Early Education and Care in West Des Moines, IA
Every Moment Matters
- The components of our Balanced Learning® approach are intentionally aligned to create developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
- Your child will stay engaged all day with the right balance of child-initiated and teacher-guided learning experiences.
- Our students learn the foundational skills to develop Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts® that will forge a path to a brighter future.
Franchise Owners
Deepa Parekh and Umesh Parekh
Deepa and Umesh Parekh are the dynamic duo behind the Primrose School of West Des Moines, as proud franchise owners and operators. Their journey in the world of premium early childhood education began with the successful establishment of the Primrose School of Urbandale, which opened its doors approximately three years ago.
Deepa brings over a decade of invaluable experience in early childhood education to the table. Her keen insight into the critical need for high-quality early education inspired the Parekhs to embark on their mission to make a difference in their community.
On the other hand, Umesh is a seasoned business owner with a proven track record, having previously managed retail stores nationwide. Together, their shared passion for giving back to the community fueled their search for an opportunity to nurture the next generation of bright citizens.
Their journey to Des Moines was sparked by a visit to their daughter at Drake University, where they were captivated by the vibrant life and culture of the Midwest, particularly the warm embrace of the Des Moines community. When their business partner highlighted the exceptional quality of education offered by Primrose Schools, Deepa and Umesh saw it as the perfect fit for their vision.
Drawing from their over three years of experience in Urbandale, the Parekhs recognize the pressing need to support the local community by providing top-notch education and care. As parents themselves, they deeply understand the emotional weight and significance of decisions regarding a child’s early education, driving their commitment to excellence.
Deepa and Umesh take immense pride in spearheading an exceptional academic program in West Des Moines. Their hands-on involvement in daily operations reflects their unwavering dedication to creating a safe, nurturing, and encouraging environment where families can take pride in their children’s experiences at Primrose School of West Des Moines.
Deepa and Umesh Parekh are the dynamic duo behind the Primrose School of West Des Moines, as proud franchise owners and operators. Their journey in the world of premium early childhood education began with the successful establishment of the Primrose School of Urbandale, which opened its doors approximately three years ago.
Deepa brings over a decade of invaluable experience in early childhood education to the table. Her keen insight into the critical need for high-quality early education inspired the Parekhs to embark on their mission to make a difference in their community.
On the other hand, Umesh is a seasoned business owner with a proven track record, having previously managed retail stores nationwide. Together, their shared passion for giving back to the community fueled their search for an opportunity to nurture the next generation of bright citizens.
Their journey to Des Moines was sparked by a visit to their daughter at Drake University, where they were captivated by the vibrant life and culture of the Midwest, particularly the warm embrace of the Des Moines community. When their business partner highlighted the exceptional quality of education offered by Primrose Schools, Deepa and Umesh saw it as the perfect fit for their vision.
Drawing from their over three years of experience in Urbandale, the Parekhs recognize the pressing need to support the local community by providing top-notch education and care. As parents themselves, they deeply understand the emotional weight and significance of decisions regarding a child’s early education, driving their commitment to excellence.
Deepa and Umesh take immense pride in spearheading an exceptional academic program in West Des Moines. Their hands-on involvement in daily operations reflects their unwavering dedication to creating a safe, nurturing, and encouraging environment where families can take pride in their children’s experiences at Primrose School of West Des Moines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are all staff members background-checked and CPR/first-aid certified?
Yes. Every Primrose staff member undergoes a thorough background check before joining our school. All staff are also CPR and first–aid certified, so you can feel confident your child is in safe, prepared hands every day.
What curriculum or educational philosophy do you follow?
Our school uses the proprietary Primrose Schools Balanced Learning® curriculum, which is research-informed and designed to nurture the whole child — intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. We believe in balancing teacher-guided learning with purposeful play to build a strong foundation for the future.
How do you support school readiness and the transition to kindergarten?
All of our programs are designed in age-appropriate ways to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond. We focus on early literacy and numeracy as well as social-emotional skill development — so children arrive at kindergarten confident and ready to thrive. 96% of Primrose Schools Pre-K students met ASQ benchmarks for problem solving.*
What are your hours of operation?
We are open Monday through Friday from 6:30 am-6:00 pm.
How do you keep parents informed about their child's day?
Connecting school to home is one of the ways we help children thrive. We use the Procare app to share daily updates and photos so you stay connected to your child’s joy, learning and special moments
Where do Primrose families live?
Located throughout the Des Moines Metropolitan Area, Waukee, Clive, Urbandale, Cumming, Van Meter, and Grimes!
How many kids can Primrose WDM heard?
230 students!!
Who gets a 10% Lifetime Discount?
Employers: Wells Fargo, Athene, IMT Insurance, any medical professional or teacher!
Is their a waitlist?
At this time, we do not have a waitlist! Our school is licensed to serve 230 children, allowing us to offer availability across many of our classrooms throughout the year. While enrollment in certain age groups may fill more quickly than others, we work hard to accommodate families as soon as possible. We encourage you to schedule a tour and connect with our leadership team to discuss current openings and find the best fit for your child’s needs.
Do you host family events throughout the year?
Absolutely! Building strong relationships with our families is one of our top priorities. Throughout the year, we host a variety of family events including our Back-to-School BBQ, Playground Playdates, ISU vs. Iowa Tailgate, Family Fun Days, holiday celebrations, graduation, community service projects, and classroom events. These experiences are designed to bring families together, celebrate our students, and create lasting memories while strengthening our school community.
What opportunities do children have outside the classroom?
earning extends far beyond our classroom walls! Beginning in Preschool, students participate in monthly educational field trips that connect directly to their current units of study, bringing classroom concepts to life through real-world experiences. Children also care for our Primrose Patch garden, welcoming opportunities to learn about responsibility, teamwork, and where healthy foods come from.
In addition, students enjoy visits from community helpers and special guests, seasonal celebrations, STEM activities, outdoor learning experiences, and family events throughout the year. We are also proud to partner with Cedar Ridge Village through our Adopt-a-Grandparent program, giving children meaningful opportunities to build relationships with older adults, practice kindness, and make a positive impact within our community.
These enriching experiences help foster curiosity, confidence, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning while connecting our students to the world around them.
What age can my child start preschool at Primrose West Des Moines?
Primrose West Des Moines accepts children starting at 6 weeks old in the Infant classroom, all the way through Transitional Kindergarten. There’s no single “starting age” for preschool specifically. Children typically move into the Preschool classroom around age 3, after Toddler and Early Preschool.
Contact the school to confirm the right classroom for your child’s age.
Does Primrose West Des Moines offer After School and Summer Adventure Club?
Yes. After School care serves children ages 5 through 12 and runs $150 a week. Summer Adventure Club runs $325 a week and includes activities like sports, robotics, and arts.
Neither program is offered at Primrose Urbandale, so this is unique to the West Des Moines location.
How much does tuition cost at Primrose West Des Moines?
Weekly tuition ranges from $210 to $445, depending on your child’s classroom. Infant care runs $354 to $445 a week; Pre-Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten run $210 to $355. After School runs $200 a week, and Summer Adventure Club runs $325 a week. See the full price breakdown by classroom on our Tuition page.
What is Transitional Kindergarten, and is my child eligible?
Transitional Kindergarten is designed for children who miss the kindergarten age cutoff or who would benefit from extra time to grow academically, socially, or emotionally before starting kindergarten. Weekly tuition for the program runs $210 to $355. Contact the school to confirm your child’s specific eligibility based on their birthday.
What security and safety measures are in place at Primrose West Des Moines?
Primrose West Des Moines holds Cognia accreditation, evaluated across the entire school including safety systems, leadership, and continuous improvement.
The school maintains an open compliance record with Iowa’s licensing database, so families can check inspection history at any time. It also follows an open-door policy, meaning you can visit unannounced during operating hours.
Other measures include AAP-compliant safe sleep practices for infants and secured entry with staff-controlled access.
How do I choose the right childcare center, and what makes Primrose West Des Moines different?
When comparing childcare centers, look at licensing, accreditation, curriculum, teacher qualifications, staff-to-child ratios, communication, and practical fit like hours and location. Touring at least three centers gives you a real baseline for comparison.
Primrose West Des Moines holds Cognia accreditation, evaluated across the entire school rather than a single classroom. Its Balanced Learning curriculum draws from Montessori, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Reggio Emilia principles, and every child is tracked through ASQ developmental screening, shared with families each fall and spring.
The school is open 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, one of the longer operating windows among centers near West Des Moines, with four meals included daily and enrichment like music, Spanish, coding, and STEM built into tuition rather than billed separately.
Is Primrose West Des Moines convenient for families in Waukee, Johnston, or Clive?
Primrose West Des Moines is located near Brookview Elementary School and Jordan Creek Town Center, a central spot in the western Des Moines metro. Families from nearby communities like Waukee, Clive and Johnston find it a convenient drive.
What enrichment programs are included in tuition at Primrose West Des Moines?
Tuition includes Harmony and Heart music enrichment, Mucho Mundo Spanish, coding, cooking, STEM, and drama, built into the daily schedule for children ages 3 and up. These are part of the regular program, not offered as a separate add-on.
Who owns and operates Primrose West Des Moines?
Primrose West Des Moines is owned and operated by Deepa and Umesh Parekh, who also own Primrose Urbandale. They bring over a decade of early childhood education experience and stay involved in daily operations at both schools.
What is your policy when a child is sick?
Any child or staff member with a fever must stay home until they’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours. Teachers are trained to recognize common signs of illness, and classrooms post signage as a daily reminder.
