Preschools, Nursery Schools, and Pre-K Programs in Manhattan

UPDATED December 2018: Ensuring your child has a good early childhood education sets the tone for the rest of their educational careers. And deciding between traditional, Montessori, Catholic, parochial, private, independent, public, or charter is a huge decision. We know the preschool application process can be brutal, so we're here to help with a roundup of the best preschool options in Manhattan. These preschools, nursery schools, and pre-K programs set the foundation your child needs to progress to kindergarten. You'll find preschools on the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Chelsea, Tribeca, Gramercy, Harlem, Battery Park City, Lower Manhattan, the Financial District, Midtown, and Chinatown.

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All My Children Daycare is the eco-friendly choice for your infant or young child. We have various locations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens to accommodate your needs. AMC offers a holistic approach to education inspired by nature, and our staff is highly trained. Growth and development of the child as a whole is our No. 1 goal. We also offer a broad range of content on our website for parents. Call to inquire about registration or schedule a tour of a facility near you: 212-466-6262 or email: info@allmychildrendaycare.com.

BET TORAH NURSERY SCHOOL
60 Smith Ave., Mt. Kisco
914-666-7595
Email nurseryschool@bettorah.org

Bet Torah Nursery School programs are designed to promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth of each child through a child-centered curriculum with an emphasis on Jewish values. An outstanding, nurturing, and creative staff strives to provide opportunities for children to learn through play each day. The curriculum includes regularly scheduled visits by music, sign language, science, and movement specialists. Bet Torah Nursery School registration continues for the 2018-2019 school year for our Kitah Katan 18 months-old toddler separation program as well as for our 2s, 3s, and 4s classes.

BLUE SCHOOL
241 Water St., Manhattan
212-228-6341

Blue School is an independent school for children ages 2 through eighth grade where academic mastery, creative thinking, self and social intelligence are dynamically balanced to instill a lifelong passion for learning. The campus in lower Manhattan is full of thoughtful classrooms, lab spaces for studio art, STEAM, science, music, and drama, as well as a gymnasium, wonder room, and outdoor roof and terrace. Blue School values exploration, play, creativity, self-awareness, family, and community connection. Our inquiry-driven approach makes space for bold collaboration and rich project work.

BOOK NOOK
167 W. 81st St. (at Amsterdam Avenue), New York
212-873-BOOK (2665)

Book Nook is a year-round literacy development program for toddlers, preschoolers and grade-school children. Once a week, children, grouped by age from the youngest (Baby Hoots) up to kindergarten-first grade (Wise Owls), learn and develop skills to reach milestones in areas such as social learning, language and communication, and cognitive thinking. Book Nook familiarizes students with content taught in public and private schools focusing on reading, writing, and language concepts. Each class is specifically formed based upon the child’s age and taught in a small group setting. Visit booknooknyc.com for more information.

BRIGHT HORIZONS EARLY EDUCATION & PRESCHOOL
Locations throughout New York City,
866-854-1958

Bright Horizons understands working families. We offer early education to provide inspiration for your child-and childcare to make life easy for you. Our infant, toddler, and preschool programs are designed with working parents in mind. We provide individualized curriculum and engaging educators to launch your child’s lifelong love of learning, and a choice of convenient locations and hours to fit the way you work. We’re in your neighborhood! Visit us to see how our programs can meet your child’s needs-and yours.

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF NEW YORK (THE)
20 Waterside Plaza,
212-481-2700 x204
Email info@bis-ny.org

BIS-NY offers a global education which encourages critical thinking and problem solving through which children gain confidence to ask questions, and to take risks in a nurturing environment where they are both stretched and supported. With a focus on encouraging early literacy and numeracy, even our youngest also enjoy French or Spanish, drama, music, swimming, and art every week. It’s a tested approach to learning that promotes success and independence, preparing all our children academically, socially, and emotionally-ready for the wonder of the world that lies ahead.

BUCKLEY COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
2 I.U. Willets Road, Roslyn
516-627-1910

Discover the Buckley Country Day School Early Childhood Program! Buckley Country Day School is an independent, coeducational day school providing a superior elementary education to an intellectually capable and diverse student body. Buckley provides the foundation that enables our students to achieve their full potential and excel as educated, ethical, and self-confident individuals. Our graduates are well-prepared for entry into, and success in, secondary schools and beyond. The Buckley Early Childhood program is comprised of our Toddler, Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten programs. Contact admissions to schedule a tour.

CATHEDRAL SCHOOL PRESCHOOL (THE)
319 E. 74th St., New York
212-249-2840
Email info@cathedralschoolny.org

The Cathedral School Preschool program is focused on the whole child. Through positive experiences in our classrooms, children gain confidence and comfort in a school setting enabling them to discover the joys of learning, exploring, and working within a classroom community and beyond. We believe that creating a positive classroom experience while building a collaborative relationship with each family is key to ensuring a child will succeed and flourish. Students’ days are filled with art, music, movement, and foreign language! Our youngest learners enjoy new experiences while becoming increasingly independent.

CHELSEA PIERS NEW YORK
West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park, NYC
212-336-6666
Email info@chelseapiers.com

The CP Kids Preschool Program, for children ages 2.7-5, offers a dynamic curriculum that prepares students for kindergarten by teaching problem-solving skills, independence, and confidence. Students leave with a love of learning and strong foundation to build on. Our spacious classrooms are led by a certified teacher who works collaboratively with two assistant teachers to create an engaging learning environment. Unique features include music, sports, art, yoga, and cooking classes. For more information and to request a tour please call 212-336-6500 x6573 or visit chelseapiers.com/cpkids!

CREATIVE STEPS EARLY CARE & EDUCATION CENTER
4 Washington Square Village , New York
212-982-2273
Email creativesteps@universitysettlement.org

Creative Steps, located on NYU’s campus, is a program of University Settlement. We offer a nurturing, culturally diverse community for children and families. With the support of responsive adults and a low child-to-staff ratio, our child-centered, play-based approach to learning provides hands-on experiences and an opportunity for children ages 12 months-4 years to make choices, and initiate and direct their own play. Curriculum is supported by enrichment programs in literacy, art, music, and yoga. Easy access to well-maintained and safe outdoor playgrounds. Early drop-off, after-school, and summer camp programs available.

ÉCOLE (THE)
111 E. 22nd St., New York
646-410-2238
Email admissions@theecole.org

The École (formerly École Internationale de New York) is an intimate, independent French-American school located in New York's vibrant Flatiron District. The École offers an academic bilingual program in French and English from nursery to eighth grade offering Mandarin and Spanish as a foreign language. The École is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education and is affiliated with the Mission Laïque Française. A faculty of certified teachers from France and the United States work to instill the rigor of the French curriculum and the American emphasis on independent thinking.

ELEMENTS PRESCHOOL
99 Suffolk St.,
212-982-4444
Email angela@elementspreschool.com

At Elements Preschool, our progressive program encourages children to be lifelong learners and explorers of the world around them. Our philosophy is inspired by the Forest School model and relies on the concept that engaging children in nature enables them to prosper as creative and innovative initiators, responsible stewards of nature, explorers of the world, collaborative community members, and collaborative thinkers. We serve children ages 2 months-5 years and offer two-, three-, and five-day options with extended care available as well. Elements is now accepting applications for the 2017-2018 school year.

EPIPHANY SCHOOL (THE)
Gramercy, Murray Hill,
Early Childhood Center:
152 E. 29th St.
212-725-7220
Lower School:
234 E. 22nd St.
212-473-4128
Upper School:
141 E. 28th St.
212-725-7220

Email admissions@theepiphanyschool.org

Early Childhood classes at The Epiphany School utilize art, music, movement, learning centers, and socialization activities to support the growth of each child's cognitive, linguistic, physical, and social emotional skills. Low teacher-student ratios, bright, colorful classrooms, and outdoor play space provide students an inviting and comfortable environment to begin their educational journey. Graduates continue to many of NYC's top high schools. Serving approximately 530 students of all faiths, age 2 through eighth grade, The Epiphany School provides a value-centered education that educates the whole child and inspires academic success.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NURSERY SCHOOL
12 W. 12th St., New York
212-691-3432

First Presbyterian Church Nursery School was founded in 1952 in Greenwich Village. Our school offers a non-sectarian program, welcoming children and families of all configurations, religions, races, cultures, and economic backgrounds. FPCNS is dedicated to the development of the whole child in a warm and nurturing environment, offering experienced classroom teachers and specialists in studio, music, movement, gardening, and a healthy snack program. Extended day, enrichment programming, and a summer camp are available for 4s and 5s students. FPCNS has large, airy classrooms, a rooftop playground, and indoor play space.

GILLEN BREWER SCHOOL
410 E. 92nd St., New York
212-831-3667
Email julian@gillenbrewer.com

Founded in 1992, Gillen Brewer School is a family-oriented, 12-month early childhood program for children ages 2.8-10 years with language-based and non-verbal learning disabilities. We provide developmentally appropriate academic instruction, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling and social groups, music, art, science, technology, sports, and physical fitness. Learning and growing in a secure and nurturing environment, our students develop the skills necessary to overcome challenges. We work closely with their families to instill self-confidence and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and independence.

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF NEW YORK
4 E. 90th St. (150 W. 83rd Street for 2018-19 only), New York
212-641-0260
Email info@ianyc.org

The International Academy of New York is a bilingual, multi-cultural, diverse nursery-eighth grade school developing culturally astute and confident students with fluency in Mandarin or Spanish, and exceptional literacy and math skills. IANY delivers personal attention to each student, nurturing their intellectual, physical, creative, social, and emotional development, teaching them the skills to contribute and thrive in today’s world. Now accepting applications for pre-nursery (2s) through fourth grade (adding a grade each year through eighth grade). Financial aid available.

JCC OF MID-WESTCHESTER
999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale
914-472-3300
Caryn Symons, director of camping
symonsc@jccmw.org

The JCC of Mid-Westchester has several types of classes in its nursery school for children ages 2-5. Ages 3-5 enjoy swimming in our indoor heated pool, working off energy in our full-sized gymnasium, climbing in our new playground, and performing skits in our Bendheim Theatre. We offer a variety of sports, martial arts, gymnastics, dance, and academic enrichment programs. Benefits include: early registration incentives, “refer a friend” discounts, Sunday playground dates, and social events for parents and families which make us unique. We are open to children of all religions.

LA ESCUELITA
225 West 99th St., Manhattan
212-877-1100
Email info@laescuelitanyc.org

La Escuelita is Manhattan's oldest and NAEYC-accredited Spanish-English dual language preschool. La Escuelita has been fulfilling its mission for 15 years. As of the 2017-18 school year, La Escuelita is located in a 6,000-square foot light filled facility, with an onsite gym and outdoor playground. La Escuelita offers preschool for children ages 2-5, with extended day options available. La Escuelita also runs Spanish immersion playgroups for children ages 1-4 who are accompanied by a parent or caregiver, and an after-school program for children in grades K-third who are already conversant in Spanish.

LAC EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
2 Fifth Ave.,
212-828-3975
Email vborsen@lifeadjustmentcenter.com

A new Manhattan daycare center for children ages 3 months to 5 years. The center offers enhanced academic programs, dance and movement, languages, sports, and art classes. We maintain a ratio that supports individualized attention and the feeling of security. Teachers and assistants work together in the preparation and presentation of lessons to ensure the students are actively engaged and interested. Our small school encourages a sense of community, assists in students' social connections, and helps create real friendships.

LEXINGTON CHILDREN'S CENTER
115 E. 98th St.,
212-410-1060

Lexington Children's Center is a daycare center in East Harlem. We service 40 children age 2-4. We offer free pre-K from 9am-2:20pm. We also offer extended hours for a small fee. We take ACS and private cases. Our private fee is $250 per week. Our certified teachers use the creative curriculum and common core. We offer music and art classes. Our teachers are patient and loving. Our director has 30 years experience. Open from 8am-5:45pm. We serve breakfast, lunch, and snack. Please call for a tour.

LYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE NEW YORK
505 E. 75th St., New York
212-369-1400

Get an early start on your child's bilingual education at one of the most renowned bilingual schools in New York City. In fall 2019, the Lycée opens its new full-day bilingual Nursery-3s program. Non-French speakers are welcome in this authentic, immersive program that combines play with structured activities, using real-world projects to engage children in the community. Bilingual aftercare also offered. Register for the Lycée's fall preschool open houses for nursery, pre-K, and kindergarten and take the first steps to prepare your child for an extraordinarily international life.

MARYEL SCHOOL OF NEW YORK
28 E. 35th St., New York
212-213-2097

Maryel School of New York is an independent, bilingual English/Spanish school, educating children from nursery-fifth grade. Maryel is a harmonious combination of the educational system of the United States and Europe. With a rigorous, challenging education, Maryel incorporates all forms of critical thinking and inspires a lifelong love of learning.

MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL (THE)
347 E. 55th St., Sutton Place , Manhattan
212-223-4630

In a lovingly, thoughtfully-prepared environment, children explore academic dimensions at their own pace and interest level, helping them grow in self-esteem and independence. Classes are equipped with didactic Montessori materials that encourage absorption of concepts through play, leading children to become well-rounded and confident. Program includes Science, Music, Foreign Language, Musical Theatre, Swimming, Dance, Yoga, and Chess. Children do extremely well academically, and are prepared for admission to gifted programs. A unique summer program, staffed by year-round teachers, offers continued learning and outdoor activities, ranging from theme-based trips to sports.

PRESCHOOL OF AMERICA
Manhattan:
2109 Broadway at 73rd Street
212-877-1388
101 West End Ave. at 64th Street
212-362-0135
25 Tudor City Place at 41st Street
212-681-4671
1190 Park Ave. at 93rd Street
212-410-1100
1501 Lexington Ave. at 97th Street
212-987-3700
345 W. 42nd St. at Eighth Avenue
212-262-4545
600 6th Ave. at 18th Street
212-255-6911
39 Eldridge St. at Canal Street
212-925-0998
25 Market St. at Henry Street
212-577-2710
46 Market St. at Madison Street
212-346-9868
2 South End Ave. at W. Thames
212-786-1688
Brooklyn:
382 Baltic St., Cobble Hill
718-855-2889
859 60th St., Bay Ridge
718-686-8335
Queens:
112-33 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills
718-261-2522
63-47 Booth St., Rego Park
718-896-8108
42-31 Colden St., Flushing
718-762-1232
133-32 41st Road, Flushing
718-939-8805
83-04 Broadway, Elmhurst
718-507-1687
83-38 Cornish Ave., Elmhurst
718-458-9656
186-01 73 Ave., Fresh Meadows
718-380-2066
194-15 73rd Ave., Fresh Meadows
718-264-6101

Preschool of America provides an exciting and safe learning environment for infants, toddlers, and preschool age children. We value the multicultural and diverse neighborhoods we serve. With hands-on experiences and manipulatives, our students are learning social skills as they interact, and cognitive skills as they problem-solve. Our playgrounds and gyms allow an abundance of gross motor opportunities. Nutritious meals are provided daily for the growth of the body and mind. We are learning every day and having fun every minute.

PUSTEBLUME INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL AND AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS
244 W. 14th St., New York
212-206-1137
Email info@pusteblumenyc.org

Pusteblume International Preschool provides children with a fun and community-oriented multicultural environment. Our preschool program welcomes families with children from ages 2-5 of all international backgrounds who are interested in having their child learn German, Spanish, or both, in a language immersion classroom. Our after-school programs and holiday camps welcome children from other schools and also offer activities for school-age children (ages 6-12). Pusteblume International Preschool is directed by Friends of the German International School of New York, Inc., a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation.

SARA CURRY DAY SCHOOL
93 St. Marks Place ,
212-777-9774
Email saracurryschool@aol.com

Children in The Sara Curry Day School are focused, relaxed, communicative, and engaged. This is done through emotional education, and self-directed learning. They learn to reflect on their feelings before they act, and to understand the feelings of others. Conflict is an opportunity to discuss feelings, recognize patterns, and find communal solutions. In self-directed learning children learn what motivates and excites them. Projects do not come from the top down, but from children’s ideas. Children grow to be fulfilled as individuals and as unique and important members of the group.