5 outstanding preschools in Zurich giving kids the best head start
Choosing the right preschool is one of the first big steps in a child’s education. And for parents, it can feel like a major milestone. From Montessori to play-based learning, it really takes time to figure out what approach suits your child.
I’ve helped a few friends and family go through this search because the right environment can make a big difference in how a child grows and learns. Finding a preschool in Zurich means sorting through a wide range of options, which can feel overwhelming.
In this guide, you will see a mix of well-rated preschools that have stood out for their approach and focus on helping little ones grow confidently in their early years.
1. KiddieLand Bilingual Childcare and Kindergarten
Address: Röschibachstrasse 22, 8037
Contact: +41 44 271 60 60
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
My sister enrolled her daughter at KiddieLand and had only great things to say, so I decided to check it out myself.
Right away, a standout was the school’s QualiKita certification. It’s a Swiss quality label that recognises schools for outstanding teaching standards and a child-centred approach. KiddieLand is recognised for excellence in teaching and safety.
Their structured daily program combines music, storytelling, and outdoor play–all designed to support early learning through fun activities. The staff focuses on age-appropriate programs that interest the children.
Another notable feature is their bilingual approach, using both English and German when talking to the kids. By the end of each program, children easily pick up both languages naturally through activities and daily play.
You also get daily app updates from the school. Teachers send the parents pictures of their kids regarding activities done for the day. This is easily a favourite among parents.
The only downside I noticed was that securing a spot can be difficult. Parents have stated that they had to apply in advance, and some were on a waiting list for a few months.
Incredibly warm and respectful, and ensures every child feels valued
“An excellent place (and program) for kindergarten children filled with original and creative, age-appropriate activities, delivered in a way that perfectly blends fun with learning. The environment is incredibly warm and respectful, ensuring every child feels valued and understood. Kids thrive in this loving and caring community, making friends while exploring activities that spark joy and foster development. It’s a place where children are genuinely excited to participate and parents feel confident their little ones are in the best hands. My neurodivergent child loved going here and formed some exceptional skills and beautiful friendships.”
- Eliana Carmen Vasile-Nichita, Google Review
The teachers are all incredibly friendly, helpful, and well-prepared
“I’ve been really happy with Kiddieland daycare! The teachers are all incredibly friendly, helpful, and well-prepared. They keep the kids engaged with lots of activities and frequently take them out to the river and nearby playgrounds, which my child loves. The small garden they have is a nice touch too. The food provided is great, and the central location is very convenient. I also love that they use an app to send multiple photos of the kids throughout the day—it’s such a cool way for parents to stay connected. Overall, I can only recommend Kiddieland!”
- Pinter Balazs, Google Review
2. Kita Wunderkind
Address: Alfred-Escher-Strasse 38, 8002
Contact: +41 44 506 66 05
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
A colleague’s 4-year-old son has been attending classes at Kita Wunderkind for about six months now, and we’ve been genuinely impressed by their approach. They have a program called Stadtfüchse, also known as the City Foxes Program.
I like the idea that kids spend at least two hours outdoors exploring nature to keep them active and curious. The school also provides a magnifying glass and collection boxes for their small discoveries, like leaves, flowers, and such.
Unfortunately, Kita Wunderkind doesn’t have a balanced bilingual approach when talking to the kids. German is the dominant language used, while English is utilised more as a support instruction.
Nonetheless, their child-focused pedagogy is always well-appreciated by many parents. The teachers regularly update each student’s portfolios and adjust group activities according to each one’s learning pace.
These pedagogy portfolios also get sent to the parents. Upon checking the reviews, many parents truly valued those regular check-ins from the centre because they felt involved.
A stimulating environment where children learn and grow each day
“My husband and I couldn’t be happier with Wunderkind. Our daughter ran in every morning to greet friends. For us is also very important that our child is in a stimulating environment where she learns and grows each day. Thank you so much to Kita’s head for leading, training the team and creating an environment that promotes growth and development beyond our expectations.”
- Alice A., Google Review
A family-like small structure where every child is cared for
“My 2 kids have been care at Kita Wunderkind. I highly recommand Larissa and her team for the loving care they provided to my children. The kita Wunderkind is a family-like small structure where every children is cared with a lot of individual attention. We will miss you”
- Jeanne Labatut, Google Review
3. Little Green House
Address: Baslerstrasse 60, 8048
Contact: +41 41 748 30 60
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Little Green House (LGH) is a preschool in Zurich that offers three languages: native French, English, and German. Teachers naturally interact with the kids throughout the day, making it easier for the children to learn the languages.
The centre also offers a nature-focused philosophy program, wherein they spend lots of time outdoors. Friends who enrolled their children at LGH praised the program because it promoted physical activity, creativity, and emotional well-being.
This school is also parent-friendly, which was a huge relief for many clients. The preschool is open year-round except for bank holidays and 1-2 weeks during December (probably around the 2nd to 3rd week).
This type of setup works well for parents who have irregular work schedules. The school is able to accommodate working parents with flexible arrangements. This is one of the most sought-after programs by many.
However, they charge higher prices compared to others on this list. And with their popularity throughout the city, getting a spot in the school can require patience and planning.
It offers a warm, caring, and supportive atmosphere
“Our child spent two fantastic years at Kita Green Little House in Zurich, and we can say that this place is truly exceptional. Above all, it offers a warm, caring, and supportive atmosphere created by a team of passionate and dedicated teachers. Special thanks go to the Path Finders and Adventurers groups – their daily commitment, care, and approach to the children exceeded all our expectations. Thanks to the daily exposure to different languages and a natural approach to learning, our child acquired three foreign languages – each at a slightly different level, but with great ease and joy in communication. The results are truly impressive, and we are absolutely delighted. We truly feel lucky that our child had the chance to be part of this wonderful environment. Without a doubt, we would choose this Kita again – no hesitation.”
- Jakub Babiarz, Google Review
Amazing value and people
“The best place ever to let your kids spend wonderful experiences and share with others. Amazing value, amazing people, … I would definitely say it is probably the best kindergarten in Switzerland.”
- Marilyne Pittet, Google Review
4. Children First
Address: Freiestrasse 175, 8032
Contact: +41 44 252 91 21
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
A lot of parents online praise Children First because of the remarkable improvements in their kids throughout their learning years. They use a British-Montessori hybrid curriculum, blending structured early learning with hands-on exploration.
I particularly like that kids are introduced to early reading, numbers, and science through hands-on learning. All this is taught while having time for imaginative play and group activities. According to the parents, the lessons weren’t difficult, but they still had clear goals.
Another commendable programme is the “Forest Kindergarten”, where children take their learning outside, rain or shine. Parents raved about how the programme develops gross motor skills, independence, and environmental awareness.
The kids even take long walks, identify different plants and animals, and have the freedom to play among themselves while outside.
While the Forest Kindergarten programme is a hit and a major selling point, Zurich’s weather can be unpredictable, increasing exposure to different challenging weather conditions. But with hands-on teachers, I don’t think this will be a major drawback.
Incorporating the learning themes and the early years curriculum was so creative
“I can highly recommend Children First. My daughter attended kindergarten here and still says it was the best time of her life! As a parent I loved how they incorporated the Montessori philosophy throughout the day which gave her so much independence and built her self-confidence. The way the teachers incorporated the learning themes and the early years curriculum was so creative, she always felt that she was having fun. At the same time she was getting a solid foundation for her future schooling. Forest mornings on Friday were a perfect way to end the week in nature and also inspired us to hike more together as a family. She had a good balance of English and German which prepared her for success when transitioning to 1st grade in the local system. I am forever thankful that she made life long English speaking friends and gained a love for English stories and reading. As she grows up in German speaking Zürich, this is such a special way we can maintain her English so she remains truly bilingual.”
- Diana K., Yelp Review
This school has become a safe space for us as parents and our son
“My toddler has been attending CF for 1.5 yrs (since he was 11 months old) and I could not be happier with the service, care and attention the school provides. The teachers are actually qualified teachers, the support goes beyond daycare services, they have a true independent teaching concept and the teachers genuinely become secondary guardians for children. The quality of the teachers is the best I have seen in the city of Zürich. They have their own outdoor space, which I thought wouldn’t make a big impact but it really does. Our child likes to be outside, come rain, sun or snow, and he is able to do so, in the safe environment of the krippe. The Krippe has become a safe space for us as parents and our son, and the teachers are very collaborative and open to hearing about improvements /parents concerns and any issues.”
- DaniK Math, Google Review
5. Globegarden Childcare
Address: Münchhaldenstrasse 15, 8008
Contact: +41 43 344 58 02
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Globegarden has been a favourite among parents because of its structured, multidisciplinary curriculum. Meaning, the centre doesn’t focus on one theme — they have different programmes that enhance each child’s overall development.
For example, a lot of kids have “Art Around”, which introduces them to painting, music, and drama. This helps many children develop both creativity and fine motor skills. As a matter of fact, parents have mentioned how their child raved about colours or instruments.
The “Math Rocks” and “Science Discovers” programmes also get frequent praise because of how the preschool introduces basic numbers and STEM concepts. One parent shared that their child always played counting games after just a few weeks.
It’s also great to know that Globegarden also caters to parents who have irregular schedules or are working full-time. Their centre is open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with options for emergency care up to 9:00 PM.
The only downside is that some parents reported inconsistent language usage, hearing mostly German when giving instructions.
Everything was extremely dedicated to the kids
“Our experience in Globegarden it was amazing! My two little girls was very happy the time that they was there! The activities, infrastructure, the food, everything was extremly dedicated for the kids!! And the most important thing, the teachers!! They are awesome and extremly kind!! My girls love them!!”
- Maria Angela Gonzalez, Google Review
We are raving about the great project at this preschool
“ We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Our child has long been a schoolchild. But the wonderful memories of you will remain. We just met another family by chance the other day, and we are raving about the great project at kindergarten with Wenke and Nayley. Our children and parents will probably never forget the project, the world of dinosaurs and the formation of the continents. Our child wasn’t a dinosaur fan until then, and since then she’s known about dinosaurs. Thank you again. Our daughter was in good hands with you for over 4 1/2 years. We still fondly remember the wonderful time. Thank you very much, the Gordon family”
- Lilly Gordon, Google Review