3 Best Preschools in Salem, OR

St John Lutheran School is such a wonderful school if you want individualized attention, lots of field trips and cultivating a love for education. Both my children have attended this school and they surpassed all kids that went to other schools with the reading, writing and social skills needed for higher education. It was a let down for them when they found out that other schools didn't have the personal attention or lesson plans that were so interactive and fun. My older child didn't fall behind during the pandemic because she was so advanced due to the amazing teachers at St John's Lutheran School. I wish they went higher than kindergarten. I am grateful for the building blocks the teachers taught my children because they use them every day.

I cannot recommend St. John's enough for early childhood learning and development! My son attended all three years before attending public school and was well above grade level, and my daughter is currently finishing up Kindergarten. The environment is safe and welcoming with the teachers full of love and individual support for each child. I have appreciated the teaching of values without shame, intertwined with a solid foundation of education, setting my children up well for their future. It has been the best decision we could make for them and would do it again.

My daughter loves going to school everyday , it has been a few months now and she has yet to say ,”I don’t want to go to school “. Teachers are awesome and loving , environment is cozy and clean . Great school.

The BEST preschool! My son (oldest) attended here for three years, and my daughter (youngest) went for a year. While my daughter went, they were both there at the same time. The only reason they stopped (in January 2025) is because we are moving out of state. I cannot say enough great things about SMS. My kids blossomed here. When my son first started, he could barely talk, and I was worried about his speech. He learned so much, so fast. He surprises me to this day with his skills and interests, and I can tell that a lot of that comes from his time at SMS. He felt so safe, secure, and loved here. As most kids do, he had a hard time being away from home at first, but the teachers at SMS made him feel so welcome. My daughter also adapted quickly, and they were so flexible and understanding whenever our kids were struggling with something. I also want to point out that my kids' teachers have been the same ever since they started at SMS. There has been no turnover. Other parents have talked to me about this and have said that they greatly appreciate the consistency at SMS. It's a great school, and my family and I highly recommend it.

Salem Montessori School is the greatest little school in town! I sent my daughter here for 2 years before starting kindergarten and I can’t wait until my son is old enough to go. The teachers are kind and caring and are excellent at teaching the kids how to work through tough emotions and play nicely with one another. I love that they don’t get parked in front of the tv or tablets and instead get to do lots of hands on learning and play. The social skills my daughter learned here properly prepared her for kindergarten and even set her ahead in emotional maturity and working through conflict. I can’t say enough wonderful things about SMS, they are family and we are forever grateful. Any and all children I have will go here.

Incredible teachers and owners, lessons and kindness they teach really shows. They’ve created a very inclusive culture hosting events throughout the year so parents can be involved.