Contact now to schedule a personal tour.
Bright Horizons
152 Plaza 3, Jersey City NJ 07311, Phone: 201.433.6370, for enrollment info: 877.624.4532
https://child-care-preschool.brighthorizons.com/nj/jerseycity/plaza3jc
Hours M-F 7 am – 6:30 pm
Jersey City Bright Horizons is located in the lobby of Plaza 3 in Harborside Financial Center, which is located on the corner of Harborside Pl. and Hudson St. The HBLR is conveniently located in the front of the building.
HOBOKEN: 1102 Maxwell Lane, Hoboken NJ
https://child-care-preschool.brighthorizons.com/nj/hoboken/1102maxwell
Hours: M-F 7 am – 7 pm
Maxwell Lane Bright Horizons is located near the corner where Toni and Guy Hair Salon is and is located at the first storefront entrance. For local parking info, visit: http://www.hobokennj.org/departments/transportation-parking/
HOBOKEN SINATRA DRIVE: Sinatra Drive, Hoboken NJ
https://child-care-preschool.brighthorizons.com/nj/hoboken/sinatradrive
Hours: M-F 7 am – 7 pm
Sinatra Drive Bright Horizons is located in the middle of the block between LRP and House Of Que. For local parking info, visit:http://www.hobokennj.org/departments/transportation-parking/
Bright Horizons uses a curriculum titled, The World at Their Fingertips. It is designed to engage children in active learning while helping them learn, grow, develop, and encourages a spirit of community. Moreover, children are served healthy food and eat family-style serving themselves while learning about making healthy choices. For more information about tuition, contact the Bright Horizons center listed above.
Early Beginnings Day School
338 Grove Street, Jersey City NJ 07302 – Phone: 201.918.5623
https://www.earlybeginningsdayschool.org/
Email: [email protected]
Early Beginnings Day School provides services for children ages 6 months through 4 years old. Tuition is based on a 5 day week and ranges from $1250-$1350 per month from 8:30 am – 3 pm. Before-school programs, after-school programs, and half-day programs are available. Early Beginnings Day School provides a safe, caring, and enriched environment that promotes learning and the development of each child.
The Garden Preschool Cooperative
242 10th Street #5, Jersey City NJ 07302 – Phone: 201.309.0440
Email: gardenpreschoolenro[email protected]
Hours: 8 am – 6 pm
The Garden Preschool Cooperative provides high-quality education for children ages 3 (by December 1) through 5 years old when they enter school with a theme-based curriculum that changes year to year. The Garden Preschool Cooperative is a parent-run non-profit preschool that employs the developmental-interactive approach to teaching students as pioneered by the Bank Street Graduate School of Education in New York. Not only but also parents equally play a central role in the education of the students too. Additionally, they help enrich the curriculum, offer guidance to our teachers, assist in the classroom once monthly, and staff all leadership roles on the Board of Directors.
Hamilton Park Montessori School
Lower Campus (Toddlers through Kindergarten): 1 McWilliams Place, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Upper Campus (1st through 8th Grade): 175 8th Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: 201.533.1910
http://www.
Email: admissions@
Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Hamilton Park Montessori School (HPMS) educates children from toddlers through 8th grade by nurturing the whole child and their innate love of learning. Our Guiding Vision is: We believe that a better world is created by respectful people who are authentic to themselves, passionate in their pursuits, and connected to the world around them.
Every individual child is provided with unique opportunities for growth and development by our talented teaching staff to help them become capable, confident, and compassionate citizens of the world. Our students also engage in a variety of special classes each week including Movement/PE, Music, Art, Spanish, Literacy, Writers’ & Readers’ Workshop, and more!
Click here for information on our tuition. For more information, please email admissions@
Hudson Montessori School:PreSchools & DayCares in Jersey City
10 Regent Street, Jersey City NJ 07302 – Phone: 201.516.0700
Email: [email protected]
Promoting a love of learning in each child from toddlers through 6th-grade guides the thoughts and actions at Hudson Montessori. We focus on the individual interest and needs of each child allowing the child to learn in a hands-on setting. They also work with the children in areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Cultural, Science, and Motor Skills. For tuition information, click here.
The Kaplan Cooperative Preschool
115 Park Avenue, Hoboken NJ 07030 – Phone: 201.653.8666
http://www.kaplancooperativepreschool.org/
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 8 am – 6 pm
The Kaplan Cooperative Preschool is associated with the United Synagogue of Hoboken. They are a Jewish Preschool committed to providing a play-based and high-quality education to children. Therefore, The Kaplan Cooperative Preschool welcomes children and families of all faiths and wants everyone to be comfortable. Learn more about this option and see if it is the Best Preschools, Elementary Schools, and Day Cares in Jersey City for your family.
Primary Prep Elementary & Middle School
41 Tuers Ave, Jersey City NJ 07306 – Phone: 201.333.8844
Primary Prep is a small and private school that was founded in 1993 and now serves grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. The curriculum is designed to encourage the students to think outside the box using and developing critical thinking. Additionally, students form strong foundations in math, reading, language arts, science, history, and writing, as well as the arts. Technology is also infused in lessons through Ipads, Google Chromebooks, and laptops.
The Scandinavian School of Jersey City
210 9th Street, Jersey City NJ 07306 – Phone: 917.536.7911
Email: [email protected]
Transportation: Public Transit – Path Train to Grove Street or Newport/Pavonia Stops
The Scandinavian School of Jersey City is a Scandinavian school inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach caring for children from 1 to 6 years old. Children will be exposed to and learn a Scandinavian language, besides English. The curriculum is based on a child being creative, capable, and inquisitive. They learn best when their interests are acknowledged as worthy of investigation. Furthermore, the Scandinavian School of Jersey City offers homemade, organic, and wholesome meals that are enjoyed together. Additionally, the children are involved with making organic nut milk and daily food preparation. Click here for tuition information.
Tessa International School
720 Monroe Street Suites E105-106 Hoboken, NJ 07030 – Phone: 201.755.5585
Viaquenti Preschool
285 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302 – Phone: 201.222.0033
Email: [email protected]
Viaquenti Preschool provides a global education for children from three months of age through 2nd grade and anticipating expanding grade levels. Children under 3 years old are instructed based on the Multiple Intelligence Theory and Project-Based Approach.
Smile Preschool and Nursery
276 1st Street Jersey City NJ 07302 – Phone: 201.963.8533
194 Newark Avenue NJ 07302 – Phone: 201.963.2462
http://www.smilepreschoolandnursery.com
Smile Preschool and Nursery provides a nurturing environment in a home-like setting where your child is encouraged to share their feelings and express their creativity where they can grow and develop at their own pace.
The River School
WARREN- River School: 254/254 Warren Street, Jersey City NJ 07302 – Phone: 201.427.9070
https://theriverschool.com/locations/warren-st-the-early-years/
Email: [email protected]
EXCHANGE PLACE – River School: 251 Warren Street, Jersey City NJ 07302 – Phone: 201.369.7003
https://theriverschool.com/locations/jersey-city-exchange-place-location/
Email: [email protected]
NEWPORT – River School: 30 Newport Parkway, Jersey City, New Jersey 07310
https://theriverschool.com/locations/jersey-city-newport-parkway-location/
Email: [email protected]righthorizons.com
The River School embraces and encourages a lifetime of learning and joy for children 8 weeks through six years old. Children learn from everyone and everywhere. They also provide an environment where children are encouraged to explore developmentally appropriate activities as well as the flexibility to meet their individual needs. Not only but also, The River School currently represents more than 15 countries and comes from different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, marital statuses, and experiences.
All Saints Episcopal Day School
WASHINGTON STREET – All Saints Episcopal Day School: 707 Washington Street, Hoboken NJ 07030 – Phone: 201.792.0736
Website: www.AllSaintsDaySchool.org
Email: [email protected]
CLINTON STREET- All Saints Episcopal Day School: 527 Clinton Street, Hoboken NJ 07030 – Phone: 201.792.6292
All Saints Episcopal Day School is only 15 minutes from Manhattan and is easily accessible by car, train, bus, or ferry. You may travel via car through the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel or NY Waterways. You may travel via Path Trains and via Port Authority Bus Terminal on NJ Transit (Bus #126).
For local parking info, visit: http://www.hobokennj.org/departments/transportation-parking/
All Saints Episcopal Day School nurtures academic excellence from Nursery to Grade 8 by encouraging social responsibility and educating the whole child. Therefore, the dedicated staff shares values of hard work, self-discipline, and mutual respect, as well as the active pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
2018-2019 Tuition and Fees
Nursery – Pre-Kindergarten$12,970 (Half Day 8:30 – 11:15 am)
Early Childhood Extended Day$8,680 (Extended Day 11:15 am-3:00 pm)
Kindergarten-Grade 4 $21,650(Full Day 8:20 am – 3:00 pm)
Middle School – Grades 5-8 $22,690 (Full Day 8:20 am – 3:20 pm)
All Saints Episcopal Day School offers need-based financial aid. Approximately 13% of families receive some form of financial assistance.
Baby and Kiddie Galileo Preschool and Daycare
444 Central Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Serving 18 months to 13 years
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 7 am – 7 pm, Emergency Services and After Hours Available
Parents may pay weekly or monthly. The prices listed below are based on a five-day-per-week attendance and a full day. For more details, please visit their website, and for special circumstances, please contact the director.
0 to 1 years old$300
1 to 2 years old$285
2 to 3 years old$265
3 years and up$245
Teacher Radios meet or exceed the state requirements:
Infants 4:1, Young Toddler 6:1, Preschool Age 8:1
Galileo Preschool and Daycare follows the Behaviorist Model. They believe children learn best in a structured environment where items are carefully presented, and learning is rewarded. Moreover, they believe self-esteem is developed as children grow, learn, as well as develop. Additionally, Baby & Kiddie Galileo proudly serves one of the most organic menus of all the preschools in the area. They serve wholesome and low-sugar foods while introducing a variety of tastes and textures.
Gilliard Group Centers:PreSchools & DayCares in Jersey City
BABY WORLD: 491 Ocean Avenue Jersey City NJ 07305 – Phone: 201.369.9991
http://gilliardgroup.com/babyworld/
Hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
English, French, and Spanish are spoken here!
JERSEY CITY DAYCARE 100: 409-415 Halladay Street Jersey City NJ 07302 – Phone: 201.432.7645
http://gilliardgroup.com/jerseycitydaycare100/
Hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
English and Spanish are spoken here!
PARKSIDE PRESCHOOL: 202 Central Avenue, Jersey City NJ 07307 – Phone: 201.533.0570
http://gilliardgroup.com/parksidepreschool1/
Hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
English, Spanish, Hindi, Spanish, Tagalog, and Arabic is spoken here!
The Gilliard Group Centers provide a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for children ages 6 weeks up to school age by providing an after-school program and summer camp program. They invite the exploration of math, literature, arts, music, and science. The Gilliard Group Centers accept Urban League, Program For Parents, and Other Childcare Subsidies.
Bergen-Lafayette Montessori School
324 Communipaw Avenue, Jersey City NJ 07304 – Phone: 201.706.3403
http://www.bergenlafayettemontessori.com/
Email: [email protected]
Hours: M-F 7:30 am-6 pm
(street and parking lot parking available, parking lot entrance on Pine Street, two blocks from Liberty State Park Light Rail Station). In addition, Bergen-Lafayette Montessori School is Jersey City’s only dual-language Montessori school. In addition, the school is a small tight-knit community, that currently serves children ages 2.5 – 9 years old (Toddler – 3rdgrade) and is in the process of opening an infant room to serve children 6 months – 2.5 for the 2019-2020 school year. Also, meal options are available as well to make lunchtime easier for busy parents. Furthermore, register for information or schedule a private tour by visiting their website’s information session page or sending them an email to [email protected].
The Embankment School(Permanently Closed)
255 Brunswick St #2, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: (201) 898-5437
Hours: M-F 8:00 am-6 pm
The Embankment School is a progressive school that has pulled from the best research-based curriculum to create a broad experiential learning program. Their curriculum is ingrained in the philosophy that children learn best by doing; Hands-on opportunities, as well as imaginative play, help children internalize foundational skills and strategies for problem-solving. Moreover, The Embankment School is committed to making a vibrant local alternative for educating children and preparing them for success by “Building a Foundation for Learning.
Apple Montessori School:PreSchools & DayCares in Jersey City
220 Sinatra Dr, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone: (201) 222-1464
The Apple Montessori School’s method is designed to constantly build upon the individual skills and knowledge the child is acquiring, at every age level. Nurturing the whole child is the core of all that they do. In addition, their mission is to educate, enrich, as well as inspire children to reach their fullest potential as kind, independent, curious, and happy individuals.
Adventures in Learning:PreSchools & DayCares in Jersey City
2 Montgomery Street Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
Phone: 201-433-0211
Adventures in Learning provide a safe, healthy, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment. Additionally, their program embraces cultural diversity and fosters a love of learning in all children. Therefore, they encourage children to become self-directed learners while implementing strategies and techniques that support child development through appropriate practices.
Mustard Seed School:PreSchools & DayCares in Jersey City
PreSchools & DayCares in Jersey City422 Willow Avenue, Hoboken, NJ
Phone: 201.653.5548
Mustard Seed School is a PK-8th-grade independent Christian school in Hoboken, NJ. Their curriculum focuses on academics, arts, faith, and service to educate the whole child. Mustard Seed School teaches each child to know and care for their community and world. Together they inspire minds, cultivating hearts, and remove barriers.
Montessori School of Jersey City
17 Erie St, Jersey City
Phone:(201) 432-6300
The Montessori School of Jersey City is “where passion meets Montessori education.” With class sizes that don’t exceed a capacity of 26 students, teachings children ranging from 3 and a half to 9. Parents have the option to have their children attend a full session or half sessions as well.
Park View Academy:PreSchools & DayCares in Jersey City
Vantage – 33 Park View Avenue – Jersey City 07302
Phone: 201-725-2926
At Park View Academy, they are dedicated to creating a nurturing, stimulating, and welcoming environment for all children. Their unique programs incorporate a variety of educational theories, while always keeping the child’s best interest in mind and allowing for hands-on, experiential learning.
Liberty Montessori:PreSchools & DayCares in Jersey City
8 Chapel Ave
Phone: (201) 985-8745
The Liberty Montessori School offers exceptional care for children six weeks to six years old. They have fun centers and workshops/programs, hands-on curriculum, certified teachers and so much more! Also with their studies, your little one can get involved in extracurricular activities such as yoga, music, as well as chess. Also, if you want to learn more about this school on our list of the 6 Best Montessori Schools in Jersey City? Schedule a tour!
Play & Learn:PreSchools & DayCares in Jersey City
Hoboken Charter School
713 Washington St Hoboken, NJ
Phone: (201) 963-0222
The Hoboken Charter School is a K-12 community of learners that seeks to develop the academic, artistic, personal, and civic growth of all its members through its commitment to service-learning and learner-centered education. The Hoboken Charter School also believes that students thrive in environments where expectations are clear and consistent at all levels, as well as where students are known.
Hoboken Dual Language Charter School
123 Jefferson Street, Hoboken, NJ
Phone: (201) 427 – 1458
The Hoboken Dual Language School is a dual-language Charter School that opened in 2010. The Hoboken Dual Language Charter School is committed to providing exceptional education in Spanish and English to develop engaged, well-rounded bilingual citizens with a global as well as multicultural perspective, who take personal responsibility for becoming positive members of their communities.
St. Nicholas School:PreSchools & DayCares in Jersey City
118 Ferry St Jersey City, NJ
Phone:(201) 659-5948
The mission of St. Nicholas School is to embrace, nurture, and educate all God’s children, preparing them for lives of service and leadership rooted in the Gospel values of faith, hope, and love. St. Nicholas School has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools since 1993. Additionally, their 2018 graduates received over $400,000 from their excellent Catholic high schools.
Updated May 17th, 2022
