5-Star Preschool and Pre-K in Raleigh, NC
A Raleigh Preschool and Pre-K Program Built for Kindergarten Success
Finding the right preschool in Raleigh means choosing a place where your child feels known, encouraged, and excited to learn. Primary Beginnings has taught Raleigh preschoolers since 1999, and each of our three North Raleigh centers holds its own 5-Star Center License from the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education. Our preschool and Pre-K program serves children ages three to five and combines purposeful play, small teacher-to-student ratios, and NC Pre-K standards to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.
As a 5-star rated preschool in Raleigh, our classrooms are designed for hands-on learning, conversation, exploration, and confidence-building, Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
What Makes Our Pre-K Program Different?
Not all preschool programs are built the same. At Primary Beginnings, our approach to early childhood education is rooted in connections and a well-rounded curriculum.
In our pre-k classrooms, your child will:
- Grow physically through structured play and gross motor games
- Build strong literacy and language skills
- Develop early math and science foundations
- Strengthen social development and health awareness
- Practice problem solving skills and critical thinking skills
- Participate in Spanish language instruction
- Engage in creative expression through art and music
Every teacher and staff member is certified in CPR and first aid, and our teaching staff completes continuing education in child development throughout the year.
Learning in Our Preschool Classroom
Our NC Pre-K program implements The Creative Curriculum®, a play-based framework used throughout North Carolina. This curriculum supports your child's development socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.
Language & Literacy
Pre-k students participate in daily story time, phonics activities, and vocabulary-rich discussions. We focus on building early literacy skills so children enter kindergarten ready to read, write, and express their ideas clearly.
Mathematics
Our pre-k program makes math hands-on and approachable. Students explore patterns, counting, measurement, addition, subtraction, and graphing through games and small group activities that build confidence and problem solving skills.
Science & Exploration
Curiosity drives our science experiences. Children investigate the world around them through experiments, observation, and guided discovery, developing early critical thinking skills along the way.
Creative Expression
Art, music, and dramatic play are woven into daily routines. Children explore different artists, materials, and forms of self-expression that support early childhood creativity and confidence.
Wellness & Physical Development
Movement matters. Our classrooms incorporate gross motor games, outdoor play, and structured physical activities that support social development health and coordination.
Spanish Language Enrichment
In addition to our core curriculum, children ages two through four participate in weekly Spanish instruction, with lesson plans shared with parents. Early exposure to a second language supports cognitive flexibility and cultural awareness.
Small Classrooms. Strong Relationships.
One of the greatest advantages of our Raleigh pre-k program is our staffing. Our young preschool classrooms operate at a 1:10 student-to-teacher ratio for three-year-olds and 1:13 for four-year olds, well below the standard-license minimums of fifteen and twenty, across all our child care centers. In our child care centers, teachers truly know each child, including their strengths, learning style, and areas for growth.
That means:
- Individualized support
- Clear communication with parents through daily ProCare Connect updates
- Intentional developmental monitoring
- A supportive space where every child feels safe
NC Pre-K Eligibility in Wake County
Primary Beginnings is a participating NC Pre-K provider, with NC Pre-K classrooms at all three of our Raleigh locations.
NC Pre-K is North Carolina’s state-funded pre-kindergarten program for eligible four-year-olds, and participating classrooms must meet additional state standards for teacher licensure, curriculum, and class size beyond regular child care licensing.
Who Is Eligible for NC Pre-K?
Your child may qualify if they turn four on or before August 31 of the program year and your family income falls at or below 75% of the State Median Income. For the 2026-27 program year, that means a maximum gross income of $85,308 for a family of four.
Some children qualify outside the income guidelines. Priority can be given to children with a developmental disability, chronic health condition, limited English proficiency, or other documented risk factors, and some military families qualify regardless of income.
Funding is limited and placement is not guaranteed, so we encourage families to apply early. Contact any of our three centers and we can walk you through the application process.
Milestones After One Year in Our Pre-K Program
By the end of the school year, many pre-k students are able to:
- Recognize letters and beginning sounds
- Write their name
- Count to 20 or beyond
- Understand simple addition concepts
- Follow multi-step directions
- Express emotions with words
- Work cooperatively with classmates
- Demonstrate independence in daily routines
More importantly, they leave with confidence, ready to participate, ready to learn, and ready to succeed in kindergarten.
Family Partnership & Communication
Parents are essential partners in early childhood education. Through ProCare Connect, we share daily updates, photos, lesson plans, and progress notes via email, text, or app. Families can also review our state license and inspection history at any time; our license numbers are Spring Forest #92001035, North Hills #92001346, and Falls of Neuse #92003902.
Schedule a Tour of Our Pre-K Program in Raleigh
If you are searching for a pre-k program in Raleigh, NC that feels nurturing, structured, and thoughtfully designed for kindergarten readiness, we would love to meet your family.
Primary Beginnings has three 5-star child care centers conveniently located in North Raleigh. To learn more about our pre-k program in North Raleigh, fill out the form below, or call our Spring Forest Road location at 919-790-6888, Falls of Neuse Road location at 919-615-0752, or North Hills Drive location at 919-785-0303.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages does the preschool program serve?
Our preschool and pre-k program serves children ages three to five. Children typically move up from our toddler program around age three and continue with us until kindergarten. North Carolina’s kindergarten cutoff requires a child to turn five on or before August 31 to enroll that fall.
What is your preschool student-to-teacher ratio?
One teacher for every ten three-year-olds (1:10) and one for every thirteen four-year-olds (1:13). North Carolina’s standard-license minimums allow one per fifteen and one per twenty respectively, so our classrooms give each child meaningfully more teacher attention. Every classroom’s ratio is posted where parents can see it.
Do you offer NC Pre-K?
Yes. Primary Beginnings has NC Pre-K classrooms at all three of our Raleigh locations: Spring Forest Road, Falls of Neuse Road, and North Hills Drive. NC Pre-K is a state-funded program for eligible four-year-olds, and because funding is limited, we encourage families to apply early. See the eligibility guidelines above or contact your preferred center about availability.
Are meals included?
Yes. We serve breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack daily through the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program, which holds our menus to USDA nutrition standards.
Is your staff trained in CPR?
Yes. Every teacher and staff member is certified in CPR and first aid.