Starting fresh in a new neighborhood means making plenty of important decisions, especially when you have a young child.

After settling in with the help of movers, finding the best kindergarten in Montreal often becomes one of the next priorities to help your little one feel at home.

With that in mind, I put together this guide to compare trusted local options. Help your child start their next chapter!

School Type	Estimated Annual Tuition (CAD)	Additional Costs (CAD)
Public Schools	$0 (if qualified)	$150–$250 (supplies), ~$175–$200/month (after-school)
Subsidized Private Schools	$5,300 to $12,500	Varies based on facility
Unsubsidized / Independent Private	$20,000 to $35,000+	Varies based on facility
International Students (Public)	~$15,200	Varies based on facility

How I Reviewed

1. Academini Private Daycare

Website: http://academini.ca/

Address: 2330 Notre-Dame Street West

Contact: 1514-945-5111 | [email protected]

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Saturday: Drop-in service (reservation only) | Sunday: Closed

Academini Private Daycare creates a warm, home-like space for children from infancy to age five. Their approach helps young learners feel safe while getting ready for school in a comfortable setting.

On top of that, the architect-designed classrooms use flexible layouts that support toddlers’ learning and growth. Each space is built around what children need during early development.

Another feature is the tech-based curriculum for three-year-olds. Lessons stay fun while keeping activities right for their age and pace.

Parents can also use the Saturday drop-in service with reservations, adding helpful flexibility when schedules change.

However, joining the waitlist requires a $50 fee that isn’t refunded. There’s also a $200 yearly fee, which may be a concern if a spot isn’t secured.

A True Second Home 

My baby girl has been at Academini for almost 6 months now, and it has truly become her second home.

The educators are incredibly kind, warm, and genuinely caring. You can feel that they love what they do. The management team is always present, approachable, and very professional, which gives so much reassurance as a parent.

The food is freshly cooked and the place is very clean.

If you’re thinking about enrolling your child here —

don’t overthink it. Just do it. 

• Huda Ib, Google Review

Fantastic Educators & Flexible Care 

We had a great experience at Academini. Our son started when he was 8 months old. He loved going to daycare everyday. Hasan and his team are fantastic in all aspects. They are very flexible in accommodating the child’s needs. The kitchen is a big plus. I would heart fully thank all his educators who took care of him so well. The amount of activities and exposure Academini offers to kids is way beyond imagination. I would recommend this daycare to my friends and family. 

• riddima kumar, Google Review

2. Orchard House

Website: http://www.orchard-house.ca/

Address: 4176 Grand Boulevard

Contact: 1(514483-6556 | [email protected]

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM | Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Orchard House uses a Montessori-inspired approach that helps children build confidence, thinking skills, and social growth while staying close to nature.

The program focuses on the mind, body, and daily learning through activities that spark curiosity and care for the environment.

I also liked how the on-site kitchen serves healthy meals each day, while the eco-friendly building design matches their green values.

Beyond regular classes, the summer day camp gives families extra support during school breaks.

One thing to consider is the strict age group placement. This setup may limit mixed-age play, which some families may prefer for broader social learning.

The Perfect Prep for Kindergarten and Life 

Two of my children have graduated from Orchard House these past two years and my last baby is starting there this fall. The perfect home away from home for our kids with such a dedicated and caring staff. Our kids learnt so much academically but also very much so life/manners wise. The school makes sure your kids are prepared and have the tools necessary  before starting kindergarten. I cannot thank them enough for the peace of mind they provide us parents every day  and for the years of wonderful memories they created for our kids. 

• Ariane Namiranian, Google Review

The Gold Standard for Early Education 

I truly believe there’s no better place for my child to be! The staff and administration are exceptional on every level. From the warm welcomes every day, to the weekly communications to parents, the wonderfully developed educational program , the selection of extracurricular activities, the delicious/healthy food served, the purpose built facility! This should be the gold standard for all early childhood programs. My child is thriving, and is happy everyday to go to school, orchard house is setting her up for success. I am truly inspired by how this place is run! Keep up the amazing work. 

• Vanessa Blandford, Google Review

3. The Little Red Playhouse Bilingual Preschool

Website: http://www.thelittleredplayhouse.com/

Address: 263 Percival Avenue

Contact: 1514-486-4032 | [email protected]

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Saturday-Sunday: Closed

The Little Red Playhouse Bilingual Preschool helps children prepare for larger school settings through special early intervention programs built for extra support.

The nonprofit preschool is guided by trained early intervention therapists who create play-based lessons around each child’s interests and needs. This approach helps children build key skills in a comfortable space.

The program also includes a summer camp that keeps social and learning activities going all year, giving families steady support.

Another plus is that parents can also get up to 75% back through tax credits, which adds real value when planning costs.

However, one thing to consider is the schedule and tuition. Weekday hours end at 4:00 PM, and fees can vary based on each child’s needs.

Highly Knowledgeable Staff (Even if it Depends on the Kid!) 

The educators here possess a level of knowledge that clearly surpasses that of regular educators. They truly understand how to engage any child not simple those with learning difficulties. My child loves learning at The Little Red Playhouse, I would not hesitate to recommend this place to any parent who simply wants their child to grow up with memories of a positive learning experience.

That was with my first child, didn’t work out with my second lol. 

• G Fow, Google Review

Amazing Support for Kids on the Spectrum 

LPR has the most wonderful staff who are so committed to their students- creating a wonderful environment for children to learn and grow. My daughter is on the spectrum and has been there for almost two years now and I cannot express more gratitude for how well they take care of her and how much she has developed and grown while attending this school. Thank you to all the staff!! 

• Bess Saratsiotis, Google Review

4. Pré-maternelle Royaume des Enfants

Website: https://www.royaumedesenfants.qc.ca/

Address: 1800 Boulevard Graham

Contact: 1514-731-6706 | [email protected]

Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Pré-maternelle Royaume des Enfants creates a bilingual learning space where children grow through interest-led activities that support social, emotional, physical, and mental growth.

As a nonprofit, parent-run preschool, it keeps class sizes small. In this kind of setup, teachers can give children more focused attention each day.

Another plus is the large indoor gym with tricycles. There are also daily games that keep children active, and yoga and book clubs for added ways to learn.

One thing to consider, though, is the schedule. The preschool only runs from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, so the half-day setup may not suit parents who need full-time childcare.

Five Years of Tailored, Bilingual Fun 

This has been a wonderful pre-school for our kids over the past 5 years. The atmosphere is educational and fun, the teachers are kind, supportive and responsive, and the quality of the daycare and teaching is fantastic. The teachers really know how to tailor each activity to the right level so that kids are happy and heard all day. It’s a very bilingual place, which is much appreciated, and the special interest classes are an addition our kids always looked forward to. Thanks to everyone at Royaume for everything over the years 🙂 🙂 

• Rebecca Dube, Google Review

A Welcoming Vibe and Great Elementary Prep 

Such a welcoming, loving, warm place. The instructors are always smiling and in a good mood. The kids all look like they are enjoying themselves. My daughter has loved her time there. We feel so confident about her entering elementary school. We will miss this daycare. 

• Margaret, Google Review

5. Bilingual Nursery at Château Du Bonheur

Website: https://chateaudubonheur.com/

Address: 801 Rue Sherbrooke Est.

Contact: 1514-419-1026 | [email protected]

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Bilingual Nursery at Château du Bonheur helps young children build confidence in French and English through a fun, play-based program.

For starters, the nursery creates a welcoming space where children, including those with special needs, can grow together. 

On top of that, daily activities like cooking and gymnastics keep learning fun while matching different interests.

Children as young as 4-year-olds can even join enrichment programs and enjoy field trips, including monthly storytime visits to the National Library.

However, one thing to consider is the waitlist system. The nursery uses a strict priority process, so families seeking a standard full-time spot may need to wait longer for an opening.

An Absolute Gem with Attentive Staff 

What a gem! Our son attended this daycare from when he was 14-18 months old. The staff are incredible- very attentive, warm, and responsible. He nearly jumped into their arms every morning, and was always having a great time when we came to pick him up. The director is very kind and understanding of the needs of every family. The only reason why we left was because there was space in a CPE close to our home. If you are looking for a personal daycare experience, I highly recommend sending your child here. 

• Emily Golan, Google Review

Amazing Growth in a Nurturing Environment 

Garderie Bilingue Au Château Du Bonheur is truly amazing with professional and caring staff. We have truly appreciated the care, attention, and education that Garderie Bilingue Au Château Du Bonheur has provided to our daughter. The growth and development we have witnessed in her are a testament to the nurturing environment and dedicated staff at the Garderie Bilingue Au Château Du Bonheur. As parents, we can feel the excitement and happiness of our daughter when she goes to the nursery every morning. 

• Liew Yew Herng, Google Review