Starting Line Preschool

Starting Line Preschool is a preschool in Carmel, Indiana. It serves two-year-old and three-year-old classes and runs a summer camp. The school year begins August 17, 2026 and ends May 21, 2027, with registration opening February 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 year. Summer camps run June 1 through July 30. The preschool holds a rating of 5.00 from the customers who have reviewed it.

The preschool was founded in 1994 by Diane Atkins, who serves as founder, director and teacher. She graduated from Butler University with a BS Degree in Education and brings a background in education and the performing arts, which she incorporates into the program. She believes performing helps build the self-confidence children need to try new things.

The curriculum introduces the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes and sight words with the goal of mastery, along with writing and cutting skills and daily arts and crafts. Circle-time activities include the calendar, weather, the pledge of allegiance, show and tell and story time. Snacks, songs, dancing, science, math and free play are part of each day, and children bring their own lunch and water bottle. The children perform songs and dances at holiday shows throughout the year, and the end-of-year show includes plays with costumes and props.

The preschool sits on 3rd Ave NE, about a tenth of a mile from East Main Street and the Carmel Clay Public Library, and roughly two-tenths of a mile from the Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections, Carmel Christian Church and the Digital Media Lab.

A 5.00 rating reflects the experience families have had with the school, and its child-centered environment is built around helping each child grow physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. For Carmel families looking for a preschool that pairs early academics with music and performance, Starting Line Preschool has been part of the community since 1994.