Daycare & Preschool Guide in Downtown Jersey City
- Aug 12, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Finding the perfect fit for your family means balancing teaching philosophy with the reality of your commute. Here is a breakdown of the top local options to help you find your "home away from home."
Waterfront Montessori | 150 Warren St
Located right on the Hudson, this school offers a prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) and Montessori hybrid curriculum. The school is celebrated for its globally-minded approach and stunning riverside views.
Tuition: ~$3,000 – $3,400/month (yearly contract)
Age Group: Infants (from 2 months) to 8th Grade
Time: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Hudson Montessori School | 10 Regent St
Hudson Montessori focuses on fostering independent learners through a meticulously prepared environment and a strong STEAM curriculum. It is one of the most established private schools in the downtown area.
Website: https://www.hudsonmontessori.net/
Tuition: ~$2,600 – $3,050/month (yearly contract)
Age Group: Toddler (2 yrs) to 8th Grade
Time: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
The Waldo School (World of ABC) | 110 1st St
The Waldo School follows an International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, emphasizing inquiry-based learning. They are popular for their modern facilities and robust after-school activities.
Website: https://waldoschool.com/
Tuition: ~$2,700 - $3,200/month (yearly contract)
Age Group: 3 months to 8th Grade
Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The Liberty School | 203 Christopher Columbus Dr
This program is known for its intimate, community-focused feel and its "gentle phase-in" process for new students. They offer a mix-aged classroom that encourages social development and peer-to-peer learning.
Website: https://www.thelibertyschooljc.com/
Tuition: ~$2,200 – $2,600/month
Age Group: 18 months to 5 years
Time: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
French American Academy | 209 3rd St
This bilingual immersion school provides a unique opportunity for children to master French and English simultaneously. Their curriculum follows both the French National Ministry of Education and NJ state standards.
Website: https://faacademy.org/
Tuition: ~$2,600 - $3,700/month (yearly contract)
Age Group: Pre-K to 8th Grade
Time: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
The OLC School (Our Lady of Częstochowa) | 248 Marin Blvd
A cornerstone of the Paulus Hook community, OLC provides a faith-based but academically rigorous environment. Their "Tiny Tikes" and Pre-K programs are highly sought after by local residents.
Website: https://olcschool.org/
Tuition: ~$1,557/month (yearly contract)
Age Group: 2 years to 8th Grade
Time: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Park View Academy | 33 Park View Ave
This school offers a warm, licensed child care environment. They focus on inquiry-based exploration and physical development in their bright, airy classrooms.
Website: https://www.parkviewacademyjc.com/
Tuition: $2,600/month
Age Group: Infants to 5 years
Time: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Key Element Learning | 207 Van Vorst Street
KEL offers a science and arts-integrated curriculum with a heavy focus on STEAM foundations. They have two convenient locations in Downtown Jersey City for easier drop-offs.
Website: https://www.keyelementlearning.com/
Tuition: ~$1,800 – $2,500/month
Age Group: 6 months to 5 years
Time: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Adventures in Learning | 2 Montgomery St
This center provides a structured yet nurturing environment with a heavy emphasis on community and social skills. They are known for providing flexible scheduling and summer camp options for older kids.
Website: https://adventuresinlearningnj.com/
Tuition: ~$424 – $490/week
Age Group: 6 weeks to 5 years
Time: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Pinewood Academy | 307 York St
Pinewood is often praised for its small class sizes and personalized attention to each child’s developmental milestones. It serves as a great transitional environment for those seeking a less "corporate" feel.
Tuition: ~$1,800+/month
Age Group: 6 weeks to 5 years
Time: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
TheyCare | 342 Montgomery Street
TheyCare stands out for its modern approach to daycare, emphasizing high-quality care that supports working parents. Their programs are designed to stimulate sensory and cognitive growth in early infancy.
Website: https://www.theycareacademyjc.com/
Tuition: Contact for rates
Age Group: 6 weeks to 5 years
Time: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Smart Start Academy | Various locations in JCDT
Smart Start is famous for its "all-inclusive" philosophy, which includes organic meals and a high-tech communication app for parents. With multiple locations, they are a primary choice for busy PATH commuters.
Website: https://smart-startacademy.com/
Tuition: $2,400 – $2,800/month
Age Group: 6 weeks to 5 years
Time: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Riverside Early Learning Center | 317 3rd Street, Jersey City
Located in a church, this school offers a spacious, bright environment with a curriculum that balances play with early literacy.
Website: https://www.riversideschooljc.org/
Tuition: ~$1,440/month)
Age Group: 8 weeks to 6 years
Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Future Stars Day Care | 123 Brunswick St
Future Stars offers a reliable and nurturing environment with a focus on preparing children for the transition to elementary school. They are known for their consistent staffing and long-standing presence in the community.
Website: http://www.futurestarsdaycare.com/
Tuition: Contact for pricing
Age Group: Infants to 6 years
Time: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
The Brunswick School | 474 Warren Street
The Brunswick School is a premium downtown favorite that bridges the gap between childcare and early academics. Their facility is state-of-the-art, featuring specialized rooms for music, art, and movement.
Website: https://www.thebrunswickschool.com/
Tuition: ~$2,100 – $2,900/month
Age Group: 4 months to Pre-K
Time: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Smiles Preschool | 194 Newark Ave
Smile preschool is highly rated for its warm, family-oriented atmosphere. They focus on the holistic development of the child through cultural exposure and creative play.
Tuition: ~$1,500 – $1,900/month
Age Group: Infants to 6 years
Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Albrich Academy | 159 2nd St
Albrich Academy provides a strong academic foundation with specialized tracks for "Professor Owls" (Pre-K 4) and gifted students. They offer flexible programs ranging from morning-only to full extended days.
Website: https://www.albrichacademy.com/
Tuition: $1,750 – $2,700/month
Age Group: 4 months to 1st Grade
Time: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Bright Horizons | Various Locations in JCDT
With a national reputation for excellence, the Marin Blvd location offers a high-security facility and a research-based curriculum. It is a top choice for parents working in corporate hubs who need reliable, standardized care.
Website: https://www.albrichacademy.com/
Tuition: ~$2,800 – $3,500/month
Age Group: 6 weeks to 5 years
Time: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
The Goddard School | 425 Washington Blvd
The Goddard School is renowned for its F.L.E.X. Learning Program, which promotes 21st-century skills through play. Their Downtown JC location is highly sought after for its safety protocols and qualified teaching staff.
Tuition: ~$2,600 – $3,000/month
Age Group: 6 weeks to 6 years
Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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