Preschool & Early Learning Guide 2026–2027
Choosing the right preschool or early learning program is an important step for many families, and Burlington-Hillsborough offers a variety of wonderful options for little learners. Whether you’re looking for a play-based preschool, Montessori education, faith-based program, outdoor learning environment, or full-time childcare, this guide is designed to help families explore local early childhood programs across Burlington, Graham, Mebane, Hillsborough, Elon, Gibsonville, and surrounding communities.
This guide includes information on local preschools, daycare programs, early learning centers, and transitional kindergarten options to help make your search a little easier. We encourage families to contact programs directly, schedule tours, ask questions, and find the best fit for their child and family.
Burlington
Blessed Sacrament School’s Little Knights Program
👧 Ages 3–5
📍 Burlington
🌐 https://bssknights.org/little-knights-preschool-pre-kindergarten
📞 336-570-0019 ext. 212
Faith-based preschool and pre-kindergarten program offering hands-on learning, enrichment classes, and a nurturing environment focused on academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Highlights:
• Music, Art, Technology & Spanish
• Half-Day & Full-Day Options
• Preschool & Pre-K Programs
• Monday–Friday Enrollment
Providence Montessori
👧 Ages 2–6
📍 Burlington
🌐 https://providencecmc.com/levels/preschool/
📞 336-350-9181
Christian Montessori preschool and kindergarten program focused on independence, creativity, sensory learning, and mixed-age classroom experiences.
Highlights:
• Toddler & Primary Programs
• Montessori-based learning
• Kindergarten available
• Hands-on sensory activities
SMC Preschool
👧 Ages 2–5
📍 Burlington
🌐 https://www.smc.church/preschool
📞 336-584-2608
Christian-based weekday preschool program designed to support social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and physical development through play-based learning.
Highlights:
• 2-, 3-, & 5-Day Programs
• Half-Day Schedule
• Summer Camps Available
• Focus on whole-child development
Springwood Playschool
👧 Ages 3–4
📍 Burlington
🌐 https://www.springwoodchurch.org/playschool
📞 336-449-6998
Outdoor-focused half-day preschool program offering play-based learning in a nurturing Christian environment.
Highlights:
• Outdoor classrooms & garden lab
• Nature-based learning
• Low teacher-to-student ratio
• Kindergarten readiness support
Front Street Playschool
👧 Ages 1–4
📍 Burlington
🌐 https://www.frontstreetumc.org/playschool
📞 336-227-6603
Morning preschool program focused on hands-on learning, creativity, social-emotional development, and relationship-building in a caring environment.
Highlights:
• Music enrichment classes
• Chapel for older preschoolers
• Outdoor play
• Lunch Bunch option available
Children’s House Montessori School
👧 Ages 2–5
📍 Burlington
🌐 https://chmsburlington.com/
📞 336-228-0908
Montessori school focused on independence, creativity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play in a calm, structured environment.
Highlights:
• Montessori curriculum
• Outdoor play & exploration
• School readiness focus
• Inclusive learning community
The Burlington School
👧 Preschool & Lower School Programs
📍 Burlington
🌐 https://www.theburlingtonschool.org/academics/lower-school
📞 336-228-0296
Independent school offering engaging early learning experiences focused on academic growth, creativity, confidence, and character development.
Highlights:
• Preschool & Lower School Programs
• Hands-on learning
• Supportive school community
• Focus on creativity & confidence
Bridging Oceans International
👧 Ages 1–11
📍 Burlington
🌐 http://www.bltcollaborative.com/home.html
📞 336-229-0704
Child-focused childcare center promoting global awareness through cultural learning, language experiences, and play-based education.
Highlights:
• Cultural & language learning
• Full-day childcare
• Social-emotional development focus
• Family-centered environment
Little Thinkers
👧 Infant–Preschool Age
📍 Burlington
🌐 https://littlethinkersnc.com/
📞 336-227-9131
Play-based childcare and preschool program focused on helping children learn through creativity, exploration, and social interaction.
Highlights:
• Infant & Preschool Programs
• Small class sizes
• Nutritious meals provided
• Two Burlington locations
Graham
The Play School at First United Methodist Church Graham
👧 Preschool Programs
📍 Graham
🌐 https://www.fumcgraham-nc.org/fumc-play-school
📞 336-227-9148
📧 playschool@fumcgraham-nc.org
Faith-based preschool program focused on helping children grow through hands-on learning, music, technology, library experiences, and weekly Chapel time in a nurturing environment.
Highlights:
• ABC & vocabulary development
• Music and song lessons
• Weekly Chapel
• Library experiences
• Technology integration
• Kindergarten readiness focus
Graham Presbyterian Church Playschool
👧 Ages 1–5
📍 216 W. Harden Street, Graham, NC 27253
🌐 https://www.grahamplayschool.com/
📞 336-675-3212
Faith-based preschool program focused on helping children grow socially, emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually through play-based learning in a safe and nurturing environment.
Highlights:
• Classes for ages 1–5
• 2-Day, 3-Day & 5-Day Options
• Extended Day opportunities available
• Play-based learning approach
• Kindergarten readiness support
• Warm and nurturing environment
🕘 Classes meet Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Alamance Christian Preschool
👧 Infant–K4
📍 1336 Townbranch Road, Graham, NC 27253
📞 336-578-0318
📧 info@alamancechristianschool.org
Faith-based preschool and childcare program focused on helping children grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually through a Christ-centered learning environment.
Highlights:
• Infant through K4 Programs
• Bible-based learning
• Kindergarten readiness focus
• Abeka curriculum in older classes
• Low teacher-to-student ratios
• Play-based and academic learning balance
Children participate in hands-on learning experiences designed to build confidence, creativity, independence, and a love of learning in a nurturing environment.
Mebane
Children’s Garden Montessori School
👧 Ages 18 Months–6 Years
📍 Mebane
🌐 https://www.childrensgardenmontessori.com/
Authentic Montessori school serving toddlers through kindergarten in a nurturing, hands-on learning environment focused on independence, creativity, and whole-child development.
Highlights:
• Toddler & Primary Montessori Programs
• Kindergarten Program
• Certified Montessori educators
• Music, movement & Spanish instruction
• Before & after care available
• Outdoor play and exploration
• Intimate classroom environment
Bradford Academy Transitional Kindergarten
👧 Ages 4–5
📍 939 S. Third Street, Mebane, NC 27302
📞 919-563-9001
📧 office@bradfordacademy.org
Bradford Academy’s Transitional Kindergarten program helps children build confidence and kindergarten readiness skills through a structured, Christian-centered learning environment designed to ease the transition into school.
Highlights:
• Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten Programs
• 3-Day & 5-Day Options
• Classical Christian education approach
• Fine motor & social development focus
• Structured classroom environment
• Directed play and hands-on learning
The program is designed for students who may benefit from an extra year of growth before entering a traditional kindergarten setting while developing academic, social, emotional, and classroom readiness skills.
MUMS – The Kitty Hupman Weekday School
👧 Ages 15 Months–5 Years
📍 200 South Fourth Street, Mebane, NC 27302
🌐 https://www.mumsweekday.org/
📞 919-563-5600
MUMS – The Kitty Hupman Weekday School is a year-round preschool program located inside Mebane United Methodist Church, serving children in a nurturing environment focused on physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual growth.
Highlights:
• Preschool, Afterschool & Summer Camp Programs
• Year-round preschool
• Faith-based learning environment
• Morning preschool program
• Elementary afterschool care
• Summer camp options available
🕘 Preschool Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Families interested in touring the program or learning more are encouraged to contact Director Laura Andrews at landrews@mumsweekday.org.
First Baptist SonShine Ministries
👧 Ages 6 Weeks–Pre-K
📍 Mebane
🌐 https://www.fbcofmebane.org/sonshine-ministries
📞 919-563-3444
📧 apattersonfbc@gmail.com
Faith-based preschool, afterschool, and summer camp program focused on helping children learn and grow in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment.
Highlights:
• Preschool, Afterschool & Summer Camp Programs
• Morning preschool program
• Infant through Pre-K care
• Faith-based learning environment
• Early drop-off available
• Supportive family-centered approach
🕘 Preschool Hours: 8:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Hillsborough
Master’s Garden Preschool
👧 Preschool Programs
📍 Hillsborough
🌐 https://ebcconnect.org/ebcmgp/
📞 919-732-3449
📧 mgpinfo@ebcconnect.org
Christian preschool program focused on helping children grow socially, emotionally, spiritually, educationally, and physically in a nurturing family environment.
Highlights:
• Full-Day & Half-Day Programs
• Summer Camp Available
• Year-round care options
• Christian-centered learning
• Large outdoor campus & playgrounds
• Sibling discounts available
🕘 Full Day: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
🕘 Half Day: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
KidsPlex Preschool
👧 Ages 2–5
📍 101 Meadowlands Drive, Hillsborough, NC 27278
🌐 https://www.oc-sportsplex.com/preschool/
📞 919-644-0339 ext. 228
📧 GDelVecchia@oc-sportsplex.com
KidsPlex Preschool offers flexible preschool programs combined with unique enrichment activities designed to help children learn, grow, and stay active in a fun environment.
Highlights:
• 2-Day, 3-Day & 5-Day Options
• Ice Skating & Swim Lessons
• Spanish & DanceTots
• SuperShots Sports Program
• Indoor & Outdoor Play
• Flexible scheduling options
🕘 Program Hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
All enrichment activities are included in tuition. Preschool tours are available by appointment during the school year.
The Little School
👧 Ages 3 Months–5 Years
📍 301 College Park Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278
🌐 https://thelittleschool.net/
📞 919-644-1818
The Little School is a 5-star, full-day, Reggio-inspired early learning center focused on nurturing children through exploration, creativity, discovery, and hands-on learning experiences.
Highlights:
• Reggio-inspired curriculum
• Full-day early learning program
• Infant through preschool care
• Focus on social, emotional & cognitive growth
• Child-centered learning environment
• Exploration and creativity-based approach
The Little School provides a nurturing environment designed to support each child’s development while encouraging curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning.
Preschool Academy with Orange County
👧 Ages 3–5
📍 Central Recreation Center, Hillsborough
📞 919-732-8181
Preschool Academy offers part-time preschool classes designed to help children build early learning, socialization, and kindergarten readiness skills through hands-on activities and themed learning experiences.
Highlights:
• 2-Day, 3-Day & 5-Day Options
• Literacy, science, cooking & art activities
• Playground & discovery center time
• Academic enrichment & socialization
• Snack provided
• Kindergarten readiness focus
🕘 Program Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Children participate in circle time, themed lessons, sensory activities, dramatic play, outdoor play, and hands-on learning experiences in a classroom setting designed for preschool-aged learners.
Other Nearby Programs
The Preschool at Chestnut Ridge
👧 Preschool Programs
📍 4300 Camp Chestnut Ridge Road, Efland, NC 27243
🌐 https://www.campchestnutridge.org/
📞 919-304-2178
📧 preschool@campchestnutridge.org
Nature-based outdoor preschool program focused on helping children learn through play, exploration, creativity, and outdoor experiences in a nurturing environment.
Highlights:
• Outdoor & nature-based learning
• Hands-on exploration and play
• Focus on confidence & social development
• Christian-centered environment
• Forest and outdoor experiences
• Child-led learning opportunities
The Preschool at Chestnut Ridge encourages children to build curiosity, independence, creativity, and confidence through daily outdoor adventures and interactive learning experiences.
’Round the Mulberry Tree Preschool
👧 Ages 3+
📍 Efland, NC
🌐 https://roundthemulberry.com/
📞 919-358-0953
📧 roundthemulberry2905@gmail.com
Home-based preschool program focused on sensory learning, outdoor play, creativity, and hands-on exploration in a nurturing environment.
Highlights:
• Home-based preschool setting
• Outdoor play & garden space
• Music, movement & storytelling
• Sensory and hands-on learning
• Responsive Classroom approach
• Small, nurturing environment
🕘 Monday–Thursday | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
🕘 3-Day Option Available
First School of Elon
👧 Ages 1–4PK
📍 1630 Westbrook Avenue, Elon, NC 27244
🌐 https://www.elonfumc.org/first-school
📞 336-584-4747
📧 firstschool@elonfumc.org
First School of Elon is a Christian preschool program focused on helping children learn, play, and grow in a nurturing environment that encourages social, emotional, spiritual, and academic development.
Highlights:
• Small class sizes
• Chapel & Bible lessons
• Music instruction
• Field trips & family events
• Kindergarten readiness focus
• Christian play-based learning
The program serves preschool-aged children from September through June and provides a welcoming environment centered on learning, creativity, and faith-based experiences.
Saxapahaw Village Kids Preschool
👧 Ages 2–5
📍 Saxapahaw
🌐 https://www.saxapahawvillagekids.com/
Saxapahaw Village Kids Preschool offers a Reggio Emilia-inspired learning environment focused on creativity, curiosity, exploration, and nature-based experiences for young learners.
Highlights:
• Reggio Emilia-inspired approach
• Nature-focused learning
• Outdoor exploration opportunities
• Creative, child-led experiences
• Sliding scale tuition available
• Community-centered environment
The program encourages children to explore, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences designed to support social, emotional, and creative development.
Did we miss your preschool, daycare, or early learning program? We’d love to add it to our Preschool & Early Learning Guide! Email shavons@macaronikid.com for listing and partnership information.
And if you contact a school, schedule a tour, or enroll your child, please let them know you found them through Macaroni KID Burlington-Hillsborough!
