When you're searching for daycare centers near you in Philadelphia's premier neighborhoods, you're not just looking for childcare, you're looking for a partner in your child's development. This comprehensive guide explores Philadelphia's most sought after neighborhoods for families: Fishtown (creative, family friendly), Northern Liberties (boutique programs, urban sophistication), Rittenhouse (premium facilities, top tier care), Old City (historic charm, modern programs), Queen Village (tight knit community, walkable), Society Hill (established families, traditional values), Center City (corporate convenience, luxury amenities), and Fitler Square (hidden gem, residential tranquility). For each neighborhood, discover average costs (2026 to 2027), what to expect from top programs, and what discerning parents prioritize. Plus, learn about our exclusive 2026 offer: we're waiving both the $50 application fee and $500 registration fee, $550 in savings for families who value excellence. Whether you're in Rittenhouse or Fishtown, find the perfect daycare for your family.
When you type "daycare centers near me" into Google from your Rittenhouse condo, your Old City townhouse, or your Fishtown loft, you're not just looking for any daycare, you're looking for a program that matches your family's values and expectations.
You want:
• Quality over convenience (but ideally both)
• Educated, passionate teachers (not just warm bodies)
• A curriculum that prepares your child (not just babysitting)
• Communication and transparency (daily updates, open doors)
• A community of like minded families
Philadelphia's premier neighborhoods offer some of the best childcare options in the city, but each neighborhood has its own character, price point, and style.
This guide breaks down the top daycare centers in Philadelphia's most desirable neighborhoods, where families who value excellence choose to raise their children.
Jump to your neighborhood:
• Fishtown
• Northern Liberties
• Rittenhouse Square
• Old City
• Queen Village
• Society Hill
• Center City
• Fitler Square
Fishtown is Philadelphia's hottest neighborhood for young, creative families. Childcare here reflects that energy: Montessori inspired programs, play based learning, and community oriented centers that attract parents who value independence, hands on learning, and modern approaches to early childhood education.
Vibe: Creative, energetic, family first
Median Household Income: $75,000 to $95,000
Typical Family: First time parents, dual income professionals, artists, entrepreneurs
✅ Montessori inspired programs (child led, independence focused)
✅ Boutique daycares (small class sizes, personalized attention)
✅ Strong parent community (regular meetups, family events)
✅ Modern facilities (newly renovated or purpose built spaces)
⚠️ High demand (waitlists 6 to 12 months; start early!)
INFANTS:
Full Time (5 Days): $2,875 to $3,900 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,945 to $3,945 per month
TODDLERS:
Full Time (5 Days): $2,750 to $3,600 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,300 to $3,100 per month
PRESCHOOL:
Full Time (5 Days): $2,625 to $3,225 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,200 to $2,800 per month
• Curriculum philosophy (Montessori, Reggio Emilia, play based)
• Outdoor space (backyards, rooftop play areas, proximity to Penn Treaty Park)
• Daily photo updates (stay connected throughout the day)
• Walkability (close to home; avoid driving)
📍 1942 N Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
📞 (800) 842 5397
🌐 www.enlalearning.com
What Makes ENLA Special:
• Montessori inspired curriculum (independence, practical life skills, hands on learning)
• 1:3 infant ratios (better than PA's 1:4 requirement)
• Daily photo updates (never miss a milestone)
• Hospital grade cleanliness
• Open door policy (visit anytime)
• Flexible schedules (6am to 6pm; part time and full time)
🎉 2026 EXCLUSIVE OFFER:
We're waiving BOTH the $50 application fee AND the $500 registration fee for new families, $550 in savings.
Northern Liberties attracts young professionals who want urban convenience without sacrificing family friendliness. Daycare options here are boutique, modern, and design forward, think exposed brick, rooftop play spaces, and carefully curated Montessori materials.
Vibe: Urban, sophisticated, design conscious
Median Household Income: $80,000 to $100,000
Typical Family: Tech workers, creatives, condo dwellers, commuters
✅ Boutique programs (small enrollment, personalized care)
✅ Modern facilities (new construction or high end renovations)
✅ Proximity to transit (Market Frankford Line for commuters)
✅ Creative curriculum (art, music, STEAM focus)
⚠️ Limited outdoor space (some centers use Liberty Lands or nearby parks)
INFANTS:
Full Time (5 Days): $2,900 to $4,200 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $3,000 to $4,000 per month
TODDLERS:
Full Time (5 Days): $2,800 to $3,800 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,400 to $3,200 per month
PRESCHOOL:
Full Time (5 Days): $2,700 to $3,400 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,300 to $2,900 per month
• Proximity to work (easy commute to Center City)
• Small class sizes (intimate, boutique feel)
• Design and aesthetics (beautiful, Instagram worthy spaces)
• Enrichment programs (music, art, early language exposure)
Rittenhouse is Philadelphia's most prestigious neighborhood, and childcare here reflects that. Expect top tier programs, highly credentialed teachers, luxury amenities, and price tags to match. These are the daycares where doctors, lawyers, and executives enroll their children.
Vibe: Elegant, polished, exclusive
Median Household Income: $100,000 and up
Typical Family: High income professionals, executives, established families
✅ Premium facilities (state of the art classrooms, rooftop play spaces)
✅ Master's level teachers (advanced degrees in Early Childhood Education)
✅ Enrichment programs (foreign language, music, yoga, STEAM)
✅ Concierge level service (organic meals, flexible hours, white glove communication)
⚠️ Highest costs in Philadelphia
⚠️ Competitive enrollment (waitlists 12 to 18 months)
INFANTS:
Full Time (5 Days): $3,500 to $5,000 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $3,500 to $4,500 per month
TODDLERS:
Full Time (5 Days): $3,200 to $4,500 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $3,000 to $4,000 per month
PRESCHOOL:
Full Time (5 Days): $3,000 to $4,200 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,800 to $3,800 per month
• Teacher credentials (master's degrees, Montessori certifications)
• Security (keycard entry, cameras, visitor protocols)
• Enrichment (Mandarin, Spanish, music, art)
• Convenience (walk to work, extended hours 6am to 7pm)
Old City blends historic Philadelphia with modern family life. Daycare centers here often occupy beautifully restored buildings, think exposed brick, original hardwood floors, and skylights, paired with progressive, research backed curricula.
Vibe: Historic, artistic, walkable
Median Household Income: $85,000 to $110,000
Typical Family: Creative professionals, tech workers, downtown professionals
✅ Character filled spaces (historic buildings, architectural charm)
✅ Progressive curriculum (Reggio Emilia, project based learning)
✅ Walkable neighborhood (close to museums, parks, restaurants)
✅ Small, intimate programs (boutique feel)
⚠️ Limited parking (street parking or garages)
⚠️ Outdoor space varies (some centers use nearby parks)
INFANTS:
Full Time (5 Days): $3,200 to $4,500 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $3,200 to $4,000 per month
TODDLERS:
Full Time (5 Days): $3,000 to $4,200 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,800 to $3,800 per month
PRESCHOOL:
Full Time (5 Days): $2,900 to $4,000 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,600 to $3,600 per month
• Curriculum philosophy (Reggio, project based, arts focused)
• Walkability (close to home, work, and cultural amenities)
• Small class sizes (intimate, personalized attention)
• Community feel (tight knit parent networks)
Queen Village is one of Philadelphia's most walkable, family friendly neighborhoods. Childcare here reflects the neighborhood's values: community oriented, nurturing, and values driven. Parents choose Queen Village for the village feel, and they expect the same from their daycare.
Vibe: Friendly, walkable, community first
Median Household Income: $75,000 to $95,000
Typical Family: Young families, first time parents, professionals seeking work life balance
✅ Community focused programs (family events, parent involvement)
✅ Outdoor access (proximity to Starr Garden, South Street Headhouse District)
✅ Diverse curriculum options (Montessori, play based, traditional)
✅ Walkable to everything (restaurants, shops, parks)
⚠️ Limited availability (smaller neighborhood, fewer centers)
INFANTS:
Full Time (5 Days): $2,900 to $3,800 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,800 to $3,600 per month
TODDLERS:
Full Time (5 Days): $2,700 to $3,600 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,400 to $3,200 per month
PRESCHOOL:
Full Time (5 Days): $2,600 to $3,400 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,300 to $3,000 per month
• Community connection (family events, parent meetups)
• Walkability (close to home and neighborhood amenities)
• Values alignment (kindness, inclusivity, respect)
• Teacher consistency (low turnover, long term relationships)
Society Hill is Philadelphia's oldest and most prestigious residential neighborhood. Families here value tradition, structure, and academic rigor. Daycare programs reflect that: well established centers, time tested curricula, and a focus on kindergarten readiness.
Vibe: Traditional, established, refined
Median Household Income: $100,000 to $150,000
Typical Family: Established professionals, multi generational families, older first time parents
✅ Established programs (decades of history, proven track records)
✅ Academic focus (early literacy, math, kindergarten prep)
✅ Traditional values (manners, structure, respect)
✅ Beautiful historic spaces (colonial era buildings, period architecture)
⚠️ Formal culture (may feel less "crunchy" or relaxed)
⚠️ Competitive enrollment (long waitlists for top programs)
INFANTS:
Full Time (5 Days): $3,200 to $4,800 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $3,200 to $4,200 per month
TODDLERS:
Full Time (5 Days): $3,000 to $4,500 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,900 to $4,000 per month
PRESCHOOL:
Full Time (5 Days): $2,900 to $4,300 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,700 to $3,900 per month
• Academic rigor (kindergarten readiness, early literacy)
• Structure and routine (predictable schedules, clear expectations)
• Reputation (long standing programs with proven outcomes)
• Tradition (manners, respect, classical education)
Center City is Philadelphia's urban core, and home to the city's most premium daycare programs. These centers cater to high income professionals who need convenience, flexibility, and top tier care near their offices. Expect luxury amenities, extended hours, and price tags to match.
Vibe: Fast paced, professional, convenient
Median Household Income: $100,000 and up
Typical Family: Lawyers, doctors, executives, dual income professionals
✅ Premium facilities (rooftop play spaces, chef prepared meals, spa like bathrooms)
✅ Extended hours (6am to 7pm for commuters)
✅ Highly credentialed staff (master's degrees, specialized training)
✅ Enrichment programs (foreign language, music, yoga, STEAM)
⚠️ Highest costs in Philadelphia
⚠️ Limited outdoor space (some centers have rooftop play areas only)
INFANTS:
Full Time (5 Days): $3,500 to $5,200 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $3,500 to $4,800 per month
TODDLERS:
Full Time (5 Days): $3,200 to $4,800 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $3,000 to $4,200 per month
PRESCHOOL:
Full Time (5 Days): $3,000 to $4,500 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,800 to $4,000 per month
• Convenience (walk to work, easy drop off and pickup)
• Extended hours (6am to 7pm for long commutes)
• Security (keycard entry, cameras, visitor protocols)
• Enrichment (foreign language, music, art, STEAM)
Fitler Square is Philadelphia's best kept secret, a quiet, residential neighborhood with tree lined streets, beautiful townhomes, and a tight knit family community. Childcare here is intimate, boutique, and community focused, perfect for families who want urban convenience without the chaos.
Vibe: Quiet, residential, family first
Median Household Income: $90,000 to $120,000
Typical Family: Young families, professionals, dog owners, urban homesteaders
✅ Intimate programs (small enrollments, personalized care)
✅ Outdoor access (Schuylkill River Trail, Fitler Square Park)
✅ Community oriented (family events, parent involvement)
✅ Less competition (fewer families know about this neighborhood)
⚠️ Limited options (smaller neighborhood, fewer centers)
INFANTS:
Full Time (5 Days): $3,000 to $4,000 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,900 to $3,700 per month
TODDLERS:
Full Time (5 Days): $2,800 to $3,800 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,600 to $3,400 per month
PRESCHOOL:
Full Time (5 Days): $2,700 to $3,600 per month
Part Time (3 Days): $2,400 to $3,200 per month
• Community feel (small, tight knit parent networks)
• Outdoor access (Schuylkill River Trail, parks)
• Walkability (close to home, neighborhood feel)
• Values alignment (sustainability, inclusivity, kindness)
Now that you understand each neighborhood's character, here's how to make the decision:
• Commuters? Center City, Rittenhouse (walk to work)
• Creative families? Fishtown, Northern Liberties (modern, progressive)
• Traditional values? Society Hill, Rittenhouse (structured, academic)
• Community first? Queen Village, Fitler Square (tight knit, walkable)
• Urban sophistication? Old City, Northern Liberties (design, culture)
Don't settle for the first center you visit. Tour at least 3 to 5 programs in your neighborhood and compare:
• Teacher interactions
• Cleanliness and organization
• Curriculum philosophy
• Communication style
• Overall vibe
• "What's your approach to discipline and big emotions?"
• "How do you communicate with parents daily?"
• "What are your teacher to child ratios?"
• "What's your waitlist like?"
• "Can I visit anytime, or do I need an appointment?"
Data matters, but so does intuition. If something feels "off," listen to that instinct.
A: Rittenhouse and Center City have the highest costs ($3,500 to $5,200 per month for infants).
A: Fitler Square, Queen Village, and Fishtown (proximity to parks and outdoor amenities).
A: 6 to 12 months for high demand neighborhoods (Rittenhouse, Center City, Northern Liberties, Fishtown).
A: Absolutely! Many families tour programs in 2 to 3 neighborhoods to compare.
At Education Nation Learning Academy (1942 N Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122), we're proud to serve discerning families in Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Old City, Queen Village, and throughout Philadelphia's premier neighborhoods.
✅ Montessori inspired curriculum (independence, hands on learning, life skills)
✅ Low ratios (1:3 for infants; 1:4 for toddlers; 1:8 for preschool)
✅ Flexible schedules (6am to 6pm; part time and full time options)
✅ Daily photo updates (never miss a milestone)
✅ Hospital grade cleanliness
✅ Experienced, ECE certified teachers
✅ Open door policy (visit anytime)
We're waiving BOTH the $50 application fee AND the $500 registration fee for new families who enroll this year!
That's $550 in savings, no gimmicks, no fine print. Just our way of welcoming you to our community of excellence. 🎁
📞 Ready to tour? Call (800)327-7674 or visit www.enlalearning.com
The best daycare isn't just about location, it's about finding a program that reflects your family's values, your child's learning style, and your neighborhood's character.
Whether you're in Fishtown's creative energy, Rittenhouse's refined elegance, or Fitler Square's quiet charm, prioritize:
• Quality over convenience (but ideally both)
• Teacher credentials and consistency
• Curriculum that aligns with your values
• Open communication and transparency
You've got this. Trust your instincts, ask tough questions, and don't settle until you find the perfect fit.
💙 Welcome to the village. We're here to help you raise a generation of confident, curious, capable children.
Internal Links:
• Best Infant Daycare in Philadelphia
• Best Toddler Daycare in Philadelphia
• Best Preschool in Philadelphia
• Part Time Daycare in Philadelphia
• How to Choose the Right Daycare
Premier Childcare & Daycare Center in Fishtown, Philadelphia.
1942 N Front Street Philadelphia, PA 19122