Ranked in the top 10 overall across all 11 quality dimensions among every licensed childcare center in Apex.
Most Compassionate
Earned the highest compassion score in Apex. This dimension captures warmth, emotional attunement, and the degree to which parents feel their child is genuinely loved and seen.
Full Ranking Detail
childcarepreschool
Apex KinderCare on Olive Chapel Road is a NC 5-Star licensed, NAEYC-accredited early learning center serving children from 6 weeks through pre-K in the heart of Apex. Director Nicole Burroughs, a master's-educated educator who has led this center since 2010, anchors a staff that parents consistently describe as warm and family-like. The center's play-based curriculum spans literacy, arts, physical education, and early academics, making it one of the most credentialed childcare options in the 27502 zip code.
Safety7.0
Curriculum8.0
Art / Music7.0
Infant care8.0
Kindergarten readiness8.0
Teacher quality8.0
Compassion9.0
Management7.0
Culture8.0
Class sizes6.0
Extracurriculars7.0
What parents say
“Apex KinderCare is like our honorary family and home away from home. The teachers are all such wonderful and loving people who truly care for my kids like their own and go above and beyond in their classrooms.”
“As a parent, I entrust my greatest blessing to the staff at KinderCare every day, and I am grateful for the loving care and guidance he receives.”
Programs & curriculum
Curriculum & approach: Play-based learning with child choice and exploration; hands-on activities designed to meet children where they are socially and academically.
Programs & activities: Programs for ages 6 weeks to 5 years (infant, toddler, discovery preschool, preschool, pre-K). Activities include science experiments, artwork, pretend play, language/literacy, math, and Spanish instruction; meals and snacks developed by a registered dietitian provided.
What sets it apart: NAEYC accredited; open 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM M-F; director holds a Master's in Education; staff vetted via national/state background checks and Gallup Talent Assessment; Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner; KinderCare App for parent updates; flexible full-time/part-time scheduling.
Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
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Top 10 in Apex
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Top 10 in Apex</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Ranked in the top 10 overall across all 11 quality dimensions among every licensed childcare center in Apex.</span>
</span>
</a>
Most Compassionate
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: Apex KinderCare -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/raleigh/apex/apex-kindercare/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Most Compassionate</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest compassion score in Apex. This dimension captures warmth, emotional attunement, and the degree to which parents feel their child is genuinely loved and seen.</span>
</span>
</a>
This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.
