Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the most magical holiday tradition, returns to Magic Kingdom on select nights beginning this weekend!
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If you haven't experienced Christmas at Gaylord Palms, add it to your calendar this season, including the return of the iconic ICE! Photo courtesy of Marriott International
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Visit Gatorland's play area during a visit to this beloved Florida roadside attraction. Photo Charlotte B
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The shark from Jaws makes a terrifying appearance at the new Universal Mega Movie Parade! Photo courtesy Universal Orlando Resort
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Visitors can actually ride the exhibits at the Florida Railroad Museum, which hosts a variety of experiences throughout the year. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Experience the best of global flavors at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, running through the end of November. Photo courtesy Disney
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Gideon's Handmade Cookies, at East End Market, are MASSIVE, like this drool-worthy pistachio toffee chocolate chip cookie. Photo courtesy Gideon's & East End Market
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14 Best Preschools Near Orlando for Curious Kids

Growing Together Academy focuses on personal character development, as well as academic excellence. Photo courtesy of the Academy
Growing Together Academy focuses on personal character development, as well as academic excellence. Photo courtesy of the Academy
9/11/22 - By Charlotte B

Giving your little one a head start at a quality preschool can build a solid foundation in social and pre-academic skills, readying them for kindergarten and beyond. In the state of Florida, all children 4 years of age (as of September 1) are eligible for VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten), a state-funded program that is FREE for families. Most preschools in Orlando offer VPK for eligible 4-year-olds. Plus, several Orlando preschools offer programs for 2- and 3-year-olds as well. Finding the right fit of preschool can seem daunting, so we've asked local families and rounded up a list of the best preschools around Central Florida.

Touring preschools? Here are the top questions you need to ask during your tour. If you would like articles like this delivered right to your inbox, subscribe to our email list.

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Creative World School at UCF/Orlando focuses on iSTEAM learning opportunities.
Creative World School at UCF/Orlando focuses on iSTEAM learning opportunities.

Best Preschools in Orlando: Orange County

Cranium Academy

East Orlando & Winter Garden
Cranium Academy is a private preschool and elementary school offering an interactive curriculum designed to maximize each student's learning potential. The school boasts large, modern classrooms as well as an indoor gym, outdoor playgrounds, and bounce houses, designed to balance academics with imaginative social and play experiences. READ MORE

Creative World School at UCF/Orlando

Orlando/UCF
Creative World is dedicated to the education and development of young children. Families who have visited a UCF-Orlando Florida preschool, childcare, or daycare center will immediately see the difference when they visit the new Creative World School. While this school location is in development, it will hold information sessions to share its unique and fun approach to learning with an age-appropriate curriculum. Please visit the website and enter your name into the request form to get more information. If you are looking for a quality learning experience staffed with... READ MORE

Growing Together Academy

Orlando
Growing Together Academy is a family-owned preschool and private school, offering programs from preschool through 9th grade. The school focuses on engaging students through a high quality, Christ-centered education that equips and challenges them to reach their unique potential spiritually, academically, socially, and physically. School subjects are taught from a Christian perspective and times are set aside for Bible instruction and chapel. Scholarships are available through Step Up for Students. READ MORE

Journey Early Learning Center

Orlando
Part of Center Pointe Community Church, Journey Early Learning Center offers programs for kids ages 2-4 years old. VPK is available for eligible 4 year olds. The school provides a Christ-centered education for preschoolers with a focus on the whole child, including mind, body, and soul.   READ MORE

Parke House Academy

Winter Park
Founded in 1996, Parke House Academy provides an accelerated educational program for 1 year old through 5th grade students. The dynamic curriculum is designed to empower each student to reach his or her highest social and academic potential in a nurturing and challenging environment. 3-day and 5-day preschool programs are available. All students participate in the study of Spanish language. READ MORE
Kids learn at Primrose School Lake Mary through playful exploration. Photo courtesy of the school
Kids learn at Primrose School Lake Mary through playful exploration. Photo courtesy of the school

Best Preschools in Orlando: Seminole County

The Glen Academy

Casselberry
The Glen Academy provides childcare, preschool, and after-school programs. The school uses a STEAM based curriculum developed to provide students with a foundational education to help them grow to their full potential. The school also utilizes Differentiated Learning, in which teachers are trained to identify a variety of ways through which children understand new information. READ MORE

Heathrow Christian Academy

Lake Mary
Heathrow Christian Academy at Markham Woods Presbyterian Church provides Christian-based education for kids age 2 through kindergarten. The school utilizes Creative Curriculum, which guides teachers in fostering positive responses to Erik Erikson's stages of socio-emotional development. READ MORE

Primrose School of Lake Mary Heathrow

Sanford
Primrose School of Lake Mary Heathrow offers care and education for babies as young as 6 weeks, toddlers, preschoolers and Kindergarteners. A balanced learning preschool curriculum is offered, reinforcing new information through multi-sensory learning experiences that encourage discovery through playful exploration, teacher-guided investigations, questioning, direct instruction and discussion. READ MORE

Wekiva Children's Academy

Altamonte Springs
This highly rated school in Altamonte Springs offers childcare and play-based education for infants (as young as 6 weeks), toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age kids up to 12 years old. Activities include gardening, art, reading, biking, free play, and group lessons. READ MORE

Young Innovators Academy

Oviedo
Offering childcare, preschool, and after school programs, Young Innovators Academy provides children with a transformative education that infuses the mindsets, skills and content knowledge children need to become innovators. The school offers a tech centric approach with individualized learning experiences made possible by small class sizes and a low student-teacher ratio. READ MORE
Kids World Learning Academy uses an innovative sensory/STEAM curriculum to engage young minds. Photo courtesy of the academy
Kids World Learning Academy uses an innovative sensory/STEAM curriculum to engage young minds. Photo courtesy of the academy

Best Preschools in South Orlando & Osceola County

Kids World Learning Academy

St. Cloud
Kids World Learning Academy provides care and high quality education for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and VPK students. An innovative sensory/STEAM curriculum is used to engage and inspire young minds. Meals and snacks are included and prepared fresh daily.  READ MORE

Kingdom Kids Christian Academy

Kissimmee
Part of The Vine Church, Kingdom Kids offers programs for preschool and K-5th grades. The school provides theme-based weekly curriculum units that include group lessons, hands-on activities, learning centers, and social-play. In addition to the teachers on staff, there are extra assistants available to help students who may need more one-on-one attention.​ READ MORE

My First Academy

Kissimmee and Orlando
With four locations across Central Florida, this early childhood center provides daycare and preschool programs for ages 6 weeks to 5 years. My First Academy believes that children learn best when moving between activites initiated by their own interests and guided by teachers. Kindergarten-readiness is an emphasis in the bilingual preschool curriculum. Parents also have access to livestream videos of their child throughout the day.  READ MORE

Peace UMC Preschool

Hunter's Creek
This preschool in Hunter's Creek offers programs for children ages 2.5 to 4 years. Peace Preschool uses the "Learning Without Tears/Get Set For School" curriculum to teach handwriting, language/literacy and numbers/math readiness. Chapel time is incorporated into the weekly schedule. Half day VPK is available, as well as half day and full day preschool for 3 year olds. READ MORE

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