The 7 Best Preschools in Melbourne

Choosing the right preschool for your child is one of the most important decisions parents can make, as early education forms the foundation for a lifetime of learning and development. Melbourne offers a diverse range of early childhood education options, catering to various educational philosophies, family needs, and budgets. Whether you’re looking for play-based programs, Montessori methods, or bilingual learning environments, the 7 Best Preschools in Melbourne guide will help you navigate the options to find the perfect fit for your little one. Below, we explore some key considerations and services commonly offered by preschools in Melbourne:

Play-based learning to foster creativity and social development.
Montessori or Reggio Emilia-inspired programs for alternative learning approaches.
Qualified and experienced early childhood educators.
Focus on language and literacy development.
Access to outdoor play areas and nature-based activities.
Nutritional meal plans and allergy-conscious options.
Flexible schedules, including full-time and part-time enrolments.
Additional programs such as music, art, and physical education.
Safe and nurturing environments with a focus on emotional well-being.
Price range: approximately $80 to $150 per day, depending on the location and services provided.

1. Sentia Early Learning
2. Only About Children Melbourne Central
3. Creative Garden Early Learning Tullamarine

4. Apple Blossoms Early Learning
5. St Catherine's Early Education Centre
6. Aurora Early Education Qv
7. Astra Early Learning

Number of companies

300

Verified reviews

4,69

Average rating

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1. Sentia Early Learning

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,9/5

Level 5/450 Flinders St, 3000, Melbourne

Day care center
Educational institution
Preschool

Why we chose them

Sentia Early Learning is a boutique, family-owned child care center located in Melbourne’s CBD, offering a nurturing and inspiring environment for children aged 0-5. With a focus on fostering creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning, this EXCEEDING-rated center provides both sessional and integrated kindergarten programs. Weekly incursions and excursions, along with a Mandarin language class every Friday, enrich the children’s experiences, encouraging exploration, curiosity, and meaningful connections in a safe and joyful atmosphere.

Known for its loyal, long-serving staff and strong sense of community, the center creates a supportive environment for families, blending convenience with high-quality care. Its philosophy emphasizes trust, security, and belonging, ensuring children grow as individuals while parents enjoy the advantage of having their little ones close to their workplace. By integrating care and education, Sentia offers a seamless and enriching early learning journey, making it a trusted choice for families in Melbourne.

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2. Only About Children Melbourne Central

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3,9/5

Coop's Shot Tower 5/211 Swanston Street & LaTrobe St, Melbourne Central, 3000, Melbourne

Day care center
Kindergarten
Nursery school

Why we chose them

Only About Children Melbourne Central stands out as a premier choice for families seeking exceptional early learning and childcare services in the heart of Melbourne. Nestled within the Melbourne Central Shopping Centre, this expansive campus offers a thoughtfully designed environment that includes five age-based indoor spaces and a vibrant outdoor play area featuring sandpits, bike tracks, climbing equipment, and more. The campus is proud to be rated “Exceeding” the National Quality Standard, reflecting its commitment to delivering a nurturing, stimulating, and safe atmosphere for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Multilingual educators fluent in over 10 languages, including Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Hindi, enhance the inclusive and culturally rich environment. A dedicated focus on child development is evident through their innovative play-based Grow Curriculum, which emphasizes literacy, STEM, art, physical activity, and social resilience.

Families benefit from an all-inclusive approach that goes beyond education to encompass health, nutrition, and wellbeing. Fresh meals are prepared daily in-house by campus cooks, based on a dietitian-designed seasonal menu. The campus also facilitates enriching community excursions to nearby attractions like Melbourne Museum and Carlton Gardens, fostering real-world learning experiences. With tailored programs for nursery, toddler, and kindergarten-aged children, the campus ensures individual learning plans and school readiness support. Offering occasional care options for flexible childcare needs, the center prioritizes convenience and adaptability for modern families. The passionate team of educators and allied health specialists work closely with children and families, creating a supportive and enriching foundation for lifelong learning and growth.

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3. Creative Garden Early Learning Tullamarine

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5,0/5

16-20 Gowrie Park Dr, 3045, Melbourne Airport

Day care center
Education center
Family day care service
Kindergarten
Learning center
Nursery school
Playgroup
Preparatory school
Preschool

Why we chose them

Creative Garden Early Learning Tullamarine is a purpose-built early education centre catering to children from birth to six years old. With a focus on providing high-quality care and education, the centre offers a range of services, including day care, kindergarten, preschool, and family day care. Its experienced and qualified educators deliver innovative early learning programs guided by the Early Years Learning Framework, fostering children’s curiosity, independence, and development. The centre also features expansive natural outdoor spaces with climbing equipment, sandpits, a bike track, and a community garden, encouraging exploration and play in a nurturing environment.

Families will appreciate the centre’s commitment to convenience and inclusivity, with government-funded kindergarten programs, extended hours, and amenities like chef-prepared meals and nappies provided. The facility also emphasizes sustainability, STEM education, and self-regulation through music and movement programs. A close-knit team of educators, some with over 15 years of tenure, ensures a welcoming atmosphere where families feel supported and children thrive. The centre’s focus on holistic development and personalized care makes it an ideal choice for local families seeking exceptional early education services.

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4. Apple Blossoms Early Learning

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,6/5

219 Dorcas St, 3205, South Melbourne

Day care center
Preschool

Why we chose them

Apple Blossoms Early Learning – South Melbourne stands out as a purpose-built childcare and preschool center dedicated to fostering growth, learning, and well-being for children aged 0 to 5 years. With an emphasis on nutrition, the center provides organic, low-allergenic meals prepared by an in-house chef, tailored to support growing bodies and minds. Children engage in hands-on activities such as feeding chickens, collecting eggs, and harvesting fresh produce from the vegetable gardens, all while learning the importance of sustainable living through worm farms, compost areas, and fruit trees. The natural outdoor classroom features mud kitchens, sand play areas, and adventure playgrounds crafted from natural materials, creating an environment that stimulates curiosity and imagination.

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies, the center’s curriculum is based on the Early Years Learning Framework, ensuring children are equipped for school in a nurturing and fun environment. Indoors, the classrooms are enriched with greenery and natural materials, fostering a calm and engaging space for learning and play. The center offers age-appropriate programs for babies, toddlers, and kindergarten-aged children, supported by passionate educators who are committed to helping each child thrive. With thoughtfully designed environments and a strong focus on holistic development, Apple Blossoms provides families with a trusted, high-quality early learning experience in South Melbourne.

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5. St Catherine's Early Education Centre

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,7/5

35 Canning St, 3051, North Melbourne

Day care center
Preschool

Why we chose them

St Catherine’s Early Education Centre stands out as a trusted provider of high-quality childcare and preschool services in North Melbourne. Renowned for its warm and nurturing environment, the center emphasizes a play-based learning philosophy that fosters creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning. With tailored programs for different age groups—ranging from infants to pre-kindergarten—St Catherine’s supports children’s holistic development through engaging activities and sensory-rich environments. The center’s dedication to personalized care, experienced educators, and a stimulating curriculum ensures that each child is supported in their unique developmental journey.

Rated as Exceeding the National Quality Standards in all seven areas, St Catherine’s is committed to offering more than just childcare—it’s a vibrant community where families connect through events and activities. The center prioritizes health and safety, offering nutritious, locally sourced meals that cater to diverse dietary needs, while promoting positive eating habits. With a focus on school readiness, literacy, and numeracy, the center’s programs prepare children for a seamless transition to kindergarten. Parents consistently praise the attentive staff and enriching programs, making St Catherine’s a preferred choice for early childhood education in the area.

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6. Aurora Early Education Qv

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,7/5

Level 8/10 Artemis Ln, 3000, Melbourne

Day care center
Learning center
Preschool

Why we chose them

Aurora Early Education QV offers a nurturing and innovative environment for early childhood education and care in Melbourne’s CBD. This family-owned and operated centre is thoughtfully designed to create a home-like atmosphere, fostering a sense of belonging for children and their families. With a philosophy rooted in the pillars of “Connect, Care, and Create,” the centre provides specialised programs for infants, toddlers, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten-aged children. Its holistic curriculum combines play-based learning with enriching activities such as yoga, music, art, and language, ensuring that children grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally in a safe and supportive setting.

Dedicated to excellence, the centre is staffed by highly qualified educators passionate about early childhood development. They utilise the latest educational research to craft personalised experiences for each child, fostering independence and curiosity. Specialised sessions and a strong focus on cultural diversity further enhance the learning experience. The centre’s in-house chef prepares nutritious meals daily, promoting healthy eating habits. Additionally, parents benefit from the Aurora App, which provides real-time updates and insights into their child’s daily activities, ensuring seamless communication and transparency. This commitment to quality makes the centre a standout choice for families seeking exceptional early education and care.

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7. Astra Early Learning

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5,0/5

77 Bay St, 3207, Port Melbourne

Day care center
Plant nursery
Preschool

Why we chose them

Astra Early Learning stands out as a premier early education provider located in the scenic beachside suburb of Port Melbourne. Catering to children from six weeks to school age, this center combines state-of-the-art facilities with a Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum to foster creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning. With an emphasis on safety and wellbeing, their dedicated team of educators ensures that every child thrives in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Unique offerings such as Beach Kinder and Bush Kinder programs connect children with nature, promoting mental health and social development through weekly outdoor exploration.

Owned by an experienced and qualified kindergarten teacher, the center’s play-based approach to learning is carefully designed to prepare children for school and beyond. Their comprehensive services include a day care center, plant nursery, and preschool, supported by a high-quality curriculum and nutritious meals. Families are encouraged to visit the center, meet the passionate team, and experience firsthand the vibrant, sensory-rich spaces that inspire young minds. By celebrating childhood and fostering a sense of belonging, this early learning center creates an exceptional foundation for lifelong success.

Frequently asked questions

What educational philosophies are commonly followed by preschools in Melbourne?

Preschools in Melbourne often follow various educational philosophies, including play-based learning, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia approaches. These methods focus on fostering creativity, independence, and holistic development in children.

What is the average cost of preschool in Melbourne?

The average cost of preschool in Melbourne ranges from approximately €50 to €90 per day, depending on the location, facilities, and services provided. Some preschools may offer discounts for siblings or government subsidies to eligible families.

What age should my child start attending preschool?

Most preschools in Melbourne accept children from the age of 3 to 5 years old. However, some programs offer toddler classes for children as young as 2 years. It's important to check with individual preschools for their specific age requirements.

How do I choose the best preschool for my child in Melbourne?

To choose the best preschool, consider factors such as the educational philosophy, teacher qualifications, class sizes, facilities, location, fees, and feedback from other parents. Visiting the preschool and observing how children interact with staff can also help you make an informed decision.

What services and programs do Melbourne preschools typically offer?

Most preschools in Melbourne provide a range of services, including outdoor play areas, nutritional meal plans, language and literacy development, music and art programs, and flexible schedules with full-time or part-time options. Some also offer additional programs like physical education and nature-based learning activities.

Are there options for bilingual or language-focused preschools in Melbourne?

Yes, many preschools in Melbourne offer bilingual or language-focused programs, teaching languages such as Mandarin, French, or Italian alongside English. These programs are ideal for families seeking to nurture multilingual skills from an early age.

How far in advance should I enroll my child in a Melbourne preschool?

It's recommended to enroll your child at least 6 to 12 months in advance, as many preschools in Melbourne have waitlists due to high demand. Some popular preschools may even require earlier applications, so it's best to inquire as soon as possible.

What should I look for during a preschool tour or visit?

During a preschool tour, observe the cleanliness and safety of the facilities, the quality of outdoor play areas, and how staff interact with children. Additionally, ask about teacher qualifications, class sizes, daily routines, and how the preschool handles children's emotional and social development.