Gahanna, OH · Franklin · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Gahanna, Ohio

Gahanna earned its distinctive reputation during the late 1800s and early 1900s, when local residents grew herbs in such notable quality and quantity that the Ohio General Assembly officially recognized Gahanna as the Herb Capital of Ohio in 1972. The designation was championed by Jane Geroux and future Speaker Jo Ann Davidson, and today the Geroux Herb Garden near city hall honors this heritage. The city's name itself comes from a Native American word referring to three creeks joining into one, a geographical feature captured in Gahanna's official seal. We analyzed all 24 Ohio-licensed childcare centers in Gahanna, scoring each across 11 real dimensions from parent reviews and public records. No marketing copy — just what real families reported. We scored each Ohio-licensed childcare center across 11 real dimensions — safety, curriculum, arts & music, infant care, kindergarten readiness and more. Scores drawn from major public review platforms and parent communities — not center marketing.

23Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
37,093City population
Sort by
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Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Gahanna Children'S College
230 Agler Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
★ 4.5 (15 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
7.7/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
8
K-ready
8
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
8
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • SUTQ Gold-rated center serving children 6 weeks to 12 years
  • Above-state-required staffing: extra teachers in every classroom, two extra in infant rooms
  • All-inclusive tuition: meals, diapers, wipes, laundry, and extracurriculars included
  • Google 4.5/5 (15 reviews); parents describe warm, family-oriented environment
  • Parents praise caring staff who treat children like family
  • Hours 6:30am-6pm Monday-Friday

Considerations

  • One review raised concerns about facility cleanliness and pest control
2
Gahanna Cdcfc Head Start
500 North Hamilton Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
Head Start · Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
7.3/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
7
K-ready
8
Teachers
8
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • SUTQ Gold-rated Head Start program with 4-star quality rating
  • Serving income-eligible families since 1985 with comprehensive early education
  • Early Head Start for children ages 0-3, Head Start for ages 3-5
  • Comprehensive wraparound services: disabilities support, mental health, health, nutrition, social services
  • FREE for families qualifying under federal poverty guidelines; subsidy options available
  • Federally funded program with strong accountability and oversight

Considerations

  • Income-based eligibility restricts access to all families
3
Ywca Kids Place At Goshen Lane Elementary
370 Goshen Lane, Gahanna, OH 43230
YMCA Child Care · Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
7.2/ 10
Safety
8
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
8
Infant care
5
K-ready
7
Teachers
8
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • SUTQ Gold-rated; all Gahanna Kids Place sites earned Gold Award status
  • Named best afterschool program in Central Ohio two consecutive years (CBUS Top Picks)
  • 30+ years of experience providing affordable afterschool programs in Gahanna
  • Comprehensive curriculum: Choice-Based learning, STEAM, social-emotional development, physical fitness
  • Located inside Goshen Lane Elementary for seamless school-to-care transition
  • Community service projects integrated into programming
  • PFCC financial assistance available for qualifying families

Considerations

  • After-school program only; not full-day childcare
4
Ywca Kids Place At Chapelfield Elementary
280 Chapelfield Road, Gahanna, OH 43230
YMCA Child Care · Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
7.2/ 10
Safety
8
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
8
Infant care
5
K-ready
7
Teachers
8
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • SUTQ Gold-rated; all Gahanna Kids Place sites earned Gold Award status
  • Named best afterschool program in Central Ohio two consecutive years (CBUS Top Picks)
  • 30+ years of experience providing affordable afterschool programs in Gahanna
  • Comprehensive curriculum: Choice-Based learning, STEAM, social-emotional development, physical fitness
  • Located inside Chapelfield Elementary for seamless school-to-care transition
  • Community service projects integrated into programming
  • PFCC financial assistance available for qualifying families

Considerations

  • After-school program only; not full-day childcare
5
Ywca Kids Place At High Point Elementary
700 Venetian Way, Gahanna, OH 43230
YMCA Child Care · Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
7.2/ 10
Safety
8
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
8
Infant care
5
K-ready
7
Teachers
8
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • SUTQ Gold-rated; all Gahanna Kids Place sites earned Gold Award status
  • Named best afterschool program in Central Ohio two consecutive years (CBUS Top Picks)
  • 30+ years of experience providing affordable afterschool programs in Gahanna
  • Comprehensive curriculum: Choice-Based learning, STEAM, social-emotional development, physical fitness
  • Located inside High Point Elementary for seamless school-to-care transition
  • PFCC financial assistance available for qualifying families

Considerations

  • After-school program only; not full-day childcare
6
Balanced Family Academy Of Gahanna - Morse
4595 Morse Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
★ 4.8 (91 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: NR
7.0/ 10
Safety
8
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
5
Teachers
9
Compassion
9
Mgmt
8
Culture
9
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • 4.8 stars from 91 Google reviews — one of the top-rated centers in Gahanna
  • Parents describe the most welcoming and inclusive daycare they've seen
  • Teachers praised for going above and beyond; real-time activity updates provided
  • Extras like take-home meals, morning coffee for parents, and social gatherings noted

Considerations

    7
    Primrose School Of Johnstown Road
    1101 East Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH 43230
    ★ 4.9 (31 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    7.0/ 10
    Safety
    8
    Curriculum
    8
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    8
    Teachers
    9
    Compassion
    9
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • 4.9 stars from 31 Google reviews — exceptionally well-rated
    • Teachers described as truly caring and very supportive of parents
    • Mr. Kirk praised specifically as dedicated and engaging with children
    • Structured environment praised for preparing children academically and socially for kindergarten

    Considerations

    • One parent noted opportunity for better cleanliness in individual classroom bathrooms
    8
    Kiddie Academy Of Gahanna
    1341 Cherry Way Dr, Gahanna, OH 43230
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    6.7/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    6
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    7
    Mgmt
    7
    Culture
    7
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Well-established Kiddie Academy franchise with Life Essentials education philosophy
    • 221 reviews on Listen360 with overwhelmingly positive parent feedback
    • Parents report children excited to attend; teachers described as wonderful and welcoming
    • Clean, safe facility with daily parent updates and classroom photos
    • Staff praised for attentiveness to individual child needs and emotional development

    Considerations

    • Not SUTQ-rated
    • National franchise model — less community-rooted than independent local centers
    9
    Advantage Early Learning Academy
    496 Havens Corners Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    6.6/ 10
    Safety
    6
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    7
    Infant care
    7
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    7
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    7
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • SUTQ Bronze-rated licensed childcare center
    • Highly qualified staff including master degree holders and CDA-certified teachers
    • Theme-based curriculum aligned with Ohio Early Learning Standards and National Reading Panel recommendations
    • Enrichment programs: weekly yoga, music, and dance classes for preschoolers
    • Infant room with favorable 1:5 teacher ratio
    • Parents report children excited to attend daily; staff described as professional and caring
    • Indoor and outdoor play gyms with abundant green space

    Considerations

    • Some reviews raise concerns about enrollment practices and payment-method discrimination
    • No confirmed Google star rating found publicly
    10
    Enchanted Care Learning Center
    4575 Morse Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    6.6/ 10
    Safety
    6
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    7
    Infant care
    7
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    7
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    7
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Proprietary Links to Learning curriculum preparing children for kindergarten
    • Serves ages 6 weeks to Pre-K with three age-appropriate playgrounds
    • Garden and science play area, indoor gross motor room, stocked library
    • Meals included with tuition (lunch and two daily snacks)
    • Parents praise outstanding leadership, nurturing teachers, and remarkable academic progress in children
    • Member of Columbus community since 2007

    Considerations

    • Not SUTQ-rated
    • No confirmed Google star rating found publicly
    11
    Gahanna Early Experience Center
    4456 Morse Road, Gahanna, OH 43230
    ★ 5 (5 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    6.5/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    7
    Mgmt
    7
    Culture
    7
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Google 5.0/5 (5 reviews); parents praise caring staff and safe environment
    • Academic Christian Preschool with theme-based curriculum including science, math, language, arts, and music
    • Established 1975; trusted community institution
    • Parents report children love attending; staff described as friendly and safety-focused
    • Reasonable class sizes noted by reviewers

    Considerations

    • Not SUTQ-rated
    • Seasonal school-year program (late August to mid-May only) — no full-year or summer care
    • Primarily preschool age; limited infant or toddler care
    • Christian curriculum may not suit all families
    12
    Stonybrook Early Learning Center
    485 Cherrybottom Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    6.3/ 10
    Safety
    6
    Curriculum
    6
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    7
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    7
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Established 53+ years; trusted community preschool
    • Many teachers with 10+ years at Stonybrook; low staff turnover
    • A+ BBB rating; director praised as irreplaceable by reviewers
    • Flexible scheduling: 2, 3, or 5 day per week classes
    • Focuses on social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth in a relaxed loving atmosphere

    Considerations

    • Not SUTQ-rated
    • Limited hours (mornings only) and not a full-day childcare option
    • Serves primarily ages 3-5 only; no infant or toddler care
    • No public Google or major platform rating found to independently verify parent experience
    13
    Ywca Kids Place @ Royal Manor
    299 Empire Drive, Gahanna, OH 43230
    YMCA Child Care · Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    6.3/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    7
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • SUTQ Bronze-rated YWCA Columbus afterschool program with 30+ years of experience
    • Choice-Based learning, STEAM, social-emotional development, and physical fitness curriculum
    • Named best afterschool program in Central Ohio two consecutive years
    • PFCC financial assistance available for qualifying families

    Considerations

    • After-school program only; not full-day childcare
    • Bronze (not Gold) SUTQ rating unlike most other Gahanna Kids Place sites
    14
    Ywca Kids Place At Lincoln Elementary
    261 Helmbright Drive, Gahanna, OH 43230
    YMCA Child Care · Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Silver
    6.3/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    7
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • SUTQ Silver-rated YWCA Columbus afterschool program with 30+ years of experience
    • Choice-Based learning, STEAM, social-emotional development, and physical fitness curriculum
    • Named best afterschool program in Central Ohio two consecutive years
    • Located inside Lincoln Elementary for seamless school-to-care transition
    • PFCC financial assistance available for qualifying families

    Considerations

    • After-school program only; not full-day childcare
    • Silver (not Gold) SUTQ rating compared to most other Gahanna Kids Place sites
    15
    Ywca Kids Place At Jefferson Elementary
    136 Carpenter Road, Gahanna, OH 43230
    YMCA Child Care · Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Silver
    6.3/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    7
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • SUTQ Silver-rated YWCA Columbus afterschool program with 30+ years of experience
    • Choice-Based learning, STEAM, social-emotional development, and physical fitness curriculum
    • Named best afterschool program in Central Ohio two consecutive years
    • Located inside Jefferson Elementary for seamless school-to-care transition
    • PFCC financial assistance available for qualifying families

    Considerations

    • After-school program only; not full-day childcare
    • Silver (not Gold) SUTQ rating compared to most other Gahanna Kids Place sites
    16
    Shepherd Christian School And Early Learning Center
    425 S Hamilton Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    6.2/ 10
    Safety
    6
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Private Evangelical Christian school PreK-8th grade; 4.5-star rating on GreatSchools (6 reviews)
    • Small class sizes with 1:17 teacher-student ratio
    • Excellent teacher and principal communication praised by parents
    • Nurturing, loving, and academically focused environment per parent reviews
    • EdChoice scholarships accepted; athletics programs available

    Considerations

    • Not SUTQ-rated
    • Some parents report significant staffing turnover with decline in care quality in recent years
    • Review notes veteran caregivers left and replacements lack adequate training
    • Faith-based Christian curriculum may not suit all families
    17
    Treehouse Learning Center
    158 Imperial Drive, Gahanna, OH 43230
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    6.1/ 10
    Safety
    6
    Curriculum
    6
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    6
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    7
    Mgmt
    5
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • SUTQ Bronze-rated; named Childcare Center of the Year and Ohio Health Award recipient
    • Serves ages 6 weeks to 5 years; meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks) included daily
    • CPR/First-Aid certified staff; CACFP nutrition standards compliance
    • Parents describe staff as amazing and caring; owner family praised for kindness toward children

    Considerations

    • One review notes owner unresponsive to parent concerns raised via direct email
    • No confirmed Google star rating found publicly
    18
    Kindercare Learning Center
    520 Morrison Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    6.0/ 10
    Safety
    6
    Curriculum
    6
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    6
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    6
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Nationally accredited (NAC); 100+ combined years of staff experience at this location
    • Play-based curriculum with Learning Adventures enrichment in Phonics, Music, and Cooking
    • Serves ages 6 weeks to 12 years; open 6am-6pm Monday-Friday

    Considerations

    • Not SUTQ-rated
    • National chain with standardized curriculum — less flexibility than independent centers
    • No public Google or Yelp review rating found to independently verify parent experience
    19
    Fruitful Trees Learning Center "Llc"
    81 Price Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    5.8/ 10
    Safety
    6
    Curriculum
    6
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    6
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    5
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • SUTQ Bronze-rated center opened 2022
    • Preschool, before/after school care, and summer camp programs
    • Faith-based play-based curriculum with STEM and creative arts components
    • Supports neurodivergent learners with inclusive practices
    • Website testimonial praises exceptional daily teaching and advanced child development

    Considerations

    • Newer center (licensed 2022) with limited review history
    20
    Kiwi'S Clubhouse
    973 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    5.8/ 10
    Safety
    5
    Curriculum
    6
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    6
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    6
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    5
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • 4.3-star rating from 35+ reviewers; parents praise large space and professional communication
    • Flexible childcare without long-term contracts
    • Offers WeeSchool, Preschool/Pre-K, and Summer Camp programs
    • Hours 7am-6pm Monday-Friday with Saturday availability

    Considerations

    • Not SUTQ-rated
    • One serious safety review: a gun reportedly found on premises with inadequate parent communication
    • Safety incident report reduces safety and management scores
    21
    Park School Of Gahanna Llc
    5515 Morse Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
    ★ 4.6 (45 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    5.7/ 10
    Safety
    5
    Curriculum
    6
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    6
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Bronze — recognized quality program
    • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers — accessible to subsidy-eligible families
    • Ohio-licensed childcare center serving the local community

    Considerations

      22
      Kiddos Play Learning Center
      515 Waterburry Blvd, Gahanna, OH 43230
      ★ 3.6 (22 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: NR
      5.6/ 10
      Safety
      5
      Curriculum
      6
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      5
      K-ready
      5
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: NR — recognized quality program
      • Ohio-licensed childcare center serving the local community

      Considerations

        23
        Cdcfc Goshen Lane
        370 Goshen Lane, Gahanna, OH 43230
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: NR
        5.5/ 10
        Safety
        6
        Curriculum
        6
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        5
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        6
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        5
        Culture
        5
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        5

        Strengths

        • Located at Goshen Lane Elementary school for convenient pickup
        • School-age after-care program with capacity for 36 children

        Considerations

        • No dedicated website found
        • Not SUTQ-rated
        No centers match this filter.

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        Recognition of Excellence · Gahanna, OH · 2026
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