Pre-K and Preschools in Terre Haute: Find A Terre Haute Program for Your Child Here!

Whether you’re looking for a play-based preschool, a preschool with more structure, a faith-based program, a Mom’s Day Out, a part-time pre-k, or a full-time pre-k, there are plenty of options for preschools in Terre Haute!

19 Preschools in Terre Haute that Families Love!

For this list, we asked Haute Happenings readers to weigh in with their recommendations. Keep in mind that opinions vary. Use this list as a starting point that propels you to contact that the schools to further your personal research! Haute Happenings does not offer a personal endorsement for any preschool option.

{New to our list in 2024!} Masters Classical School in Sullivan. They say this, “If you are wanting your child to receive a thorough education in an unmatched atmosphere – one of learning and love, excellence and encouragement, discipline and discipleship – then The Master’s Class is the right choice! Please, do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, want to schedule a tour, or would like to receive any additional information.”

{New to our list in 2024!} Highland Academy Childcare Ministry in West Terre Haute.

Saint Patrick School of the Terre Haute Deanery. St. Patrick School is a faith-based school (preschool through 8th grade) with strong community. Children and families throughout the region are proud to be part of this Irish family!  Preschool is a nurturing program with music, P.E., prayer, the opportunity for Bitty Ball basketball, naps, and snack. They seek to help young students love school and “graduate” kindergarten-ready. SPS preschool is a full-day program with after school care available. Find out more by scheduling a tour! 

What readers are saying about St. Patrick School: “I highly recommend St. Patrick’s Preschool. You do not have to be catholic or part of the church to go. My first son went there before he started Kindergarten and it more then prepared him for the school environment. My second son starts in the fall. They have art, gym, and music during the week!”

Check it out! If you know a family with a four-year old that would benefit from grants for a high-quality pre-K program, please encourage them to apply online​ for On-My-Way pre-k: https://www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/on-my-way-pre-k/

{New to our list in 2022!} Montessori Academy of Terre Haute. This program encompasses preschool and kindergarten, and is therefore designed for ages 3-6. Children may enroll when they are 2 years old, but they must turn 3 by December 31 of that year. A Montessori education develops students who are capable, accountable, knowledgeable people who have the strong sense of self they will need to thrive in the real world.

What families are saying: “Montessori Academy of Terre Haute has been a wonderful fit for our family. The teachers’ thoughtful implementation of the Montessori philosophy has helped our daughters to become more confident, independent, and self-motivated learners. I also love the variety of special classes the students enjoy, such as music, tai chi, creative movement, Spanish, Chinese, and ASL. The school has been a great addition to our community!”

Pre-K and Transitional Kindergarten in Vigo County School Corporation.  In 2024 and 2025, Deming Early Learning Center will have kindergarten, a transitional kindergarten class, pre-k, and before/after school care. There will also be full-day pre-k at Vikes and Tykes.

Half-Day Pre-K through Vigo County School Corporation. Vigo County School Corporation will offer half day Pre-K at Terre Town and Farrington Grove.

What we’re saying: “Our older girls participated in (and adored) the previous Vigo County School Corporation pre-k program. Although there will be differences between the old program and the new Deming Early Learning Center, the pre-k program we joined will be remembered as a highlight of our daughters’ school careers.”

{New in 2021!} Eastside Christian Academy. Their goal is to prepare your child for kindergarten while creating a fun and inviting atmosphere to learn among friends. They offer beginning reading, number skills, writing skills, art, music, social studies, and many more opportunities to make preschool experience rich and exciting. This school is too new for reader reviews!

Nurture with Nature. They are Reggio Emilia inspired and nature based. Infant/toddlers accepted and preschoolers 3 to 6. They also offer another PreK program and a school age Program. Nurture with Nature specializes in using the Reggio Emilia method of teaching for early childhood education. Your son or daughter will receive a truly unique learning experience they wouldn’t get anywhere else in Wabash Valley.

What families are saying: “For my preschooler, every day they have really cool lessons for the kids, with science & history & art. They foster a learning through play environment, and the classroom is very soothing. One of my favorite parts is that the teachers update the app to explain what the kids learned & send some photos!” And “The teachers use child-centered instruction so they are allowed to choose what they want to learn. As a teacher, her education is priority. I highly recommend them.”

Sprouts Childcare. Sprouts Childcare is state licensed, and participates in Child Care Development Fund (CCDF). They also follow all requirements for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a federal program that insures healthy meals and snacks to children receiving day care. Sprouts Childcare believes that a child is never too young to learn. Here children will grow by interacting with other children, creating art and craft projects, listening to music, and exploring the importance of books.

What families are saying: “I taught preschool for 4 years, and I know what high quality early childhood should look like. My son has blossomed in their care! He is sounding out 3 letter words, knows all of his letter sounds, spells about 10 words. Socially, he is learning to identify feelings, saying he is frustrated or sad, and not acting out.”

Munchkin Land Preschool and School Age Program. Munchkinland at 2401 Poplar street  is a level 4 Paths to Quality facility that has programming for infants through school-age.

What families are saying about Munchkinland: “Munchkinland has been such a gift to our family. They have developmentally-appropriate expectations and goals for the children. The staff works well together as a team. In the daycare, they use an app to send pictures, updates on diaper changes and accidents, and naps!”

VIP Kinder College. VIP Kinder College exists to provide a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for preschool and school age children. Their focus is to provide a stimulating and educational experience which promotes each child’s social, spiritual, emotional, physical and cognitive development. 

New in 2024! VIP is expanding to TWO locations!

What families are saying: “VIP Kinder College has been a lifesaver for our family. All three of our kids in one location. In the Preschool classroom, our 4 year old son has a daily curriculum which has helped him quickly learn all of his letters and numbers. The teachers are now working with him on sight words and reading on his own. The mobile app gives us a chance to keep up to date with our children’s daily activities, mood, health and food intake. High quality of care and education give us peace of mind.”

Terre Haute United Methodist Temple. 5301 S. US 41. 47802. 812-299-1898. Temple has a mom’s day out classes as well as 2s, 3s, and pre-k classes.

What families are saying about Temple preschooler: Temple Preschool has been a great fit for our family. The staff are knowledgeable and loving, and the curriculum covers a variety of topics from dinosaurs to dentists. The variety of teaching styles is very helpful in finding a perfect fit for all little learners!” And Temple Preschool provides a nurturing learning environment. I always feel comfortable leaving my children there as I know they will be very well cared for. I really appreciate that they take the time to meet with parents about their child’s educational, developmental, and social emotional needs by scheduling conferences once a year and I know I can reach out to teachers or the director anytime I have a question or concern.

First Friends Preschool at First Baptist Church.  The emphasis is to provide a safe and nurturing environment which promotes the physical, social, emotional, cognitive and spiritual development of each child. The curriculum focuses on language, socialization, activity and movement, and we include music, art, small and large muscle activities, stories, and many opportunities to talk and listen. All of our teachers have degrees or equivalent experience in early childhood or elementary education.

What readers are saying about First Friends: “Highly recommend First Friends! Miss Gina is an amazing director and the teachers and staff are fabulous!” and “Highly Recommend as well. My daughter went there for 2 years. She is currently in Kindergarten and is reading at first grade level and ahead in other areas as well! Awesome preschool with staff who genuinely care for your kids!”

Mt. Pleasant Preschool. 3050 E. Davis Drive. They offer preschool classes for children ages 2-5 by August 1st.  They also offer extended care for families with children enrolled in preschool classes.  Families can call 812-232-4808 or email preschool@mtpchurch.net or leave a message on their Facebook page.

What readers are saying about Mt. Pleasant: “It is WONDERFUL!  Children have to be 2, 3, or 4 by August 1st.”  

Tender Moments Play House and Preschool. Tender Moments offers natural, open ended materials that spark the interest and creativity in children. We’ve created a beautiful environment that provokes wonder and curiosity that develops in a love for learning!

What parents are saying about Tender Moments: “Three of my kids have attended Tender Moments Playhouse and Preschool. The teachers are incredibly loving; my children look forward to going each day and giving their teachers good-morning hugs. The staff creates dynamic and fun learning opportunities, with a lot of hands-on sensory play, as well as free time for children to play on their own. Children are encouraged to learn through their environment.”

Little Hands Daycare and Preschool.  500 Barton Ave, Terre Haute,  IN  47803

What readers are saying about Little Hands: “I feel like the girls really love my kids. They’re very play based, and I often find my kiddos signing songs they’ve learned at school. I love how much they play outside. The kids are always dirty and happy when I pick them up!

Memorial United Methodist Church Preschool. 2701 Poplar Street. 47803. 812-232-9046. They provide a Christian pre-school where ages 2-5  can learn in an atmosphere of love and acceptance.

What readers are saying about Memorial: “I can’t say enough wonderful things about them. My son is 9 and still wants to go back to visit. Terrific teachers, lots of field trips and they teach the kids a lot. They taught things my son is being taught this year in third grade. One of the best choices I made for my son. Worth every penny!”

Vigo County Head Start. Vigo County Head Start is a national preschool program that promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.

What readers are saying about Head Start: “Head start is always a good option! It’s based on income. They have a “day care” class option for working parents (price varies by county), as well as 1/2 day classes (4 days a week, about 3 1/2 hours).”

Small World Learning Center. Since 1975, Small World Learning Center has provided a positive, caring, and effective learning environment for children of the Wabash Valley. In their school, experienced staff provide students with a positive learning experience.

What readers are saying about Small World Learning Center: “The owner has 35+ yrs of experience. The accept children ages two and up. They do some field trips. They have a wonderful preschool program my son has learned a lot. They also have a summer camp.”

Indiana State University Early Education Center. In keeping with the University’s College of Education mission, this program provides professional care to children from infancy through age five in diverse, educational experiences. They are ACCREDITED by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and licensed by the Department of Family and Children Services of the State of Indiana.   The program is affiliated with the ISU Bayh College of Education’s Department of Teaching and Learning providing quality care for children ranging from 6 weeks – 5 years of age.

What families are saying about ISU: “My son is in the infant toddler program and we love it there! His teachers are wonderful and so caring. There is a really great teacher to child ratio and they really take the time to work with your child to help them during the adjustment to daycare.”

Covered Bridge Preschool. The Covered Bridge Special Education Pre-K program accepts 3-5 year-old children and requires qualification. If you believe your child qualifies, you should contact the Covered Bridge Special Education Office at  (812)-462-4364  for more information.

Little Life Day Care and Preschool is located at 7900 Wabash Avenue (corner of Wabash & Chamberlain) and provides affordable and reputable services to care for your child.

While searching for your perfect preschool in Terre Haute, you can utilize the the “Child Care Finder” on the Indiana government website. Search for schools that rank well on the “Paths to Quality” scale and then check their licensing, violation, and compliance history. (Keep in mind that schools that qualify for the “On My Way Pre-K” program are all highly-rated.)

Did we miss your favorite Terre Haute preschool? Let us know! Your review could help another local parent find the perfect school for his or her family!16 of the best preschools in Terre Haute

Preschool directors: If you would like your program highlighted for our audience of parents in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley as either a basic or featured entry, please email us at HauteHappenings@outlook.com with the subject line “Preschool Guide on Haute Happenings.”