Milwaukee North Shore Preschool Guide

Choosing a preschool is an exciting step in your child’s journey. The North Shore of Milwaukee offers a rich mix of public and private preschool options. Each program has its own style, focus, and strengths. Below, we break down the local preschools by community, highlighting location, type, curriculum, ages served, schedule, tuition (when available), and what makes each one special. We include both school-run programs and independent centers (play-based, Montessori, faith-based, immersion, etc.), all aimed at nurturing young learners.

A quick reference table summarizes these options at the end. We’ve gathered the latest information so you can make a confident, informed choice for your family.

Whitefish Bay

Whitefish Bay-Shorewood Nursery School (1225 Olive St, Shorewood) – Private community nursery school. A parent-founded co-op preschool serving ages ~2½–4, with a play-based curriculum and gentle K4 readiness focuswfbshorewoodnurseryschool.comwfbshorewoodnurseryschool.com. Classes meet mornings (e.g. M/W/F or T/Th) with optional extended drop-off/pick-up. Children “learn through imaginative and playful activities” that build confidence, social skills, and early literacy and math conceptswfbshorewoodnurseryschool.comwfbshorewoodnurseryschool.com. This multi-year-old co-op prides itself on small, nurturing classes and lots of hands-on play (art, music, outdoor time, field trips)wfbshorewoodnurseryschool.com. (Tuition is modest but not published online.)

Community Preschool of Whitefish Bay (Christ Church, WFB) – Private parent co-op preschool. A warm, cooperative school on WFB’s east side offering 2- and 3-day classes for toddlers (2-year-olds) and 3–4-year-olds. The curriculum is explicitly play-based and social; children “learn social skills, independence, and cooperation all while... playing!”. Options include 2-day (Tue/Thu) or 3-day (M/W/F) sessions, with both AM and optional PM choices for 3-year-olds. The school emphasizes imagination and exploration, with monthly themes, music classes, a large playground, and parent involvement (this is a co-op where parents volunteer). Community Preschool is well-known locally for its supportive family atmosphere. (Tuition is kept affordable for co-op families.)

Tree of Life Christian Preschool (819 E. Silver Spring Dr, Whitefish Bay) – Private faith-based (United Methodist) preschool. A Christian-affiliated preschool with play-based, multisensory learning. Children (ages ~2½–4) are “valued for their creative play” and taught through engaging, hands-on activities The school says it builds a “solid foundation for success in ways that are interesting, fun and engaging”. Program features include mixed-age classes, music and art activities, and emphasis on social-emotional growth. Tree of Life welcomes families of all faiths and does not require church membership. (Schedules are typically M/W/F or T/Th half-days, though exact hours vary; tuition info is on request.)

Gan Ami Early Childhood (JCC Milwaukee, 1200 E. Hampton Rd, WFB) – Private (Jewish Early Ed at the JCC). This year-round program serves infants through K4 (6 weeks–4K). It is YoungStar 5-star and NAC-accredited, emphasizing an inclusive Jewish curriculum. Children learn through play and experience “Jewish values of respect, charity, kindness, and repairing the world,” with daily Shabbat traditions, music, and seasonal celebrations. The program employs specialists (art, music, gym, Hebrew) to enrich learning. Gan Ami promises “a joy of learning” and strong parent partnerships in a nurturing Jewish community. (Schedules: full-day with early/after care; tuition is competitive and subsidized for JCC members.)

Shorewood

Bright Beginnings Preschool (Atwater Elementary, Shorewood) – Public preschool program (Shorewood Rec). A district-supported preschool for ages 3–4. It offers both M/W/F and T/Th half-day classes (8:30–11:00 am) with about 14 children per class. The curriculum is thematic and child-centered: it includes art, science, literacy, math, music and gross-motor activities designed to foster self-confidence, language and pre-reading skills, and school readines. Teachers emphasize social-emotional growth as well. Bright Beginnings has small classes, special preschool-designed classrooms, field trips (farm, nature center), and a smooth bridge into 4K. For 2025-26, tuition is about $1,700–$2,100 (discount for full payment) — very affordable relative to private programs. (Open to Shorewood residents; registration in January.)

Casa de Corazón – Shorewood (4114 N. Oakland Ave, Shorewood) – Private Spanish-immersion daycare/preschool. Part of a national franchise, this center offers infant through pre-K care with full-day hours (7:30am–5:30pm). The core curriculum is Spanish language immersion from day one. Children in each age group learn Spanish naturally through play, songs, and teacher interaction, fostering bilingualism and cultural awareness. The program also emphasizes organic meals and eco-friendly practices. Families praise Casa for nurturing teachers and “loving staff” where children thrive and even learn healthy eating habits. Tuition is higher (comparable to a daycare), with sibling and public-service discounts mentioned. (Cites for key philosophy above.)

Shorewood-Whitefish Bay Nursery School (1225 Olive St, Shorewood) – See Whitefish Bay above. This historic co-op nursery, physically in Shorewood, serves both communities. It runs morning classes MWF or TTh for ages ~2–4

Fox Point & Bayside

Fox Point-Bayside School District 4K (Stormonth Elementary) – Public 4K (4-year-old Kindergarten). For residents of Fox Point and Bayside, the district provides free state-funded 4K. This program is housed at Stormonth Elementary (Fox Point) and includes both AM and PM half-day options following the elementary school calendar. Families appreciate it as a high-quality public option emphasizing social/emotional skills and pre-literacy. (Note: 4K is free for district families; register with the school in spring.)

Glendale

North Shore Montessori School (4650 N. Port Washington Rd, Glendale) – Private Montessori school. Offers authentic AMI Montessori education for ages 20 months to 6 years (and beyond to grade school). There are three programs: Toddler (20–36 months), Children’s House (3–6), and Elementary. The child-centered curriculum lets kids explore at their own pace with Montessori materials. NSMS’s mission: “prepare children for life” by celebrating each child’s unique gifts. Families rave that children “love school” and make mistakes safely, reflecting the strong Montessori approach. Wrap-around care and enrichment are available. (Tuition varies by age/program – inquiries required.)

North Shore Preschool & Child Care (7703 N. Green Bay Rd, Glendale) – Private child care center (4-star YoungStar). A well-regarded full-service center for ages 6 weeks–13 years. It offers infant, toddler, K3 (3K), and K4 preschool programs, as well as before/after care for K5 and up. The curriculum follows Wisconsin standards and Creative Curriculum principles, blending play and structured learning. For example, their K4 program can be full or half-day and aligns with school district goals, covering phonics, counting, science, etc.. Classrooms are arranged around specialty rooms (art, music, motor skills, computer), and children rotate to stay engaged. Open Monday–Friday 6:30am–6pm, it’s noted for “smaller classroom sizes” and individual attention. (Tuition: center-rate; contact for details.)

Glendale Heights Child Care (2315 W. Good Hope Rd, Glendale) – Private child care center (NAEYC-accredited, 5-star). A high-quality licensed center serving ages 6 weeks–12 years. Located on Glendale’s north side (in the Good Hope Elementary school), Glendale Heights has very low staff turnover and experienced teachers. The philosophy: each child is an individual whose “unique qualities should be nurtured” (focusing on social, cognitive, motor and language skills). The center is nationally accredited (NAEYC) and maintains a 5-star Wisconsin YoungStar rating a mark of excellence. They offer infant through preschool classrooms, plus school-age care. (Open M–F 6:30am–6pm; tuition is based on schedule and age, please inquire.)

St. Francis Children’s Center (6700 N. Port Washington Rd, Glendale) – Non-profit inclusive day care. An award-winning center (NAC-accredited, 5-Star YoungStar) specializing in children with and without special needs. Open 6wks–5-year-old Kindergarten, it provides full-day year-round care focused on social-emotional development. Their curriculum is developmentally appropriate with small class sizes. St. Francis emphasizes respect and inclusion: it was founded to give children “an inclusive environment” where they grow together. Specialist therapists and adaptive strategies support all learners. (School hours roughly 6:30–5:30; tuition is sliding-scale/non-profit.)

Casa de Corazón – Glendale (4600 N. Port Washington Rd, Glendale) – Private Spanish-immersion daycare/preschool. Sister program of Casa Shorewood, this new center offers infant through preschool care (day hours). Like its Shorewood sister, Casa Glendale’s curriculum is based on Spanish immersion from day one, with certified teachers and organic snacks. The center touts bilingualism, farm-to-table meals, and eco-friendly practices. It is open 7:30am–5:30pm. Families receive tuition info on inquiry; many cite Casa’s warm, language-rich environment and healthy menu.

Choosing a preschool is ultimately about the right fit – every child is different. Hopefully this guide helps you compare the many encouraging, nurturing options on Milwaukee’s North Shore. Each program above has strong community roots and dedicated teachers who want your little one to thrive. With so many philosophies – from Montessori to immersion to church-based play schools – you can find a setting where your child feels at home and excited to learn. Good luck on this fun adventure in your child’s early education!