
Choosing the right preschool for your family can be a daunting task, but if there is one thing we learned while putting together this guide it’s that we are incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful options to choose from in Cincinnati and NKY!
Do you have a favorite school that is not on our list? Please tell us about them! Email us at [email protected] and we would love to reach out to them!
The Summit Country Day School
The Summit Preschool offers a full Montessori preschool experience and is one of only a few schools applying the Montessori philosophy in an educational program that starts at 18 months! Whether you are interested in half-day or full-day, there are multiple options, including academic enrichment programs.

The Summit Montessori Program
The Montessori curriculum provides objects, relationships and an environment which fulfill a child’s innate compulsion to learn. Learning is self-directed and supported in each classroom by university-trained Montessori curriculum experts.
Absolutely an amazing environment to expand a child’s horizon. Every staff member has been friendly, professional and concentrated on the best interest of the children at Summit – Lisa
The classrooms and gym equipment are specifically designed to stimulate fine and gross motor skills indoors and outside children enjoy a rooftop playground Naturescape, a dedicated Outdoor Learning Space and the Leibold Pond.
As children advance through the toddler program they move seamlessly into the Pre-K and Kindergarten Montessori program, which continues the development of confidence and enabling them to face new challenges as they grow.
Schedule a tour online.
18 - 36 Month Program
The Summit Toddler Montessori Program focuses on three distinct developmental needs:
- Movement: Toddlers use specialized play equipment both inside and outside that stimulates fine and gross motor development.
- Language: Because toddlers are acute listeners, activities include singing, rhyming, reading stories and naming and labeling of materials.
- Order: Materials are kept in an orderly manner and activities follow a predictable routine that lets toddlers build self-esteem and take initiative in learning new and challenging skills.
The Primrose School of Symmes

The Primrose School of Symmes provides the best in early childhood learning for infants through private full-day kindergarten as well as afterschool programming through age 12 and a great summer camp. The Balanced Learning program is their proprietary exclusive, time-tested approach to education. Created from the best early education wisdom, it balances purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence, and compassion.
Primrose is an EXCELLENT, structured, yet fun place for kids and staff! – Tina
Tuition includes all curriculum, two healthy, snacks, and lunch prepared fresh daily (by their chef!), music program, character development program, technology, and low student to teacher ratios. The Primrose curriculum supports their belief that; who children become is as important as what they know. The CMC team loves this about them!
Schedule a tour online.
St. Ursula Villa

“We chose the Villa primarily for its safe, loving and challenging environment. We want our kids to be challenged academically in an environment that is socially and emotionally supportive. We give the Villa 5 stars in this category.” – Current Parent
St. Ursula Villa offers outstanding programs for Toddler/2-year-olds, Montessori for 3-, 4-, & 5-year-olds, and Traditional preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Robust schedule options from half- to full-days plus after care in a loving, beautiful setting.
2021/2022 Admission Events:
Nov. 7, 2021 Early Childhood Open House 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Showcasing Toddler, Traditional Preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds, and Montessori for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds
Register at stursulavilla.org/2021-22-admissions-events/
January 23, 2022 All-School Open House 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Featuring all Villa grades and programs – Toddler through Junior High
Register at stursulavilla.org/2021-22-admissions-events/
Mercy Montessori

“If every child had an opportunity to go to a school like this, the world would be a better place.” – Abby (Current Parent)
For more than 50 years, Mercy Montessori has educated the whole child, developing a strong foundation for learning. Mercy offers outdoor learning spaces, weekly swim lessons, a farm-to-table microeconomy program, sliding scale tuition, and financial aid. Discover the magic of Mercy!
2022 Admission Events:
Mercy Open House – February 6th from 1-3PM
Join us for a school tour, meet Mercy teachers, and learn more about our school. Registration required to ensure social distancing: Please register here.
Virtual Mercy Meet-Ups
We are hosting a series of virtual events so that families can meet our administrators, learn about Mercy, and ask questions. We hope you can join us at one of our upcoming sessions:
- Tuesday, February 8th at 9am
- Wednesday, February 9th at 6:30PM
- Tuesday, March 8th at 9am
- Wednesday, March 9th at 6:30PM
Register here to join us; we look forward to meeting you.
We look forward to welcoming you to our school!
I can’t wait to send my twins to http://www.creativetotsmason.com
My oldest went there and I fully believe he is doing so well in kindergarten because of the start he got there. The teachers are amazing and it almost becomes like a family! I can not recommend them enough!