Most Reviewed Daycares in Montclair, NJ (2026)
Choosing the right daycare in Montclair, NJ can be overwhelming. With 12 daycares operating across the Montclair 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 Montclair, New Jersey using total review volume, which reflects the breadth of client experience and community trust. We reviewed 12 active businesses in the Montclair market and selected the top 12 for this list.
By the numbers: Guide Score percentages on this list range from 37% to 49%. 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 Montclair.
The Top 12 Daycares in Montclair, NJ
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#1 Montclair Community Pre-K 49%
Ranked 1st among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Montclair Community Pre-K is a childcare center in Montclair, NJ. Programs include Preschool, home service, day care preschool. Website: http://www.montclairprek.org/.
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#2 The Goddard School 49%
Ranked 2nd among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
The Goddard School is a childcare center in Montclair, NJ. Programs include Preschool, private school, home service. Website: https://www.goddardschool.com/schools/nj/montclair/montclair.
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#3 Park Street Academy 49%
Ranked 3rd among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Park Street Academy is a childcare center in Montclair, NJ. Programs include Preschool, private school, home service. Website: https://www.themontclairgirl.com/best-of-montclair-2025-guide-finalists/…
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#4 Pilsbury School 49%
Ranked 4th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Pilsbury School is a childcare center in Montclair, NJ. Programs include Preschool, private school, school. Website: https://www.pilsburyschool.com/.
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#5 Children's Studio 49%
Ranked 5th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Children's Studio is a childcare center in Montclair, NJ. Programs include Preschool, home service. Website: http://www.childrensstudio.net/.
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#6 Early Explorers Preschool 49%
Ranked 6th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Early Explorers Preschool is a childcare center in Montclair, NJ. Programs include Preschool, home service, day care preschool. Website: http://www.earlyexplorerspreschool.com/.
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#7 MMO Programs 49%
Ranked 7th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
MMO Programs is a childcare center in Montclair, NJ. Programs include Preschool, home service, day care preschool. Website: http://mmoprograms.org/.
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Ranked 8th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Watchung Cooperative Preschool is a childcare center in Montclair, NJ. Programs include Preschool, school, home service. Website: http://www.watchungco-op.org.
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#9 Serendipity Learning Center 49%
Ranked 9th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Serendipity Learning Center is a childcare center in Montclair, NJ. Programs include Preschool, day care preschool, home service. Website: http://Serendipitymontclair.com/.
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#10 Parkside Montessori School 49%
Ranked 10th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Parkside Montessori School is a childcare center in Montclair, NJ. Programs include Preschool, home service, day care preschool. Website: http://www.parksidemontessori.org/.
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#11 St. James Preschool 49%
Ranked 11th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
St. James Preschool is a childcare center in Montclair, NJ. Programs include Preschool, home service, day care preschool. Website: http://www.stjamespreschoolnj.com/.
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#12 Over the Rainbow Nursery 37%
Ranked 12th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Over the Rainbow Nursery is a childcare center in Montclair, NJ. Programs include Preschool, day care preschool, home service. Website: http://otrkidz.com.
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How We Ranked These Daycares
This list ranks daycares by total verified review count, reflecting the breadth of their client base and community trust. Ties are broken by Guide Score.
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 Montclair?
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 Montclair, NJ?
As of 2026, Montclair Community Pre-K holds the #1 ranking in Montclair with a Guide Score of 49%. 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 Montclair?
Our database currently tracks 12 active daycares in the Montclair, NJ metro area. This list highlights the top 12 based on Guide Score. Browse our full Montclair 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 Montclair?
We recommend evaluating: (1) professional certifications and credentials, (2) verified customer reviews and ratings, (3) years of experience in the Montclair 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.