Private Preschool & Kindergarten in Dayton, Ohio

Excellence in Early Childhood Education Since 1971. Now enrolling for preschool and kindergarten!

Trusted Early Childhood Education School in Dayton, Ohio

For over 50 years, First School has been a trusted provider of private preschool education in Dayton, Ohio. Our program is designed to support your child’s development through engaging, age-appropriate lessons in a nurturing and positive environment. At First School, we create a space where children are encouraged to explore, grow, and thrive.

We believe that every child is unique and learns at their own pace. That’s why we offer a balanced, flexible learning environment that promotes discovery, collaboration, and personal growth. Our goal is to help children become confident, well-rounded learners who are prepared for the next stage of their education.

Excellence in Early Education Since 1971

For more than five decades, First School has been a trusted name in private preschool education in Dayton, Ohio. We are proud to provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment where young children can explore, grow, and thrive.

Our carefully crafted program blends age-appropriate learning with play-based experiences to spark curiosity and promote meaningful development. At First School, we recognize that every child is unique. That’s why our approach is flexible and balanced—encouraging each child to learn at their own pace while developing the confidence and skills they need for lifelong success.

CURRICULUM

We pride ourselves in compiling in-depth lessons

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

First School holds many events and activities

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

We pride ourselves in compiling in-depth lessons

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

We pride ourselves in compiling in-depth lessons

Excellence in Early Childhood

50+ Years

Of Excellence in Early Childhood Education

Personalized

Learning for Students

Low

Student-Teacher Ratio

96%

Parent Satisfaction

Personalized

Learning for Students

Why Our Schools are the Right Fit for Your Child?

Combining years of collective teaching experience, state learning standards, and current research-based instruction, First School creates a fun, warm, and balanced early education program for our students.

At First School Dayton, learning is guided by curiosity. Our play-based approach supports cognitive, social, and emotional development through exploration, creativity, and hands-on experiences — helping each child grow at their own pace.

We believe every child is unique. With small class sizes, our teachers give personalized attention to support individual learning styles and developmental needs — ensuring each student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Safety and belonging are at the heart of everything we do. Our classrooms are nurturing spaces where every child is respected and valued. We celebrate diversity and foster empathy, kindness, and mutual respect.

We know families have different schedules and needs. That’s why we offer full-day and part-day options, before and after-care programs, and flexible enrollment plans — making early education more accessible and convenient.

Reviews about First School Dayton

My family and I love First School. My daughter started in the Learn With Me Class and will be moving to drop-off preschool next fall and we couldn’t imagine it with anyone else. Every single staff member is nice and very helpful.

Megan Lucente 5 Years Ago
Payton Taulbee
18:22 08 Apr 25
This preschool is one of a kind. My family feels like we are apart of a true school family here at First School. Their passion to not only educate but care for their students and families goes a long way.
Haley Arriaga
18:50 29 Apr 19
I was super nervous when it was time to send the kids to preschool, First School has made it such a great experience and The kids love it there!
Kaylee Giffhorn
16:12 29 Apr 19
We love this school so much! My daughter looks forward to going every week. Each class is small, so the kids get very specific instruction. The teachers always have creative and fun learning activities for them and all their lesson plans are geared toward getting them ready for Kindergarten. The teachers and other staff are the nicest and most professional people. Everyone knows my child’s name and they are always so happy to see her when she comes through the door. She has learned so much in a matter of a few months and has made really good friends there. The pick-up and drop-off are super easy because you just drive through and they take your child out for you and put them in the car for you when you come pick them up. It is so convenient if you have multiple kids with you. I just adore this unique little school and would highly recommend for anyone who is looking for a place for their child to learn and grow in a loving, safe environment.
Lauren Dressman
15:35 29 Apr 19
First school is a hidden gem! My husband and I are both alumni and now our oldest son attends. Just with in one year, I've notice a change in his language, counting and imagination! We plan to send our second son as well!
Terri Pelley
15:35 29 Apr 19
We LOVE First School. Have sent our first child for two years and the second child is enrolled for the Fall. The teachers care a lot and have provided such a wonderful learning environment. My 5 year old seems well prepared for kindergarten!
Becca Virzi
15:28 29 Apr 19
I can’t say enough about how incredible this school is! First, I love it because it is just a school, not a daycare/preschool combo. Second, the growth I’ve seen in my daughter this year is proof that First School is a nurturing and educational environment. The self-confidence, independence, and knowledge that she has developed impresses me everyday. The staff and facilities are everything I could ever hope for in a preschool. I am so grateful for this resource in our community.
Megan Lucente
15:21 29 Apr 19
My family and I love First School. My daughter started in the Learn With Me Class and will be moving to drop-off preschool next fall and we couldn’t imagine it with anyone else. Every single staff member is nice and very helpful. My daughter has only had one teacher so far but they all know her by name and say hi to her everytime we are in. We will be with First School until she is age ready for elementary school!
TammyS
14:29 14 Aug 17
Hands down the best preschool experience we could have hoped for! From the "Learn with Me" program through Preschool 4's, our son learned not only things to prep him for kindergarten this year, but also valuable social skills. The faculty and staff could not be more loving to the children or more helpful to families. The one and only small issue we had with a concern of ours was resolved quickly and with compassion. Our daughter will definitely be a student at First School as soon as she is old enough!

Beloved Early Childhood Education School in Dayton, Ohio

Our Latest Articles

First School gives our passionate teachers the freedom to individualize instruction to improve early childhood development.

Scroll to Top