Top Rated Daycares in Charleston, SC (2026)
Choosing the right daycare in Charleston, SC can be overwhelming. With 26 daycares operating across the Charleston 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 Charleston, South Carolina using aggregate customer ratings across Google and verified review platforms. We reviewed 26 active businesses in the Charleston market and selected the top 15 for this list.
By the numbers: Guide Score percentages on this list range from 49% 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 Charleston.
The Top 15 Daycares in Charleston, SC
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Ranked 1st among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Big Blue Marble Academy Folly Road is a childcare center in Charleston, SC. Programs include Preschool, day care preschool, home service. Website: https://bbmacademy.com/location/folly-road/.
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#2 The O'Quinn Schools 49%
Ranked 2nd among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
The O'Quinn Schools is a childcare center in Charleston, SC. Programs include Preschool, elementary school, day care preschool. Website: http://oquinnschool.org/.
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#3 Riverland Terrace Day School 49%
Ranked 3rd among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Riverland Terrace Day School is a childcare center in Charleston, SC. Programs include Preschool, day care preschool. Website: https://jamesislandbaptist.squarespace.com/school.
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#4 The Little Sage School 49%
Ranked 4th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
The Little Sage School is a childcare center in Charleston, SC. Programs include Preschool, private school, elementary school. Website: http://littlesageschool.com/.
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Ranked 5th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Audacy Creative Arts Preschool is a childcare center in Charleston, SC. Programs include Preschool, art school, private school. Website: http://www.audacycap.net.
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#6 Academy of Knowledge 49%
Ranked 6th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Academy of Knowledge is a childcare center in Charleston, SC. Programs include Preschool, home service, day care preschool. Website: http://www.academyofknowledgesc.com/.
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#7 The Reading Rainbow Academy 49%
Ranked 7th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
The Reading Rainbow Academy is a childcare center in Charleston, SC. Programs include Preschool, day care preschool, home service. Website: https://www.readingrainbowacademy.org/.
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#8 Redeemer Children's Center 49%
Ranked 8th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Redeemer Children's Center is a childcare center in Charleston, SC. Programs include Preschool, home service, day care preschool. Website: http://www.redeemerpreschool.net.
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Ranked 9th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Second Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten is a childcare center in Charleston, SC. Programs include Preschool, elementary school, school. Website: http://www.spkpreschool.com/.
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#10 Daniel Island Academy 49%
Ranked 10th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Daniel Island Academy is a childcare center in Charleston, SC. Programs include Preschool, home service, private school. Website: http://www.danielislandacademy.com/.
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#11 The Oaks Children's Academy 49%
Ranked 11th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
The Oaks Children's Academy is a childcare center in Charleston, SC. Programs include Preschool, home service, day care preschool. Website: http://www.theoaksacademy.com/.
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#12 Green World School 49%
Ranked 12th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Green World School is a childcare center in Charleston, SC. Programs include Preschool, school, home service. Website: http://www.exploregreenworld.com/.
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#13 Little Learner play schools 49%
Ranked 13th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Little Learner play schools is a childcare center in Charleston, SC. Programs include Preschool. Website: https://littlelearnerplayschools.com/play-school.
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#14 Preschool Academy 49%
Ranked 14th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Preschool Academy is a childcare center in Charleston, SC. Programs include Preschool. Website: https://www.preschoolacad.com.
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Ranked 15th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Weekday School is a childcare center in Charleston, SC. Programs include Preschool, private school, religious school. Website: http://www.standrewsweekday.com/.
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How We Ranked These Daycares
This list ranks daycares by their aggregate customer rating (Google and verified review platforms). Ties are broken by Guide Score. Only businesses with at least one verified review are eligible.
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 Charleston?
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 Charleston, SC?
As of 2026, Big Blue Marble Academy Folly Road holds the #1 ranking in Charleston 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 Charleston?
Our database currently tracks 26 active daycares in the Charleston, SC metro area. This list highlights the top 15 based on Guide Score. Browse our full Charleston 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 Charleston?
We recommend evaluating: (1) professional certifications and credentials, (2) verified customer reviews and ratings, (3) years of experience in the Charleston 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.