Are you looking for a learning centre to help your kids out with school? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
We scouted the city for the best learning centres around and put together this list based on their programs and client reviews. After all, your child deserves only the best.
Before we get on with our list, though, we’ll discuss cost first. Then we’ll go ahead and tackle the best learning centres in Edmonton.
How Much Do Learning Centres Cost in Edmonton?
Child care and learning centres in Canada can be expensive, and can easily reach figures from $800 – $1000 per year for full-time service. This average cost doesn’t even include extracurricular activities such as field trips and transportation costs.
According to CTV News, the monthly costs for full-time child care from infancy to preschool in 2018 are as follows below:
Infant | Toddler | Preschool | Average |
$975.00 | $870.00 | $835.00 | $895.00 |
It’s no wonder that in this competitive industry, learning centers have intricate curriculums and summer camps. They even add extra perks such as including free meals for the students.
The benefit of a learning centre for parents is that they’re essentially both a daycare and a preschool rolled into one. For working parents who have nobody else to watch their kids, sometimes enrolling their kids at a young age is the only choice.
Other centres only offer tutoring or private lessons, which can reach around $50 per hour. However, the duration of care under these types of arrangements is usually only around 3 hours.
Meanwhile, for older children who are tackling more complicated subjects, advancement classes can reach $299 per class while preparation for college entrance examinations can reach a staggering $1,000.
The Best Learning Centres in Edmonton
Now that you know how much this will all cost, we can take a look at our top choices for the best learning centres in Edmonton.
1. JumpStart learning Centre
SERVICES | Discovery Program, Prep Program, Scholars Program, Summer Program |
WEBSITE | https://www.jumpstartlearning.ca/ |
ADDRESS | Edgemont 20041 Lessard Rd NW Edmonton, AB, T6M 1L9 Ambleside 3580 Allan Dr SW, Edmonton, AB T6W 3G9 Chapelle 6409 Cartmell Pl SW, Edmonton, AB T6W 4V4 |
CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (587) 524-1065 |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 8:45am – 3:00pm Saturday to Sunday: Closed |
Parents are more than welcome to take a tour of the JumpStart Learning Centres and meet with the teachers beforehand. With three locations around Edmonton, you have a fair number of options on where to enroll your child.
It’s also important to note that JumpStart Learning Centre can accommodate location transfers for your convenience. Their learning centers have specific programs designed to engage specific types of learning for different age groups.
Programming includes table time activities, circle time activities, centre activities. There is a lot of moving around and interacting with both other students and teachers which helps students work on social skills and keeps them entertained at the same time. They believe a fun and engaging environment can promote children’s enthusiasm towards learning.
However, instead of simply giving children “free playtime”, teachers supervise a series of activities to further help them develop their skills. They call it “Play with Purpose” and it’s meant to complement their written and verbal skills.
Each student will undergo a research-based assessment to determine their customized learning program. Throughout the year, students will receive 3 progress reports plus the initial assessment so that parents can keep track of their child’s development.
Their Discovery Program is aimed at those 2-3 years old to introduce fine motor, literacy, and numeracy skills. This program is suited for those students who will not meet the age requirements for the Prep program or may need a bit of extra time to join the solo Prep Program due to not yet being potty trained or may need additional assistance in transitioning into the classroom.
Since this is a parented class, a family member is required to attend class with the child while being led by a certified Early Learning Educator. This is a great way to introduce your child to preschool. It not only provides a structured learning environment, but also allows parents to meet and socialize with other children and parents in the same age group from the same community.
Their Prep Program is aimed at those 3-4 years old to help strengthen their motor and literacy skills. Children will work on written exercises and have hands-on activities to help them develop their minds.
The Scholars program is a more comprehensive curriculum for 4-5-year-olds that builds upon existing skills. Kids will continue developing their literacy with reading, speaking, and writing with the guidance of teachers.
For the Scholars program, tuition fees can vary from $125-$520 a month, depending on the schedule you choose. Scholars I is only held on Saturdays, while Scholars V is conducted from Monday to Friday.
If you prefer, you can also enroll them in a summer program that’s open for 3-6-year-olds and held 3 hours a day. There are seven camps or programs to choose from, such as Math Scientists, Earth Rangers, Prehistoric Adventures, and Animal Explorers.
Students can attend more than one camp and if you enroll them early enough in at least 3 programs, you’ll get a discount!
For busy parents, transportation to and from nearby daycare facilities can be arranged with JumpStart Learning Centre. They also allow late pick-ups in the afternoon class but only until 5:00 pm.
Pros
- Offers Junior Kindergarten curriculum
- Direct transport to daycares can be arranged
- Ideal for bilingual families for child to learn English
- Three locations in Edmonton
Cons
- No full-day programs
- No snacks
- No outdoor playtime
Client Reviews
Victoria Cross was apprehensive at first that her son might not go to Jumpstart’s learning center, but was pleasantly surprised that he loved it. She shares:
“My son has loved going to Jump Start in Chappelle. I was so nervous about him not wanted to go but he would ask everyday. He learned to spell his name his first few months of going and now I can’t wait to see how he is at the summer camps!!”
Rakesh Bandaru, another client, add his thoughts:
“The program was a perfect suit for our requirements. It was fun, simple and effective. The hours aren’t too long nor too short and the teachers were very child-liking and connected well with my daughter.”
2. Kepler Academy
SERVICES | Infant Child Care, Toddler Child Care, Preschool, Kinder Care, Out of School Care, Summer Program, Inter Curricular Activities |
WEBSITE | https://www.kepleracademy.ca/ |
ADDRESS | Main Office 17511 107 Avenue NW, Suite 102 Edmonton, AB T5S 1E5 Sun Life Place 10123 99 St NW #100, Edmonton, AB T5J 3C6, Canada College Plaza 8215 112 St NW #215, Edmonton, AB T6G 2L9, Canada Westlink 16826 107 Ave NW #104, Edmonton, AB T5P 4C3, Canada Westblock (Glenora) 14105 West Block Dr NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 1L5, Canada Cavanagh 10906 30 Ave SW, Edmonton, AB T6W 4T8, Canada Westwind 11 Westwind Drive, Spruce Grove, AB T7X 1R3, Canada Emerald Hills 170 Ebony Blvd #110, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 0P5, Canada Sturgeon 625 St Albert Trail, St. Albert, AB T8N 3L3, Canada Oxford 15162 127 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6V 0C5, Canada |
CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 900-8424; (780)-700-9427; (780)455-9999 Email: [email protected] |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 6:30am – 6:00pm |
Kepler Academy curriculum is built on “Exploratory Education”, which is essentially a purposeful mix of play and learning. Their centers are designed to intentionally provide a conducive learning environment.
Their curriculum revolves around their 8 Pillars of Learning, which focus on different aspects of a child’s development. So whether it’s developing language skills by communicating or by enhancing their social skills, Kepler Academy makes sure they have the basics covered.
The 8 Pillars are Early Literacy, Math & Manipulatives, Community & Self Discovery, Environment & Senses, Personal & Social Skills, Physical Play & Wellness, Creative Play, and The Evolving World.
While most of them are rather self-explanatory, we particularly like the last pillar, which is The Evolving World. This part of the child’s learning focuses on exposing them to technology in the form of tech-enabled toys and introduces them to concepts like coding.
Kepler Academy also hosts monthly inter-curricular activities such as music, yoga, dance, and martial arts. The academy hires outside instructors to conduct these though, but they are rigorously screened beforehand.
Unlike other learning centers, Kepler Academy serves nutritional snacks three times a day. These are made from scratch and prepared by their in-house chef, but you’re more than welcome to submit any dietary restrictions your children may have.
Kepler Academy provides full-time learning and child care for kids 16 weeks to 6 years old. Children will be guided on motor skills as infants, potty training for toddlers, and will even be taught how to problem solve when they’re 6 years old.
This learning center also offers out-of-school care for children between 6 to 12 years old and transport services can be arranged. With this program, kids can join in on games, clubs, crafts, or just do their homework in a quiet little nook.
However, do take note that some of Kepler Academy’s programs will mix kids of different ages, depending on the activities for the day. If you’re a parent who doesn’t agree to this, then you’ll need to discuss this with the staff.
This learning center also offers summer camps that include all the same benefits during the school year, with full-time, part-time, and weekly schedules.
Kepler Academy lands a spot on our list of the best learning centers in Edmonton because of its wide array of services and unique curriculum. Not only will kids learn valuable skills at this facility, but they’ll also be fed nutritious meals too!
Pros
- Accepts children as young as 16 weeks old
- Serves healthy meals three times a day
- Can arrange transport from nearby schools
- Advanced curriculum program
- Multiple locations
- Posts photos of kids on app for parents
Cons
- Expensive fees
- Children of different ages can be mixed together
Client Reviews
Parents appreciate the care and attention that instructors at Kepler Academy give to the children. Katherine Li, a parent, shares her experience:
“My son has been at Kepler Westblock for the past 6 months and it has been a wonderful experience for whole family! He started just under 1 yr old and his teachers (Gurdeep and Ana) made the transition so easy for us. All of his teachers and site directors are so caring, friendly and knowledgeable, and we completely trust them with our son’s care. It’s very reassuring as a parent to see your child get excited for “school” every morning. Other perks of Kepler, they serve delicious food made fresh on site, diverse programming/activities and daily updates with pictures on their App.”
Isha Datar, another parent, adds her thoughts:
“Nothing but positive experiences with Kepler. My son always comes home happy and well fed and I always feel heard my staff. Friendly and fun. Five stars!”
3. Mathnasium
SERVICES | Manthnasium@Home, In-Centre Learning, Private Tutoring, Exam Preparation, Homework Help |
WEBSITE | https://www.mathnasium.ca/ https://www.mathnasium.ca/edmontonse |
ADDRESS | Riocan Meadows 1916 38 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T6T 0B9 Windermere 5568 Windermere Blvd, Edmonton, AB T6W 2Z8 Ellerslie 5233 Ellerslie Rd SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 1A4 |
CONTACT DETAILS | Riocan Meadows: (780) 466-6284 Windermere: (780) 481-1031 Ellerslie: (587) 844-6571 Email: [email protected] |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 3:00pm – 7:00pm Saturday: 12:00pm – 4:00pm Sunday: 9:00am – 9:00pm |
Mathnasium was founded by Peter Markovitz and David Ullendorff in the 1990s because they saw a gap between the school curriculum and a child’s approach to learning. Their solution was to build a math-only learning center to teach children a different way to think and approach math.
This learning center offers two avenues of learning: either in their in-house “classroom” or via private tutoring at your own home. Each instructor will also customize a lesson plan to specifically suit your child’s style of learning.
It all starts with an assessment so that the educators at Mathnasium can better understand your child. On the flip side, they’ll allow you to assess their methods as well – they offer a free trial session so that you can observe if they’re a good fit for your child.
Mathnasium services include tutoring, exam preparation, and help with school homework. Their main goal is to make sure your child catches up with the rest of the class and even surpasses them!
Everybody knows that math can be confusing, so the instructors will simplify concepts in such a way that it will make sense to your child. They do this with their trademark Mathnasium Method, developed over 40 years by Larry Martinek.
Their year-round program doesn’t have strict requirements for attendance either – schedules are flexible and you can start at any point in the year. Aside from their customized learning plans, your child’s tutor will also provide supplementary homework related to their current math topics.
While there is no formal written contract to join Mathnasium, a membership is required though, which needs to be renewed every month. It’s also important to note that this isn’t a daycare – they tutor grades 2 through 12 only for a few hours a day.
However, parents can avail of Mathnasium@Home, which provides students the same quality services as in-center learning. It involves live, private one-on-one instruction and still maintains the same tailored customized learning plan.
We like that Mathnasium focuses on a single subject and filling in this niche lands it a place on our list. With its comprehensive programs, flexible scheduling, and personalized attention, this learning center is one of the best in Edmonton.
Pros
- Flexible schedules
- Learning plans are customized per child
- Mathnasium@Home
- No contracts
Cons
- Doesn’t teach other subjects
- Gives supplementary homework
- Membership must be renewed monthly
Client Reviews
Crystal Bernadez was impressed with the curriculum and teaching system at Mathnasium. She shares:
“The program was amazing! I love the fact that they create accounts for the students., track their progress and review a rich assortment of reports showing how much they are improving. Also, the interactive style and scoring method for students are great. I enrolled my son and he really enjoy. I will recommend this program.”
Sandie Douglas, also shares her thoughts:
“An all-around amazing institution. Well educated, committed and engaging staff. Very much satisfied with my child’s progress since starting with them just almost 2 months ago.”
4. Fundamentals 1st
SERVICES | Test Preparation, Homework Support, Summer Programs |
WEBSITE | http://fundamentalsfirst.ca/ |
ADDRESS | 4959 55 Ave NW Edmonton T6X 1J7 |
CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (587) 937-7475 Email: [email protected] |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 3:00pm – 8:00pm Saturday: 10:30am – 4:30pm Sunday: Closed |
Fundamentals First Learning Centre was founded by Tanu Pandher, who also serves as its current director. With over a decade of tutoring experience, opening a tutorial center was a lifelong dream for her.
Fundamentals First focuses on teaching math, science, and english. Note too that the team at Fundamentals First Learning Centre is composed of college students that are currently working on their degrees.
Some may worry that this signifies less experience in tuition. That said, having student tutors can put kids in a more comfortable position to learn, as their instructors are not only younger but more relatable.
Now, as their name implies, the Fundamentals First Learning Centre focuses on the fundamental principles in each lesson and subject they cover. They believe that by concentrating on the core of the topics discussed, they’re able to better-equip their students to tackle more advanced topics.
One thing we particularly like about Fundamentals First Learning Centre is that they offer their own set of published workbooks for free to their students.
However, despite the fact that their current inventory is only for grades 8 to 12, their stock already includes workbooks with an in-depth focus on biology, chemistry, and physics.
They also offer summer classes for K-9, 10, 11,and 12 to help parents give their children an edge before school starts. By learning the basics in advance, the children will be able to better understand the concepts they’ll learn in class.
Not only can the tutors help your child in preparing for an upcoming school year, but they also provide help with homework and can assist with exam preparations. At Fundamentals First, you can rest assured that your child will have somebody at their side to tackle any complicated topic they’ll encounter.
Pros
- Free consultation
- Offers free published workbooks
- Has summer programs
- Teaches children through K-12
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
- Tutors are college students
- No options for online learning
- Focused more on high school curriculum
Client Reviews
Tricia Duran, a grade 12 student, appreciates the help that Fundamentals First gave her. She shares:
“I highly recommend this place! Tanu was very efficient getting me started and has guided me in the right direction for my university math course. Through her guidance, I am confident that I will succeed to further my understanding of math! Thank you so much and I hope we can continue our tutoring sessions!”
James Lim, another student, likewise gives his thanks:
“Would recommend if looking for a tutor. Classes are always engaging and the practice work helps out a lot with school curriculum.”
5. Stepping Stone Learning Centre
SERVICES | Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers, Kindergarten, Out of School Care |
WEBSITE | https://steppingstonelc.ca/ |
ADDRESS | 202, 6562 170 Avenue NW, Edmonton, T5Y 3X6. |
CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 264-5901; (587) 499-5999 |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 7:00am – 6:00pm Saturday to Sunday: Closed Holidays: Closed |
Stepping Stone Learning Center focuses on teaching and caring for children as young as infants up to 12 years old. Licensed by Alberta Childcare Services, it also acts as a daycare, providing child care for services for working parents.
Students are guided through five main categories here at Stepping Stone Learning Centre, which are Physical, Cognitive/Intellectual, Emotional, Social, and Creative programs.
One thing that we like about Stepping Stone Learning Centre is that they place a special focus on maintaining appropriate educator-student ratios in each program. This ensures that each care provider and educator can give each child adequate attention.
At this learning center, infants up to 18 months will receive open spaces to crawl in, play with toys, and engage in some creative hands-on activities. A low staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 ensures intimate interactions to create strong bonds.
Toddlers ranging from 19 months up to 3 years old will build on the same basic foundations as the infant programs. Instructors will assist children with walking, widen their vocabulary, and even teach them how to eat on their own.
In the Preschoolers programs, children are guided in how to socialize, work on their literacy, learn words in other languages, and even basic sign language. Educators will also introduce them to the concept of money and robotics.
Stepping Stone’s kindergarten program begins to veer away from playing and focuses more on academics to prepare children for Grade 1. It will center on activities like reciting poetry, drawing, painting, and listening to stories, just to name a few.
So, one thing to note is that Stepping Stone is a Reggio Emilia-inspired learning center, which means they believe that children are “collaborators” in their path to learning. They encourage independence, decision-making, and will even consult the children on what programs or activities they would like to learn.
Moreover, children will not be forced to participate in a program they’re not comfortable with. If this is the case, instructors will find an alternate activity for that specific child to partake in.
In short, at Stepping Stone Learning Centre, instructors act more as guides than supervisors or authority figures. If you’d prefer a more traditional approach to learning, then maybe this place isn’t for you.
Healthy meals are served four times a day and are prepared by their in-house cook. They provide a special menu for vegetarian children and those with allergies as well.
Stepping Stone also has before and after school programs, with activities and workshops such as Zumba, Art, and Yoga, to name a few. Children under these programs are still allowed to join in free-play or the activities with instructors if they want to.
Pros
- Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum
- Teaches children basic sign language
- Offers vegetarian menu with in-house cook
- Children in out of school programs can join in-house activities
- Secure facility with keycard access
Cons
- Field trips require extra payment upfront
- Teachers act as guides not authority figures
- No transportation options
6. Discovery Nest Early Learning Center
SERVICES | Infant Child Care, Toddler Child Care, Preschool Child Care, Extracurricular Outdoor and Indoor Activities |
WEBSITE | https://www.discoverynest.net/ |
ADDRESS | 704 Lauber Cres Edmonton, AB T6R 3J9 |
CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: 780 700 3127 Email: [email protected] |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 6:30am – 6:00pm |
The Discovery Nest Early Learning Center is a daycare center that provides full high-quality care for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. They aim to create meaningful experiences to children through a holistic approach that they are renowned for.
They also have a comprehensive curriculum that encourages creativity, enhances problem-solving skills, and a safe environment where they can form their own theories and ideas about the world around them.
We recommend this center due to their balance and holistic approach to mental development and physical wellbeing as their methods are intended toward the enhancement of a child’s basic significant domains such as social, emotional, physical, intellectual, language, and creativity.
They have a developed daycare program that helps children discover and develop fundamental skills and guide them to develop healthy habits and identify and express emotions.
Pros
- Holistic day care approach
- Play based learning
- Based on age group activities
Cons
- May be subjected to slot limitations
- Only accommodates up until pre-school aged children
Client Reviews
The teachers at DN are warm and caring
“Discovery Nest has been an absolute blessing for us. Our daughter is a sensitive child and was really struggling with managing in her dayhome before attending DN. Teachers Scarlet, Gloria and Heena are qualified early childcare professionals who have been able to astutely assess and meet our daughter’s needs in their care. We have seen a complete change in her overall happiness and well being. The teachers at DN are warm and caring. The program and the space are each well organized. At first sight, you wonder how the house could be a daycare center, but indeed when you step inside you realize that this is a professional and legitimate establishment. We are thrilled and would recommend DN to absolutely anyone!” – Ali JBomb
FAQs about Learning Centres
And that’s it for our list of the best learning centres in Edmonton! We hope you found it useful and helped you to choose one for your child.
Do you have any suggestions or recommendations of other centers that aren’t on our list? If so, drop us a line, and we’ll make sure to check it out.
Now, if you only need someone to watch your child for a few hours, you may need a babysitter instead. You should check out our list of the best babysitters in Edmonton.