Church Preschools in Lakeland + Polk County
Looking for a daycare or preschool at a local church? Below you’ll find a directory of local childcare providers that are affiliated with a church or religious organization.
For more information on Child Care Options including VPK, holiday camps, and articles explaining the different types of child care providers, visit our main Childcare Guide.
Helpful Articles:
Daycares, Preschools, and VPK – Making sense of childcare options in Florida (plus daycare assistance info)
Florida VPK Information – Eligibility + How to Apply for VPK
Useful Resources:
DCF Childcare Search – Childcare facilities in Florida are licensed by the Department of Children & Families. Visit the link to research local providers.
Polk Early Learning Coalition Website – The ELC has a wealth of information on their website including How to Select a Child Care Provider, Applications for VPK Certificates, Eligibility for School Readiness Funds, and much more.
We recognize that finding a daycare with available space can be a daunting task. If after contacting the daycares on your list you are still having trouble finding an opening, visit the Lakeland Moms Group on Facebook and to ask your fellow moms if they know of a preschool or daycare with availability. Also, if you are pregnant and will need infant care, it is never too early to start looking for a daycare, many will put you on a waiting list based on your due date.
Our Preschool & Daycare Guide contains both sponsored and free listings. This is by no means a comprehensive list, there are almost 400 registered child care providers in Polk County. Visit myflfamilies.com for a full list.
HELPFUL TIP: Use the filter button (3 horizontal lines) to narrow down the list by city and/or category. All city filters are a general geographic area, check each listing address for a specific location. Use the map at the bottom to find Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools Near You.
Don’t see your business listed here? Use the button below to add a Featured or Basic listing.
Northside Christian Preschool provides a quality Christian learning and development opportunity for preschool children, ages 3-5 (non-kindergarten). We are located in north Lakeland and will be opening this August 2024! We offer half-day or full-day classes, August through May. Our mission at Northside Christian Preschool is to provide a Christ-centered learning environment for preschool-aged children to grow through play, learning experiences, and academic excellence.
The Child Development Center (CDC) is a community service and outreach of Covenant Presbyterian Church. It is a nurturing pre-school with a purposed Christian worldview. Offering classes for ages 2 & 3 as well as half-day and full-day VPK. Children must be potty trained before attending the school.
Excel Christian Academy’s Early Childhood Center accepts infants and children from 6 weeks through 4 years old. It is part of Excel Christian Academy private school that serves ages infant through 12th Grade. Our play-based, child centered program reflects the integration of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, language, and spiritual areas for the total development of the child. Meaningful play encourages curiosity, risk taking, discovery and problem solving which allows individual growth and development of a positive self worth.
At First Methodist School we feel that an essential key to higher learning is school enjoyment and that a child’s school years should be a positive experience. Children are learning about their world and developing socially, emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our program offers activities and experiences to foster growth in each area. Serving age 2 through 8th grade.
The First Steps Preschool at First United Methodist Church offers a loving, caring environment for children age six weeks though pre-kindergarten. Also a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) provider, First Steps provides lower child-teacher ratios and room capacities than required by Florida Statutes. Recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care Center by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Grace Lutheran School is a private school for children in kindergarten through middle school. Students recognize God’s spirit at work in their lives, creating a climate of trust and respect, cooperation and love among teachers, parents, and students. Grace Lutheran also has a preschool for ages 2 – 5, full and part-time programs are offered.
We are a 5 STAR, nationally accredited, faith based center in Lakeland, Florida. We accept children ages 6 weeks through 5 years, and are open year round. We are conveniently located close to the Polk Parkway, Bartow Highway, and Winter Lake Road. Our staff are credentialed and continuously trained in the Early Childcare field to bring the best educational experience possible for your child.
At the Kathleen Baptist Church Child Enrichment Center and Day Camp we provide quality Christian education to children ages 2 through 5 years of age, as well as after-school care for elementary-aged children. Please contact us today!
The hallmarks of LCS are strong academics, championship athletics, award-winning fine arts, and a close-knit school-family partnership. Classes are taught from a Biblical perspective, emphasizing God’s truth as it applies to every aspect of a student’s life. The Discovery Program is offered to students age 5-14 with a specific diagnosis of autism and/or related disabilities.
Lakes Academy is a ministry of Lakes Church and will be launching as new school for the 2022-2023 school year. The mission of Lakes Academy is to provide students with a Christ-centered environment, where they can receive a quality education with a biblical worldview. Our goal is to equip students to be “more than conquerors” for the Kingdom of God.
For more than 20 years, Little Shepherds Preschool has provided quality, safe child care for the Lakeland community. We are a licensed preschool for children 3 months to 5 years old, dedicated to providing professional and loving care in a Christian environment. Hours range from 8:30am – 2:00pm, with partial week options available (MWF / TuTh). Open during the school year.
Parkway Christian Academy is a college preparatory K4-12 school that offers a distinctly Christian education with a biblical worldview. Our mission is to glorify God, disciple students, and pursue excellence in education, with the Bible as our foundation and Jesus Christ as our focus.
Polk County Catholic Schools form remarkable leaders in a Christ-centered environment for a better tomorrow. Our foundation of faith is an education for life. The Polk County Catholic Schools system offers 3 Elementary/Middle Schools, 1 High School, and one Early Learning Center providing a high-quality Catholic education from Pre-K3 through 12th grade.
Neumann Early Learning Academy (Pre-K3, Pre-K4 and VPK) – 501 E Carter Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
Resurrection Catholic School (PreK – 8th) – 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL33813
St. Anthony Catholic School (PreK – 8th) – 820 Marcum Road, Lakeland, Florida33809
St. Joseph Catholic School – Winter Haven (Pre-K3 – 8th) – 535 Ave. M NW, Winter Haven, FL33881
Santa Fe Catholic High School (9-12) – 3110 US-92, Lakeland, FL33801
3720 Old Road 37, Lakeland, Florida 33813
924 Marcum Road, Lakeland, Florida 33809
532 Avenue M Northwest, Winter Haven, Florida 33881
501 East Carter Road, Lakeland, Florida 33813
Our purpose is to provide quality childcare to the surrounding community, meeting the needs of families and children from varying backgrounds and abilities. Our faith-based curriculum provides spiritual, physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth opportunities for young children. We serve children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old, offer VPK, as well as a school-age program during the summer.
Resurrection Catholic School is a Catholic private school for grades PreK3, VPK, and K-8 located in Lakeland, Florida. With a strong focus on academic excellence, spiritual development and service to others, RCS strives to nurture and develop students to their fullest potential. We are a parish ministry of Resurrection Catholic Church, but we welcome students and families of all faiths.
Ridge Christian Academy is a Christian Preschool through High School operated as a ministry of Ridge Assembly of God. Our programs offer a Christian philosophy of education and a Christian environment for your children’s growth. Accepts Step up for Students and McKay Scholarships. Offering VPK and grades K-12.
St. Anthony Catholic School is a private Catholic school and is a ministry of St. Anthony Catholic Church in North Lakeland, Florida. We accept children from Pre-K through 8th Grade, regardless of denomination. We are also a free VPK provider.
Small Wonders is a full-time, year-round program that accepts children ages 8 weeks through pre-kindergarten. Small Wonders is governed by an appointed Board of Directors and is licensed by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Half day and full day options. Goal Seekers before & after school care available for 5+.
St. John’s Preschool provides part time and full time child care services for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old including VPK. VPK is a free three-hour per day educational program that helps your child get ready for Kindergarten.
St. Joseph Catholic School, founded in 1957 in the Diocese of Orlando, is a faith community dedicated to the education of children as together we grow in the love of God, of others and of learning. For over 50 years, St. Joseph Catholic School has offered Catholic education with strong academics. PreK3 – 8th grade. VPK Program available.
St. Paul Lutheran School is a non-public school serving children age 15 months through 8th grade. Over the 56 year history of SPLS we have provided nurturing and engaging education that has equipped students exceptionally well for the next stages in their lives. This is all done with Christ and God’s Word at the center and with individual care and respect for each learner.
The mission of Victory Christian Academy is to partner with parents and the local church to provide the highest quality Christian education to prepare students to deal with the issues and realities of life by developing their spiritual, academic, social, and physical potential, all from the foundation of biblical truth. Serving ages 2 – 12th Grade.