Maya RichardsonAs a parent myself, I understand the dilemma of wanting to be the one teaching your kids and choosing work to support them. I want to be there for every milestone, but real life calls for work and responsibilities.
To be honest, I hate the idea of leaving my toddler with a bunch of strangers the whole day. It’s nerve-wracking to wonder if they will be safe or if they’re gonna be fed or changed on time.
But trust me, these worries will lessen once you realize there are centers filled with people who genuinely care and love what they do.
Just like these preschools in Columbus taught me, they don’t just “watch” your child while you’re away; they become a place where your child grows and learns things they may not get at home.
How much are the tuition fees for preschools in Columbus?
Preschool tuition fees in Columbus typically range from $1,200 to $1,500 per month. This depends on the child’s age, number of sessions, and whether it’s part-time or full-time.
1. Villa Montessori
Address: 8999 Gemini Pkwy ste a
Phone: +16147214410
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 7 AM–6 PM
Villa Montessori is an early childhood education center that uses play-based lessons to nurture children as independent learners and encourage creativity.
The school offers programs for children from infancy through around age 6. This means families can enroll their child early and continue for several developmental stages for consistency.
There’s also an extended primary program that may serve as a private kindergarten option. This introduces more advanced subjects, such as language, math, geography, and more.
What we like most is that their class schedules are flexible to accommodate busy families. The center operated from 7 AM to 6 PM, and parents can choose part-time or full-time attendance within those hours.
While the tuition fees aren’t available publicly, many parents noted that the price is within the range of an average daycare in the area. And we appreciate that enrollment is available year-round and that they offer 10% military discounts.
However, some guardians wish they were more involved, such as being notified of the week’s goals or creating events for parents.
Every step of the way, Villa has been supportive and nurturing
“Our daughter has been with Villa for almost her entire 2.5 years (since 3 months when I returned to work). She is about to enter Primary, so we have experience in most of the classes. Every step of the way, Villa has been a supportive and nurturing environment that has also instilled in her a love of learning and a confidence that is becoming her inner monologue. Everybody at the school knows her and greets us like family. I am so glad we chose Villa and would do it again in a second!”
- Jessica Rodriguez, Google Review
The social and academic growth has been incredible
“We love Villa Montessori! When we started, our son was trying to get us not leave in the mornings at drop off. Now he asks if he can stay longer! I really can’t say enough about how great our time at Villa Montessori has been. The social and academic growth has been incredible.”
- Martha Loskota, Google Review
2. Primrose School
Address: 101 E Town St
Phone: +16144291900
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 7 AM–6 PM
Primrose is an education franchise with multiple locations in and around Columbus and more than 500 across the country. For over 40 years, the company has provided early childhood education and childcare programs.
They use their own framework called the Balanced Learning Curriculum. It blends modules with a play-based environment to support both academic and social development.
These programs are structured to serve a broad demographic, from infants through pre-kindergarten age 5. The younger ones are mostly taught about sensory learning and exploration.
Meanwhile, a typical day for the older students is split into segments, moving from academic lessons to open play, music-based learning, and rest periods.
What many parents appreciate most is that they can monitor their child’s milestones throughout the day using the Procare mobile app. It even lets them know about feeding, diaper change, and naps—with pictures included.
One common issue, though, is that the turnover rate is high and the rotation of new teachers throughout the year is noticeable. It’s easier for children to build trust when they are familiar with the instructor, so we understand why guardians are concerned.
The care and attention to detail my children receive here are so appreciated
“Primrose downtown is an excellent child care institution. The care and attention to detail my children receive here are so appreciated. My son is potty training and he has gotten so much better with going to the potty and eliminating accidents since attending this school. The staff is always available to answer any questions and never make you feel like you are bothering anyone.”
- Tim Russell, Google Review
Very communicative with parents about any issues
“Great teachers, great staff. Very communicative with parents about any issues. They engage with the kids and challenge the kids educationally and do regular fun activities with them (Gator Dave, Kona Ice Day, Splash Days during the summer, etc.) – highly recommend!”
- Christopher Triplett, Google Review
3. Balanced Family Academy
Address: 5150 Reed Rd
Phone: +16147453305
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM–6 PM
Balanced Family Academy (BFA) was founded in 2014 and has been providing both preschool learning and full-day daycare services. They now operate in multiple locations, including Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Gahanna.
They welcome infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, helping them with everything from motor skills to early communication.
For older children, they use a structured flow called the “Full Circle Curriculum”. They use creative daily themes in lessons and integrate them into courses such as STEM, literacy, and physical education.
What stood out most for us is its all-inclusive childcare model, where they provide all the essentials like diapers and wipes along with meals. Parents appreciate this as well, saying it makes getting ready easier on busy mornings.
Although we must say that the tuition at BFA is at the highest tier in the market. But if we consider the inclusions (organic meals, diapers, and even laundry services) and that they operate year-round, we say you can’t find this kind of value anywhere else.
We definitely made the right choice
“As a first-time parent, choosing a daycare can be a little overwhelming, but after multiple recommendations from friends and colleagues and a tour, we decided on BFA. We definitely made the right choice! We love the caring teachers, engaging activities and constant updates through the CareDay app. The admin staff is also fantastic. They are on top of every update and thorough with communication for their dedicated “house”. Added bonus of diapers, wipes and food included in tuition! We would fully recommend BFA to any family!”
- Alli Wehrie, Google Review
I know he is safe, loved, and learning so much every day
“It is incredibly hard to drop off your baby at daycare every day and trust someone else with their care, but from the very beginning, this daycare has given me complete peace of mind. I have never once doubted the care my son is receiving. I know he is safe, loved, and learning so much every day. The staff communicates regularly and always keeps me informed. They know my baby so well that they can tell when he’s not himself and reach out right away, which means more to me than I can put into words. They truly go above and beyond, and I am so grateful to have found a place that cares so deeply about the children they look after. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.”
- Jessica Lutjens, Google Review
4. Clever Bee Academy
Address: 660 Harrisburg Pike
Phone: +16142270652
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 6 AM–5:30 PM
Clever Bee first opened in Cleveland in 2001 and has since grown exponentially, expanding to cities such as Toledo and Columbus. It’s basically a daycare service with preschool learning to allow children to prepare for academics while receiving care.
It’s probably one of the most comprehensive services we have seen so far. They cater to children from six weeks to 12 years old.
But the preschool program, in particular, typically serves children around three to four years old. Activities include early reading, writing, and math to slowly prepare them for kindergarten.
These lessons are usually delivered in an engaging way—let’s say through storytelling, song, creative play, and collaborative projects among peers. Not to mention, they also offer summer camps to strengthen their problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Although the exact tuition rates are not publicly disclosed, many parents praise the center as one of the most affordable options in the area. They offer flexible payment options, plus the meals, diapers, and wipes are also included.
However, some guardians noticed that the student-to-teacher ratio is a bit disproportionate and can feel unorganized.
The teachers care for the kids as if they were their own
“I can’t say enough about this center! My kids LOVE attending. The directors Lilly and Krystal are the best. The building is always clean thanks to the custodian, Jason, who will stop what he’s doing to greet and help the kids. The teachers care for the kids like they are their own. And corporate frequently visits the building to check in with families and children. Thanks, Jill, for continuing to look out for everyone here.”
- Yu Huhu, Google Review
My kids are comfortable there
“Clever Bee Academy is a great place for your kids to attend. I love it! My favorite thing is that my kids are comfortable there and enjoy getting up and going every day. My daughter loves the teachers here and has great friends there. The Directors here are good at communicating.”
- A M, Google Review
5. The Barrington School
Address: 757 Adena Dr
Phone: +16143633000
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 7 AM–6 PM
The Barrington School has more than 50 years of experience in early childhood care, focusing on providing a nurturing and education-focused environment for young children between three and four years old.
It makes it a suitable option if you’re looking for a premium childcare provider. And by that, we mean smaller class sizes, personalized attention, and a well-rounded curriculum that supports social and academic development.
In addition to classroom learning, the center offers enrichment classes throughout the week. It includes music, dance, sports, and more. This not only helps develop confidence but also improves their physical coordination.
The school’s tuition fee varies by age group and the number of classes the child attends per week. But according to parents, the monthly payment covers everything from chef-prepared meals to essentials like diapers and sunscreens.
This also gives us peace of mind, knowing that the children are eating organic food and that their everyday needs are taken care of.
However, it’s quite disappointing to hear that whenever an incident occurs, the administration tends to cover it up rather than report it to the guardians. In some instances, parents had to find out from the kids themselves.
The quality of care is top-notch
“My child went to Barrington for about 3 years. He has recently left to start pre-k at another school and I have to say, we felt like we left our family! Barrington in Grandview became such a special place to us. The quality of care is top-notch, from the care and attention received by the teachers to the food and the special things they do for the children. I highly recommend!”
- Shelly Cresanti, Google Review
We have been extremely impressed and pleased with the care he receives
“My wife and I just started sending our son here and we have been extremely impressed and pleased with the care he receives. Barrington sends prompt summaries of each day and we love his teacher, Holly, who seems to have formed a special bond with him. We are extremely grateful to have found a place like Barrington for our childcare needs.”
- Will Alexander, Google Review
