Top Staten Island Preschools
Choosing a preschool is one of the first big milestones in your parenting journey, and it’s a meaningful one. For many families, it’s where children begin to explore the world beyond home, make new friends, and start building the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Preschools across Staten Island offer more than finger painting and storytime (though there’s plenty of that, too!). They blend creativity, structure, and play-based learning to support children’s social, emotional, and intellectual growth. The right preschool not only eases the transition to kindergarten but also gives parents peace of mind. To help you in this exciting stage, we’ve rounded up standout preschools near you to find the perfect fit for your family.
Big Birds Play House
1859 Richmond Avenue, Staten Island NY 10314
718-982-0550
info@bigbirdsplayhouse.com
bigbirdsplayhouse.com
Big Bird’s Playhouse has been serving parents in Staten Island since 1991, providing them with a safe environment where children feel loved, respected and safe in a place where kids learn, grow, and build a foundation for their future. Big Bird’s Playhouse believes that children can learn from play, stories and arts and crafts at their daily centers. Their staff is warm and caring, and sensitive to each child’s specific needs. The school serves children from 3 months to 12 years old. Pre-K and Pre-K3 are free full days of instruction for 6 hours 20 minutes; before and after care is available for a fee. Extended hours are available; open from 6:30am to 6:30pm.
Catholic Charities of Staten Island – Tender Care Preschool
6581 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10309
718-317 2849
Lmazzo@cc-si.org
cc-si.org/tender-care-preschool
Tender Care Preschool offers an engaging early education experience that nurtures each child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. It is a warm and welcoming environment for both children and their families. The preschool is dedicated to supporting children in areas where they need assistance while also providing challenges when they are ready to advance. At Tender Care Preschool, children become lifelong learners with a strong foundation who are well-prepared for their educational journey. It offers a full-day 2-year-old program and a free full-day 3- and 4-year-old program with extended hours.
JCC of Staten Island Early Childhood Education Center
Bernikow JCC: 1466 Manor Road
Avis/South Shore JCC: 1297 Arthur Kill Road
Berman Early Childhood Education Center: 2221 Richmond Ave.
JCC Early Childhood Center at Temple Israel: 10 Gregg Place
718-475-5100
dgallis@sijcc.com
sijcc.org/ece
The JCC of Staten Island offers a daycare program and 3-K and Pre-K for All. Teachers create fun, hands-on learning opportunities that provide children with a strong educational foundation. The JCC offers flexible schedules at four convenient locations, including schools on the North Shore, South Shore, and Mid-Island. The JCC also offers First Foot Forward, a preschool program for children with disabilities. Extended hours and free lunch are available. Programs are staffed with caring and experienced professionals. Teachers are certified by the State Education Department of New York. The JCC is licensed by the Department of Health’s Bureau of Day Care.
Most Terrific Child Center
555 Tompkins Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305
718-273-0334
mtcdaycare@yahoo.com
mtcdaycare.com
Most Terrific Child Center, located in Rosebank, Staten Island, has proudly served the community since 2009. The center nurtures young minds through engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences that inspire curiosity and growth. Its certified professionals work closely with each child to support development in a caring environment. The center promotes open communication between families and staff, encouraging strong relationships and active parent involvement. They offer free Pre-K3 and Pre-K programs focused on early literacy, social skills, and structured play. Through hands-on activities and guided learning, children build a strong academic foundation. The curriculum supports emotional, cognitive, and physical growth, preparing students for kindergarten and fostering confident, independent learners ready for future success.
New Dorp Christian Academy
259 Rose Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306
718-351-4442
admissions@newdorpchristianacademy.com
newdorpchristianacademy.com
New Dorp Christian Academy’s preschool program provides a nurturing, faith-centered environment where young learners grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Designed for children at an early stage of development, the program blends structured learning with creative play to build strong foundations in literacy, math, and critical thinking. Experienced, caring teachers guide each child with individualized attention, fostering confidence and curiosity. Daily activities include hands-on exploration, music, art, and outdoor play, all within a safe and supportive setting. With an emphasis on character development and Christian values, New Dorp Christian Academy prepares students not only for kindergarten, but for a lifelong love of learning and positive personal growth.
New Generation Learning Center and Daycare
389 Seaver Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305
718-987-7596
newgenerationlcsi@gmail.com
newgenerationlearningcenter.com
New Generation Daycare in Staten Island brings over 20 years of trusted childcare experience to families seeking quality, care, and connection. Thoughtfully designed for both children and parents, the center offers 24/7 live camera access, providing full transparency and peace of mind throughout the day. Children enjoy five fresh, homemade meals daily while learning through a strong, age-appropriate curriculum that supports social, emotional, and academic growth. Small classroom sizes ensure personalized attention and a warm, nurturing environment. With extended hours from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, the program fits busy family lifestyles. Now enrolling children ages 2–5 and summer camp participants, with infant care coming soon.
Prodigy Preschool at the Staten Island Skating Pavilion
3080 Arthur Kill Road
718-948-4800
lesleylawrence@thepavilion.org
thepavilion.org/prodigypreschool
Prodigy Preschool provides a warm, engaging early childhood experience where learning, creativity, and movement come together. Designed for young learners, the program nurtures social, emotional, and cognitive growth through hands-on activities and structured play. A standout feature is the inclusion of free ice skating lessons during the preschool day, offering children a fun and unique opportunity to build confidence, coordination, and a love for physical activity. With experienced educators and a thoughtfully designed curriculum, Prodigy Preschool encourages independence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for future learning—creating a joyful, enriching environment where every child can thrive.
St. Clare Parochial School
151 Lindenwood Road, Staten Island New York 10308
718-984-7091
acontino@stclaresi.com
school.stclaresi.com
St. Clare Parochial School offers a dynamic, faith-centered education rooted in Catholic values and academic excellence. Serving students from Pre-K 3 through 8th grade, our two-class-per-grade structure fosters a close-knit, supportive community. The curriculum includes science, technology, math, English language arts, and religious studies, forming both mind and spirit. Beyond the classroom, students enjoy a rich variety of opportunities in the arts and athletics, including music, art, physical education, basketball, track, swimming, cheerleading, and scouting programs for both boys and girls. Our Aftercare Program supports busy families, while the “Leader in Me” program develops confident, faith-guided student leaders prepared for high school success.
Staten Island Academy
715 Todt Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10304
718-303-7853
rshaps@statenislandacademy.org
statenislandacademy.org
Staten Island Academy’s PreK program provides a warm, joyful introduction to school where young children are known, supported, and inspired each day. In a small class size, teachers build meaningful connections and tailor instruction to each child’s pace and interests, helping them grow in confidence and independence. Children learn through engaging, hands-on experiences across art, music, science, technology, and sign language, encouraging creativity, communication, and curiosity. Set on a vibrant 13-acre campus, students have room to explore, play, and learn in thoughtfully designed spaces, including a dedicated PreK building with a secure, inviting playground that invites active discovery. Together, these experiences create a strong, joyful foundation for lifelong learning.
