Terrell / Forney, TX · Kaufman County · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Terrell / Forney, Texas

Terrell earned its nickname as the "Hollywood of Texas" for its popularity as a filming location, while also playing a crucial role during World War II as a training ground where thousands of British Royal Air Force pilots earned their wings. Just east, Forney has been officially designated by the Texas Legislature as the "Antique Capital of Texas," with some fifteen antique warehouses lining Highway 80, a legacy rooted in the region's agricultural heritage when Forney Prairie Hay was a leading export product. The Kaufman County childcare market is expanding rapidly as families relocate from East Dallas, led by Children's Lighthouse Forney's dominant 4.8-star reputation from 141 reviews, plus Arka Montessori and Primrose serving the fast-growing I-20 corridor. We scored each 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.

26Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
Sort by
🔍
Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Children's Lighthouse of Forney
2401, Fm 741 Forney, TX 75126
★ 4.8    ·  Preschool / Childcare · Forney
Meals IncludedSkill Classes
8.6/ 10
Safety
10
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
8
K-ready
8
Teachers
9
Compassion
10
Mgmt
10
Culture
10
Class sizes
7
Extracurriculars
8

Strengths

  • 4.8 stars from 141 SoTellUs reviews — dominant reputation in Kaufman County; parents consistently praise 'excellent teachers and management,' 'meticulously maintained' facility, and serious security protocols
  • Daily Procare app communication with photos throughout the day; parents say 'children don't just play — they actually learn'
  • Family-owned school described as 'a step above the rest' with advanced curriculum-based Pre-K and zero HHSC high-severity deficiencies

Considerations

  • Premium Forney pricing — above Terrell community average
  • No subsidies accepted; occasional feedback notes variation in infant room communication
2
Primrose School of Forney
1451, Whaley Dr Forney, TX 75126
Preschool / Childcare · Accredited · Forney
AccreditedMeals Included
7.8/ 10
Safety
8
Curriculum
9
Art/Music
7
Infant care
8
K-ready
8
Teachers
9
Compassion
8
Mgmt
8
Culture
8
Class sizes
6
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • Accredited Primrose — the only franchise of its kind in Forney; parents system-wide note exceptional teacher tenure and caring staff culture
  • 174 capacity with before/after school and transportation; only 1 high-severity HHSC deficiency — excellent compliance
  • Balanced Learning curriculum with purposeful play and structured academics — strong Kindergarten readiness outcomes

Considerations

  • No subsidies accepted — premium Primrose pricing model
  • Waitlist common during fall enrollment season
3
Kids R Kids Learning Academy of Forney
Accredited Childcare · Forney
AccreditedMeals IncludedSkill Classes
7.0/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
7
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
8
Culture
7
Class sizes
4
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • Zero high-severity HHSC deficiencies — excellent compliance record; accredited Kids R Kids with skill classes
  • 266 capacity with subsidies accepted; full before/after school with transportation — the most accessible accredited option in Forney
  • Nationally standardized curriculum with live-stream cameras and security code entry

Considerations

  • 6 medium-high HHSC deficiencies — trend to monitor at future inspections
  • Large 266-capacity campus means a busy, high-volume atmosphere
4
Childcare Network Terrell
National Childcare Chain · Terrell
Meals IncludedDrop-In Care
6.8/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
8
Culture
7
Class sizes
6
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Zero high-severity HHSC deficiencies — best compliance record in Terrell; drop-in care flexibility alongside full-day program
  • 168 capacity at the I-20 and Hwy 80 corridor — ideal for families commuting through East Kaufman County
  • National Childcare Network brand with standardized curriculum and full before/after school

Considerations

  • No subsidies accepted
  • Terrell location on the I-20 corridor may be inconvenient for Forney families without a commute route through town
5
Arka Montessori School Forney
1340 Pinson Ave., Forney, TX 75126
Montessori · Forney
MontessoriMeals Included
6.6/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
8
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
6
Mgmt
4
Culture
6
Class sizes
4
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • Zero high-severity HHSC deficiencies — top safety record in Forney; authentic Montessori method rare in Kaufman County
  • 300 capacity — largest Montessori program in the corridor, serving infants through school age
  • Arka system-wide parent testimonials highlight children's self-confidence and academic readiness

Considerations

  • Forney location has only 1 Yelp review — a critical 1-star citing unprofessional management interactions; limited broader feedback available
  • No subsidies; premium Montessori pricing model
6
First United Methodist Church Preschool
503, W College St Terrell, TX 75160
Faith-Based Preschool · Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
0 High Deficiencies
6.5/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Very low staff-to-student ratios (2 teachers + 3 adults for toddlers)
  • Learning centers approach for one-on-one time with each child
  • Capacity 62, ages 18 months to 14 years including after-school care

Considerations

  • No specific Google rating found in search results
7
Stages Academy
126, E Us Highway 80 Ste 109 Forney, TX 75126
School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
0 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
6.5/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Flexible full/part-time and drop-in programs ages 3mo-12yr
  • Arts-integrated curriculum with caring teachers and directors
  • Open Monday-Saturday for working family convenience

Considerations

  • Limited online reviews; newer center still building reputation
8
Noah's Ark Early Development Center
11270, Fm 1641 Forney, TX 75126
School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
0 High Deficiencies
6.5/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Faith-based with Abeka curriculum; science, Spanish, sign language included
  • Warm Christian environment for young learners

Considerations

  • Yelp reviews mention staff turnover and a serious incident involving a child; verify current management
9
Bear Creek Lodge Learning Center
1000, Concord St Forney, TX 75126
School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
0 High Deficiencies
6.5/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • TRS 4-star (highest quality) rated Forney childcare center
  • Uses Lillio Learning curriculum - play-based structured learning
  • Large capacity 204 children with broad age range

Considerations

  • One review cited teacher turnover concerns; verify current staffing
10
First Methodist Forney Parents Day Out and Pre-school
414, W Broad St Forney, TX 75126
Faith-Based Preschool · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
0 High Deficiencies
6.5/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Full range infant care through grade 3 at First Methodist Forney
  • Ages 6 weeks to 3rd grade; 6:30am-6pm M-F at 414 W Broad St
  • Infant care, preschool, after-school, and summer camp programs

Considerations

  • No specific Google rating found in search results
11
Trinity Baptist Mothers Day Out Terrell
Church Childcare · Part-Time · Terrell
Faith-Based
6.4/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
5
Art/Music
5
Infant care
6
K-ready
4
Teachers
6
Compassion
8
Mgmt
8
Culture
9
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
4

Strengths

  • Church-based Mothers Day Out program in Terrell
  • Faith-based community childcare option

Considerations

  • No website or Google rating found in search
12
The Learning Experience
200 Kroger Dr., Forney, TX 75126
School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
1 High Deficiencies
6.3/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • National TLE brand at 200 Kroger Dr Forney; parents praise small classes, experienced caring teachers, and LEAP curriculum with STEM, music, and fitness
  • All enrichment programs included in tuition with no add-on fees; kindergarten readiness and social-emotional development focus
  • Hours 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM; serves 6 weeks to 6 years; strong parent communication praised in reviews

Considerations

  • National chain format, local experience depends entirely on director quality and staff retention
  • No subsidies accepted; full premium tuition required
13
Faith Journey Academy Forney
Faith-Based Childcare · Forney
Faith-BasedMeals Included
6.2/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
2
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Faith-based childcare academy serving Forney community

Considerations

  • No website or Google reviews found in search
14
Smart Start Center
100, F M 429 N Terrell, TX 75160
School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
2 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
6.2/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Voted Terrell's Best Daycare multiple years
  • A Beka Christian curriculum plus Spanish and enrichment classes
  • Transportation services and summer care available

Considerations

  • No dedicated website or Google rating found in search
15
Our KidsTreehouse
1106, Colquitt Rd Terrell, TX 75160
School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
2 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
6.2/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Large 164-child capacity in Terrell at 1106 Colquitt Rd
  • Full age range 0-6 months through 8+ years; 6am-6:30pm
  • Licensed Texas childcare center

Considerations

  • No website or Google rating found in search results
16
Kid City USA Terrell
400, 9Th St Terrell, TX 75160
School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
3 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
6.1/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • 25+ years of childcare excellence from regional chain
  • Full-day preschool and before/after school programs
  • Established network with consistent curriculum standards

Considerations

  • Chain operation; individual location experience may vary
17
Handprints Academy
412, W Broad St Forney, TX 75126
School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
3 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
6.1/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • TRS 3-star certified childcare in Forney at 412 W Broad St
  • Licensed Texas childcare center with structured programs

Considerations

  • No specific Google rating found; limited online reviews
18
First Presbyterian Church Kindergarten
834, Griffith Ave Terrell, TX 75160
Faith-Based Preschool · Pre-K–School Age
1 High Deficiencies
5.9/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
3
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Pioneering early childhood education in Terrell since 1965
  • 20+ hours of continuing education per staff member annually
  • Outstanding classroom facilities; faith-based whole-language curriculum

Considerations

  • No specific Google rating found; hours 7:30am-5pm
19
Travis Ranch KinderCare
1003, Travis Ranch Blvd Forney, TX 75126
School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
5 High Deficiencies
5.9/ 10
Safety
3
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Yelp 4.0 from 16 reviews; formerly Boardwalk Private Preschool at 1003 Travis Ranch Blvd Forney now under KinderCare national infrastructure
  • Full age range 6 weeks through 12 years; before/after school and summer programs; opens 6:30 AM for early-commuting Forney families
  • KinderCare pursues NAEYC/NAC/NECPA accreditation; current director praised for care quality since 2025

Considerations

  • Transitioned from independent Boardwalk brand, some families feel the personal touch has changed
  • No subsidies accepted at this KinderCare location
20
Dunkin Academy of Forney
518, Pinson Rd Forney, TX 75126
School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
8 High Deficiencies
5.8/ 10
Safety
2
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Nearly 40 years preparing students for kindergarten - premier Forney program
  • 94% Facebook recommendation (14 reviews); 5-star Yellow Pages
  • Full infant care, preschool, after-school, and summer camps

Considerations

  • No specific Google star rating found in search results
21
By the Barnyard Gate
552, Fm 740 Forney, TX 75126
School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
7 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
5.8/ 10
Safety
2
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Large 284-child capacity with comprehensive infant-through-school-age program
  • Focus on responsibility, respect, and manners plus sign language
  • Long-term families with positive Yelp mentions; since 2007

Considerations

  • Very large facility - personal attention at scale needs verification
22
Cadence Academy, Forney
929, F M 741 S Forney, TX 75126
★ 4.3    ·  School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
19 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
5.7/ 10
Safety
1
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • 4.3 Google stars from 65-plus reviews; parents praise polite caring staff, consistently clean facilities, and coded-entry security at 929 College Ave Forney
  • Full-service childcare from infants through school age with before/after school care and summer camp
  • National Cadence Education curriculum with standardized kindergarten readiness programming and teacher training

Considerations

  • Some rating variance across platforms (4.0 to 4.3 range); staff or management turnover can affect consistency
  • No subsidies accepted at this Forney location
23
Brainiacs Learning Academy
11511, Walnut Ln Ste A Forney, TX 75126
School-Age / After-School Care · Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
13 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
5.7/ 10
Safety
1
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Owner/Director is Licensed Master Social Worker with Early Childhood expertise
  • 100% Facebook recommendation (8 reviews)
  • Small 51-child capacity ensures individual attention

Considerations

  • Small size means limited slots; may have waitlist
24
FBC Forney Christian Preschool
1003, F M 741 Forney, TX 75126
Faith-Based Preschool · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
12 High Deficiencies
5.7/ 10
Safety
1
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Ministry of First Baptist Church Forney for birth to age 5
  • State licensed, meets TDFPS standards
  • Trained teachers and faith-based curriculum with God's Word

Considerations

  • Preschool/infant focus only, no school-age programs
25
Discovery Day Academy Forney
Childcare Academy · Forney
Meals Included
5.0/ 10
Safety
3
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
4
Infant care
6
K-ready
6
Teachers
5
Compassion
5
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Subsidies accepted; full before/after school with transportation at 135-capacity Forney location
  • Extended hours 6:30 AM–6:30 PM covering the full working day; growing Forney market means good current availability
  • Infant through school-age coverage with meals included

Considerations

  • 4 high-severity HHSC deficiencies on record — above average concern for Forney
  • 6 medium-high deficiencies also noted; compliance picture warrants scrutiny
26
Sunshine House of Forney
National Childcare · Forney
Meals Included
4.9/ 10
Safety
3
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
4
Infant care
6
K-ready
6
Teachers
5
Compassion
5
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
4
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Subsidies accepted; 232 capacity — the broadest enrollment access among national chains in Forney
  • Before/after school and transportation included; opens 6:30 AM–6:30 PM for full working-day coverage
  • National Sunshine House brand provides curriculum oversight and staff training

Considerations

  • 4 high-severity HHSC deficiencies on record
  • 7 medium-high deficiencies also documented; compliance trend warrants monitoring
No centers match this filter.

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Recognition of Excellence · Terrell / Forney, TX · 2026
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This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews from major public review platforms and parenting communities. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically. Methodology & approach →  ·  Who We Are & Editorial Policy
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