The decision to select a preschool in Mumbai is a big one. This is where your child takes their first real step into the world beyond home. It’s not necessarily about ABCs and colors, but about feeling safe, confident, and curious.
This blog slices through the mess. You’ll learn what to look for, see a list of the top 10 preschools in Mumbai, get an idea of fees and curriculum styles, and pick up real tips on how to choose the right one for your family.
What to Look for in a Good Preschool in Mumbai
Here’s the thing: not every preschool is the right fit for every child. And in a city like Mumbai, where choices are plenty, but space is tight, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. These are the main things to keep in mind before you commit.
Type of Curriculum (Montessori, Playway, Reggio Emilia)
In Mumbai, you’ll find a mix of international and Indian philosophies in early education. And it’s important to understand how each one works before picking a school.
Montessori
Children learn using hands-on materials in mixed-age classrooms. There’s a lot of emphasis on independence- pouring water, folding clothes, and matching shapes. The teacher isn’t front and center all the time; they observe and guide. If your child likes working quietly or needs space to focus, this could be a good fit.
Playway
This method is full of singing, dancing, storytelling, role play, and craft. It works best for kids who learn by doing the movers, the explorers, the talkers. There’s no strict academic focus. It’s about building basic skills through interaction and play.
Reggio Emilia
Less rigid, more project-based. The teacher watches what the child is curious about space, insects, rainbows and builds lessons around those themes. Great for kids who ask 100 questions a day and want to explore everything.
Tip: Visit during class time if you can. Watch how the kids respond. If it feels too strict or too chaotic, that’s your clue.
Safety, Infrastructure, and Staff Credentials
Some Mumbai preschools are tucked into apartments or residential complexes. Others have entire floors or buildings to themselves. Either way, don’t compromise on the basics.
- Cleanliness: Look for child-friendly toilets, clean floors, and zero clutter. You shouldn’t see broken toys or dusty corners.
- Security: Biometric entry, CCTV monitoring, fixed pickup routines, these should all be in place.
- Staff: Ask about ECCE certifications or Montessori diplomas. Don’t be afraid to ask how long the teachers have worked there. High staff turnover is a red flag.
- Outdoor play area: Even a small one is important. Kids need room to run, jump, and blow off steam.
The school should be happy to show you around and answer your questions. If they seem evasive or rushed, think twice.
Parent Reviews and Teacher-to-Student Ratio
Class size matters more than fancy infrastructure. The more kids per teacher, the less personal attention your child will get. Ideally:
- Playgroup: 1 teacher for every 6–8 kids
- Nursery: 1 teacher for every 10–12 kids
Also, listen to other parents. Ask people in your building or WhatsApp groups. Go beyond brochures and Instagram reels. Are teachers responsive? Do they share regular updates? Is the school open to feedback? That’s where you’ll get the real picture.
Preschool Stages And Age Eligibility In Mumbai
| Preschool Stage | Age Range | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Playgroup | 1.5 to 2.5 years | Social interaction, play, routines |
| Nursery | 3 years and above | Language skills, group learning |
| Junior KG | 4 years and above | School readiness, structure |
Top 10 Preschools in Mumbai With Fees & Curriculum
Here’s a closer look at 10 of the most loved and well-rated preschools in Mumbai for 2025.
1. Kangaroo Kids, Bandra
Curriculum: Playway + Montessori
Fees: ₹15,000–₹20,000/month
Why Parents Love It: Classrooms are vibrant, routines are well-designed, and kids learn life skills without pressure. It’s a great balance between play and structure.
Visit the website
2. Casa Bambino Montessori, Juhu
Curriculum:Pure Montessori
Fees:₹18,000–₹22,000/month
Why Parents Love It: Calm environment, trained Montessori staff, and a strong emphasis on independence. Great for quieter kids or those who like to focus on one thing at a time.
Visit the website
3. Podar Jumbo Kids, Andheri West
Curriculum: Playway (Kiducation method)
Fees: ₹10,000–₹14,000/month
Why Parents Love It: Big on activities, well-trained teachers, affordable. A solid option if you want a fun but structured day for your child.
Visit the website
4. The Tree House Play Group, Powai
Curriculum: Playway
Fees: ₹8,000–₹12,000/month
Why Parents Love It: Very approachable staff, lots of storytelling and art-based learning. Parents say their kids are excited to go every day.
Visit the website
5. Little Palms School, Malabar Hill
Curriculum: Montessori-inspired
Fees: ₹20,000–₹25,000/month
Why Parents Love It: Spacious classrooms, dual-language teaching, personal attention. Feels like a boutique preschool with heart.
Visit the website
6. EuroKids, Lower Parel
Curriculum: Playway + Reggio Emilia elements
Fees: ₹12,000–₹16,000/month
Why Parents Love It: Well-planned spaces, structured feedback system, and a clear learning path. It’s a good middle-ground choice for working parents.
Visit the website
7. Spring Buds International, Lamington Road
Curriculum: Playway
Fees: ₹18,000–₹23,000/month
Why Parents Love It: The tech tools they use keep learning fresh. Also, great for building early numeracy and language skills.
Visit the website
8. Kangaroo Kids, Lokhandwala
Curriculum:Playway+Montessori
Fees:₹14,000–₹19,000/month
Why Parents Love It: Teachers are warm and patient. The focus is as much on social skills as it is on academics.
Visit the website
9. The Learning Curve, Santacruz
Curriculum: Reggio Emilia-inspired
Fees: ₹15,000–₹20,000/month
Why Parents Love It: Unique themes every month, fun projects, lots of art and storytelling. Good choice for curious little minds.
Visit the website
10. Sunshine Preschool, Chembur
Curriculum: Playway
Fees: ₹9,000–₹13,000/month
Why Parents Love It: Clean, affordable, and cheerful. It doesn’t try to be fancy — just a good preschool with happy kids.
Visit the website
Best Preschools in South Mumbai (2025)
If you live in South Mumbai, here are a few trusted names parents swear by:
- Little Palms School, Malabar Hill
- EuroKids, Lower Parel
- Spring Buds International, Lamington Road
These schools offer a good mix of safety, curriculum quality, and convenience for parents who live or work in that part of the city.
Fees and Admission Details
- Fees: ₹15,000–₹25,000/month
- Admission Fees: ₹20,000–₹50,000 (one-time)
- Process:
- Forms usually open by September
- School tours and parent-child sessions happen from October–December
- Final confirmations are rolled out in Jan–Feb
Pro tip: For 2026 admissions, start reaching out by mid-2025. Don’t wait till the last minute, seats fill up quickly.
Why Choosing a Preschool in Mumbai Feels Overwhelming for Parents
If you are a parent in Mumbai, choosing a preschool can feel confusing and stressful. There are too many options. Every school claims to be the best. Instagram pages look perfect. Brochures promise “holistic development”. But as a parent, you are left wondering one thing. Will my child actually be happy here?
Too Many Options, Too Little Clarity
Mumbai has hundreds of preschools packed into apartments, society buildings, and commercial spaces. Some are large franchises with a brand name. Others are small independent setups run by passionate teachers. On paper, many look similar. In reality, the experience can be very different.
Parents often shortlist schools based on Google reviews or recommendations from friends. But what works for one child may not work for another. This is where confusion begins.
Why Preschool Is More Than Just “Time Pass”
Many families still believe preschool is only about keeping children busy. That is not true. Preschool is where children learn to trust adults outside the family, follow routines, express emotions, and interact with other kids. A good preschool builds confidence, not pressure.
According to UNICEF’s early childhood development research, the first five years are critical for emotional and social growth
https://www.unicef.org/early-childhood-development
How to Choose the Right Preschool for Your Child
You’ve shortlisted a few. Now what?
Proximity to Home or Office
Let’s be honest: no one wants to deal with Mumbai traffic at 8 AM. If your preschool is more than 30 minutes away, you’re setting yourself and your child up for cranky mornings.
- Look for something within 15–20 minutes of your home or workplace
- Ask if the school provides transportation
- Make sure kids are accompanied by trained attendants if they’re on the bus
Learning Needs and Budget
Fees are all over the place. Don’t assume higher cost means better quality.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want a Montessori structure or a more playful setup?
- Do I need a school with extended hours or daycare?
- Is a bilingual curriculum important to me?
Once you’re clear, match your budget to your priorities. No preschool is perfect, but some will check more boxes than others.
Bonus Tip: What to Ask During a School Visit
Here are a few questions parents often forget to ask but should:
- What’s the annual calendar?
- How often do you share progress updates?
- How do you handle children with separation anxiety?
- Do you allow trial classes?
- What are your discipline policies?
These details help you understand not just what the school teaches, but how they approach day-to-day situations.
Ideal Teacher Student Ratio
| Level | Ideal Ratio | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Playgroup | 1:6 to 1:8 | Emotional comfort and attention |
| Nursery | 1:10 to 1:12 | Better communication and care |
What Age Should Your Child Start Preschool In Mumbai
Age is one of the most searched topics by parents, yet also one of the most misunderstood.
Playgroup vs Nursery vs Jr KG Explained
Playgroup usually starts between 1.5 to 2.5 years. It focuses on social interaction, music, movement, and basic routines.
Nursery typically starts at age 3. This is where children get comfortable with group learning and language skills.
Junior KG usually starts at age 4 and prepares children for formal schooling.
There is no rule that says earlier is better. Emotional readiness matters more than age.
Signs Your Child Is Ready Beyond Age
Your child may be ready if they can stay away from you for short periods, show curiosity about other children, and understand simple instructions. If separation anxiety is extreme, waiting a few months is perfectly fine.
The National Education Policy also highlights flexibility in early education timelines
https://www.education.gov.in/nep2020
Area Wise Best Preschools In Mumbai
Parents often prefer schools close to home due to traffic and daily routines.
Best Preschools In Western Suburbs
Areas like Bandra, Andheri, Juhu, and Lokhandwala have many reputed preschools. These areas offer both premium and affordable options with good infrastructure.
Best Preschools In Central And Harbour Areas
Powai, Chembur, and Ghatkopar have seen rapid growth in preschool options. Many schools here offer spacious classrooms and lower fees compared to South Mumbai.
Area Wise Preschool Options In Mumbai
| Area | Popular Localities | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| South Mumbai | Malabar Hill, Lower Parel | ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 |
| Western Suburbs | Bandra, Andheri, Juhu | ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 |
| Central & Harbour | Powai, Chembur | ₹8,000 to ₹18,000 |
Preschool Fees In Mumbai What You Actually Pay In 2026
Fees can vary widely and often surprise parents later.
Monthly Fees vs One Time Charges
Monthly fees usually range between ₹8,000 and ₹25,000. On top of this, schools charge admission fees, deposits, and annual activity fees.
Hidden Costs Parents Often Miss
Uniforms, books, event charges, transport, and extended daycare hours can add up quickly. Always ask for a full fee breakup in writing.
Are Expensive Preschools Worth It
Higher fees do not always mean better care. Sometimes you pay for location and branding. Focus on teacher quality and classroom environment instead.
Preschool Vs Daycare In Mumbai
These two are often confused but serve different needs.
Key Differences
Preschool focuses on learning and social development. Daycare focuses on supervision and extended hours.
Can A Child Do Both
Yes. Many working parents choose preschool in the morning and daycare later in the day.
Working Parent Scenarios
If both parents work full time, check staff stability, nap arrangements, and meal policies carefully.
Final Thoughts
Preschool is not the warm-up to school, but a chance where your child learns to share, express feelings, make friends and trust people who are not their parents.
The fanciest and most costly school in Mumbai is not the best preschool. It is the one in which your child is happy, felt understood, and looks forward to going to the place every morning.
Shortlist, inspect, classroom observation, and take your instincts. All of the parents are anxious, however, as soon as your child starts to show good results, you will understand that you had made the right choice.
FAQs About Preschools In Mumbai
1. How do I know if my child is emotionally ready for preschool
If your child can stay away from you for short periods, shows curiosity about other children, and can follow simple instructions, they are usually ready. Crying for the first few days is normal. What matters is whether the school handles separation gently.
2. Is it okay if my child cries every day at drop off
Yes, for the first one or two weeks. If crying continues beyond that and teachers dismiss your concerns, it may not be the right environment. A good preschool actively supports children through separation anxiety.
3. Should I choose a preschool close to home or a better one farther away
In Mumbai, proximity often matters more. Long travel times lead to tired and cranky children. A good nearby preschool usually works better than a famous one that takes 45 minutes to reach.
4. Does a higher preschool fee mean better teaching quality
Not always. Higher fees often reflect location, brand, or facilities. Teaching quality depends on trained staff, low teacher student ratios, and emotional warmth. Always observe classrooms before deciding.
5. Is Montessori better than Playway for my child
There is no universal best option. Montessori suits calm and independent children. Playway works well for active and social kids. Choose based on your child’s personality, not trends.
6. Will my child fall behind academically if the preschool is play based
No. Early childhood experts agree that play based learning builds stronger foundations. Reading, writing, and numbers come naturally later when children are emotionally secure.
You can refer to NEP 2020 guidelines on early learning
https://www.education.gov.in/nep2020
7. How important is the teacher student ratio in preschool
It is extremely important. Lower ratios mean more attention, quicker comfort, and better emotional support. Fancy classrooms cannot replace a caring teacher.
8. Do preschools in Mumbai really follow safety rules
Some do very well. Some only claim they do. Parents should personally check CCTV access, entry exit rules, hygiene, and emergency plans instead of trusting brochures.
