Best Daycares in Durham, NC — 2026 Rankings

We ranked 43 daycares and childcare centers in Durham based on licensing, accreditation, parent reviews, and childcare quality.

Top Daycares in Durham

  1. #1 — Learning Tots Academy Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  2. #2 — Children's Campus At Southpoint Score: 15/100

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

  3. #3 — Small World Preschool Score: 15/100

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

  4. #4 — Afreya's Play Ground Score: 15/100

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

  5. #5 — Beacon Learning Academy RTP Score: 15/100

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

  6. #6 — Little Kidz Preschool Score: 15/100

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

  7. #7 — Butterfly Kisses Academy Score: 15/100

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

  8. #8 — Rose of Sharon Preschool Score: 15/100

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

  9. #9 — The Playhouse Early Academy Score: 15/100

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

  10. #10 — Early Start Academy Score: 15/100

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

  11. #11 — Grey Stone Preschool and Kindergarten Score: 15/100

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

  12. #12 — Asbury Preschool Score: 15/100

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

  13. #13 — Beth El Preschool Score: 15/100

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

  14. #14 — Little School At Duke Score: 15/100

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

  15. #15 — Duke Memorial Weekday School Score: 15/100

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

  16. #16 — Community Preschool at Lakewood Score: 15/100

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

  17. #17 — Brown's Early Learning School Score: 15/100

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

  18. #18 — Epworth Preschool Score: 15/100

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

  19. #19 — Our PlayHouse Preschool Score: 15/100

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

  20. #20 — Durham PreK Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  21. #21 — Lakewood Avenue Children's School Score: 15/100

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

  22. #22 — Rhythmic Roots Preschool Score: 15/100

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

  23. #23 — Westminster School for Young Children Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  24. #24 — Family Preschool Score: 15/100

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

  25. #25 — Children's Cooperative Playschool Score: 15/100

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

  26. #26 — Gifted Stars Early Learning Academy Score: 15/100

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

  27. #27 — The Goddard School Score: 15/100

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

  28. #28 — Lightbridge Academy of Durham Score: 15/100

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

  29. #29 — Bright Horizons at Imperial Center Score: 11/100

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

  30. #30 — First Environments Early Learning Center Score: 11/100

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

How We Rank Daycares & Childcare Centers

Our Guide Score (0–100) 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%). Read our full methodology →

Frequently asked questions

Who is the #1 daycare in Durham?
Learning Tots Academy is currently the #1 ranked daycare in Durham 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 Durham?
Our Guide Score (0–100) combines Google rating (35%), review volume (20%), web and contact presence (20%), profile completeness (15%), accreditation (5%), press recognition (3%), and years of operation (2%). There is no paid placement.
How much does daycare cost in Durham?
Childcare costs in Durham 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.