Here is a list of MDO, preschools, kindergartens, private schools, and daycares throughout Knoxville. You can also check out this poll by other local Knoxville moms.
Check out our guide to After School Programs! If you are new to Knoxville from a different city or moving across town be sure to check out our Guide to Moving to Knoxville.
Knoxville MDO, Preschools, Kindergartens and Daycares
Angela Floyd Schools
Ages: 3-5 years
The Angela Floyd Schools Performing Arts Program is a fall through spring program designed as an introduction to a structured classroom setting that not only immerses your child in the performing and fine arts, but also prepares them for Kindergarten and beyond by giving them a lifelong love of learning. Children turning 3 years of age by September 15th who have completed potty training are eligible for the Performing Arts Program. Our fine arts based curriculum features group learning, hands-on cognitive activities, Music FunTime, acro, art, drama, dance, creative movement, academics, and play.
“I feel so lucky to have found this place… I have literally nothing negative to say!” – Nicole Sealy
SCHEDULE
AFS – West
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:45am-11:45am or
Monday-Friday 8:45am-11:45am
NUMBER OF CLASSES: 3 or 5 days per week
MONTHLY TUITION: $640/month for 5 days a week and $384/month for 3 days a week
AFS – North
Tuesday and Thursday 8:45am-11:45am or
Monday-Friday 8:45am-11:45am
NUMBER OF CLASSES : 2 or 5 days per week
MONTHLY TUITION: $640/month for 5 days a week and $256/month for 2 days a week
There is an annual $200 supply & registration fee.
Apostolic Christian Academy
Ages: 6 weeks-K4, and K-12
Apostolic Christian Academy, now enrolling for both daycare and K-12 programs. ACA helps students thrive through individualized attention, collaborative learning, and a strong Christian foundation.
Apostolic Christian Academy Daycare: 6 Weeks-K4 Open 5 days a week from 6:30AM- 6PM. Licensed under Tennessee Department of Human Services. We work together with DHS in compliance and are devoted to yearly continued education for all staff. Our staff is CPR certified and also utilize onsite support from Tennessee CCRNR (Child Care Resource & Referral Network).
Apostolic Christian Academy: K5-12 A fully accredited private school through TANAS (The Tennessee Association of Non-Public Academic Schools) and the ALJC (Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ).
– Dual Enrollment Opportunities
– TSSAA Athletics – KISL Athletics
– School of Music\Performance Arts
Berean Christian School
Ages: Pre-K through 12
The ministry of Berean Christian School (BCS) exists to help Christian parents raise their children to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Our purpose is to help children realize their full potential, and to glorify God spiritually, academically, socially, and physically. BCS’s academics are aimed at maximizing the potential of each and every child, as well as the blossoming fine arts program, The Studio. From the time our students join the BCS community, they experience a nurturing atmosphere of learning and discovery in academics, athletics, fine arts, and service.
Parents are welcome at any time to visit our campus. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Families wishing to explore Christian education at BCS are encouraged to schedule an appointment for a tour of our campus. Please call (865) 521-6054, extension 100.
Church Street UMC Preschool
Ages: 2-5
Church Street UMC Preschool is a faith based 3 STAR program. We offer full time preschool for ages 2-5 and are open all year M-F 7:30-5:30. We have 2 Pre-K classes and our full time teaching staff have degrees. We serve breakfast, a hot lunch and accept Child Care Certificates. To see what we are doing Like us on Facebook.
Garden Path School
Ages: 2-6 years
Garden Path School for Young Learners is an enriched, full-day, year-round early childhood program in a safe, nurturing home setting in Fountain City. We have a small group of 12 children, ages 2-6, with two full-time teachers; owner and teacher Angela Mayfield, M.Ed. has over 30 years of experience in early childhood education as a classroom educator, parent educator, and mentor teacher. Beautiful indoor and outdoor classrooms provide a nature-based setting for creative, developmental, child-centered curricula with Montessori and Reggio Emelia philosophies and conservative Christian values. From Young Preschool through private Kindergarten, children explore, develop mastery, and thrive in this loving, respectful environment.
Call us to arrange a tour!
(865) 263-1110
Happy Holler Circle
Ages: 0-3 years old, parent + child classes
Happy Holler Circle is home to Knoxville’s only Montessori parent + child classes, parenting workshops, and individual parent coaching. Whether you are looking for parenting help, a community of like-minded families, or a fun way for your child to socialize with others, this place is for you.
Classes at Happy Holler Circle are designed for children to attend with a caregiver (parent, grandparent, nanny, etc.). Classes available for children from birth to 3 years old. Join in community with other families to help children gain independence, build their concentration, and develop socially, while the adults learn to implement a Montessori parenting approach at home. Classes typically meet in a lovingly prepared environment that encourages the child’s exploration and to follow their individual interests. Each class ends with a short group time, where we sing, tell stories, and practice being together in community. These classes are an excellent fit for families that are considering enrolling in a Montessori school, who want to learn to implement Montessori principles in the home, or are looking for socialization for their children and themselves.
Happy Holler Circle also offers parenting consultations and workshops! Whether you need guidance on teaching Montessori homeschool, toilet learning (aka potty training), arranging your home to encourage independence, preparing your child for a sibling or other life change, or just need extra support in your parenting, Happy Holler Circle can help. Every new family consultation comes with a free 30 minute initial session. Most sessions take place virtually. Our goal is to support families by guiding parents and respecting childhood.
Sonlight Academy
Ages: 1-5
Christ Covenant Church, PCA, in Farragut is excited about our 7th year of Sonlight Academy, a weekday program for preschool age children. Our goal is to shine the light of Jesus into the hearts of children while striving to meet academic and social needs. Our program runs from mid-August to mid-May. School days are Tuesday/Thursday OR Monday/Wednesday from 9am-2pm. Our staff consists of qualified Christian people and our teachers are experienced in early childhood education. We have excellent teacher to child ratios. Our curriculum is Bible based and includes Kindergarten readiness. We have a great playground for young children. Bible studies will be available for moms after drop-off on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you are interested in finding a place where your child will be loved, taught about Jesus, and prepared for school, consider Sonlight Academy! We would be happy to meet you and give you a tour of our facility. Contact Director Jana Thomas at [email protected] or by phone at the number below.
Phone: 865-278-7687
Stanford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School (KJDS)
Ages: K-5th
Stanford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School (KJDS) serves kindergarten through 5th grade students in the heart of West Knoxville on a beautiful 5 acre campus. KJDS is a vibrant community, filled with joy, rooted in core Jewish values, and devoted to academic excellence. Serving the entire Knoxville community, our families are diverse in their beliefs, affiliations and observances; we work together to create a welcoming community based upon mutual respect and shared values. Each student is challenged to aspire to the heights of their own academic capabilities, and is encouraged along the paths of artistic, physical, spiritual and social development and expression. KJDS seeks to create curious and independent learners; critical thinkers who can ask questions, solve problems, reason thoughtfully, write well, appreciate beauty, develop passions, interact positively with others, and be productive within the broader community. Experience our dynamic community, where learning is a passion and each day is infused with a spirit of joy.
Tate’s School
Ages: Preschool-8th
Founded in 1968, Tate’s School is where adventure meets education. We blend advanced academics with hands-on challenges to create a love of learning. Our tranquil 54-acre campus is filled with outdoor learning areas, open-air classrooms, and unique log structures that create an educational oasis – right in the heart of West Knoxville. With three saltwater pools, our students enjoy swimming instruction for 4 – 6 weeks each fall. Our commitment to an advanced curriculum, small class size, personalized instruction, and character development has made Tate’s School the right choice for thousands of families throughout Knoxville and surrounding communities. Lou L Tate founded the school on Christian beliefs. Christmas and Easter are celebrated, and students pray at the start of the day and before meals. We have welcomed all faiths and ethnic groups for over 50 years and will continue to do so. Our graduates are well-rounded, academically prepared, and sought after by area high schools. We invite you to visit campus and explore our athletics department, fine arts, and STEAM curriculum. Contact our admissions team to book your personal golf cart tour today!
Early Care begins at 7:30 am and After Care ends at 6:00 pm. Lunch is included in your tuition and prepared by our on-site Chef.
Trinity Learning Center
Ages: 12 months – 5 years
Trinity Learning Center is a loving, Christian environment. We offer a play-based curriculum where we work to develop the whole child; socially, emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Self-help skills and independence, engaging with peers, and preparing for kindergarten are all important parts of growing up and what we focus on as a preschool. We work hard to use children’s natural curiosity to teach them to love learning and to prepare them for their future education and life in every way. Our teachers are educated in childhood development and education and have years of experience with young children. Your children are their passion.
Preschool hours are from 9:00-2:00. We also offer extended care options for mornings from 8:00-9:00 or afternoons, 2:00-3:15.
The Episcopal School of Knoxville
Ages: 3-8th grade
The Episcopal School of Knoxville is a co-educational, independent day school offering Junior Kindergarten through Eighth grade. ESK’s Junior Kindergarten program is an academic program designed for 3 and 4 year olds. The Jr. K 4 program is 5 days per week and the Jr. K 3 program offers a 3 (T, W, Th) or 5 day option. The Junior Kindergarten day begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at1:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided, and extended care (1:30-3:00 p.m. and 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.) is available for an additional fee. Class size is limited to 16 students. We have committed to creating and maintaining a place for our youngest children that acknowledges, reflects and communicates our beliefs. The values of our Junior Kindergarten program are based on an image of the child as curious, competent and capable of co-constructing knowledge.
University of Tennessee
Early Learning Center Kindergarten Program
The Early Learning Center Kindergarten Program began in 2007 with the intention of offering an alternative to a traditional kindergarten experience to the Knoxville community. Our program offers a child-centered, play and project-based, intellectually rigorous curriculum through authentic learning experiences. Small class sizes and maintaining high teacher-child ratios allow us to offer individualization for all children in the classroom, which is such an important aspect of our program. We value a diverse community of learners, spending time deeply engaged in the children’s curiosities, exploring the community around us, and cultivating a love for the outdoors. Though our approach to curriculum is very different than traditional programs, we are licensed by the Tennessee Department of Education and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. We would love to meet you and introduce you to our unique, campus-based program! To arrange a tour, please reach out to us at [email protected].
West Knoxville
Ball Camp Baptist Church Parents’ Day Out
Central Baptist Preschool Weekday
Christian Academy of Knoxville
Little River Montessori School
Morning Star Child Development Center
Primrose School – West Knoxville
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preschool
Stanford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School
The Goddard School® – Knoxville-Hardin Valley
Trinity Child Development Center
West Emory Child Enrichment Center
Lenoir City
Boys & Girls Club Loudon County
Lenoir City Elementary School Pre-K
Loudon County Schools Pre-K (The Voluntary Pre-K program is specifically funded for children in economically disadvantaged situations. However, everyone is encouraged to apply even if they may not qualify as economically disadvantaged because occasionally there are student openings.)
Louisville
KINDERGARTENS:
Christian Academy of Knoxville
Second Presbyterian Elementary
St. John Neumann Catholic School
The Episcopal School of Knoxville
Temple Baptist Preschool & Elementary
Lower School at the Webb School of Knoxville
West Hills Baptist Preschool & Kindergarten
GREAT LISTS OF SCHOOLS with contact info, times, etc.
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