Private Preschools In Gig Harbor & Beyond
As a real estate agent and your local neighborhood expert, I want to help you learn all there is to know about life in Gig Harbor, Washington. I am also a mom of three, and one of the things that was really important to me when looking for a house in a new area was what educational options were out there. For any other families who want to know about all the choices available to them, below is a list of private preschools in Gig Harbor and the surrounding area.
*Note: waitlist information is from Spring 2023 and policies and/or likelihood of being accepted are subject to change.
*For a list of private elementary, middle, and high schools, see my blog post Private Schools in Gig Harbor & Beyond.
Religious Preschools In Gig Harbor
7700 Skansie Avenue, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by class
This preschool for children ages two through five is affiliated with Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, and daily activities include religious instruction, large- and small-group play, science, and literature. Contact them to learn more.
4901 Gustafson Drive NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year
Associated with Harbor Covenant Church, this preschool has two class levels: the Three’s Class is offered Tuesday through Thursday, and the Four’s & Five’s Class is Monday through Thursday. The curriculum is designed to encourage spiritual and educational grown, and besides hands-on and classroom learning it includes a monthly theme, chapel, outdoor play, and field trips.
3114 45th Street Court NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year
Founded in 1982 as an independent Christian school, Hosanna accepts students from preschool up through junior high. Learn more about their academic goals and curriculum for each grade level, and information on scheduling a tour can be found at the bottom of their home page.
14405 Peacock Hill Avenue NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year
This Christian preschool provides child care for ages four weeks through five years. Learn more on their website about their programs and rates, or call to schedule a personal tour.
Little Lambs Preschool (at Agnus Dei Lutheran Church)
10511 Peacock Hill Avenue NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year and by class
Little Lambs provides exploration in a variety of subjects and activities, including chapel, science, art, writing, music, and outside play time, for children aged two through five.
Little Steps Christian Childcare
3008 36th Street NW, Building A, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Waitlist fee: uncertain
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year (returning students have top priority)
Located on the campus of Lighthouse Christian School, Little Steps offers two main programs: Waddlers & Toddlers for one- and two-year-olds, and Preschoolers for three- through five-year-olds. You can also sign up for full- or part-time care. Learn more about their programs, or schedule a tour through their contact form.
3555 Edwards Drive, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: usually guaranteed for preschool (for pre-K, current preschool students have top priority)
Educating students from preschool through eighth grade, you can view curriculum information and class highlights for preschool and pre-K. To learn more about the school you can read their educational philosophy, or call to schedule a tour.
Main campus: 6220 38th Avenue NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Lighthouse campus: 3008 36th Street NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by class
This Christian preschool has a main campus as well as a location at Lighthouse Christian School. Enrollment is available for First Year Preschool (three years old), First Year Pre-K (four years old), and Second Year Pre-K (four and a half t0 five years old), and skill objectives for each age group range from social-emotional and spiritual to cognitive and self help. Learn more about their history, mission, and philosophy, or schedule a tour for either campus.
Religious Preschools In Tacoma
First Presbyterian Church Preschool
20 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: within top 5 slots
First Presbyterian offers a variety of classes for two- through five-year-olds. Number of days and hours per week depend on the ages of the groups and range from half days a couple times a week up to full-week kindergarten preparation classes. Most classes cover a range of subjects, including art, music, Bible, and language development. They also have a weekly class for children aged 16 months and up that provides activities and interaction for children as well as parents.
101 South 96th Street, Tacoma, WA 98444
Faith Lutheran Church has a school for kindergarten through eighth grade as well as a preschool on the premises. Learn about their institution and preschool curriculum, take a peek inside a preschool classroom, or fill out the form to receive more information and request a tour of the campus.
1717 South Union Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405
Waitlist fee: yes (paying the $125 application fee puts you on the waitlist)
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year
Life Christian Academy is open to students in preschool and pre-K all the way up to high school. They also offer childcare before and after school hours. If you are interested, a tour of the school can be set up with the admissions department.
Little Lambs Preschool (at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church)
140 East 56th Street, Tacoma WA 98404
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year and by class
This Lutheran preschool offers classes for children aged two, three, and four, and junior kindergarten for four- and five-year-olds. While each level has a different emphasis, all include Bible lessons, songs, and prayer.
Pope St. John XXIII STEM Academy
3306 South 58th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year and by class
Based on a foundation of science, technology, engineering, and math, Pope St. John XXIII provides a hands-on learning approach for students preschool through eighth grade, ensuring that students will be well-equipped for STEM programs beyond high school. Their website has more information on their mission as a school, why they focus on STEM, and more. You can also fill out a form to schedule a tour.
1740 South 84th Street, Tacoma, WA 98444
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year
With a curriculum designed to prepare children for elementary school and beyond, Puget Sound Christian School offers preschool programs for three- and four-year-olds as well as pre-kindergarten. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and other skills, creative arts, science, and more. Contact them for additional information, a free education consultation, or to schedule a tour.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School
7112 South 12th Street, Tacoma, WA 98465
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: high
Established in 1958, St. Charles offers education for preschool and pre-K as well as kindergarten through middle school. On their website you can view specifics on their curriculum for preschool and pre-K, take a virtual tour, schedule an in-person tour, or request more information.
1112 North G Street, Tacoma, WA 98403
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year and other factors (i.e. current families have top priority)
Take a look at the school’s virtual tour to find out more about St. Patrick’s, which offers preschool and pre-K as well as a primary school, intermediate school, and middle school. See why families choose St. Patrick’s, schoolwide learning expectations, and the school’s library.
Religious Preschools In Other Areas
14687 Olympic Drive SE, Port Orchard, WA 98367
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: within top few slots
Preschool through high school is available at this school affiliated with Burley Bible Church. Their website provides information on their mission, classes, and curriculum.
655 6th Avenue Fi, Fox Island, WA 98333
Waitlist fee: $140
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year
Facilitated by Heart Church, this preschool offers religious-centered learning for ages two through five. Their goals include well-rounded student development, a focus on character qualities, and instilling a love of learning to each child. To learn more, click on “Enrollment Information”.
Little Doves Children’s Learning Center
8730 Phillips Road SE, Port Orchard, WA 98367
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year
Affiliated with Spirit of Life Lutheran Church, Little Doves provides curriculum for toddlers and preschoolers with an emphasis on social, emotional, cognitive, and physical goals. Learn more from the drop-down menu, or fill out the enrollment inquiry form at the bottom of the page.
The New School at Chambers Bay
5000 67th Avenue West, University Place, WA 98467
Waitlist fee: yes (paying the $150 application fee puts you on the waitlist)
Likelihood of being accepted: most students get in eventually
Offering full-day child care up to pre-kindergarten and half-day child care from 13 months to two and a half years, this Christian school desires to instill joy in learning for each of their students. Their philosophy encompasses personal maturity and Bible lessons as well as intellectual and physical development. Visit their website to take a virtual tour, book a tour, and view a list of frequently asked questions.
Non-Religious Preschools In Gig Harbor
6509 38th Avenue, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: uncertain
With options for three- and five-day preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten, Arletta Montessori helps children explore practical skills, language, math, science, the arts, and more. Contact them to schedule a private tour.
3716 56th Street, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Waitlist fee: yes
Likelihood of being accepted: closed waitlist right now except for trying to fill a few slots
Cadence Academy provides preschool care for children six weeks to pre-kindergarten. Their curriculum includes a variety of activities and subjects, including math, science, art, and games, and desires to fulfill children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs. Learn more about their infant, toddler, preschool, and pre-K and kindergarten programs.
Main Campus: 7191 Wagner Way, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Crescent Valley Campus: 13302 Crescent Valley Drive, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation’s Curious By Nature School gives children aged two to six years the opportunity to explore outside as well as learn critical thinking skills, science, math, language, and more from a nature-based curriculum. Their variety of programs offer classes from one to four days a week.
4835 Borgen Boulevard, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: usually within top 5 slots
Discovery Village offers multiple class options for two- to four-year-olds, pre-kindergarten, and junior kindergarten. Besides preparing children academically they provide classrooms with different emphases, such as art, math, sensory learning, and writing. They also include a variety of learning forms, from group to individual to age-specific.
6820 32nd Street NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year and other factors
Accepting students up to fifth grade, the academy’s early childhood curriculum (preschool and pre-K) facilitates an approach with concepts such as active exploration and inquiry-based learning. Learn more about their campus or request a tour.
Gig Harbor Cooperative Preschool
3025 96th Street NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year, but open slots are filled throughout the year
Founded in 1962, GHCP promotes parent participation through opportunities such as volunteering in the classroom, parent education events, and meeting with school instructors. Curriculum is age-specific for children two through four years old and covers social and emotional skills, creative art, math, science, and reading and writing.
Contact them in order to schedule a visit to their school.
3811 Grandview Street, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: possibly within top 15 slots
KinderCare offers a variety of basic programs for children six weeks to five years old, as well as enrichment programs for ages two and up. Fill out the contact form for more information on the Gig Harbor center and tuition.
5414 Comte Drive NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Waitlist fee: yes ($50 application fee)
Likelihood of being accepted: depends on a variety of factors (currently no room)
Harbor Montessori offers programs for infants all the way up to junior high. You can learn more about the school’s approach to learning and education for each level and age group. They also have a new Tracyton campus for children aged three to six years old.
Non-Religious Preschools In Tacoma & Other Areas
Alphabet Preschool & Learning Center
2305 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409
5419 South Puget Sound Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98408
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: uncertain
With multiple locations to choose from, child care is available from 6:00am to 6:00pm (the South Tacoma Way location is open at 5:30am). Read more about their philosophy and company, or contact them for more information.
827 North Tacoma Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98403
With its beginnings as an all-girls school in the 1880s, Annie Wright now offers a co-ed lower school (preschool - Grade 5) and middle school as well as separate upper schools for girls and boys. Learn more about their preschool programs for three- to four-year-olds and four- to five-year-olds. Transportation is available for those within the surrounding areas. Visit their admissions page for a virtual tour of their campus.
7723 Chambers Creek Road West, Tacoma, WA 98467
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: within top 10 (does depend on time of year)
Established in 1957, Charles Wright Academy is an independent school offering classes in a beginning school for ages three and four, a lower school for kindergarten through fourth grade, middle school for fifth through eighth grades, and the upper school for 9th through 12th grades. For any students living outside of the immediate area, they offer a daily bus service with a variety of routes and schedules. Check out their virtuavirtual tour tour to learn more.
Jack & Jill Cooperative Preschool
2507 North Vassault, Tacoma, WA 98406
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year and by class
Jack & Jill offers three classes: Group A for two-year-olds, Group B for three-year-olds, and Group C for four-year-olds. As a cooperative preschool, Jack & Jill provides parents the opportunity to volunteer in the classroom and be a part of their child’s learning. You can learn more about the school’s developmental goals and philosophy, take a virtual tour, or read the list of frequently asked questions.
Kid’s Country Learning Centers
1806 South Mildred Street, Tacoma, WA 98465
Kid’s Country provides care for children aged six months all the way up to 12 years old. Their website gives specifics about their philosophy and each of their programs, or you can request more information and schedule a tour. With locations throughout the Puget Sound, their Tacoma center is near Joint Base Lewis-McChord and offers discounts for military families.
13521 Bethel Burley Road SE, Port Orchard, WA 98367
Waitlist fee: yes
Likelihood of being accepted: not accepting new students right now, but if you fill out the free inquiry form your information will be put in the system
Along with full-day programs for children aged two and a half up to six years, Montessori Farmhouse School also provides extended care for before and after school.
Learn more about basic Montessori principles, what kids can expect in a typical day (scroll down to “Curriculum”), and the Montessori approach to mixed ages in the classroom. Send in an inquiry form which will provide an opportunity for interested families to learn more through a school tour and classroom observation.
3912 Grandview Drive West, University Place, WA 98466
Waitlist fee: yes ($55 registration fee saves your place if you end up on the waitlist)
Likelihood of being accepted: varies by year and time of year
This preschool co-op involves the whole family through parent volunteers in the classroom, support and education for parents, and a parent board. Learn more about their philosophy and program as well as their classes for two-year-olds, three-year-olds, and pre-K.
North Orchard Delong Cooperative Preschool
4420 North 41st Street, Tacoma, WA 98407
Waitlist fee: no
Likelihood of being accepted: varies
NOD preschool provides lots of opportunities for children ages two through five to play, explore, and learn from nature while gaining self-confidence and a sense of responsibility. It also offers parents the ability to be involved through a co-op structure. Contact them for more information.
635 South Mildred Street, Tacoma, WA 98465
Waitlist fee: no (only charged if reserving an open spot)
Likelihood of being accepted: varies
KinderCare offers a variety of basic programs for children six weeks to five years old, as well as enrichment programs for ages two and up. Fill out the contact form for more information on the North Tacoma center and tuition.
Paige Schulte, top real estate agent in Gig Harbor and your neighborhood expert, has all you need to know about our wonderful community. Visit Paige’s Gig to learn more.
Interested in selling your current home or starting the search for your dream home? Call us today at (253) 313-4093 or book a call at your convenience.