For the 2025 school year, there are 6 private preschools serving 778 students in Chapel Hill, NC.
The top ranked private preschools in Chapel Hill, NC include St. Thomas More Catholic School, Emerson Waldorf School, and Montessori Day School.
The average acceptance rate is 96%, which is higher than the North Carolina private preschool average acceptance rate of 79%.
17% of private preschools in Chapel Hill, NC are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).
Top Ranked Chapel Hill Private Preschools (2025)
School
Location
Grades
Students
6211 New Jericho Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-1858
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-1858
Grades: PK-12
| 287 students
Montessori Day School![Montessori Day School Photo Montessori Day School Photo]()

Montessori School
1702 Legion Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
(919) 929-3339
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
(919) 929-3339
Grades: PK-3
| 63 students
St. Thomas More Catholic School![St. Thomas More Catholic School Photo - Altar Servers at school Mass St. Thomas More Catholic School Photo - Altar Servers at school Mass]()

(Catholic)
920 Carmichael St
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 942-6242
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 942-6242
Grades: PK-8
| 380 students
Chapel Hill KinderCare![Chapel Hill KinderCare Photo - Lobby Chapel Hill KinderCare Photo - Lobby]()

Daycare / Preschool
210 South Elliot Rd.
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 942-7223
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 942-7223
Grades: NS-PK
| n/a students
The Goddard School![The Goddard School Photo The Goddard School Photo]()

Daycare / Preschool
1162 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 933-9022
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 933-9022
Grades: NS-PK
| 48 students
Knox Way KinderCare
Daycare / Preschool
27 Knox Way
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-1346
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-1346
Grades: NS-PK
| n/a students
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 17³Ô¹Ïs (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Our Playhouse Preschool & Kindergarten (Closed 2019)
Daycare / Preschool
3501 Nc Highway 54 W Ste E
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-2700
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-2700
Grades: PK-1
| 35 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private preschools in Chapel Hill, NC?
The top ranked private preschools in Chapel Hill, NC include St. Thomas More Catholic School, Emerson Waldorf School, and Montessori Day School.
How many private preschools are located in Chapel Hill?
6 private preschools are located in Chapel Hill.
How diverse are private preschools in Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill private preschools are approximately 23% minority students, which is higher than the North Carolina private school average of 22%.
What percentage of private preschools are religiously affiliated in Chapel Hill?
17% of private preschools in Chapel Hill are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).
Which private preschools in Chapel Hill are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private preschools in Chapel Hill include: The Goddard School vs. Emerson Waldorf School, Emerson Waldorf School vs. The Goddard School, Chapel Hill KinderCare vs. The Goddard School
Recent Articles

Is It Easier to Land a 17³Ô¹Ï Job When You're Already Employed?
Is it easier to land a private school job when you're already employed? This article breaks down employer biases, networking advantages, and negotiation leverage—plus the latest hiring trends in independent schools. If you’re considering a move, here’s how to maximize your position.

How to Secure a 17³Ô¹Ï Job When You're Unemployed Without the Stigma
Finding a private school job while unemployed can be tough, but it doesn't have to hold you back. This article breaks down networking strategies, ways to stand out, and smart approaches to keep your confidence strong. Learn how to turn setbacks into strengths and secure the right opportunity—without the stigma.

The 17³Ô¹Ï Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
Navigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.