Best Daycares in Charleston, SC — 2026 Rankings

We ranked 26 daycares and childcare centers in Charleston based on licensing, accreditation, parent reviews, and childcare quality.

Top Daycares in Charleston

  1. #1 — Little Learner play schools Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  2. #2 — St. Andrew's Presbyterian Weekday School Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Private school, Religious school. View full profile →

  3. #3 — JWUMC Day School Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Religious organization, Church cathedral. View full profile →

  4. #4 — Big Blue Marble Academy Folly Road Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  5. #5 — The O'Quinn Schools Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Elementary school, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  6. #6 — Audacy Creative Arts Preschool Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Art school, Private school. View full profile →

  7. #7 — Redeemer Children's Center Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  8. #8 — Second Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Elementary school, School. View full profile →

  9. #9 — Daniel Island Academy Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Private school. View full profile →

  10. #10 — The Oaks Children's Academy Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  11. #11 — Sunshine House of Charleston Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Child care and day care, School, Education. View full profile →

  12. #12 — The Little Sage School Score: 76%

    Programs: Preschool, Private school, Elementary school. View full profile →

  13. #13 — Oak Grove Montessori School Score: 71%

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  14. #14 — Preschool Academy Score: 69%

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  15. #15 — Riverland Terrace Day School Score: 69%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  16. #16 — The Reading Rainbow Academy Score: 69%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  17. #17 — Lowcountry Children's Co-op Score: 64%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  18. #18 — Green World School Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, School, Home service. View full profile →

  19. #19 — Cadence Academy Preschool Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  20. #20 — C.A.R.E. Academy Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  21. #21 — Live Oak Little School Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Private school, Elementary school. View full profile →

  22. #22 — Academy of Knowledge Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  23. #23 — Sea Island Preschool Score: 51%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  24. #24 — West Ashley Head Start Score: 49%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  25. #25 — N E Miles Early Childhood Development Center - College of Charleston Score: 40%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  26. #26 — Holy Cross Island School Number 2 Score: 29%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

How We Rank Daycares & Childcare Centers

Our Guide Score percentage combines Google rating (35%), review volume (20%), web and contact presence (20%), profile completeness (15%), accreditation such as NAEYC (5%), press recognition (3%), and years of operation (2%), then normalizes across captured positive categories. Read our full methodology →

Frequently asked questions

Who is the #1 daycare in Charleston?
Little Learner play schools is currently the #1 ranked daycare in Charleston based on our Guide Score, which evaluates parent reviews, licensing status, accreditation, and quality signals. See the full ranked list above.
How are daycares ranked in Charleston?
Our Guide Score percentage combines weighted evidence from Google rating, review volume, web and contact presence, profile completeness, accreditation, press recognition, and years of operation, then normalizes across categories with captured positive evidence. There is no paid placement.
How much does daycare cost in Charleston?
Childcare costs in Charleston vary by program type and age group. Full-time infant care commonly ranges from $800–$2,500/month; preschool programs run $600–$1,800/month. Each center's profile page lists contact information for current rates.