Top Rated Daycares in Lakewood, CO (2026)
Choosing the right daycare in Lakewood, CO can be overwhelming. With 21 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 aggregate customer ratings across Google and verified review platforms. We reviewed 21 active businesses in the Lakewood market and selected the top 15 for this list.
By the numbers: Guide Scores on this list range from 9 to 14 out of 100. Updated April 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 14/100
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 Advantage Learning Center 9/100
Ranked 2nd among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#3 The Summit Academy 9/100
Ranked 3rd among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#4 Mile Hi Children's Enrichment Center 9/100
Ranked 4th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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Ranked 5th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#6 La Petite Academy 9/100
Ranked 6th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#7 Green Mountain Busy Bees 9/100
Ranked 7th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#8 Stepping Stones Adventure Preschool 9/100
Ranked 8th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#9 The Goddard School of Lakewood 9/100
Ranked 9th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#10 Green Mountain Village Preschool 9/100
Ranked 10th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#11 The Children's World School 9/100
Ranked 11th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#12 Precious Angels Preschool 9/100
Ranked 12th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#13 Colorado Kids Academy 9/100
Ranked 13th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#14 The Applewood School 9/100
Ranked 14th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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#15 Small Characters Learning Center 9/100
Ranked 15th among daycares in this market based on overall Guide Score.
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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 Lakewood?
The Daycare Directory ranks daycares using our Guide Score (0-100), a composite metric computed from publicly available data. The score weighs Google reviews and ratings (30%), professional credentials and certifications (10%), press and media recognition (5%), web and portfolio presence (15%), years of experience (15%), profile completeness (10%), and awards (up to 5 bonus points). 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 14/100. 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 21 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.