Best Daycares in Lakewood, CO (2026)
Choosing the right daycare in Lakewood, CO can be overwhelming. With 20 daycares operating across the Lakewood metro area, how do you separate the truly exceptional from the merely adequate? At The Daycare Directory, we analyze publicly available data to rank every daycare on a transparent, editorial basis -- no paid placements, no sponsored rankings.
This 2026 ranking evaluates daycares in Lakewood, Colorado using our Guide Score percentage, which normalizes captured evidence from reviews, credentials, press recognition, web presence, experience, and profile completeness. We reviewed 20 active businesses in the Lakewood market and selected the top 15 for this list.
By the numbers: Guide Score percentages on this list range from 49% to 63%. Updated July 2026.
Each entry below includes the business's Guide Score, star rating, review count, and a data-driven explanation of why they earned their spot. Click through to any profile for the full breakdown including contact information, specialties, credentials, and related businesses in Lakewood.
The Top 15 Daycares in Lakewood, CO
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#1 Jacob Academy 63%
Ranked 1st among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Jacob Academy provides day care services in Lakewood, Colorado. For more information, please contact us.
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#2 The Summit Academy 49%
Ranked 2nd among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
The Summit Academy is a childcare center in Lakewood, CO. Programs include Preschool, day care preschool, home service. Website: http://www.TheSummitAcademy.co/.
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#3 La Petite Academy 49%
Ranked 3rd among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
La Petite Academy is a childcare center in Lakewood, CO. Programs include Preschool, day care preschool, private school. Website: http://www.lapetite.com.
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Ranked 4th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Stepping Stones Adventure Preschool is a childcare center in Lakewood, CO. Programs include Preschool, home service, day care preschool. Website: http://www.steppingstonesapco.com/.
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#5 Colorado Kids Academy 49%
Ranked 5th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Colorado Kids Academy is a childcare center in Lakewood, CO. Programs include Preschool, day care preschool, home service. Website: http://cokidsacademy.com/.
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#6 The Applewood School 49%
Ranked 6th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
The Applewood School is a childcare center in Lakewood, CO. Programs include Preschool, home service, day care preschool. Website: https://applewoodschool.com/.
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#7 Advantage Learning Center 49%
Ranked 7th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Advantage Learning Center is a childcare center in Lakewood, CO. Programs include Preschool, home service, day care preschool. Website: http://www.advantagelc.net.
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Ranked 8th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Mile Hi Children's Enrichment Center is a childcare center in Lakewood, CO. Programs include Preschool, home service, community center. Website: http://milehicec.org/.
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Ranked 9th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
The Big Red Barn Early Learning Center is a childcare center in Lakewood, CO. Programs include Preschool, day care preschool, home service. Website: https://thebigredbarnelc.com/.
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#10 Green Mountain Busy Bees 49%
Ranked 10th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Green Mountain Busy Bees is a childcare center in Lakewood, CO. Programs include Preschool, home service, mountain. Website: http://www.greenmountainbusybees.com/.
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#11 The Goddard School of Lakewood 49%
Ranked 11th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
The Goddard School of Lakewood is a childcare center in Lakewood, CO. Programs include Preschool, day care preschool, private school. Website: https://www.goddardschool.com/schools/co/lakewood/lakewo…
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#12 Green Mountain Village Preschool 49%
Ranked 12th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Green Mountain Village Preschool is a childcare center in Lakewood, CO. Programs include Preschool, elementary school, school. Website: https://www.gmvpreschool.com/.
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#13 Precious Angels Preschool 49%
Ranked 13th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Precious Angels Preschool is a childcare center in Lakewood, CO. Programs include Preschool, home service, day care preschool. Website: http://www.preciousangelspreschoollakewood.com/.
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#14 Small Characters Learning Center 49%
Ranked 14th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Small Characters Learning Center is a childcare center in Lakewood, CO. Programs include Preschool, home service, day care preschool. Website: http://www.smallcharacters.com/.
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#15 Lakewood Learning Center 49%
Ranked 15th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Lakewood Learning Center is a childcare center in Lakewood, CO. Programs include Preschool, home service, day care preschool. Website: http://www.thomaslearningcenters.com/.
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How We Ranked These Daycares
Our Guide Score percentage combines verified ratings, review volume, web presence, profile completeness, professional credentials, press recognition, and experience. Scores are normalized across categories where positive evidence was captured, so a missing category is shown as not captured rather than counted as a failing grade. No business can pay for a higher ranking.
Data sources include Google Business Profile, professional registries, portfolio sites, press databases, and direct business submissions. Every piece of data is publicly verifiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did we rank the best daycares in Lakewood?
The Daycare Directory ranks daycares using our Guide Score percentage, a composite metric computed from publicly available data. The score uses weighted evidence from ratings, review volume, web presence, profile completeness, credentials, press recognition, and experience, then normalizes across categories where positive evidence was captured. Categories with no captured signal are not counted as failing grades. There is no paid placement -- every ranking is purely editorial.
Who is the #1 daycare in Lakewood, CO?
As of 2026, Jacob Academy holds the #1 ranking in Lakewood with a Guide Score of 63%. Rankings are recalculated with every data update and reflect the latest available information.
How often is this list updated?
Core data (ratings, reviews, contact information) is re-verified on a rolling monthly cadence. Credentials and awards are audited quarterly. Guide Scores recalculate automatically with every data update, so rankings may shift as new reviews are posted or credentials are verified.
How many daycares are there in Lakewood?
Our database currently tracks 20 active daycares in the Lakewood, CO metro area. This list highlights the top 15 based on Guide Score. Browse our full Lakewood directory to see every listed business.
Can a daycare pay to be ranked higher?
No. The Daycare Directory does not accept payment for rankings. Guide Scores are computed algorithmically from verified public data. Businesses can claim and update their profile with accurate information, but the ranking algorithm treats all profiles equally. Our editorial independence is core to our methodology.
What should I look for when hiring a daycare in Lakewood?
We recommend evaluating: (1) professional certifications and credentials, (2) verified customer reviews and ratings, (3) years of experience in the Lakewood market, (4) portfolio quality and range of work, (5) budget alignment with your project scope, and (6) responsiveness and communication style. Our Guide Score weighs these factors so you can compare at a glance.