North Shore Preschool Guide

If you’re looking for a wonderful preschool for your child on the North Shore, our North Shore Preschool Guide is a great place to start your search! It showcases a range of excellent preschools across the North Shore, each with its own unique philosophy and values. Read on for key information about each preschool, including details on how to book a tour to explore further.

Whether you’re seeking a nurturing Montessori environment, a community-based preschool, or a program that blends play with academic readiness, this guide showcases a diverse range of exceptional options across Sydney’s North Shore.

Each listing highlights what makes the preschool special — from its philosophy and facilities to fees, hours, and enrolment details — so you can find the best fit for your family. You’ll also find links to book tours and explore each centre further.

From the leafy streets of Turramurra to the harbourside charm of North Sydney, discover inspiring preschools where your child can learn, grow, and thrive.

Click on the links below to quickly go to the complete listing in our North Shore Preschool Guide:

• Blue Gum Community School, Hornsby
• Cameragal Montessori School, North Sydney
• Currambena Primary School and Preschool, Lane Cove
• Forestville Montessori Preschool, Forestville
• Gowrie NSW Shirley Road Preschool, Crows Nest
• Hills Montessori Preschool, West Pennant Hills
• Integricare Christ Church St Ives Preschool, St Ives
• Kinderhaus Montessori Preschool, Hornsby
• McMahons Point Community Preschool & Early Learning Centre, McMahons Point
• Redlands House, Cremorne
• Roseville Kindergarten, Roseville
• Willoughby Community Preschool, Naremburn

Prefer a childcare centre? Take a look at our North Shore Childcare & Early Learning Centre Guide too!

VIEW THE NORTH SHORE CHILDCARE GUIDE

Lower North Shore Preschools

Redlands Preschool (Cremorne)

Redlands Preschool (Redlands House) offers a richly stimulating, innovative, and caring environment that nurtures students’ natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge. It offers a purposeful education that establishes each child’s love of learning and a strong sense of self.

It is one of the very few preschools in Australia to have received a perfect rating of Exceeding Quality Standard in all seven quality areas by ACECQA, the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority. The two-year program, designed for children aged 3-5 years, incorporates the best early childhood teaching theories and practices from around the world.

The Redlands House curriculum firmly commits to developmentally appropriate practice for young children. Additionally, the teachers value the unique talents, strengths, and passions the children bring to preschool. Therefore, they develop teaching programs after attentively observing and listening to each child. Children are viewed as active participants in the learning process.

Key curriculum areas include literacy, numeracy, science, French, arts and crafts, library, music, and physical education. 

Click here to book a school tour.

• Ages: 3-5 years
• Meals: Bring your own recess & lunchbox
• Hours: 8am-6pm
• Fees: Junior (2 Day Program): $10,240 | Senior (3 Day Program): $15,360 | Transition: $25,600

Contact Redlands Preschool

• Address: 272 Military Road, Cremorne
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (02) 9909 3133
• Website: redlands.nsw.edu.au

McMahons Point Community Preschool & Early Learning Centre (McMahons Point) 

McMahons Point Community Preschool & Early Learning Centre

McMahons Point Community Preschool is a community-based, not-for-profit preschool managed by its excellent staff and a committee of parents, ensuring that the highest standards of education and care are provided to the children of the community.

Their curriculum is play-based and child-centred, guided by the principles and practices of the Early Years Learning Framework. The three key areas of their practice are: Belonging, Being, Becoming.

They believe that a high-quality school program should be designed to help children develop the skills and confidence necessary for a smooth transition to formal schooling. Their school readiness approach focuses on the following key areas: Language & Literacy, STEM, Arts and Creativity, Social & Emotional Development and Physical Development.

• Ages: 2.5 – 6years
• Meals: Bring your own recess & lunchbox
• Hours: 8.30am-3.30pm
• Fees: Monday to Wednesday: $107/day, Thursday and Friday: $117/day (CCS and Start Strong available for eligible families)

Contact McMahons Point Community Preschool & Early Learning Centre 

• Address: 165 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (02) 9956 6209
• Website: mcmahonspointcommunitypreschool.com

Willoughby Community Preschool (Naremburn)

Willoughby Community Preschool

Willoughby Community Preschool Inc. is a long-standing institution within the local community, providing education and care for children aged three to five years for nearly 50 years.  This North Shore Preschool is a community-based, not-for-profit, long-day care preschool that highly values and requires the involvement of its parent community. The Preschool has been assessed as “Exceeding” according to the National Quality Standard.

The Preschool prides itself on being a Little Scientists House. This award recognises their dedication to inquiry-based STEM learning and daily scientific research with children, as well as their documentation of progress and participation in ongoing professional development programs with Little Scientists Australia. They participate in the Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) programme for four-year-old children (the year before school), integrating the Japanese language learning and technology.

The languages spoken by educators are English, Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean. Their educators are highly skilled and passionate about learning, sharing their special interests in art, music and the natural environment, including sustainability, gardening, growing vegetables, and tending to their native bees.

Want to know more? Access their Virtual Tour here. Contact the Director to book an in-person tour, which is held throughout the year.

• Ages: 3-5 years
• Meals: Bring your own recess & lunchbox
• Hours: 8am-4pm
• Fees: 3-day group (Mon, Tues, & Wed) or 2-day group (Thurs & Fri). 9am-3pm, $96.50 per day, or 8am-4pm $110 per day.

Contact Willoughby Community Preschool

• Address: 7-9 Central Street, Naremburn
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (02) 9437 4260
• Website: wcp.org.au

Gowrie NSW Shirley Road Preschool (Crows Nest)

Gowrie NSW Shirley Road Preschool

Gowrie NSW Shirley Road Preschool places excellence at the centre of daily practice. Their Exceeding Rating reflects a clear commitment to nurturing curious, confident learners through a rich play-based approach. Children explore, imagine and create in a supportive environment that recognises their strengths and interests. Passionate educators design hands-on experiences that build the foundations for school and life.

Learning here is a joyful journey. Their play-based curriculum invites meaningful engagement with the world, supporting cognitive, social and emotional growth. From small-group collaboration to independent discovery, every experience is purposefully crafted to foster resilience, creativity and a genuine love of learning. Strong relationships between educators, children and families ensure every child feels seen, heard and supported. That’s what sets their Exceeding rated preschool apart.

• Ages: 3-6 years
• Meals: Bring your own recess & lunchbox
• Hours: 8.15am-3.45pm
• Fees: Attending 2 days (3-5 year olds) and has nominated Shirley Road Preschool as their fee relief provider $30 | Attending 2 days (3-5 years old) and has not nominated Shirley Road Preschool as the fee relief provider $91 | Unfunded Fee (day 3) $91 | Unfunded Fee (day 4) $91 | Unfunded Fee (day 5) $91

Contact Gowrie NSW Shirley Road Preschool

• Address: Corner Shirley Road and Nicholson Pl, Crows Nest NSW 2065
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (02) 8594 4200
• Website: gowriensw.com.au

Cameragal Montessori School

Cameragal Montessori School

Set your child up for a lifetime of joyful learning, success and happiness at Cameragal Montessori School. It is the only NESA-registered Montessori school on the lower North Shore, offering education for children from birth to 12 years.

They have been established for over 40 years and take pride in their heritage of supporting children in reaching their full potential in learning and life.

Cameragal Montessori School offers two preschool locations for children aged 3-6 years old, one situated in the beautiful Forsyth Park in Neutral Bay and the second at 47 Ridge Street in North Sydney.

• Ages: 6 weeks – 6 years
• Meals: Bring your own recess & lunchbox
• Hours: 8am-4pm

Contact Cameragal Montessori School

• Address: 47 Ridge St, North Sydney
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (02) 9954 0344
• Website: cameragal.nsw.edu.au

Currambena Primary School and Preschool, Lane Cove

Currambena Primary School and Preschool, Lane Cove

Currambena Preschool provides a nurturing, holistic starting point to your child’s learning journey

They prioritise nurturing the whole child at this malleable, important early age, through a balanced approach that emphasises nature and play, and cultivates the social, physical, cognitive and emotional aspects of development.

Their small group sizes allow children to build relationships with their peers and teachers, and their integration with Currambena Primary means children develop confidence in interacting with people of all ages, and transition easily into primary school.

As well as an high quality, agentic preschool program, they offer music, art, Spanish and conflict resolution skills run by specialist teachers. These are all included in their daily fees.

The Preschool enrolment process begins in August or September of each year for entry into preschool at the start of the following year. Visit their website to find out more about filling in an expression of interest form and book an information tour.

• Ages: 3 – 6 years
• Hours: 9am-3pm (OOHC available 7.30am-9am and 3pm-6pm)
• Meals: No, bring your own recess & lunchbox
  

Contact Currambena Primary School and Preschool

• Address: 205 Longueville Rd, Lane Cove
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (02) 9427 0644
• Website: currambena.nsw.edu.au

Upper North Shore Preschools

Kinderhaus Montessori Preschool (Hornsby)

Kinderhaus Montessori Preschool (Hornsby)

Kinderhaus Montessori is a boutique preschool in the heart of Hornsby offering authentic Montessori education for children aged 2 to 6 years. With only 26 places available, children flourish in a calm, purpose-built, light-filled environment designed to nurture independence, emotional well-being, and a lifelong love of learning.

Led by a Montessori specialist with over 30 years’ experience, our passionate educators deliver hands-on, personalised learning tailored to your child’s unique stage of development, including a structured School Readiness Program to ensure a smooth transition to primary school.

Families benefit from all meals provided, Child Care Subsidy (CCS) eligibility, and a strong commitment to health, safety, and child protection standards. Now welcoming new families – book your private tour today and discover a warm, connected learning community that feels like home.

• Ages: 2-6 years
• Meals: Yes, all meals and snacks included
• Hours: 7am-6pm

Contact Kinderhaus Montessori Preschool

• Address: 77 Burdett St, Hornsby
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 0456 713 231
• Website: kinderhaus.com.au

Roseville Kindergarten

Roseville Kindergarten

Roseville Kindergarten has been nurturing young learners since January 1992. They are a licensed centre catering to up to 40 children aged 3 to 5.

Their educational approach is child-centred, built upon the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and driven by children’s curiosity, observations, and family input. They believe learning happens through relationships, inquiry, and exploration.

What makes them special:

• Small-scale, intentional community: With only 40 children, they can maintain high-quality relationships and individual attention. Their two classrooms are each led by experienced, qualified educators, fostering consistency and stability.
• Nature-based exploration & enquiry: Their program encourages children to build, experiment, wonder, and question. From constructing tepees to repurposing materials for sensory play, they incorporate a wealth of real-world experimentation into their daily lives.
• Strong family partnership & cultural inclusivity: As a multicultural centre, they value and welcome input from families. Their curriculum is co-constructed with parents’ insights, ensuring children’s home lives, languages, and identities inform learning.
• Dedicated educator team & stability: Their educators are committed and long-serving. This continuity builds trust with children and families.
• Rich outdoor and indoor environments: Families often comment on our spacious outdoor play areas and abundant learning resources. Their centre supports active play, gardening, movement, incursions, and a variety of sensory and STEM experiences.

They operate 49 weeks per year, from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday, closing only 3 weeks during the Christmas break and public holidays.

• Ages: 3-6 years
• Meals: Bring your own recess & lunchbox
• Hours: 8:00am-5.30pm
• Fees: Pre-School Hours (9am-3pm) = $135/day |  Long Day Care Hours (8am-5.30pm) = $166/day

Contact Roseville Kindergarten

• Address: 15 Shirley Road, Roseville
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (02) 9416 3002
• Website: rosevillekindy.nsw.edu.au

Integricare Christ Church St Ives Preschool

Integricare Christ Church St Ives Preschool

Integricare Christ Church St Ives Preschool caters for children aged 3-6 years old.

Their Preschool has two groups of 20 children per day during school terms. Their Preschool is set in a peaceful oasis of quiet away from main roads, with a nature-inspired, landscaped outdoor learning environment and a focus on sustainability. They have bright, clean, spacious & well-ventilated indoor learning environments with an experienced university-trained teacher in each group.

Their School readiness program is preparing your child for prep, kindy and a lifetime of learning with a child-centred early literacy & numeracy program. Their Preschool is based on Christian values & ethics. They are committed to inclusion & work together with allied health professionals. Rated Exceeding in all seven quality areas in 2023.

• Ages: 3-6 years
• Meals: Bring your own recess & lunchbox
• Hours: 8.30am-4pm
• Fees: 3 years old  = $80/day | 4 years old = $70/day | Health care card = $40/day

Contact Integricare Christ Church St Ives Preschool

• Address: 75 Ayres Road, St Ives
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (02) 9144 3067
• Website: integricare.org.au

Blue Gum Community School (Hornsby)

Bluegum Community School

Blue Gum Community School is a Preschool and a Primary School co-located on the same site in Hornsby. Their Preschool Program is designed for students aged 3 to 5 years, running from 9am to 3pm, and is supported by their Blue Gum out-of-hours service (BGOSH), which provides both before and After School Care.

Their teachers work closely alongside their students, partnering with them in the learning process as co-collaborators in their pursuit of understanding. They lend their competencies, skills, and support to equip students to discover and take an active role in finding their own answers. They emphasise learning with others and are guided by their firm belief that children are capable, creative, curious, resourceful, responsible, and resilient! Every day is different, but the constant of every day is joy!

Would you like to know more? Complete a complimentary waitlist application on their website. You will then be invited to attend a termly tour to experience the wonder and adventure at Blue Gum.

Childcare Subsidy and Start Strong for LDC are available if eligible. All aspects of their program are eligible for CCS.

• Ages: 3-6 years
• Meal: Morning and afternoon tea provided. Children bring their own lunch.
• Hours: Full Day: 8.00am – 5.45pm | Short Day: 9.00am – 3.00pm
• Fees: Childcare Subsidy and Start Strong for LDC are available if eligible. Preschool Program – 9-3pm – $105 per day |  Before School Care – 8am-9am – $17.50 per session | After School Care 3pm-5:45pm $52.50 per session (3pm-4:45pm on Wednesdays, $35 per session) | School Holiday Program – 8:30am to 3:30pm – $122.50 per day

Contact Blue Gum Community School

• Address: 1 Rosemead Road, Hornsby
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (02) 9138 2019
• Blue Gum Community School website

Hills Montessori Preschool (West Pennant Hills)

Hills Montessori Preschool offers the only authentic Montessori preschool program in the Hills District, nurturing children from birth to 6 years. Their unique offerings include Parent/Child classes for children under 3, a rich preschool program for 3 to 6 year–olds, and a NESA-accredited Kindergarten for children progressing from their preschool.

In their calm, purposeful Montessori environment, children develop independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Passionate educators guide each child’s academic and social growth, working closely with families to meet individual needs. They empower young learners to explore with curiosity and thrive as self-motivated thinkers.

Extracurriculars include animal care; outdoor classroom – including environmental care, horticulture, & sustainability; weekly wellbeing sessions, before and after session care.

Book a tour.

• Ages: Birth to 6 years
• Meals: Bring your own morning/afternoon tea and lunch
• Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm (with before and after session care available from 7:30am – 4:30pm)
• Fees:
  • Under 3’s Parent/Child classes from $30/session
  • Full Day (8:30am – 4:00pm) 3-year-old – $101/day | 4/5 year old – $85/day
  • Half Day (8:30am – 11:30am) 3-year-old – $51/day | 4/5 year old – $43/day
  • Start Strong fee relief is available
• Extra Fees: Before session care 7:30am – 8:30am- $10/session | After session care (Half Day) – 11:30am – 4:30pm – $50/session | After session Care (Full Day) – 4:00pm – 4:30pm – $10/session

Contact Hills Montessori Preschool

• Address: 10 Taylor Street, West Pennant Hills
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (02) 9871 4844 
• Website: hillsmontessori.com

Forestville Montessori School

Immerse your child in joyful learning of practical life skills and foundational concepts in math, literacy and world culture.

At Forestville Montessori School, your child will develop an understanding of the world through exploration, curiosity and hands-on experiences. Preschool at FMS provides a carefully prepared environment, bursting with opportunities for fulfilling learning.

Your child will be inspired by degree-qualified teachers, who also hold Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Diplomas. Their educators work closely with each child to discover their personal learning strengths and guide their early education.

They encourage purposeful learning through play. Your child will have fun discovering mathematical concepts, developing early literacy skills, and exploring their world in exciting ways.

Your child will thrive in our holistic learning environment, which is part of a whole-school community that extends beyond Preschool to include K-6 students.

Extra Curricular: Animal care program, Environmental care and horticulture, A variety of incursions, Social justice and peace education, Kindergarten preparation, Before and after school care, Vacation care.

• Ages: Toddler Program: 2-3 years, Preschool Program: 3-6 years
• Meal: Morning and afternoon tea provided. Children bring their own lunch.
• Hours: 8am – 6pm
• Fees: 3 Days, 4 days or 5 days. Fees starting at $150 per day (CCS available for eligible families)
• Book a tour: Call 02 9452 2044 or book online.

Contact Forestville Montessori School

• Address: 1 Angel Place, Forestville NSW 2087
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 0418 213 265
• Website: forestvillemontessori.nsw.edu.au

VIEW THE NORTH SHORE CHILDCARE GUIDE

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