Choosing the right preschool for your child can be a difficult one. Especially with the daunting different types of philosophies, each one can have! Do you want a play based preschool or a reggio emilia focused curriculum? ( see our blog post on the different types of preschools here!)

Well, we have rounded up our top 5 preschools in the North Edmonton & St.Albert area! Each of these preschools displays a different type of curriculum, so I hope this will aid in deciding which one is for you and your child!

1. Tot Spot Academy

Tot Spot Academy Inc. is a Montessori inspired childcare program in St. Albert that follows an emergent, play-based curriculum with strong roots in Holistic Education. Their Preschool Room follows a daily schedule which allows predictability and routine within the room. Preschoolers actively participate in circle which includes stories, rhymes, finger plays, puppet shows, calendar, star student and direct concept teaching experiences. Plus they also offer childcare as well, from ages 10 months to 5 years of age. If you are thinking about enrolling your child with them in the near future, whether it be for childcare or preschool you better act fast! They are fully booked until September 2018!

Find them at: 9420 86 McKenney Avenue St Albert,  (780) 267-3702

2. Dominelli School Of Music 

The Dominelli School of Music Preschool offers a rich sensory environment where the children experience music, literacy through phonics, and other important skills in preparation for Kindergarten. Through their internationally recognized Kindermusik program, students will spend 45 minutes each day learning about rhythm, reading music, and active listening. Also, they only accept 6 students per class, so each child gets the attention they are needing throughout each class. Some of my favorite things about Dominelli is that there are no volunteer or fundraising requirements. As an amazing bonus, a screening is done by a speech pathologist and an information session are all included in your tuition. My daughter actually attends this preschool and she absolutely loves it!

Find them at:  8119 160 Ave NW #203, Edmonton & #55 Chevigny Street St. Albert, (780) 488-8515

3.  Treehouse Playschool

The Tree House Playschool is located in St. Albert, AB and offers classes in three elementary schools in the community: Ecole Marie Poburan, Neil M. Ross, and Vital Grandin Elementary Schools. They offer preschool classes for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds and encourage learning through imaginative play, craft, and skill-based activity. Their program has a strong focus on early literacy and numeracy and discovering the world around us. Tree House Playschool has been molding young minds for over 35 years, which is absolutely amazing! Their preschool is privately owned and operated by Jenny Drake. As such, their school does not have a board, fundraising or volunteering requirements of your families!

Find them at: 100 Sir Winston Churchill Ave St Albert, (780) 903-4477

4. Small Spouts Preschool

Small Sprouts is a home-based preschool located in North Edmonton, with a focus on fusing academics with play so your little ones can learn while being engaged and stimulated. They offer 2 separate classes with 3-year-olds on Tuesday/Thursday’s and 4-year-olds on Monday/Wednesday/Friday’s. Themes will be ever changing throughout the year and will be introduced through a mixture of structured and unstructured activities. I am thoroughly impressed by the wide array of activities they offer at Small Sprouts! If small classes sizes and a homey atmosphere are right up your alley, I would definitely check them out!

Find them at: 17323 90 Street Edmonton, 780-862-4230

5. St.Albert Nature School

Last but not least is the St.Albert Nature School that has their first school year starting this September! This is not your typical classroom!  Rain or shine, hot or cold, students spend the majority of their time outside connecting to the environment around and utilizing its tools for intellectual, physical and emotional development.The outdoor classroom is based out of the St. Albert Minor Baseball Association Clubhouse which is used to access washrooms and shelter during extreme weather conditions. Classes run on Tuesday/ Wednesday/ Thursday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am,  and they have 3 sessions that run during the year, (Sept. – Nov.) (Jan. – Mar.) (Apr. – June). Unfortunately, they only offer classes for 4-year-olds, but if your kiddo is a huge fan of the outdoors, this might just be the class for them!

Find them at: 215 sturgeon road, St. Albert

Good Luck!