The 5 Best Private Preschools in Winnipeg
Considering preschools? Remember that the best ones shouldn’t just babysit―they help children grow their character, confidence, and curiosity.
To help you make the most of your child’s formative years, we’ve rounded up our selection of the best preschools in Winnipeg. In this guide, we’ll also fill you in on fee schedules and answer some common questions about early childhood education in the city.
How much does preschool tuition cost in Winnipeg?
Let’s start by noting that signing your child up for preschool isn’t a provincial requirement. After all, compulsory schooling starts when they’re 7 years old.
However, children already begin to develop their thoughts and feelings between ages 2 and 6.
That’s why it’s beneficial to set your kids up with play-based learning as early as then. The frequency of these services are up to you and often range from 2 to 5 days a week.
Here are the fee schedules of selected preschools that offer some of the best child care in town:
| SERVICE | FEE SCHEDULE |
| Advantage Child Care Academy | Full day, 5 days a week: $1,500 – $1,800 / month |
| Richmond Kings Nursery School | 3-year-old program (half day, 2 times a week): $90.13 / month 4-year-old program (half day, 3 times a week: $135.20 / month |
| Paradise Montessori Preschool | Full day + extended care, 5 days a week: $850 – $900 / month Full day, 5 days a week: $825 – $875 / month Half day, 5 days a week: $550 / month Programs with 3 and 4 days a week available Supply fees: $75 – $150 Summer program available at extra cost |
| Brightling Child Care Academy | Contact centre for more information |
| Making Roots Montessori Centre | Registration fee per school year: $200 Annual supply fee: $200 Full day, 5 days a week: $1,393 / month Full day, 3 days a week: $995 / month Half day, 5 days a week: $750 / month |
If some of these rates seem a bit heavy, it’s because high-end child care involves facility costs and special attention to children’s needs and learning abilities. This is expected of schools that use classic Italian teaching approaches such as Montessori and Reggio-Emilia, in particular.
Our Reviews of the Best Preschools in Winnipeg
Now that we’ve gone through the price list, let’s hop to the main list. These are our picks for the best preschools in Winnipeg.
1. Advantage Child Care Academy
| CURRICULUM | Language, Math, Creative Arts, Science & Nature, Health & Fitness, Social Studies |
| WEBSITE | www.advantagechildcareacademy.ca |
| ADDRESS | 51 Scurfield Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1G, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phonel: 204-453-ACCA (2222) Email: info@advantagechildcareacademy.ca |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday, 6:30 am – 6:30 pm |
Kicking off our collection is something to consider for some of the best child care money can buy. Advantage Child Care Academy is one of the pricier options on this list, but its high-end features may appeal to you greatly.
Apart from being safe in a prime suburban area, kids at Advantage benefit from small class sizes. This makes it possible for teachers to provide deeply personalised learning and care.
During these sessions, a separate manager will be in charge of updating you in real time. We think this is a great strategy to maintain fun and focused learning while discreetly involving parents in milestone moments.
The added benefit of managers is that they tablet-track your child’s sleep, food consumption, toilet schedule, and overall well-being. They’re also pretty prompt about sending automated reports throughout the day, which we appreciate.
Come meal time, kids enjoy food prepared by a private chef. This might seem a bit extravagant but in practice, we think it’s a good opportunity to address allergies and dietary restrictions.
To top it off, their large modern learning spaces have a tonne of materials and are ideal for facilitating group and individual activities. This comes in handy when rotating children around the many play lessons offered by the academy.
Pros
- Detailed pandemic protocols
- Meals prepared by private chef
- Automated real time reports
- Large clean space
- Open, quiet neighbourhood
- Parking available
Cons
- Generally pricey
- Detailed rates and fees unavailable online
Customer Reviews
Here’s what some parents have to say about their child’s experience at ACCA:
“One of the best, if not the best child care facilities I’ve ever seen. Professional and friendly staff. Nutritious food is prepared in-house; huge indoor playroom and many more perks. Special thanks to Hermeet for her empathy and professionalism. Will definitely recommend ACCA!”―Alya West
“It is a very happy place for our son, he enjoys his time and develops his skills, Ms.Hermeet is very professional manager who is following up every single thing related to the children, our class teacher Ms.Cathy is so lovely and doing more than her best to develop our son`s skills. Overall, the place is very clean and safe, and the staff is extremely professional”―Hind Mohy Eldin
2. Richmond Kings Nursery School
| CURRICULUM | Free-choice Activities, Craft Time, Snacks, Play and Circle Time, Story & Song, |
| WEBSITE | www.rkns.ca |
| ADDRESS | 933 Summerside Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4Y1, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: 204-275-6239 Email: rkns@live.ca |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday, 8:50 am – 3:00 pm |
Richmond Kings Nursery School is an excellent option if you prefer a lighter schedule for your preschooler. With over 40 years of experience, they’ve figured out how to deliver a rich learning experience within 2-3 days a week.
One of the many things we like about Richmond Kings is the rapport they build with kids. Based on our survey, a lot of children are motivated to attend because they’re fond of their teachers and the surrounding community.
Apart from their dynamic play-based education, Richmond Kings have their own qualified music teacher onboard. If you appreciate the special learning atmosphere created through song, you’ll like a lot of their activities.
It’s also common for kids to get excited about their visits because sessions are every other day. Tuesdays and Thursdays are reserved for the 3-year-old program while the rest of the week are for 4-year-olds.
That also means you pay lower monthly fees compared to full-time programs. The downside is that you may need to seek extra child care for emergencies outside your chosen schedule.
Speaking of emergencies, RKNS has some pretty impressive security features. With regular fire drills, extensive hazard protocols, and locked doors during class hours, you can rest easy knowing that safety is a major priority.
Pros
- Comparatively more affordable
- Over 40 years of experience
- Dynamic and inviting learning environment
- In-house music teacher
- Extensive safety measures
- Comparatively low monthly fees
Cons
- Limited to ages 3 and 4
- Limited to 2-3 days a week
- Snacks not provided
Customer Reviews
If you want to know more about the learning experience at RKNS, check out these reviews:
“Both my sons loved going to this preschool. It was awesome to see them grow in new skills and self confidence. I loved picking them up and seeing their pride in the craft they made and hearing about what they did that day. I like that the program includes music, as well as learning their letters and numbers. It’s structured, but in such a warm environment – I found it was a great, gentle way to get the boys ready for Kindergarten. Can’t say enough about this nursery school. Worth every penny!”―Jennifer A.
“I chose this preschool based on previous reviews and they definitely didn’t lie. My daughter is always so excited when she realizes it’s preschool day as she loves her teachers and looks forward to playing with her friends. It was the best decision to send her there. I can’t wait for my youngest to go there in a few years!”―Jerilynn Habon
3. Paradise Montessori Preschool
| CURRICULUM | Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Culture, Music, Arts and Crafts |
| WEBSITE | www.paradisemontessori.ca |
| ADDRESS | 1341 Kenaston Blvd. Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3P 2P2 1061 Autumnwood Drive Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R2J 1C6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Email: paradisemontessori.2021@gmail.com Kenaston Phone: 204-832-0866 Fax: 204-487-3469 Autumnwood Phone: 204-487-215 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm |
If a premium location is something you value, then Paradise Montessori has some attractive offerings for you. This preschool has not one, but two prime locations in Tuxedo and Fort Whyte.
Whether you live in East or West Winnipeg, pick-ups and drop-offs are a convenient trip away. The learning atmosphere is also elevated by wooded areas and pleasant neighbourhoods.
As a Montessori school, teachers at Paradise meet children where they are and encourage them to progress at their own pace. We appreciate this adaptive approach because kids are less likely to feel left behind.
Additionally, if your child has taken a liking to music, their progressive music program can help support this interest. Parents have also noticed their kids gaining improved focus and organisational skills, to name a few.
If you’re willing to commit, the program is paid for on an annual basis. Our tip for you: pay tuition in two installments to snag a $100 discount on your total annual fees.
For a detailed look into their policies, we like that they offer upfront access to their parents’ manual. It’s quite an extensive read though and can be overwhelming to some.
When you do give it a read, you’ll find that snacks aren’t provided by the facility. However, they provide healthy snack recommendations and prohibit nuts―which we think is a thoughtful consideration for other kids with allergies.
Pros
- Two upscale locations in the city
- Progressive music program available
- Extended care available
- Wide open parking spaces
- Flexible schedule plans
- Sizable discount for biannual payments
Cons
- Parents’ manual can be overwhelming
- Snacks not provided
Customer Reviews
For an inside look into Paradise Montessori Preschool, check out these reviews:
“Me and my two daughters liked Paradise Montessori Preschool. The teaching is very good and the teachers are very nice. The Principle is a great person.The environment is very friendly. Highly recommended.”―Farah AlAli
“I cannot say enough good things about this school. Paradise Montessori has been amazing to my daughter. I like how they worked with her on her personal development as much as her academic achievements. Her teachers taught my daughter to focus, organize her thoughts and be a strong leader. They have instilled in her a love for learning .The director and the rest of her staff are polite, informative, compassionate and knowledgeable. I am very grateful for the experience and education my daughter has received and recommend the school to anyone looking for a solid education for their children!”―Manilka F
“Kids are cared for by multicultural staff who are very kind to kids.”―Felix W
4. Brightling Childcare Academy
| CURRICULUM | Play-based Learning, Emerging Curriculum |
| WEBSITE | www.brightlingacademy.ca |
| ADDRESS | 1461 Chevrier Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3T 1Y7, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: 204-487-7879 Email:info@brightlingacademy.ca |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday, 7:00 am – 5:45 pm |
If you seek a long-term plan for child care, consider Brightling Academy. Their esteemed staff and multi-featured facility are suitable for children from infancy to age 12.
That means kids can enroll in a comfortable environment that’ll stay familiar throughout their developmental years. It’s also a good opportunity for them to interact with peers of different ages.
Because the school caters to different learning levels, kids at Brightling gain access to an extensive library. With a large collection of books, puzzles, and games, children can either explore advanced material or practice basic ideas.
Even the washrooms have both regular and kid-sized sinks and toilets. We agree with the aim of this arrangement, and that’s to accommodate potty-trainers and self-dependents alike.
We find Brightling to be a creative proponent of fun activities. The program includes children’s yoga classes, art projects, science experiments, and more.
They even invite special guests like musicians, firefighters, and scientists―and we think it’s an engaging way to form vocational interests early on.
Pros
- Offers child care from ages 0-12
- Detailed pandemic protocols
- Lots of learning materials and play areas
- Access to in-centre library
- Large outdoor spaces
- Healthy snacks included
- Regular communication and updates
Cons
- Tuition details unavailable online
- Not recommended for parents who prefer same-age groupings
Customer Reviews
For a classroom perspective of Brightling Academy, here’s what some parents have written about their children’s experience:
“I have found Brightling academy as a beautiful place for children. I especially loved their very clean, large and tidy rooms and bathrooms! My kids were happy and healthy in this centre. Karolina herself listens to parents’ concerns with patience and care. All the staff I met were experienced and dedicated to the well being of children. I will highly recommend this centre to other parents who needs a safe, comfortable and reliable place for their children”―Rumana Islam
“We had a great experience at Brightling (previously Gramma Marie’s). We were previously in a home day care where our kid was placed in front of the TV all day. At Brightling the kids spend a lot of time outside playing in the generous outdoor areas and doing crafts or learning activities inside. The staff are caring and patient, Hayley in the baby room and Christina, Brenda, Wendy, and Feiu in the 2-4 year old room, are especially outstanding. Management is available via email or phone, and we have scheduled time to discuss developmental milestones when needed. When we observed children hitting or acting-up (normal), we also saw appropriate and compassionate responses from staff. If you have demanding jobs that require some longer hours of childcare, you can make sure Brightling is a safe and educational space. Prepare to be inundated with daily crafts and artwork!”―Maria Godoy
5. Making Roots Montessori Centre Inc.
| CURRICULUM | Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Science & Culture, Art & Music, French Immersion |
| WEBSITE | www.makingroots.ca |
| ADDRESS | 660 Elizabeth Road, Winnipeg, MB R2J 1A4, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: 204-417-7989 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm |
Another Montessori-based preschool, Making Roots has made a name for itself in the field of early childhood education. Based on our survey, parents describe them as their children’s second family, and here’s why.
The space at Making Roots was built with a safe and natural environment in mind. Wide open windows and organically-sourced materials make the school a warm and inviting place.
Even the snacks they provide are organic whenever possible, thus minimising your child’s exposure to synthetic chemicals. They’re also really good listeners when it comes to special dietary requests.
The classes at Making Roots are based on learning through play, self-directed discovery, and exposure to music and crafts. Wooden puzzles and artistic teaching aids help engage the children in lessons that are both fun and informative.
As opposed to a fully-structured sit-and-listen style of teaching, Making Roots matches learning materials to the child’s progress and abilities. This is easily done through small class sizes held by teachers who value the personal interests of each child.
They also accommodate the interests of parents when it comes to preparing kids for future encounters. With over 20% of Canada speaking French as a first language, you may find their French immersion program appealing.
Pros
- Personalised learning though emerging curriculum
- Offers French language immersion
- Healthy snacks included
- Organically-sourced food, toys, and cleaning materials
Cons
- Further enquiry needed for detailed pandemic protocol
- 2% fee for payments through credit card
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from parents and even a Montessori-trained teacher who’ve chosen Making Roots for their child:
“Our experience with Making Roots has also been wonderful. As a trained AMI Montessori teacher myself, I carefully sought out the right place for our grandson, and I must say that our family couldn’t be happier. The care he has received has been stellar, and his academic progress is astounding. Best of all, he is happy at Making Roots, and so has everything he needs to rise to his potential. What more could you ask?”―Laurie Parker
“At Making Roots Montessori Centre I noticed every child’s choices, responses and capabilities are honored while interacting with valued materials and trusted individuals, whether peers or educators. There is a momentum characterized by the desire to practice and to learn. The teachers’ expertise and confidence with Montessori principles and curriculum, as well as Early Childhood Education and additional diplomas regarding childhood enrichment education allowed for the thoughtful precision used when teaching and guiding each individual learner in this unique flexible environment. Significant caring relationships with the children build bonds of trust which enable these children to be clever, warm and enthusiastic citizens. Deep appreciation to Ms.Vivienne, Ms. Megan, Mme. Sylviane, Ms. Amarpreet and Ms. Manal for this wonderful opportunity to observe your environment in action!”―Gwen Zakreski
FAQs About Preschool Education
And there it is―our list for the best preschools in Winnipeg. If you and your child have had a positive or even negative experience with other centres, let us know.
Moving up the educational ladder, we’ve also written a review of the best private schools in Winnipeg. Do feel free to check that out as well, especially if you’re drafting a long-term education plan for your child.