A Guide to Daycares, Preschools, & Private Schools in Fairfield County

Education might be the most valuable thing we can provide for our children. With so many options out there, it’s hard to know what may be the best fit since each child grows and learns in a unique way. We’ve compiled our fifth annual Guide to Daycares, Preschools, & Private Schools in Fairfield County. We hope to provide you the opportunity to research the perfect fit for your family’s needs. We are thrilled to provide this resource whether you choose private, public, religious affiliation, or otherwise. Please support our sponsors! 

Bright Horizons offers care for children from 6 weeks to 6 years and provides age-appropriate programs for each age and stage. The early years are a treasured time — and they make sure they’re full of learning and fun! They’re here to provide experiences that capture the joys of childhood while protecting each child’s well-being, nurturing their individual development, and paving the way for success in school and life. The preschool program is designed to give each child complete confidence in every aspect of their experience at Bright Horizons. From health and safety to ready-for-school curriculum to the full support of experienced teachers. Just as important, their program is based on what research says best prepares children for kindergarten, and all the big steps ahead.

School Days Preschool is a preschool program offering education for children ages 3, 4, and Pre-K 5.  Their Connecticut Certified teachers offer a quality education while also providing a nurturing environment for all children. They establish a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning for your child.

Mention Fairfield County Mom and receive $50 off registration.

At King School, they don’t believe the smartest person in the room is the one with all the answers; it’s the one with all the questions. They welcome the curious ones who aren’t afraid to ask why, to try something new, to get it wrong before they get it right. They look for open minds and courageous thinking. They believe in the power of wonder. This begins with students becoming agents in their learning. When students are exploring, reflecting, questioning, evaluating, making connections — and teachers are creating and guiding these moments of discovery — students are truly learning. This is what is called inquiry-based learning and what King does at every grade level and in every discipline. Students develop a research mindset and apply that approach to all subjects. From discovering the world around them in pre-kindergarten to crafting complex and multidisciplinary senior projects, King students embrace learning through discovery, exploration, and hands-on experiences. Every aspect of the King experience prioritizes and optimizes engagement — from the wide variety of active, immersive learning experiences to intentional efforts to reach every student. True engagement at King is the entire community’s commitment to excellence in learning. They believe in the power of community that celebrates multiple backgrounds and perspectives. Students come from 40 different towns. They are a global community with more than 70 countries represented. There is no one type of student at King. Students have multiple interests and the school offers opportunities to explore them. They know that wondering minds go further. The world is rapidly changing; they might not know what the future will bring, but they know they’ll be ready to succeed and better prepared to better the world!

United Methodist Preschool, located conveniently on South Avenue in New Canaan, CT provides an enriching, hands-on, play-based preschool experience for children ages 2-5. At UMPS, they understand and respect the importance of the early years in shaping confident and kind individuals. Their dedicated teachers foster a caring environment that encourages children to develop a sense of responsibility, creative self-expression, confidence, and compassion. Their innovative S.T.E.A.M. Makerspace runs on child-driven creativity and curiosity. In this space, they work on long-term projects and can imagine, construct, improve, dismantle, and redesign. UMPS is a non-profit, NAEYC-accredited preschool. 

Eagle Hill School develops life-changing academic skills, self-confidence, and character in students diagnosed with language-based learning differences. As parents of children with learning differences, they know that your family’s educational journey may not have been easy. Their admissions office aims to learn more about your child – where their academic strengths and weaknesses are, where they have found success at school, and how a personalized education program can help them progress academically and socially. Contact Eagle Hill and join us for a virtual open house as a first step to learning more about applying to Eagle Hill. 

Founded in 1921 and located in Fairfield, Connecticut, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School strives for academic excellence in a faith-filled Catholic environment that encourages children from Pre-K3 through 8th grade to reach their full potential and to become lifelong learners. By word and example, they teach students to model Christ’s message of love. “The St. Thomas Aquinas community is sincerely committed to the total development and well-being of the kids. The good feelings here are infectious!” – Joseph, a current St. Thomas parent. Visit St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic school and experience the amazing community of families, students, and faculty.

Hopkins is an independent, gender-inclusive, college-preparatory day school for grades 7-12. Located on a 108-acre campus overlooking New Haven, the School takes pride in its distinguished faculty and dedicated staff. Students who need and love a challenge flourish at Hopkins. They are a hub of intellectual curiosity where families, students, and invested educators work together in our collective pursuit of excellence.

EF Academy’s mission to open the world through education inspires everything they do. At their private high school welcoming day and boarding students from 60+ countries, students engage in a learning experience that asks them to explore diverse perspectives through collaboration, analysis, and reflection to develop the skills necessary to respond to the challenges and opportunities facing their generation. Immersion in this global community prepares students to navigate an ever-changing world. The rich cultural backgrounds of the student body enhances learning and prepares students to construct a unique yet united globe. EF Academy strives to empower the next generation of global changemakers. Located in the heart of Westchester County, students can study the US high school curriculum, with an opportunity to explore the IB curriculum and join a variety of sports (varsity, JV, and intramural), clubs, activities, and field trips, all while having the whole world in their classroom. They are now accepting applications for Fall 2023.

Greenwich Catholic School is unlike any other school in Fairfield and Westchester County. They do more than educate your child. They help mold them into strong, confident leaders who think critically, act compassionately, and are prepared to be responsible global citizens. Each child at Greenwich Catholic is known, cared for, and supported by every member of their strong community. Greenwich Catholic will set your child up for success with unrivaled academics and athletic programs, comparatively low tuition, and a solid track record of getting graduates into their first-choice high school.

Educational Websites for Kids

The Value of Early Play and Social Skill Building

Helping Your Child’s Teacher

How To Prepare For an IEP Meeting

To All the Schools I’ve Loved Before

School Supplies Made Easy

What Back to School Means When Your Child Struggles

5 Tips To Help Your Middle Schooler Advocate For Themselves

A Round-Up of Online Learning Resources

Education: Public or Private?

Kindergarten Jitters

Thank You to Daycare Providers

Switching Schools During the Pandemic

The End of Our Daycare Era

Is Your Child Suffering From Zoom Gloom?

First Grade Feels {Transitioning From Kindergarten}

How to Facilitate a Research Project for Grades K-6 to Provide Distance Learning

What Your Child Needs to Know for Kindergarten

Teaching My Preschooler