Nacogdoches / Jacksonville, TX · Nacogdoches County / Cherokee County · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Nacogdoches / Jacksonville, Texas

Nacogdoches claims the distinction of Texas' oldest town, with roots tracing to the oldest Spanish mission in the state established in 1716, formally designated as a pueblo in 1779. Jacksonville, just across the county line in Cherokee County, earned its nickname as the "tomato capital of the world" during the early 20th century when tomato farming dominated the local economy from the 1880s through the 1950s. Today, Jacksonville is the birthplace of country music stars Lee Ann Womack and Neal McCoy, adding a modern cultural dimension to this historic corner of East Texas. Deep East Texas education roots run deep in Nacogdoches, home to an SFA university lab school, Head Start programs, and several faith-based academies. 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.

20Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
Sort by
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Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Early Childhood Lab
2428 Raguet St., Nacogdoches, TX 75962
★ 4.6    ·  Preschool / Childcare · University Lab · Nacogdoches
7.9/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
9
Art/Music
8
Infant care
8
K-ready
9
Teachers
10
Compassion
8
Mgmt
8
Culture
8
Class sizes
5
Extracurriculars
8

Strengths

  • Rated 4.6 stars on Google (70+ reviews); nationally NAEYC-accredited SFA university lab school — less than 10% of centers nationwide achieve this recognition
  • Faculty-supervised student teachers provide a highly trained environment; accepts subsidies; serves infants through Pre-K year-round

Considerations

  • 2 high deficiencies on HHSC record despite strong academic reputation
  • Large capacity and high demand may create waitlists
2
Nacogdoches Christian Academy
211, Se Stallings Dr Nacogdoches, TX 75964
★ 4.4    ·  Preschool / Childcare · Christian Academy · Nacogdoches
7.0/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
3
K-ready
8
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
8
Class sizes
6
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • Rated 4.4 stars on Google (50+ reviews); blends Abeka, Reggio Emilia, and Spanish immersion into a rich faith-based curriculum
  • Only 1 high deficiency; accepts subsidies; CDA-degreed teachers minimum; established nonprofit since 1999

Considerations

  • No infant care — serves 18 months through kindergarten
3
Sonshine School
3914, North St Nacogdoches, TX 75965
★ 4.2    ·  Preschool / Childcare · Faith-Based School · Nacogdoches
6.9/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
7
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Rated 4.2 stars on Google (30+ reviews); ministry of North Street Church of Christ operating since 1987 with Bible-based developmentally appropriate learning
  • Zero high deficiencies; part-time care available; serves infants through school age

Considerations

  • Does not accept child care subsidies
4
First United Methodist Church Pre-School
201, E Hospital St Nacogdoches, TX 75961
★ 4.3    ·  Preschool / Childcare · Church Preschool · Nacogdoches
6.8/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
6
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Rated 4.3 stars on Google (35+ reviews); warm, home-like environment described as treating every child with equal care and attention
  • Only 1 high deficiency; accepts subsidies; established church-affiliated preschool serving infants through school age

Considerations

  • No meals program listed — families should confirm food arrangements
5
Preschool Express Learning Academy of Nacogdoches
5124, North St Nacogdoches, TX 75965
★ 4.1    ·  Preschool / Childcare · Learning Academy · Nacogdoches
6.5/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
6
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
7
Mgmt
8
Culture
6
Class sizes
9
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Rated 4.1 stars on Google (25+ reviews); parents praise patient, caring teachers and a director who is responsive and communicative
  • Meals, transportation, and field trips included; accepts subsidies; serves infants through school age

Considerations

  • 1 high deficiency on HHSC record
6
Kidz Country LLC
1613, South St Nacogdoches, TX 75964
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

  • Serves full age range from infant through Pre-K — continuity of care for growing families
  • Snacks provided as part of daily program
  • Operating hours: 06:30 AM-06:00 PM

Considerations

  • 1 high-severity deficiency on HHSC record — review latest inspection report before enrolling
7
Jacksonville Early Learning Center
530, Canada St Jacksonville, TX 75766
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

  • Serves full age range from infant through Pre-K — continuity of care for growing families
  • Snacks provided as part of daily program
  • Operating hours: 06:45 AM-06:00 PM

Considerations

  • 1 high-severity deficiency on HHSC record — review latest inspection report before enrolling
8
Wonder Kids Early Learning Center LLC
818, Park St Nacogdoches, TX 75961
School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
2 High Deficiencies
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

  • Has a dedicated website indicating established operations
  • Highlights highly-trained and credentialed caregivers
  • Uses quality curriculum in an exploratory and creative environment

Considerations

    9
    Brighter Sky Learning Academy LLC
    1006, N Jackson St Jacksonville, TX 75766
    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

    • Christian-based curriculum with balanced approach to learning
    • Offers field trips, transportation, and supports children with special needs

    Considerations

      10
      Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy Extended Day
      1711, South St Nacogdoches, TX 75964
      Preschool / Childcare · Faith-Based · Nacogdoches
      6.2/ 10
      Safety
      10
      Curriculum
      5
      Art/Music
      4
      Infant care
      3
      K-ready
      6
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      7
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      9
      Extracurriculars
      4

      Strengths

      • Zero deficiencies in HHSC inspections; faith-based after school program at Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy
      • Small setting fosters individualized attention for school-age children

      Considerations

      • After school hours only; no infant care; does not accept child care subsidies
      11
      Christ the Redeemer Jacksonville
      1002, Sunset Ave Jacksonville, TX 75766
      School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
      4 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
      6.0/ 10
      Safety
      4
      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

      • Accepts child-care subsidies — accessible to families using state financial assistance
      • Serves full age range from infant through Pre-K — continuity of care for growing families
      • Snacks provided as part of daily program
      • Operating hours: 06:30 AM-06:00 PM

      Considerations

      • 4 high-severity deficiencies on HHSC record — review latest inspection report before enrolling
      12
      Charlotte's Web CCC
      1218, Corinth Rd Jacksonville, TX 75766
      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

      • Christian environment emphasizing community and self-confidence
      • Peanut-free environment; transportation and meals available
      • BBB A+ rating; one Yelp reviewer praised staff as 'helpful, kind, respectful, and professional'

      Considerations

        13
        GETCAP Head Start and Early Head Start at Nacogdoches
        1902, Old Tyler Rd Nacogdoches, TX 75964
        Head Start · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
        5 High Deficiencies
        5.7/ 10
        Safety
        3
        Curriculum
        7
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        7
        K-ready
        7
        Teachers
        6
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        4
        Culture
        6
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • Federally funded Head Start program with comprehensive health, nutrition, and education services
        • Serves pregnant women through age 5; includes Family Literacy/GED Program for parents
        • Full-day program at no cost for qualifying families

        Considerations

        • Employee reviews on Indeed average 3.3/5, with management rated 2.9/5
        • Income eligibility restrictions
        14
        Methodist Readiness School
        1031, Se Loop 456 Jacksonville, TX 75766
        Faith-Based Preschool · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
        11 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

        • Accepts child-care subsidies — accessible to families using state financial assistance
        • Serves full age range from infant through Pre-K — continuity of care for growing families
        • Snacks provided as part of daily program
        • Operating hours: 07:00 AM-05:30 PM

        Considerations

        • 11 high-severity deficiencies on HHSC record — review latest inspection report before enrolling
        15
        Jumping Jacks Childcare
        124, Creekbend Blvd Nacogdoches, TX 75965
        ★ 4    ·  Preschool / Childcare · Day Care · Nacogdoches
        5.6/ 10
        Safety
        6
        Curriculum
        5
        Art/Music
        4
        Infant care
        6
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        6
        Compassion
        7
        Mgmt
        6
        Culture
        6
        Class sizes
        6
        Extracurriculars
        4

        Strengths

        • Rated 4.0 stars on Google (25+ reviews); 100% recommend on Facebook with parents praising attentive staff
        • Meals provided, drop-in care available, and subsidies accepted; serves infants through school age

        Considerations

        • 2 high deficiencies on HHSC record
        16
        Bonita School Friends
        10303, Us Highway 259 Nacogdoches, TX 75965
        Preschool / Childcare · After School · Nacogdoches
        5.6/ 10
        Safety
        9
        Curriculum
        5
        Art/Music
        4
        Infant care
        3
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        5
        Compassion
        7
        Mgmt
        7
        Culture
        6
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        4

        Strengths

        • Zero high deficiencies; part-time care option suits working parents with flexible hours
        • After school focus with a small, community-oriented environment

        Considerations

        • Small capacity; no infant care; does not accept child care subsidies
        17
        Kids Unlimited Learning Center
        513, Russell Blvd Nacogdoches, TX 75965
        Preschool / Childcare · Learning Center · Nacogdoches
        5.3/ 10
        Safety
        7
        Curriculum
        5
        Art/Music
        4
        Infant care
        6
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        5
        Compassion
        5
        Mgmt
        5
        Culture
        5
        Class sizes
        6
        Extracurriculars
        4

        Strengths

        • Only 1 high deficiency; transportation included and subsidies accepted
        • Serves infants through school age

        Considerations

        • Limited program offerings compared to larger centers
        18
        Pineywoods Learning Academy
        211, King St Nacogdoches, TX 75961
        Preschool / Childcare · Learning Academy · Nacogdoches
        5.1/ 10
        Safety
        6
        Curriculum
        5
        Art/Music
        4
        Infant care
        6
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        5
        Compassion
        5
        Mgmt
        5
        Culture
        5
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        4

        Strengths

        • Meals and after school care included; accepts child care subsidies
        • Serves infants through school age in the Nacogdoches area

        Considerations

        • 2 high deficiencies on HHSC record
        19
        Handprints Child Care 15 LLC dba Handprints Academy
        1118, Tanglewood Cir Nacogdoches, TX 75961
        School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
        10 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
        5.1/ 10
        Safety
        1
        Curriculum
        7
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        7
        K-ready
        7
        Teachers
        3
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        3
        Culture
        6
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • Large program serving 6 weeks through 5th grade afterschool across all school districts

        Considerations

        • Parents reported children left dirty with no hygiene practices before snacks
        • One parent reported child was injured with no incident report filed
        20
        Creative Little Angels Learning Center
        315, N Ragsdale St Jacksonville, TX 75766
        Preschool / Childcare · Day Care · Jacksonville
        4.6/ 10
        Safety
        4
        Curriculum
        5
        Art/Music
        4
        Infant care
        6
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        4
        Compassion
        5
        Mgmt
        4
        Culture
        5
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        3

        Strengths

        • Low classroom ratios for quality and safe child care
        • CCS eligible; offers drop-in, sibling discounts, and Parent's Night Out

        Considerations

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          Recognition of Excellence · Nacogdoches / Jacksonville, TX · 2026
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